All the best spots to say I do in the New River Gorge
So you want to elope in the New River Gorge? As the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the newest national park in the US, thousands of people have been flocking to see its endless walls and word class outdoor scene. Its also one hell of a place to get married at. So I put together some of my favorite places to say “I do.” And of course some key advice I tell all my clients. I have lived in Fayetteville since 2009, and after shooting hundreds of elopements and weddings here in the New, I kind of know the best spots.
I’ll tell you where to elope in the New River Gorge
New River Gorge elopements are one of my favorite things to photograph and below I have broken down the four best spots (with one Easter egg I really want to shoot at) here in the New and surrounding areas. It may be a bit hard to pick the best one so I will do my best to help you decide. And for all of these locations, hiking shoes (you can change into the formals later) and the will to – maybe – change in the woods is a definite must.
Beauty Mountain
I will be upfront with you, Beauty Mountain is my absolute favorite location. Its the most accessible from the car to the vistas that define the New River Gorge. Its also not centered in park boundaries which means no permits and you can fly drones. There are several distinct locations to host an elopement at Beauty Mountain so be informed that if one isn’t available than there are other options. If you have elderly family members or don’t want to hike 20-30 mins to get the show on the road than consider Beauty Mountain.
Know this though, as its not in the park it can be sort of a free-for-all. I have been waiting for an elopement to begin and another bride and their family have rolled up. So, there could be some waiting. There is also limited parking so consider car pooling or getting dropped off. Weekdays or sunrise are the best times to ensure some privacy at Beauty Mountain.
Long Point Trail
Its the icon of the New and the most popular trail here. And for good reasons. Its magical narrow trail out to the main overlook remains breathtaking for me after more than shooting here for a decade. With it being the most popular you never know what you will get. I have done a Saturday morning elopement with no one there. I have also done a Saturday morning elopement with 30 people there. This one takes some better planning.
Inform this, its in the park and will require a permit. I highly recommend weekdays or sunrise on weekends for this one. Its a mild-to-moderate hike there and back and takes a fit person about 20-25 mins one way. Its an easy walk, but it can be muddy and crowded. I would avoid eloping here on peak weekends.
Endless Wall
Like its other famous trail, Long Point, Endless Wall shares its trails and views with the love of many others. So, yes, its crowded at peak times. However, that being said, if you aren’t dead set on Diamond Point – its most cherished overlook – than there are several other great locations to have a ceremony at Endless Wall. Its view are spectacular. However, its hike is a bit more requiring than Long Point Trail . So its going to be about 25-30 mins to Diamond Point. And its more a moderate hike than mild-to-moderate. But, unlike Long Point which doesn’t have too many features to shoot along the trail, Diamond Point has some stellar shooting locations.
Be aware, this parking lot fills up fast, but there is enough parking on the side of the road and the upper lot to make this happen. But, if you are doing this on peak hours than plan to get there as early as possible and closer to sunrise. A permit is also required.
Bridge Buttress
Another classic in the New River Gorge and a must for any halfway able person to visit is Bridge Buttress. Easily accessible by car from Fayette Station, this moderate hike up to a 10 yard 45-degree angle rock scramble up isn’t for anyone. However, its views are some of the best around. And again, this another location that is going to require a permit.
And again, the its safe to just go ahead and line up a permit for eloping at Bridge Buttress as well. I highly recommend a change of shoes and not wearing your formals to get up the easy rock scramble. Its not for everyone though so elderly family members should not venture up. And, the space is limited. There is plenty of room for less than 10 or so people.
Domino Point*
Okay, so I haven’t photographed any couples here, but it is by far the best view in the New River Gorge – in my opinion of course. And this is only spot to shoot after the middle of October. Domino Point is a rugged scramble under mountain laurels after nearly a 2-mile hike in. So, its not for everyone, but it would be well worth the venture. The trail there runs close by a steep rock face. If you want to elope out here I will be your photographer!
I hope this helps you decide on where to elope in the New River Gorge. You can view some recent elopement posts here: Beauty Mountain
Permit: New River Gorge National Park
