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Grayson Highlands State Park: The Best Place For Your Blue Ridge Mountain Elopement

Mountain Elopements are becoming more popular every day, and for good reason! Between the exhilarating climb, the breathtaking views, and the adventures you’ll have along the way, eloping on a mountaintop is one of the best ways to spend your wedding day!

The Blue Ridge Mountains are home to some of the very best mountain elopement locations in the country!

What makes Grayson Highlands State Park the Best Blue Ridge Mountain Elopement Location?

1. Grayson Highland Ponies

The wild herd of highland ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park are famous. People travel from around the country to meet these fuzzy, gregarious celebrities. 

While the ponies are very used to people, and happy to pose in your elopement photos, please remember not to feed them and to keep a safe distance. They are still wild animals and deserve space and respect. 

2. Convenient to both Central Virginia and Western North Carolina

Grayson Highlands State Park is located right near the Virginia/North Carolina border. It’s located about 3 hours north of Asheville, NC and about 5 hours southwest of Richmond, VA. 

3. Wide Open Spaces

Unlike most places in the Blue Ridge Mountains where the forests are dense and views can be limited, Grayson Highlands features miles and miles of mountaintop meadows with 360-degree mountain views. 

Tips For Planning Your Grayson Highlands Elopement

1. Plan To Make A Weekend Of It.

While Grayson Highlands State Park is pretty centrally-located for both Virginia and North Carolina, it’s not super close to any major cities. 

However, there are great campgrounds in and around the park, and plenty of gorgeous trails to fill a beautiful weekend together.

2. Pack Your Hiking Shoes.

If you’re into hiking or climbing, you’re truly in for a treat. Grayson Highlands has a reputation for being a favorite spot for climbing and bouldering, and has hiking trails that feature wild ponies, waterfalls, and incredible views.

3. Book a Campsite Nearby

The best way to enjoy a weekend visit to Grayson Highlands is to camp, either in an RV, cabin, or tent. 

Cabins and campsites are available for reservations inside the park, and there are some great campsites just outside the park on Hipcamp!

There isn’t much in the way of cool, stylish Air Bnbs in the area, but if camping isn’t your cup of tea, there are some more homey options within a drivable distance. 

4. Download Your Maps While You Still Have Service

Cell service is spotty to downright non-existent at Grayson Highlands State Park and the surrounding areas. 

You might be able to pick up a signal at the Park Office if you’re lucky, and the wind is blowing the right way, but definitely plan to download your trail maps and driving directions before you leave home. 

5. Leave No Trace

Brush up on the seven Leave No Trace principles so that you can have a safe and sustainable visit to the mountains!

Eloping in Virginia?

Make it easy with this step-by-step guide


Meet The Author

Leah is an elopement photographer based in Richmond. She is committed to helping couples shake off the pressure and societal expectations surrounding their wedding day, so that they can celebrate their love and commitment in a way that makes them feel seen and celebrated.

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7 Comments

  1. The blue ridge mountains seem so enchanting! I’d love to have ponies included in my elopement!

  2. Such an wonderful place for an elopement! the ponies are big bonus indeed 🙂

  3. Last fall I visited Greyson Highlands for the first time and you can bet it’s on my list to visit again soon! So stunning and reminiscent of Scottish Highlands!

  4. The Blue Ridge mountains are so beautiful. The ponies make it even more special!

  5. Ok how cool are the ponies! this is so cool what an awesome locations for and engagement session or an elopement.

  6. Those Blue Ridge Mountains are the best. Absolutely love everything about this elopement.

  7. This makes me so want to head out to the Blue Ridge Mountains and explore! Love all of the advice you have here, sounds like the perfect place to plan an elopement adventure!

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