Blackwater Falls State Park Elopement Inspiration

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, nature-forward wedding day, a Blackwater Falls State Park elopement is one of the most breathtaking options in the Mid-Atlantic. Waterfalls. Canyon views. Mossy forests. Cozy mountain towns nearby. Brittany and Daniel’s elopement is the perfect example of how magical — and meaningful — a day here can be.

This is not a styled shoot.
This is a real elopement.
And it’s exactly what a Blackwater Falls elopement can look like when it’s planned intentionally.

How This Blackwater Falls Elopement Came to Be

When I first met Brittany, we sat at my dining room table for nearly two hours. Tea. Wedding dreams. Dog photos. Life conversations. From the start, I knew she valued connection over tradition.

We photographed her engagement session in November. The day was cold. Moody. A little snowy. Exactly her vibe.

A few months later, everything changed.

I found out I was pregnant. My due date was less than a week before her planned fall wedding in Charleston, SC. I gave all my couples two options:
• Work with a trusted associate photographer under my brand
• Or receive a full refund and help finding a new photographer

Everyone chose the associate option — except Brittany.

Instead, she emailed me and asked when I was available in the spring.

One date. One Saturday in June.

They took it.

They canceled their big Charleston wedding and reimagined everything as a Blackwater Falls State Park elopement. Smaller. Slower. More personal. And honestly? More them.

Why Blackwater Falls State Park Is Perfect for Elopements

Blackwater Falls State Park is part of the Monongahela National Forest, along with Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley. These areas are outdoor gems in northern West Virginia.

Driving distance:
• ~2 hours from the Shenandoah Valley
• ~3 hours from Washington, DC or Charleston, WV
• ~3.5 hours from Pittsburgh

Blackwater Falls is best known for:
• The iconic 57-foot waterfall
• Dramatic canyon overlooks
• Lush forest trails
• Easy access compared to more rugged wilderness areas

Unlike Dolly Sods (which is best for very small elopements), Blackwater Falls State Park can accommodate elopements and small weddings with accessible ceremony locations and nearby amenities.

👉 Thinking about a West Virginia or mountain elopement? I also photograph elopements throughout Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Getting Ready + Ceremony Locations at Blackwater Falls

Brittany and Daniel got ready at a cabin near Timberline Mountain Resort. Cozy. Quiet. Dog-friendly.

They chose Pendleton Point for their ceremony — a stunning overlook across Blackwater Canyon from the main lodge. It’s accessible. Scenic. And perfect for an intimate elopement ceremony with guests.

After the ceremony, the three of us headed out for adventure portraits and private vows.

Private Vows, Waterfalls, and Canyon Views

For their private vows, we hiked out to Lindy Point. One of the most iconic overlooks in the area. Quiet. Windy. Emotional in the best way.

We finished portraits at Elakala Falls, leaning fully into the waterfall magic that makes a Blackwater Falls elopement so special.

The day ended with a laid-back dinner at The Smokehouse in Davis, WV. Then back to the cabin. With their dogs. No timeline pressure. No production. Just real joy.

Why Work With Me for Your Blackwater Falls Elopement

I’ve spent years photographing elopements in national parks and mountain landscapes across Virginia and West Virginia. I don’t just show up with a camera.

I help you:
• Choose ceremony and portrait locations that actually work
• Build a timeline around light, crowds, and accessibility
• Navigate permits and park rules
• Find cabins, vendors, and backup plans
• Feel calm, confident, and fully present on your day

This is especially important for places like Blackwater Falls State Park, where knowing the flow of the park and the best locations makes all the difference.

👉 If you’re considering a Blackwater Falls elopement, I’d love to help you plan and photograph it from start to finish.

A Real Review From a Blackwater Falls Elopement Bride

When I delivered Brittany’s gallery, she sent me this review. I’m sharing it because it perfectly captures what it’s like to work together:

“Kara made my wedding day happen. Everything from finding the location, helping me find a florist, and picking out an Airbnb.

Through the entire process, Kara hung in there every time I changed my mind (67 times, including my wedding date!) and handled it so kindly.

Her pictures capture the entire landscape, the intimate details, and everything in between. She was there to zip my dress and help me choose a hairstyle when I couldn’t decide.

I am so glad we did an engagement shoot with her. She builds a quick relationship with you and brings out real emotion.”

Planning a Blackwater Falls State Park Elopement?

If you’re dreaming of a Blackwater Falls State Park elopement that feels intentional, relaxed, and rooted in nature — I’d love to photograph it.

👉 Reach out to inquire about elopement photography
👉 Explore my elopement pricing and planning support
👉 Or start with an engagement session to get comfortable in front of the camera

Brittany and Daniel — thank you for trusting me with such a meaningful day, in one of my favorite places in West Virginia.