Winter Elopement Backup Plans.
Growing up we all loved “snow days!” We would be able to play in the snow, drink hot cocoa, and best of all stay home. Unfortunately, “snow days” are a bit more stressful when you have a winter elopement planned in Shenandoah National Park (but let’s still make this a fun day!)
When it snows or is icy in Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive closes down. Most people take this as a sign to cancel, but here is the thing… we set out for an adventure together, so let’s mix this up and make it awesome!
I made a list of winter elopement backup plans so you can still make the best of the “snow day” with your partner.
So grab your snow boots, and let's go!
4 winter elopement backup plans for your Shenandoah national park wedding
Let me preface this list of ideas by saying that you ultimately need to be safe and cautious. Although the snow is fun to play in for capturing the moment, make sure you have the right equipment when going. Pack your chains for your car as well as warm clothing.
As an elopement photographer based in the Shenandoah National Park area, I have noticed when Skyline Drive is closed you still have great options to make the best of your winter elopement session!
ONE | BOOK AN AIRBNB
Airbnbs make great spaces for more than just spending the night on a holiday trip. Take a scroll through what is available in the area where you can potentially hold a ceremony–also one you can access safely.
I’m certain you will find one that you and your partner love and that fits within your personalities.
The best part of booking an Airbnb for your winter elopement is you’ll be able to spend the night in a warm cabin without worrying about if the roads have closed or sleeping in a car.
Rosemary & Ryan originally planned to elope on Shenandoah National Park, but when it closed down because of snow and ice, they decided to use the Airbnb they booked for all their friends and family. They got there a couple days early and did some scouting to find beautiful trails nearby so they could still go on their pre-ceremony stroll they were excited about.
TWO | FINDING AN ACCESSIBLE HIKE IN SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
Just because Skyline Drive might be snowed in, Shenandoah National Park can still be accessible year-round by hiking. Two trails come to mind for ones that you can access without driving onto Skyline Drive, Mary’s Rock and White Oak.
Mary’s Rock is actually the eighth-highest peak in Shenandoah National Park. It’s a beautiful hike you and your partner will enjoy doing during your winter elopement. The views from Mary’s Rock will be stunning with the snow-covered mountains.
The White Oak Canyon trail is an average 1 hour and 12-minute hike to complete and is very popular. The hike is refreshing with the best waterfalls. Even though they might be frozen, they will be a site to see on your winter elopement.
Here are a few pictures from Stephanie & Steve’s elopement! The original plan was to go onto Skyline Drive, but it had closed because of ice. So we hiked White Oak from the valley below. It was chilly, but the waterfall was gorgeous!
THREE | ANOTHER EPIC LOCATION nearby
If the icy roads and snowfall deter you from Shenandoah, you can always find another local state park for your winter elopement with less hassle.
A LIST OF LOCAL OPTIONS:
Lake Arrowhead in Luray
Seven Bends State Park
Lake Anna State Park
Shenandoah River State Park
Sky Meadows State Park
James River State Park
Widewater State Park
You can also get married in Luray Caverns, but it’s a more expensive option than it is to get married in a National or State Park and you’ll need more notice than a last-minute change.
Biance & Chris had to switch up their location at the last minute because our original location wasn’t accessible due to snow. We met at Lake Arrowhead in Luray and then went back to their Airbnb where their friends and family were!
FOUR | ANOTHER INDOOR LOCATION nearby
Finding a coffee shop, brewery, or even an art gallery with an event space can help when trying to find a backup spot. You can have a quick ceremony out in the cold and snow but then go somewhere warm where they can serve food and drink!
Brianna and Phil’s elopement was in April, but they had snow, rain, sunshine, and a rainbow! It was a really chilly afternoon before their evening at the coffee shop and everyone appreciated having a warm place to go after being out in the cold.
Marion & Stephen were able to hike as planned - but it was a very, very cold hike in November. So finding a warm brewery to go and hang out with after their hike just had to happen and it was the perfect warm-up after a cold morning!
Looking to Elope in Shenandoah National Park?
