Planning an Elopement on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Elopement

Thinking About Eloping on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

You’re in the right place. Whether you’re dreaming of mountaintop views, a peaceful overlook with your dog by your side, or an easy elopement with all the logistics handled, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable Blue Ridge Parkway elopement.

We’ll cover:

The best spots along the Parkway for your ceremony and photos
What permits you might need
Road closures and seasonal tips to help you avoid surprises
What’s included in our Blue Ridge elopement packages—from photography and florals to planning, snacks, and even dog care
What to bring, when to go, and how to make the most of your day

If you’re looking for a laid-back, nature-filled elopement experience with expert support from someone who knows these mountains well, this guide is for you.

Jenny here- I am the founder, planner, and lead photographer behind Golden Hour Elopements. With over 17 years of experience photographing weddings in North Carolina and an in-depth knowledge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we specialize in helping couples craft laid-back, all-inclusive elopements that are both stunning and stress-free. Read more about us here.

What is the Blue Ridge Parkway—and What Makes It Unique?

The BRP (Blue Ridge Parkway) is a 469‑mile scenic highway that links Shenandoah National Park (VA) to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC) through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
It is famous for the misty blue ridge mountains, numerous easy to reach overlooks right off the road, wildflowers, wildlife, the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct, campgrounds, many hiking trails including the Mountains to Sea Trail and beautiful fall colors.

Parkway Status & Hurricane Helene Updates

The Entire parkway was closed in late Sept 2024 due to the catastrophic Helene Hurricane. Extensive sections were damaged due to landslides and fallen trees from the high winds, and even flooding. Fortunately, crews are working to rebuild the damage and many parts have reopened. Hurricane Helene really slammed certain areas (including my parents house and neighborhood in Asheville), and it looks like a tornado came through some areas. Some places are just fine and look like nothing happened. It’s definitely a good idea to get the local scoop when deciding where to elope so you choose an area that is open and accessible. We are definitely ready for visitors in NC and VA and would love to have you come elope here!
NPS posts daily closure updates by milepost and offers interactive maps showing Helene work/recovery routes on the National Park Service website.
Since closures can technically happen at any time due to weather events, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan and we always help our clients with this as part of our all-inclusive elopement packages. NC and VA are brimming with fantastic mountain views, waterfalls, etc. in other places besides the parkway.

Click the map to view real-time BRP road closures →

Seasonal Access & Year‑Round Open Sections

Some parts of the BRP are Open year-round, but many sections close in the winter. Even the open sections close temporarily due to snow, ice, construction, or storm damage.
Winter closures typically run Nov–Mar, especially at higher elevations.
Ungated lower elevation segments (esp. in VA or southern NC under MP 217) tend to remain accessible most of the year. It’s a good idea to have a backup location in the winter months in case of snow closing the parkway. Snow happens occasionally around the Asheville area, and more often closer to Boone and Blowing Rock and at the higher elevations. We can help you figure out where to elope in the wintertime and have a lot of gorgeous location options you can consider.

Nearby Cities Worth Exploring

In VA:
- Roanoke – great food, the Mill Mountain Star & hikes Check out Southern Living’s 9 Best Virginia Mountain Towns to visit.
- Lexington – charming college town, historic sites & Natural Bridge State Park
- Hot Springs – home to Omni Homestead Resort, scenic waterfalls
In NC:
- Brevard – cute little town at the entrance of Pisgah National Forest. Go fishing, tubing, hiking, see the waterfalls, explore the adorable downtown and tasty restaurants.
- Asheville – The River Arts District, breweries, live music, amazing restaurants.
- Blowing Rock – charming little mountain town with great shopping and nice restaurants, and a great park for kids in the middle of town with an ice cream shop right across the street. Going to Kilwins, playing at the park and going to the cute shops is one of my favorite childhood memories! Stay at Chetola Resort.
- Boone/Linville/Grandfather Mountain – outdoor-loving towns with trails & overlooks & tons of nice Airbnbs. The mile high swinging bridge is definitely worth a visit at Grandfather Mountain.

How to Get a Permit

A Blue Ridge Parkway “Special Use Permit” is required for any wedding ceremony
- Roughly 25-guest limit for many locations, though we recommend keeping it as small as possible. Parking is very limited at overlooks and most can’t fit that many cars.
- Apply at least 30 days in advance
- No permit required for just photo sessions if ceremony is off-site, which means you can get married at one spot and take photos at another.
Apply via the NPS Blue Ridge Parkway website (wedding-permits page) once you pick a open location and date on the National Park Service website.
Check current road & gate status by milepost beforehand Road Closures and we can help guide you with these decisions. Jenny from Golden Hour Elopements, has lived in North Carolina most of her life and can help you choose the best spot based on your particular needs.

North Carolina Marriage License Info

Cost: $60
Where to get it: Any Register of Deeds office in NC
Valid for: 60 days
Use: Can be used anywhere in NC
Other fees: Certified copy (for name change, DMV, etc.) is usually $10 extra
Requirements: Both parties must apply in person with valid ID, and you need to bring divorce paperwork if you were previously married. Read more here.

