Pilot Mountain State Park Elopement on the Yadkin River | NC Adventure Wedding
Eloping on a Rock in the River
Alena and Chris chose a Pilot Mountain State Park elopement in the foothills of NC, celebrating along the Yadkin River near Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Their morning NC hiking elopement blended river views, forest trails, and adventure with an all-inclusive elopement approach that kept the focus on experience over tradition. This intimate river elopement was shaped by movement, nature, and connection, creating a wedding day that felt grounded, personal, and fully their own. They topped off the day by riding away on their onewheels to celebrate with family and friends. Check out the photos and read what Alena and Chris have to say about their elopement in this Q & A.
How did you two meet, and what made you decide eloping was the right fit for you?
We met in downtown Mount Airy. Chris was riding his Onewheel up and down Market Street while I was at a friend’s 40th birthday party. Everyone kept looking at what he was riding and wondering what it was. I was curious, so I waved him over and asked what he was riding. We didn’t stop talking the entire night.
What drew you to Pilot Mountain State Park for your elopement?
The first time Chris took me backpack camping, we went there. It was such a beautiful spot. He had been there before, and the moment he showed me the rock in the river, I knew it was where we would get married one day. We loved that it was part of Pilot Mountain State Park, but not in the crowded area.
What would you tell couples who are nervous about skipping a traditional wedding?
Do it. You won’t regret it. With Golden Hour Elopements, you can customize your wedding to be exactly what you want, without the stress of a big traditional wedding.
What did you love most about celebrating in nature instead of a venue?
We got to celebrate in a place that was meaningful to us. Some of our favorite memories include a hiker stopping to congratulate us, walking back to the car together, and taking photos while admiring mushrooms and trees. It was peaceful, relaxed, and exactly our style.
Do you have advice for couples who want to include children in their elopement?
Having my daughter stand with us during the ceremony meant so much. Jenny did an amazing job helping her feel included and capturing beautiful photos of her. I think having a smaller, more intimate wedding made it easier for her to feel like an important part of the day.
Did you know right away you wanted something outdoorsy and adventure-filled, or did that idea evolve?
Yes, we knew right away! Chris actually proposed during a camping trip at New River State Park in Virginia. We were riding our Onewheels and took a break at a waterfall, where he asked me to marry him. Our entire relationship has been filled with outdoor adventures, so it felt natural to keep that theme for our wedding day.
How did you find Golden Hour Elopements, and what made you feel it was the right fit?
I found Golden Hour Elopements through Instagram and immediately loved the photography. Once we were engaged, we thought about doing everything ourselves, but it felt overwhelming for a day we wanted to be special and simple. I remembered Golden Hour Elopements and reached out. When I learned everything was included, photography, officiant, planning, and that Jenny loved adventure and didn’t think getting married on a rock in the river was crazy, I knew it was exactly what we were looking for.
Was there anything about the planning process that made the experience feel easier or more personal?
Everything was simple and easy from beginning to end. We had help with permits, planning the timeline, and the communication was amazing throughout. Jenny even visited the site ahead of time and sent photos to confirm the location. I felt like she was just as excited about our ceremony as we were, which made us feel really special.
What parts of your experience stood out the most?
I couldn’t believe how relaxing the morning was. I showed up, and there was a big, beautiful bouquet waiting for me. It was absolutely perfect. We were so impressed with how every detail was thought through, even bringing a trash bag to clean up the ceremony area. That alone made the day feel so stress-free.
Would you recommend an all-inclusive elopement to other couples? Why?
Absolutely. I already have! It’s so important for your wedding day to be stress-free and special, and that’s exactly what our day was because we used Golden Hour Elopements.
What was your favorite moment from the day?
There were too many to list, but hiking back as husband and wife while taking photos was really special. We could talk, laugh, and enjoy being newlyweds without the chaos of a big wedding.
Tell us about your Onewheels and how they became part of your story.
Onewheels are a big part of our lives because that’s how we met. If Chris hadn’t been riding one that night, we might never have started talking. Since then, I’ve started riding one too, so we loved being able to incorporate them into our day.
How would you describe your elopement day in three words?
So much happiness!
If you could do it again, would you change anything or add another adventure?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.
At Golden Hour Elopements, we love helping couples elope in nature or wherever they feel most at home! Learn more about our services.
Check out another hiking elopement at Virginia’s Grayson Highlands State Park.
