Grayson Highlands Hiking Elopement in The Blue Ridge Mountains of VA
Danielle and Jonathan came all the way from New York to embark on an adventurous hiking elopement in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia at the peak of fall leaf color. They trusted me with their elopement day, even though I didn’t have photos to show (yet) of an actual elopement at the location. I have photographed many elopements in epic locations in NC and VA, and used to work as an associate photographer for two different elopement companies in Asheville. I knew Grayson Highlands would be the perfect fit for this couple. They were open to a wide range of locations and knew they wanted something adventurous and in the mountains. I’m so thankful to have such fantastic and adventurous clients who trust me to guide them on one of the best days of their lives!
Their day was filled with moody skies, rocky mountain peaks, and heartfelt vows that included a special surprise for the bride’s daughter. There adventure elopement was simple, emotional, and filled with natural beauty and an epic sunset. The Grayson Highlands is a wild and wonderful place to elope in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Golden Hour Elopements is for couples who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience in nature. Your day will be thoughtfully planned, deeply personal, and guided with care. Your wedding isn’t a performance. There are countless beautiful places to get married in North Carolina and Virginia, and not all of them are obvious. Jenny Friedrichs (that’s me) is the planner and lead photographer at Golden Hour Elopements, and I have over 17 years of experience photographing weddings. I am a nature lover and hiking enthusiast and have spent countless hours scouting the best hidden gem locations for elopements. Grayson Highlands State Park is one of those magical places that has always felt special to me. There are many miles of trails to explore with both easy to reach spots and some that require a little more work to get to, but it’s always worth it. This was one of those places.
The first time I visited the park was while I was a teenager at Camp Cheerio Adventure Camp, and we backpacked through the Grayson Highlands. That’s when I fell in love with backpacking and camping, and the wild and rugged landscape of Virginia. The way the light filters through the foliage on the forest trails spoke to my soul as I carried my heavy pack and stretched my physical limits hiking all those miles. The way the beautiful tall evergreens dot the peaks, and how the towering stone outcroppings make you feel small gave me such a sense of calm. The most inspiring part by far was definitely the shaggy wild ponies who sometimes wander the hillsides, munching on grass along the trail. Other days, they are nowhere to be found, which makes it all the more special to find them. They were nowhere to be found the day of Danielle and Jonathan’s elopement, but we did get a jaw-dropping sunset, perfect weather and absolute peak leaf color.
I was so thrilled that my prediction for when the leaves would be at max color held true. I always do my best to guide couples to the best times to elope in the mountains, but mother nature is unpredictable. That’s part of the fun, though! Fall in the mountains of VA and NC does something to my soul. Every. single. year. It’s like a symphony to the eyes to drive down the mountain roads with the golden hues of the maples, and the fiery reds and vibrant oranges. Is everyone so moved by the way the light shines through fall leaves, or is it just me? It’s a peak life experience for me! Never gets old.
I help couples uncover locations that feel special, beautiful, and aligned with what they’re hoping for, whether that’s an easy-access overlook or a longer hike to something hidden.
Your elopement can feel spacious, unrushed, and deeply personal — shaped by nature, light, and the way you move through the world together.
I help you plan a day that feels incredible to live, not just beautiful to look at. You don’t have to rush through this day or perform it for anyone.
A Fall Elopement Full of Heart at Grayson Highlands
Some elopements are wild and full of motion — wind in your hair, colorful fall leaves illuminated by the sun, and a sense that the whole landscape is celebrating with you. Danielle and Jonathan’s Grayson Highlands elopement was exactly that.
They traveled from New York to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia for a simple, meaningful day that felt perfectly “them.” Just the two of them and Danielle’s daughter, who played a special role that made everyone tear up. I love when couples include their children in their elopements, and with four kids of my own, I have plenty of experience with children and can help guide couples to the best spots that are child-friendly.
Moody Skies and Golden Ridges in the Grayson Highlands
October in Grayson Highlands is a dream. Blueberry bushes and hawthorn trees are everywhere, and they turn a vibrant deep red in the fall that just coats the hillsides. The trees in the forests put on their best show, and fiery oranges, deep reds, and glimmers of gold that stretch across the ridges. The day started mild, but by sunset, the wind had picked up, swirling Danielle’s embroidered gown and giving us that wild, cinematic energy that photographers live for.
The sky was moody and dramatic, the kind of light that turns everything into a painting. No ponies wandered through this time (they must’ve been tucked away from the wind), but the mountains absolutely showed off.
All Black, All Heart: Their Nature-Inspired Elopement Style
Both Danielle and Jonathan wore all black wedding attire, a striking contrast against the warm tones of the landscape. Danielle’s gown was covered in floral embroidery that matched the fall colors perfectly — greens, golds, and deep crimson details that made her blend seamlessly into the mountain palette.
Her bouquet echoed those tones, rich, textural florals grown on a local farm that we partner with to make Golden Hour Elopements extra special. We love to support other local vendors and artisans to make elopements truly rooted in our region.
