Where to Elope at the New River Gorge

The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is the newest National Park in the United States. It’s beautiful overlooks and stunning vistas make it one of the most visited places in West Virginia. With this recent pandemic and large weddings on hold, elopements have been becoming more and more popular. Eloping at the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is a great place to have your special day. Here are the best locations for eloping at the New!

Beauty Mountain (Ram’s Head Trail)

Beauty Mountain has one of the best views of the gorge. Not only is it super picturesque but it is only a short hike to the overlook. If you take the Ram’s Head Trail, it’s about a 15-20 minute hike to this stunning view. If you’re planning on having a small ceremony, there’s enough space for your friends and family to stand and watch you say, “I do.”

Some things to consider:

If you’re planning on bringing a small amount of guests, I suggest carpooling since there is limited street parking.
The trail can be a little muddy depending on the weather so bringing a pair of good hiking shoes is a must! You can change out of the shoes at the overlook.
This a pretty popular spot, so a weekday, morning time, or off-season date will be your best bet for less people.

Beauty Mountain (Keeney’s Buttress)

Beauty Mountain at Keeney’s Buttress is the first overlook you pass on your way to Ram’s Head. The main difference is this overlook is easily accessible and you don’t need to hike in! This is perfect if you want to have an accessible ceremony for your guests who do not want to hike in, but you still want to have a beautiful location for your elopement.

Some things to consider:

If you’re planning on bringing a small amount of guests, I suggest carpooling since there is limited street parking.
This a pretty popular spot, so a weekday, morning time, or off-season date will be your best bet for less people.

Endless Wall Trail (Diamond Point Overlook)

Endless Wall is of my favorite hikes and overlooks at the New River Gorge. It has one of the prettiest hikes to the overlook with a magical hemlock grove, a cute little bridge, and gorgeous foliage. From the Fern Creek Parking lot, the hike is about 20-25 minutes long without stopping, but stopping along the way for photos is definitely recommended. Diamond Point has enough room for a small amount of family and friends to stand during your ceremony.

Some things to consider:

If you’re planning on bringing a small amount of guests, I suggest carpooling since there is limited parking.
This hike is around 20-25 minutes so I suggest bringing a pair of hiking shoes to hike in and changing out of them at the overlook.
This a pretty popular spot, so a weekday, morning time, or off-season date will be your best bet for less people.
If you’re planning on getting married at the New River Gorge National Park, a Special Use Authorization Permit is needed for the low fee of $50.00.

Bridge Buttress

Bridge Buttress is an iconic spot for an elopement ceremony and for bride & groom portraits. This overlook is definitely for the more adventurous couples since there will be some rock scrambling to get to this spot. This is a little more difficult to access so I recommend this location only for elopements for a bride, groom, officiant, and photographer.

Some things to consider:

This spot is a little harder to get to so bride’s, you might get your dress a little dirty and please wear some good hiking shoes for a little bit of a rock scramble.

Ace Adventure Resort Overlook

If you’re looking for an easily accessible elopement spot with a great view, Ace Adventure Resort’s Concho Wedding Site and Deck is definitely what you’re looking for. Ace has a great elopement package that may be just what you’re looking for! This is a great spot if you are looking for a great view, minus the hike.

Some things to consider:

To use this spot, contact Ace Adventure Resort for more information on reservations and pricing.

Babcock State Park

There are so many cool areas to explore in Babcock State Park! From overlooks to pavilions to a whole working mill! The scenic views and amazing trails will make this a memorable place for your elopement.

Some things to consider: