Grayson Highlands Elopement Guide

Grayson Highlands State Park is one of those places that feels untouched, wild, and quietly epic all at once—and it’s the reason it’s probably my favorite elopement location in Virginia. If you’re dreaming of sweeping alpine-style views, wild ponies wandering through your ceremony space, and the kind of solitude that’s getting harder and harder to find in popular parks, this place delivers in a big way.

Unlike more heavily trafficked locations, Grayson Highlands allows you to slow down, spread out, and truly experience your wedding day without an audience. Especially for weekday elopements, it’s absolutely possible to have entire ridgelines and summits to yourselves—something that’s nearly impossible in places like Shenandoah National Park.

Why Work With Me for Your Grayson Highlands Elopement

I’m Kara—an adventure elopement and intimate wedding photographer based in Virginia, and I’ve been photographing elopements in wild, outdoor spaces for nearly a decade. I specialize in helping couples plan elopement days that feel intentional, relaxed, and deeply personal—without sacrificing beautiful imagery or meaningful moments.

Grayson Highlands is a place I know intimately: how the light moves across the ridges, which trails feel best at sunrise vs. sunset, where you can find solitude even on busier days, and how to build an elopement timeline that actually feels enjoyable instead of rushed.

If you want a photographer who does more than just show up with a camera—someone who helps you plan logistics, choose locations, navigate permits, and create an experience that feels like you—you’re in the right place.

👉 Inquire here to start planning your Grayson Highlands elopement

What Makes Grayson Highlands So Unique

Grayson Highlands feels different from almost anywhere else in Virginia. The landscape is incredibly open, with rolling grassy balds, rocky outcroppings, and panoramic views that stretch for miles. It has a high-alpine feel that surprises most couples the first time they see it. And there are WILD PONIES.

Some of the things that make it truly special:

• Expansive, open terrain that makes it easy to find privacy
• Wild ponies that freely roam the park
• Multiple trail options ranging from easy walks to more strenuous hikes
• Incredible light at both sunrise and sunset

One of the biggest perks? Even when other visitors are around, it rarely feels crowded. Because the park is so open, it’s easy to find pockets of solitude—something that just isn’t possible in more confined summit locations.

If you’ve ever been to places like Shenandoah or popular North Carolina peaks such as Beacon Heights (see an elopement from this location here), you know that while the summits are stunning, they’re also very specific and limited in space. Grayson Highlands gives you room to breathe.

👉 Reach out here if you want help choosing the perfect ceremony spot

Solitude You Can’t Find in Shenandoah

Shenandoah National Park is the location I work in the most. It’s beautiful—but it’s also busy. Even at sunrise or on weekdays, you’re often sharing overlooks with other couples, hikers, and photographers.

Grayson Highlands is different.

Because it’s more remote and spread out, weekday elopements here can feel incredibly private. It’s one of the few places left where you can realistically plan:

• A sunrise ceremony with no one else around
• A long, uninterrupted vow exchange
• A quiet hike without constantly stepping aside for foot traffic

That remoteness is part of the magic—and yes, it comes with trade-offs (we’ll get to those), but for many couples, the solitude is 100% worth it.

The Best Areas for Elopements in Grayson Highlands

Wilburn Ridge via Appalachian Trail (My Top Recommendation)

If I had to choose the best location in the park, this would be it.

Wilburn Ridge via the Appalachian Trail is about a 4.4-mile out-and-back hike, but don’t let that intimidate you—the entire trail is stunning. There’s no single “moment” where it gets good; it’s beautiful the whole way.

This is where Ashley and Austin eloped, and it remains one of my favorite elopement experiences to date. Their elopement photos are featured at the end of this guide. We hiked up in the dark and reached the ridgeline just in time for sunrise. The summit was completely empty—except for a few wild ponies wandering through the mist.

It also works beautifully for sunset if you prefer warmer light and a more relaxed timeline.

Why this route is incredible:

• Constant views and variety
• Multiple ceremony spots along the way
• Feels adventurous without being too technical
• Easy to adjust based on weather and energy levels (I’ve planned on doing this hike with another couple and we ended up only going halfway and still getting epic shots)

👉 If you want help planning a sunrise or sunset elopement here, inquire with me

Twin Pinnacles

Twin Pinnacles is one of the more dramatic, rugged options in Grayson Highlands. It’s an epic but steeper hike with rocky terrain and jaw-dropping views at the top.

This is a great choice if:

• You want a more adventurous feel
• You’re comfortable with elevation gain
• You love dramatic, rocky landscapes

You can see a real elopement from this location here

Cabin Creek Waterfall

If you’re dreaming of incorporating a waterfall into your elopement day, Cabin Creek Waterfall is your best bet within the park.

It’s a great option for:

• A quieter, forested ceremony
• Cooling off on warmer days
• Adding variety to your elopement gallery

Many couples choose to pair a waterfall location with a ridgeline hike for portraits later in the day.

Whitetop Mountain: Perfect for Including Family & Friends

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Grayson Highlands is its proximity to Whitetop Mountain.

Whitetop is just a short drive away and offers:

• One of the highest peaks in Virginia
• Road access all the way to the top
• Minimal walking required for incredible views

This makes it an ideal option if you want:

• An adventurous, private ceremony in Grayson Highlands
• Followed by an easily accessible location for family and friends

It’s one of my favorite ways to balance adventure with inclusivity—especially for couples who want grandparents, parents, or younger kids to be part of the day without a strenuous hike.

👉 I’m happy to help you design a multi-location elopement day—reach out here

The Downsides of Grayson Highlands (And Why They’re Also Perks)

Grayson Highlands isn’t perfect for everyone—and that’s actually part of what keeps it so special.

Remoteness

The park is remote. That means:

• Hair & makeup artists often travel from Blacksburg, Boone, or Jefferson, NC
• Catering and florals may include travel fees
• Fewer vendor options compared to places like Shenandoah

Limited Lodging

There are far fewer Airbnbs and VRBOs nearby than in more popular elopement destinations. You’ll want to book early and be flexible. That being said, here are a few decent options

👉 Option 1

👉 Option 2

👉 Option 3

👉 Option 4

Why This Is Actually a Good Thing

That same remoteness is exactly why Grayson Highlands stays quiet, open, and uncrowded. Fewer vendors, fewer houses, fewer people—and far more space to truly experience your day.

Is Grayson Highlands Right for You?

Grayson Highlands is perfect if you:

• Value solitude and wide-open spaces
• Love hiking and being immersed in nature
• Want an elopement that feels like an experience, not a production
• Are open to traveling a bit farther for something truly special

If that sounds like you, I’d love to help you plan something unforgettable.

👉 Inquire here to check availability and start planning your Grayson Highlands elopement

Want help figuring out timelines, permits, locations, or how to include family without sacrificing adventure? That’s exactly what I do—reach out and let’s start dreaming this up together.

Ashley and Austin’s Grayson Highlands Elopement Inspiration in Photos