West Virginia Elopement Packages
Do you see yourself having a rustic and natural elopement? Maybe? West Virginia might be exactly what you need. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about West Virginia, from climate to culture to seasonal colors you can tie into your theme - we’ll cover it all!
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What is West Virginia Known For?
What Animals Are in West Virginia?
Is Eloping in West Virginia Right for Me?
How to Elope in West Virginia?
When is the Best Time to Elope in West Virginia?
Where to Elope in West Virginia
Most Popular Elopement Locations in West Virginia
Where to Visit for Unique Photos in West Virginia
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in West Virginia?
West Virginia Elopement Packages?
West Virginia Elopement Checklist
Unique Things to Do in West Virginia
West Virginia Elopement Timeline Examples
Why Elope in West Virginia?
Affordability
West Virginia is great for affordable elopements because of its low cost of living and budget-friendly options. Couples can find affordable venues and outdoor accommodation areas that are often less expensive than those in more urban or touristy areas like Washington, D.C, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Charleston.
Unique Venues
West Virginia is known for their variety of venues with a healthy balance between aesthetics and historical charm. Venues vary greatly, between the historic Greenbrier, which contrasts with the dramatic New River Gorge Bridge and the rare wetlands of Cranberry Glades, there is something unique for everyone.
Seclusion
West Virginia is known for seclusion and privacy because of its terrain, forests, and low population density. The state's mountains and remote areas offer secluded settings away from tourists and groups of people. Its small towns and low traffic contribute to the feeling of being away-from-it-all.
What is West Virginia Known For?
Unique Landmarks
West Virginia is known for its unique landmarks, thanks to its diverse natural landscapes and rich history. Some notable sites include the New River Gorge Bridge, known for its stunning engineering; Seneca Rocks, famous for climbing; and Blackwater Falls, recognized for its amber-colored waterfalls. The state also features interesting spots like the Mothman Statue and the historic Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.
Coal Mining
West Virginia has a strong coal mining legacy, known for its bituminous coal (a high carbon content and heating value, making it suitable for electricity generation and steel production) deposits. The state became a major coal producer in the 19th century, but despite economic benefits, coal mining brought environmental and safety challenges. The Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster in 2010 was the most recent event that led to ongoing reforms in mine safety regulations following the tragic deaths of 29 miners.
White Water Rafting
West Virginia is famous for its whitewater rafting, with stories like the high-water releases on the Gauley River in the 1980s creating world-renowned Class V rapids. The 1990 World Rafting Championship on the New River Gorge further emphasized the state's rafting conditions, solidifying its status as a top destination for extreme adventure.
What Animals Are Unique to West Virginia?
West Virginia is home to the northern flying squirrel, the Cheat Mountain salamander (that dates back to the ice age) and a vibrant freshwater fish known as the candy darter.
Is Eloping in West Virginia Right for Me?
How to Elope in West Virginia
Learn about commitment ceremonies!
Obtain a Marriage License
Stop by a County Clerk’s office and pay $56 dollars to purchase an application for a marriage license. Both people will need to bring photo identification and once purchased, the license is active immediately. Please be aware that some clerk’s offices only accept cash, so call in advance to verify what payment options to bring.
Find an Officiant:
In West Virginia, online ordinations are recognized and several websites like Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Thumbtack can help. Alternatively, a friend or family member can become ordained through the Universal Life Church to perform the ceremony.
Choose Your Location(s):
Popular spots like New River Gorge National Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, and Seneca Rocks are free to visit, but some parks may require a permit for ceremonies, which can range from $50 to $2000+. Work with your photographer to determine the best locations and timelines for you, including hidden gems, popular venues, cinematic backdrops, and more.
When is the Best Time to Elope in West Virginia?
Please click each photo to view the applicable credited sources.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is known for vibrant colors and blooming dogwoods. Temperatures range from 50-70°F, creating a popular time for elopements. Due to natural beauty in the spring time and mild weather and mild accommodation pricing, springtime elopements are quite popular and might make it challenging without reservations.
Summer (June to August)
Summer brings wildflowers of all colors and variety, with temperatures ranging from 70-85°F. It's a popular season for elopements due to warm weather and longer daylight hours, however, due to the popularity, accommodations might be a bit pricer when compared to off season.
Fall (September to November)
Fall in West Virginia is known around the country for its foliage, with bold reds, oranges, and yellows. Temperatures range from 50-70°F, meaning morning and evening hours and a bit crispy, but bring comfortable mid-day temps.
Winter (December to February)
Winter transforms colors into white snow with temps ranging between 20-40°F. While less popular for elopements, it offers lower prices, with fewer crowds, and more intimate moments in a winter wonderland.
Where to Elope in West Virginia
Read about whether you should elope in a State or a National Park!