Virginia Marriage License Info

Cost: Typically $30 (varies slightly by county)
Where to get it: Any Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in VA
Valid for: 60 days
Use: Must be used within Virginia
Other fees: Certified copy usually $2.50–$3
Requirements: Both parties must apply in person with valid ID. Read more here about VA requirements.

Golden Hour Elopements has officiants who are ordained in both NC and VA to officiate your elopement ceremony. If you are set on having your own officiant, let us know and we can help you figure out if you need to also have a registered officiant present to sign your papers.

Family- & Pet-Friendly Advantages

Wide overlooks & easy pull-off parking allow for couples to easily include children & leashed dogs. Some spots are definitely safer than others for kids, and I can recommend places that are both safe and have the epic mountain views so you don’t have to worry about your kids taking a wrong step. I have 4 kids, ages 3-11, and have gone up and down the parkway on hikes with them all since they were in my belly, so I am very familiar with kid-friendly spots that don’t require much of a hike.
We have dog friendly packages with a dog handler to watch your pet, pick up their poop, and help you get the best photos with your doggies. We can even include a dog cake, personalized treats with your wedding date, and doggy champagne or beer- yes, really!!! Don’t worry, they are healthy snacks, and it’s just an electrolyte drink, but it comes in a cute bottle or can so they can celebrate with you!
The BRP is often less crowded than popular venues, especially weekdays and off-season. We recommend weekdays for elopements to avoid the crowds. Fall gets a little crazy, especially on weekend dates. I’ve seen 4 elopements happening at one time in the fall at Black Balsam Knob. There are plenty of beautiful spots, but some seem to attract more traffic than others. Let us help you choose a location that is less well known so you don’t feel like you have to fight other eloping couples for the most scenic spot on the mountain.
Enjoy the natural setting and all that comes with it. There’s no way to really capture in a blog post the full sensory experience of eloping on the Blue Ridge Parkway- it feels magical! The breeze, the birds, the vibrant foliage, the wildlife, and the peace you get being in the middle of nature is really special and makes for an incredible place to say your vows, even on a rainy day. Some of my favorite photos that I’ve ever taken were in the rain or fog.

Why Golden Hour Elopements Shine Here

High elevation and clear ridgeline vistas make sunrise/sunset lighting dramatic and radiant, and we love that! We are lucky to also get fog at certain times that can really enhance your photos and video. Some times and locations are more likely to have mist than others, so let us know if this is something you want to try for. We wish we could control the weather, but with some advance planning and a careful eye on the forecast, we can definitely work with it.
We love being outdoors in nature, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is just teeming with fantastic hidden spots that are perfect for elopements, a variety of landscapes, and lots of easily accessible spots. Fill out the contact form on our website, and we will send you a questionnaire to get a feel for your ideal elopement, and we can send package options and location suggestions customized to your needs.

When It Might Not Work for You

Don’t choose the Parkway if you want:
- Formal indoor venues or absolutely no rain, wind or fog.
- Total privacy—some overlooks and areas are more popular than others, but we can help you find a private spot if that’s what you are after.
- More than ~25 guests (most spots are better for very small groups or no guests)
- No-risk day (you may need flexibility due to closures or storms)
- A perfectly clean dress/outfit/shoes.
- No bugs. There are bugs and wildlife, especially during the warmer months. Wear bug spray or choose an indoor venue if you really can’t stand gnats and other bugs.

🌄 Things to Bring for Your Parkway Elopement:

Even with everything we provide, there are a few personal items you’ll want to bring to make the day comfortable and smooth:

Your marriage license (don’t forget this one!)
Good walking shoes or hiking boots (you can change into dress shoes later but a lot of our couples go barefoot or wear their boots the whole time)
A jacket or wrap or even long underwear and hand warmers (mountain weather can change fast)
Water bottle (hydration is key, especially if we’re hiking)
Touch-up makeup or grooming essentials
Vows (written or printed—we love a handwritten touch! Reading from a phone isn’t that romantic.)
Any personal items you want in photos (like heirlooms or mementos)
Bug spray & sunscreen

We’ll handle the rest—from snacks to finding that perfect golden light. You just bring yourselves (and your love), and we’ll help create the magic. ✨

Make Your Elopement Epic

At Golden Hour Elopements, we’re completely smitten with the Blue Ridge Parkway—and it’s not hard to see why. With winding mountain roads, epic overlooks, wildflower-filled meadows, and magical mossy forest trails, the Parkway offers some of the most breathtaking elopement backdrops in all of North Carolina. It’s the perfect blend of accessible and wild, making it easy to find a spot that fits your vibe—whether that’s a short walk to a jaw dropping view or a secluded adventure down a lesser-known trail with wild blueberries.

We offer all-inclusive elopement packages that take care of everything: photography, video, planning, location scouting, help with permits, florals, food (yes, we bring the charcuterie and cake), setup, and cleanup—so all you have to do is show up and soak it in. We help you find the perfect place to say your vows and make the entire experience effortless, intentional, and unforgettable.