They kept everything simple: no picnic, no extras, just emotion and authenticity. The focus was on their vows, their daughter, the moment and the adventure.
The Sweetest Family Moment During Their Grayson Highlands Elopement
The most touching moment of the day came when Jonathan surprised Danielle’s daughter with a gift and his own set of vows to her. It was sweet and emotional, the kind of moment that reminds you what love really looks like.
As a mom myself with two children from a previous relationship who has also found an amazing husband who is a great stepfather to my older kids, I felt this moment deeply. What a treasure to find a partner who loves your children and treats them like they are their own.
Eloping doesn’t have to mean leaving family out. Sometimes it’s about weaving new ones together. Even if you choose to elope without kids (like I did!), there are plenty of ways to include your kids and help them feel included.
Eloping With Kids: How to Decide What’s Right for You
A lot of couples ask whether to include their kids in their elopement. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I’ve helped parents of toddlers, teens, and everything in between figure out what feels best for their family dynamic and the kind of day they want to have.
Here are a few things we’ll talk through together when you’re deciding:
- Age & Safety: Some trails (like the cliffs in this Grayson Highlands elopement) are better suited for older kids due to terrain and weather.
- The Vibe You Want: Do you picture a quiet, romantic moment just for two, or a family adventure where your kids hike right alongside you?
- Your Schedule: Including kids might mean earlier start times or more flexible pacing, which is totally doable with planning.
Whichever way you go, I’ll help you design an experience that fits your vision. Whether it’s a family-inclusive ceremony like Danielle and Jonathan’s, or an intimate two-person adventure, your day should feel relaxed, real, and uniquely you.
An Adventure Worth Every Step: A Fall Hiking Elopement in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
Danielle and Jonathan’s elopement was the perfect mix of adventure and ease — hiking to their spot, reading handwritten vows, and watching the sky turn gold and violet as the sun dropped behind the mountains.
No distractions. No schedule stress. Just love, laughter, and an incredibly vibrant mountain sunset over the golden ridges.
It’s the kind of day that reminds me why I do what I do. I adore helping couples celebrate their love in wild, beautiful places that match the heart of their story. It was so much fun helping this couple decide where to elope, and I was so honored they came all the way from NY to this amazing place that I helped choose for them based on what they were looking for.
Danielle said, “We loved the entire experience from the first email to now! I can’t stop admiring the photos!”
Ready to Plan Your Own Grayson Highlands Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, I’d love to help make it happen.
Our all-inclusive elopement packages include:
- Full planning + coordination
- Officiant + custom ceremony
- Florals
- Photography
- Video
- Charcuterie or cake
- Permit handling + location guidance
- Optional engagement or Airbnb add-on session. Check out another couple’s steamy Airbnb session on the night before their elopement.
All you have to do is show up and be yourselves and we take care of the rest.
Grayson Highlands Elopement Tips
Planning an elopement at Grayson Highlands State Park comes with a few unique considerations, especially in the fall. A little preparation goes a long way in making the experience feel relaxed and enjoyable.
- Best months for fall color:
Peak fall color at Grayson Highlands typically happens from late September through mid-October. Timing varies year to year based on weather, but this window usually brings crisp air, changing ridgelines, and dramatic skies. - Wind and layers:
Grayson Highlands is known for strong winds, especially along the exposed ridges. Even on mild days, temperatures can drop quickly. Layers are essential, and couples are always glad they planned for warmth between photos. - Footwear matters:
Trails and rock outcroppings can be uneven and slick, particularly after rain. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are strongly recommended. - Weekday vs. weekend crowds:
Weekends, especially during peak fall color, can be busy. Weekday elopements tend to feel quieter and more flexible, which often allows for a more relaxed experience and better flow. - Sunset timing and hiking back safely:
Sunset arrives earlier in the fall, and temperatures drop fast once the sun dips below the ridgeline. Planning enough daylight for the hike back is important. I always build timelines with safety, light, and pacing in mind. If you want to be out until the last bit of light for the best photos, you should bring a headlamp for the hike back down! - Permits and regulations:
Grayson Highlands State Park requires a permit for elopements, and you can read more info on the park website about how to apply here. I help couples navigate what’s required and recommend locations that align with park regulations and the kind of experience you’re hoping for.
Is Grayson Highlands Right for You?
Grayson Highlands is a great fit for couples who love wide-open landscapes, don’t mind a bit of wind or changing weather, and feel most at home outside. If hiking, big views, and a sense of adventure sound exciting rather than intimidating, this location offers an unforgettable setting.
It’s especially well-suited for couples who value experience over convenience, appreciate quiet moments in nature, and are comfortable trading traditional venues for something more expansive and off the beaten path.
If you’re drawn to mountain air, sweeping ridgelines, and an elopement day that feels grounded, present, and genuinely memorable, Grayson Highlands may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Couples looking for a Virginia adventure elopement also love nearby Mount Rogers, Damascus, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether you’re planning a mountaintop vow renewal, an intimate wedding in Virginia, or a Blue Ridge elopement with kids, we’ll help you find the perfect spot and plan every detail.