National Parks
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Gauley River National Recreation Area
State Parks
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Babcock State Park
Beartown State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park
Bluestone State Park
Cabwaylingo State Forest
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Coopers Rock State Forest
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Fairfax Stone Historical Monument State Park
Holly River State Park
Kanawha State Forest
Little Beaver State Park
Moncove Lake State Park
North Bend State Park
Pipestem Resort State Park
Seneca State Forest
Tygart Lake State Park
Watoga State Park
Stonewall Resort State Park
USDA Forest Service:
Monongahela National Forest
Cranberry Wilderness
Dolly Sods Wilderness
Gauley River Wilderness
Otter Creek Wilderness
Canaan Valley National Recreation Area
Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
Seneca Rocks Scenic Area
Highland Scenic Highway
Bald Knob Research Natural Area
Greenbrier River Trail
Bureau of Land Management:
BLM does not manage any land in Maryland.
Unique Stays
Each photo is credited to AirBnb.
A-Frame Cabin - Wardensville
Mountaintop Retreat - Martinsburg
The Lost Tiny House - Triadelphia
Historic Farmhouse - Charleston
Charming Barn Loft - Fayetteville
Log Cabin - Moorefield
Lost River Modern - Lost City
Most Popular Elopement Locations in West Virginia
Long Point Overlook - New River Gorge
Blackwater Falls Overlook - Blackwater Falls State Park
Seneca Rocks Base - Seneca Rocks
The Greenbrier's South Lawn - The Greenbrier Resort
Coopers Rock Overlook - Coopers Rock State Forest
Watoga State Park Lodge Area - Watoga State Park
Bear Rocks - Dolly Sods Wilderness
Where to Visit for Unique Photos in West Virginia
Have the freedom to choose a unique elopement location and a variety of smaller, lesser-known areas that make for creative and memorable photo opportunities. Remember, these are only a few examples! I have many more options we can visit together
Please click each photo to view the applicable credited sources.
Ghost Town (Thurmond)
Historic buildings and railroads in New River Gorge.
Hinton Historic District (Hinton)
Charming, vintage architecture and streets.
Historic Bridge (Lumberport)
A lesser-known, picturesque bridge in Lumberport.
Please respect all natural areas and leave it better than you found it. Vandalism will result in the closing and protection of such unique areas.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in West Virginia?
Luxury
marriage license — $56
3 night luxury airbnb stay — $1500
photographer — $9000
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $600
5-6” custom cake — $350
hair + makeup — $300
New River Gorge National Park permit fee — $50
New River Gorge National Park commercial photography fee — $350
Total: $17,206
Low Cost
$56 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$3000 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free – national forest ceremony venue
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $4,756
West Virginia Elopement Packages
All elopement packages include:
All Travel Fees (prices don’t change per location!)
Customized Location Options
Permit Assistance
Personalized Vendor Options
Activity Suggestions Unique to You
An Elopement Timeline
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share with your family and friends to relive the day with you - forever!
4 Hour ~ $3000
This package is perfect for couples who want a simple elopement experience. It includes getting ready, a short hike to the ceremony location, and couples portraits.
8 Hour ~ $5000
This package is perfect for couples who want to spend a day of adventure together, such as a long hike, off-roading, or visiting multiple locations. It's great for capturing the complete story of your elopement day. Typically, couples who are eloping and want to document their day for their friends and family who couldn't attend will choose this package. It's also ideal for couples bringing their friends and family along and would like to have their reception captured. Your reception could be as simple as having pizza with your loved ones or as elaborate as a private chef serving a three-course meal during a welcome dinner.
12 Hour ~ $7000
This package is perfect for couples wanting complete elopement coverage. It offers the ultimate storytelling experience, from waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after sunset. This is an ideal option for couples looking to document their entire day with their guests included. Couples eloping alone also select this package to document every detail for their loved ones at home.
Multi-Day ~ $9000
Perfect for couples wanting a multi-day experience with a lot of adventure. This package is best if you want to elope in one epic location and experience another the following day. An example of this would be eloping in New River Gorge National Park at one of the scenic overlooks and enjoying the views of the park via the scenic road Fayette Station Rd. Then the following day taking in the scenery from a different perspective on the New River Gorge rafting class III-IV rapids.
West Virginia Elopement Checklist
An all in-one, comprehensive guide on how to elope. From an iceberg in Alaska to a boat deck in the Florida Keys, this guide will give you all the steps on how to plan your perfect elopement day.
Unique Things to Do in West Virginia
Whether you want to celebrate or combine a fun honeymoon with your elopement experience, there are a variety of unique things to do around the state that will add to your fun.
Read about the best places to honeymoon in the US.
