September Sunrise Elopement on Stony Man Summit with a Ceremony and Picnic

Nothing is more beautiful than the stillness you get first thing in the morning. The warm summer air as you see the sun peak beyond the horizon. Those were the moments just before Brittany and Cameron said “I do” during their summer sunrise elopement at Stony Man Summit.

Brittany and Cameron stayed in Skyland Lodge the night before, which is only about a minute away from our hike. We met up while it was still dark with Dave (one of my favorite hiking officiants!) and their videographer Abby (watch her video below or here) before our hike together and had lanterns to get us up in the dark. When we arrived to the top, the light was just starting to show off the gorgeous view and we found a nicely secluded spot for their ceremony. Dave led the ceremony, but Britt and Cameron wrote their own vows. After an emotional ceremony, Dave helped with the paper work and then made his hike back down while we found a spot for cake and champagne.

September Intimate Wedding with Guests in Shenandoah National Park

We met for their first look at a beautiful, secluded overlook in the late morning.

After their first look we went hiking in beautiful dappled light so they could have quiet time together before meeting family for their ceremony in the woods.

They had a family friend officiate their ceremony and Laura was walked down the path “aisle” by her father.

Their family met us where their ceremony would be and brought along some folding chairs for everyone to sit on.

After the ceremony they had drinks and snacks while we took family photos and group photos. We even took individual couple / family photos for their guests so they had update family portraits! Because there was enough time and few enough guests, it was easy to make time for this and made a nice gift for each couple and family who came along.

After their ceremony we drove back to the houses they had rented where they had cakes and lunch and opened gifts and popped champagne. They signed their marriage license, too, and took polaroid photos.

Their invitations were all hand written. They alternated who wrote which line so that each invitation was written by both of them.