Roanoke, Virginia, also known as the “Star City,” is an up-and-coming city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia. Roanoke is the perfect spot for your elopement if your ideal wedding day involves 1.) hanging out in nature and 2.) kicking it back in a small town down South. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic Roanoke Star, the charming streets of downtown, or the beautiful nearby landscapes, Roanoke offers a range of options for a memorable elopement experience. As a local who absolutely loves this city, I can’t wait to share a slice of my home with y’all on your elopement day in Roanoke, VA!
Roanoke Star and Mill Mountain Park
What better place to tie the knot than the very spot that Roanoke is known for? The Roanoke Star, also known as the Mill Mountain Star, is a huge neon landmark overlooking the city from the summit of Mill Mountain. At the summit of Mill Mountain, you’ll find two overlooks: the Mill Mountain Overlook and the Rockledge Overlook.
Both provide scenic and panoramic views of the valley and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains; the main difference between the two is that the Mill Mountain Overlook cannot be rented and reserved for private use and will remain open to the public, but the Rockledge Overlook can be reserved. For more information about planning weddings in Roanoke City Parks, you can read further details here. You’ll even find some photos of mine from past elopements that I’ve photographed in some of Roanoke City’s parks!
The nearby Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden is also a great spot, particularly in the spring and early summer, for elopements. Mill Mountain Park is one of the region’s most distinguished parks and provides everything you need for a breathtaking backdrop for your special day.
Downtown Roanoke
Downtown Roanoke offers endless opportunities for a memorable elopement experience! Exchange your vows at Century Plaza, capture stunning photos against vibrant murals and historic architecture, and enjoy a romantic dinner at one of downtown Roanoke’s acclaimed restaurants. With its lively atmosphere and unique charm, downtown Roanoke is more than ideal for your special day.
Begin your elopement day with a stop at a cozy café such as Little Green Hive in the “Crafteria,” Breadcraft, or Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea. Enjoy a diverse range of dining options from casual delis to upscale restaurants. Explore local breweries and wineries like Olde Salem Brewing Company, Wellhung Vineyard, and Golden Cactus Brewing. Immerse yourself in the world of the arts at the Taubman Museum of Art or enjoy the activities and views provided by Center in the Square. Stay in charming accommodations such as Fire Station One, Hotel Roanoke, and The Liberty Trust.
For unconventional activities, visit the Roanoke Pinball Museum or the Roanoke Starcade Arcade Museum or go mural hunting to add a unique touch to your elopement day. With so much to do, Downtown Roanoke provides the perfect setting for an extraordinary celebration.
Carvin’s Cove
I know the phrase “hidden gem” can be thrown around a lot but I genuinely mean it when I say that Carvin’s Cove is Roanoke’s hidden gem. Located just a short drive from downtown Roanoke, Carvin’s Cove is the second-largest municipal park in the United States; it’s a beautiful and scenic reservoir surrounded by lush green forest and blue rolling hills.
Explore the park’s miles of hiking and biking trails, enjoy a romantic picnic or classic deli sandwiches from Creekside Deli by the water’s edge, or rent out a rowboat, kayak, or canoe and enjoy the water*. Carvin’s Cove allows dogs, so long as they remain on a leash and do not get in the water. If you’re envisioning a few guests coming along for your day, Carvin’s Cove has a shelter rental available for weddings and events. The $100 reservation fee includes their ADA accessible shelter and amphitheater (perfect for your ceremony!) for one day as well as land-use entrance fees for your guests. You can take a look at the rental space here.
*Carvin’s Cove only rents out rowboats, kayaks, and canoes April to September.
Elmwood Park & Peter Pan Park
Another popular and iconic spot in Roanoke is Elmwood Park. Elmwood Park is most known for its outdoor amphitheater that is a local hot spot for year-round entertainment. From Thanksgiving week through the end of January, you can find a public ice skating rink in Elmwood Park and, during the warmer months, you’ll discover anywhere from yoga classes and community events to concert series, theatrical acts, and cultural festivals, all of which you can absolutely take part of on your elopement day. If you’re eyeing a spring elopement, Elmwood Park is an outstanding choice because of its gorgeous magnolia tree walkway accessible via Franklin Road SE, with blooms starting as early as March!
Craving a bit more privacy without compromising on the scenery? Peter Pan Park is a great option for you! This little park, located outside of the Roanoke City Public Library, sits just above Elmwood Park next to a lively playground and is accessible via South Jefferson Street up a slight hill. At Peter Pan Park, you get amazing views of the amphitheater, downtown Roanoke, and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is named after Peter Pan because from here, you can see the Roanoke Star, echoing the movie’s famous line, “second star to the right, and straight on ’til morning.” Explore Peter Pan Park for yourself here!