Ride the Cass Scenic Railroad
Travel 11 miles up to the peak of Bald Knob in a vintage train with a steam-powered engine. It’s recommended to get there in the morning as the train rides take awhile.
Visit Green Bank
This is a town with a federally-mandated lack of technology and has become a safe haven for those who suffer from Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity, a condition where people experience headaches, fatigue, and even pain from electromagnetic fields. Scientific studies have not proven a direct link to these symptoms. (Have you seen Better Call Saul?)
Visit Cathedral Falls
The tallest waterfall in West Virginia. It is a short walk from the parking lot. Need to know more about eloping near US waterfalls?
Find and visit Glade Creek Grist Mill
Built in 1976, it was constructed with parts taken from three different mills that were no longer operational. It is only open to view in the summer months.
Visit The Little House (AKA Florence Shaw)
A 10 feet tall house with a base that measures 10 x 9 feet. It’s fully furnished and features a functional fireplace and working lights with a matching miniature barn, located on the other side of Town Run.
Blue Sulphur Spring Pavilion
The only surviving structure from the Blue Sulphur Springs Resort, a 19th-century mineral spa.
West Virginia Elopement Timeline Examples
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9 - 10:30 am: Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View
10:30 am - 1:15 pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
1:30 pm: Depart from Davis, WV to Blackwater Falls State Park
(5 minute commute)
1:45 pm: Arrive at Blackwater Falls State Park
2 pm: Take the Short Hike to Blackwater Falls (0.4 miles)
2 - 3:15 pm: Ceremony and Portraits at Blackwater Falls
3:20 pm: Leave Blackwater Falls and Head Towards Thomas, WV
(8 minute commute)
3:30 - 4:45 pm: Stop at Mountain State Brewing Co. to Enjoy Lunch and Local Brews
5 - 8 pm: Take an Easy Off Roading Trail (Canyon Rim Road, FR-18: 7.5 miles), Soak in the Views, Stop at the Many Waterfalls Along the Way
8:00 - 9:00 pm: Sunset at Olsen Observation Tower
9:30 pm: Return to Cabin in Davis
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On Day 1:
10 am - 12 pm: Brunch Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View
12 - 2:15 pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together at Airbnb
2:15 pm: Depart to New River Gorge National Park
(10 minute commute from Fayetteville, WV)
2:30 pm: Arrive at Canyon Rim Visitor Center
2:40 - 3:30 pm: Walk the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk (0.5 miles RT)
3:35 pm: Depart to Endless Wall Trail
(5 minute commute)
3:45 pm: Arrive at Endless Wall Trail
4 pm: Begin Hike to Diamond Point Overlook (2.1 miles RT)
4 - 6:30 pm: Hiking with Couples Portraits on Trail; Stopping for Ceremony and a snack at the top
6:30 - 8:45 pm: Return to Canyon Rim Visitor Center to Begin Scenic Drive along Fayette Station Road (8 miles One Way)
8:45 pm: Return back to Fayetteville to Enjoy Pizza at Pies & Pints
On Day 2:
9:30 - 4:30 pm: Experience the New River from a Different Perspective on a Full Day White River Rafting Trip with Adventures on the Gorge
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
4-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is for couples looking for a simple and intimate elopement experience that prefer a shorter ceremony and a relaxed atmosphere while still having their day captured.
This package is right for you if:
You want a short and intimate ceremony.
You prefer minimal planning and coordination.
You prefer natural decor and scenic backdrops.
You prefer to stay closer to your accommodations.
8-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is perfect for adventurous couples who want a full-day elopement that includes multiple activities or exploring locations.
This package is right for you if:
You want to explore multiple locations and activities.
You want to have a full day but not too much stress in planning.
You want to include a larger group of friends and family.
You want to incorporate multiple outfit changes or additional decor.
12-Hour Elopement Package:
This package covers the entire elopement day from start to finish. It's perfect for couples who want to capture every detail and moment of their elopement experience.
This package is right for you if:
You want to document everything without feeling scheduled or rushed.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
You prefer to include elaborate decor.
You prefer the freedom to switch between activities and locations with ease.
Multi-Day Elopement Package:
This package is ideal for adventurous couples who want to combine their elopement with a getaway or honeymoon, spanning over multiple days with complete coverage.
This package is right for you if:
You want to combine elopement with a romantic getaway.
You prefer to explore multiple locations.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
West Virginia is a great place with a lot to offer. From affordability to unique venues and hidden, historic gems to exceptional whitewater rafting - if you’re up, down, or in between, West Virginia might have what you’re looking for. Take the quiz and find out fast!
Are you already positive West Virginia is THE place for you and your perfect day(s)? Then who’s holding up the line? Let’s do this!!!
