menu
How to Elope in Virginia: Your Ultimate Guide
If you’re dreaming of an intimate, meaningful wedding day without the stress of a big event, eloping in Virginia is the perfect choice. With stunning mountain overlooks, peaceful beaches, enchanted forests, and charming historic sites, Virginia offers an incredible variety of elopement locations.
But how do you legally elope in Virginia? Where are the best places to elope? And how can you make your day feel special while keeping it simple? This guide covers everything you need to know about how to elope in Virginia—from legal requirements to choosing the perfect location.
Table of Contents
How to Elope in Virginia (Legally)
Getting married in Virginia is easy and straightforward, with no waiting period and no residency requirement. Here’s what you need to do:
✔ Get a marriage license – You and your partner must apply in person at any Virginia Circuit Court Clerk’s office. The fee is usually $30-$50, and you’ll need a valid photo ID. There’s no waiting period, so you can get married the same day you pick up your license!
✔ Find an officiant – Virginia requires an officiant to legally perform the ceremony. Many couples hire a professional officiant, while others do the legal part at a courthouse and have a symbolic private vow exchange! While it is possible (sometimes) for a friend or family member to get a one-time civil celebration certification, the process can be time consuming and not all district courts recognize this type of certification.
✔ Have a ceremony – Virginia does not require witnesses, so you can have an entirely private elopement or celebrate with a small group.
✔ File the marriage license – After your ceremony, your officiant will sign the license and return it to the county where you got it. Then, you’re officially married!
Virginia Elopement Packages: What’s Included?
When you choose to elope, you deserve more than just beautiful photos—you deserve an experience that reflects who you are as a couple. My Virginia elopement packages are designed to take the stress out of planning so you can focus on celebrating your love.
Every package includes:
✔ Elopement planning assistance – I’ll help you find the perfect location, navigate permits, and craft a timeline for a relaxed and fun experience.
✔ Location scouting – Whether you want a mountaintop ceremony, a secluded beach, or a cozy Airbnb, I’ll help you choose a spot that fits your vision.
✔ A stress-free, candid photography experience – No stiff poses, just real, unscripted moments.
✔ Vendor recommendations – Need a florist, officiant, or private chef? I’ve got you covered.
✔ Flexible packages – From quick “just us” half-day experiences to multi-day elopements with multiple locations.
💌Get in touch to learn more about my full elopement pricing
Best Places to Elope in Virginia
Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful elopement locations on the East Coast. Whether you love mountains, forests, waterfalls, or historic venues, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.
📍 Check out my guide to the best Virginia elopement locations here
Some of my favorite Virginia elopement locations include:
1. Shenandoah National Park
For couples who love epic mountain views, Shenandoah National Park is a dream elopement destination. With over 200,000 acres of protected wilderness, you’ll find endless scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and quiet trails perfect for exchanging vows.
🌄 A few of the best spots in Shenandoah to elope:
- Stony Man (perfect for sunrise)
- Blackrock Summit (great for a short hike with big views)
- Hawksbill Mountain (the highest point in the park!)
2. Virginia Beach & Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
If you’re looking for a peaceful beach elopement, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers miles of quiet shoreline, sand dunes, and maritime forests—without the crowds you’ll find on the main Virginia Beach strip.
3. Airbnb & VRBO Elopements
Want a private, cozy setting for your elopement? Many couples choose to rent a stunning cabin, mountain lodge, or beachfront home for their elopement weekend. This allows you to get ready, exchange vows, and celebrate—all in one spot.
🏡 Check out my guide to planning an Airbnb or VRBO wedding
4. Waterfall Elopements
If you want a fairytale-like setting, Virginia has some breathtaking waterfalls for your ceremony. Some favorites include:
- Dark Hollow Falls (for when you want both a waterfall and a summit on your day)
- Whiteoak Canyon (great for adventurers)
- Cascade Falls (easy four-file hike with epic views)
5. Historic & Unique Locations
Virginia is full of historic estates, gardens, and quirky venues that make for an unforgettable elopement. From the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond to the Hermitage Museum & Gardens in Norfolk, there’s something for every couple.
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Virginia?
One of the best things about eloping is that you control the budget. While a traditional wedding in Virginia can easily cost $30,000+ (most of the people I work with for traditional weddings spend 60,000+), most couples spend between $5,000-$20,000 on an elopement, depending on location, vendors, and how much of an experience they want.
Estimated Virginia elopement costs:
✔ Marriage license – $30-$50
✔ Photography – $4,500-$10,000+*
✔ Officiant (if needed) – $100-$800
✔ Florals – $100-$500
✔ Hair & Makeup – $250-$1000
✔ Airbnb/VRBO rental – $300-$1,500 per night
✔ Park permits (if needed) – $50-$300
If you’re looking for a breathtaking experience without the high cost of a big wedding, eloping in Virginia is an amazing choice.
*My 2025 Virginia Elopement Packages start at $4500. While you can certainly find cheaper photographers, this is one of those situations where you get what you pay for. With nearly a decade of shooting small weddings in Virginia, almost 100 5-star reviews and a lifetime recreating in these spaces, I know how to handle unpredictable weather, tricky lighting, and permits. A newbie might charge less, but they often lack the skills to capture your day smoothly and beautifully.
Let’s Plan Your Dream Virginia Elopement!
Eloping is about freedom, adventure, and celebrating your love your way—and I’d love to help you craft an unforgettable day. Whether you want a mountaintop sunrise ceremony, a quiet cabin retreat, or an epic weekend adventure, I’ll be there to document every real, raw moment.