So, whether you exchange vows in the park’s scenic amphitheater, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, or choose a more secluded spot amidst the park’s gardens for a more intimate ceremony, Elmwood Park and Peter Pan Park offer endless possibilities for creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Roanoke River Greenway
For couples dreaming of a riverside ceremony, the Roanoke River Greenway offers a ton of scenic settings along the banks of the Roanoke River. Imagine going off-trail, dipping your toes in the water, and playing around a bit before exchanging vows in a secluded riverside clearing or under one of the greenway’s charming bridges.
To add more adventure to your day, consider going on a bike ride or hopping on an electric scooter along the greenway. You can explore as many miles as you want, and the cool thing about the greenway is that it connects you to various cafes, restaurants, and other exciting spots in Roanoke, allowing you to plan a whole day of hopping on and off the trail.
The Roanoke River Greenway serves as the central route of the Roanoke Valley Greenway System, providing more than ten miles of paved pathways within the City of Roanoke. This greenway is the highlight of the region’s network, tracing the river’s course from west to east through the valley and forming the foundation of the entire system. There are two sections of the greenway: Bridge Street to River’s Edge (view map here) and River’s Edge to 13th Street (view map here). The greenway currently features seven entry points: Bridge Street Trailhead, Vic Thomas Park, Wasena Park, Smith Park, River’s Edge Park, Piedmont Park, and Bennington Trailhead.
The Roanoke River Greenway offers a magical and peaceful setting for your elopement day in Roanoke, VA, with the gentle sound of the river providing the background music for your special moment.
Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains
One of the great things about Roanoke is that it’s near to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail. In just 10-15 minutes, you can get to breathtaking overlooks like the Roanoke River Overlook and The Great Valley Overlook or get right on the A.T. Exchange vows against the backdrop of sweeping mountain panoramas, with the majestic peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains as your witness, without needing to hike or carry any gear. If you’re considering an elopement on the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway or the Appalachian Trail, check out these resources: How to Elope on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and How to Elope on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia.
If you are looking to hike to a summit or enjoy a leisurely walk on your elopement day in Roanoke, VA, I have a few recommendations:
Poor Mountain – Located 25 minutes from downtown Roanoke, this area offers a 1-mile easy hike (Piratebush Loop Trail) and a 3.5-mile strenuous hike (Poor Mountain Trail). The Poor Mountain Preserve, located at 4451 Twelve O’Clock Knob Road, has limited parking for 6-7 cars. The reserve protects the world’s largest known population of the rare piratebush shrub, which turns a brilliant yellow in autumn!
Hay Rock – While I would not recommend doing this 8-mile round trip hike for your elopement day unless you were doing a multi-day adventure, I would still recommend doing part of it because 2.5 miles in and you’re going to get an amazing view of Carvin’s Cove and the surrounding mountains. The best part about the trail is that it’s only a 15-minute drive from Roanoke!
Read Mountain – The Buzzard Rock Trail specifically is Read Mountain Nature Preserve‘s most popular trail; a 4-mile out-and-back that leads you to Read Mountain’s summit with some of the best views in the Roanoke Valley.
Roanoke Mountain – Featuring a strenuous 4-mile loop with steep sections, Roanoke Mountain Road has been closed to vehicles since 2018, but pedestrians and cyclists can still enjoy this hidden gem. The uphill, paved hike rewards you with breathtaking valley views, making it an ideal spot for sunrise or sunset with east- and west-facing overlooks. It’s located at MP 120.3 on Roanoke Mountain Rd, Roanoke.
Roanoke, Virginia offers so many incredible places for couples seeking a liberating and fun elopement experience. Whether you’re drawn to the urban charm of downtown, the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or the serenity of the water, Roanoke has something to offer every couple looking to say “I do” in a picturesque setting. Embark on your journey of love and adventure in the Star City and create memories that will last a lifetime.
This is your friendly reminder to dream bigger for your elopement day! Why start and end with JUST a ceremony and a few portraits? You deserve a grand day of adventure and fun! If you’re feeling inspired and want to create a day that you and your partner will remember for years to come, I’m ready and here to help! My name is Cameron (she/her) and I’m a Virginia elopement photographer based in Roanoke, VA. I’d be absolutely honored to help you plan and photograph your elopement day. Fill out an inquiry form to start planning your elopement in Roanoke, VA or check out my pricing to learn more about my philosophy, practice, and packages. I offer elopement packages starting at four hours!
Check out other couples who said ‘eff it’ to traditional wedding plans and chose an elopement in Roanoke, VA instead. Read their stories and feel inspired by the wonderful days they’ve created for themselves.
- Christina and PJ’s Mill Mountain Park Elopement
- Meredith and Ryanne’s Roanoke Airbnb Elopement
- Jenny and Adam’s Mill Mountain Star Elopement
- Lindsey Page and Taylor’s Fishburn Park Elopement
- Nalli and Rob’s Carvin’s Cove Elopement
- Anna and Ben’s Downtown Roanoke Elopement
Maybe you have plenty of inspiration and are in need of more planning resources, I got you! Check out some of the other blogs I’ve written:
