Permits may not be the first thing on your mind when planning your Blue Ridge Parkway elopement, but permits play a pivotal role in ensuring that your chosen spot isn’t just a beautiful setting but also a legally accessible one.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the world of wedding permits, focusing on the requirements, benefits, frequently asked questions, restrictions, and the application process for securing a Blue Ridge Parkway Special Use Permit. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to pave the way for your dream Blue Ridge Parkway elopement.
The Blue Ridge Special Use Permit
One fundamental thing to understand is that all weddings, elopements, and vow exchanges within the Blue Ridge Parkway boundary require a Special Use Permit. While it may feel like an arbitrary bureaucratic requirement, it’s really more than that; it’s a crucial management tool that helps protect and preserve this pristine natural wonder for future generations to enjoy and is in line with Leave No Trace principles and best practices.
Planning Ahead: The Timelines and Tips
When it comes to obtaining your blue ridge wedding permit, timing is crucial. While the Blue Ridge Parkway typically requires a minimum of 30 days’ notice for permits, I would actually recommend couples to submit their permit applications as soon as possible, at the very minimum, with three months’ notice. This extra time ensures that everything is in order, reducing any last-minute stress and increasing the chances of securing your desired date and location. It also allows us enough time to pivot should the permit be denied.
How much does this blue ridge wedding permit cost?
As of October 2023, there is a non-refundable application fee of $60.00 due at the time of application and a non-refundable fee of $40.00 due when the permit is issued. You can only pay for these fees electronically.
What does the Blue Ridge Parkway wedding permit cover?
Two hours for your wedding, elopement, or vow exchange ceremony activity on the date and time at the location approved by the permit. Please note that only ceremony activity is covered, not reception activity and that there are no “rain checks” or refunds.
The permit doesn’t provide or guarantee other wedding vendors or services or supply state license/paperwork. If you’re looking to get married in Virginia and wish to ensure the legal validity of the marriage, read this blog that I’ve written on this topic for more information. Additionally, the approved location cannot be blocked off from the public; even though you’re having an event, the area will remain open to normal visitor use throughout the event.
Are there any restrictions on the size of my wedding group?
Yes. Wedding permits are limited to 25 total people – including wedding party, officiant, and photographer – or fewer. If you wish to invite more guests than 25 guests, I would recommend booking a spot through Vrbo to use as a reception and celebrate with guests later. You can try using Airbnb as well but I have had couples in the past book a house through Airbnb for their wedding and be refunded their money once the host found out; Vrbo should be a more secure alternative!
Before you even start the permit process, it’s crucial to verify that the spot you’re eyeing can be used for your elopement. Different locations may have varying capacities and restrictions, so understanding these details beforehand is essential.
For a list of spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway with special considerations, please visit this link and read the locations listed under “Restrictions”. Not included in this list though is Peaks of Otter Lodge, which may allow up to 100 people, but your wedding must be booked directly through the lodge.
Are there any prohibited activities or items?
Yes. The list below highlights activities or items are prohibited during a wedding, elopement, or vow renewal ceremony on the Blue Ridge Parkway and I’ve also taken the liberty of including alternatives and/or suggestions:
Live or dried natural plant/flower material, including cut flowers for bouquets and potted plants.
Alternative: Silk or paper flowers are allowed though! Consider this an opportunity to have a non-traditional bouquet and buy from Etsy or Amazon.
Suggestion: OR ditch the bouquet entirely during the ceremony and opt to use a more traditional bouquet for portraits at an alternate location (e.g., at an Airbnb, Vrbo, or somewhere nearby the Blue Ridge Parkway spot).
The throwing of birdseed, rice, Jell-O, or other food related items.
Don’t be mistaken, you are allowed to bring food with you on the Blue Ridge Parkway but only to consume. If you have any leftovers (e.g., apple cores, sandwich crusts, etc.) or trash (e.g., plastic wrappers, Ziploc bags), you’ll have to keep that contained in your backpack and not dump it in nature. This restriction is set in place so that we don’t introduce something foreign and unnatural into the environment by throwing it as part of a celebration and so that we don’t attract hungry critters to the spaces we tend to occupy. We do have bears in Virginia and, while they look cute and cuddly (it’s the ears, man…), I wouldn’t extend them a (food) invite to your elopement. Let’s save the FOOD FIGGHTT for the reception. Hahaha.
The use of fire or open flames, including candles.
Alternative: Battery operated candles make for a great replacement! For an extra special touch, consider using battery operated lanterns.
The use of arbors, arches, stands, risers, or other similar unnatural props, including ribbons, balloons, signs, etc.
Alternative: Take advantage of the surrounding landscape. Use a natural arch as your ceremony and use rocks that are naturally occurring for people to stand or sit on.
Suggestion: You could also have an arch or arbor set up at your Vrbo or AirBnb for photo ops for later.
Amplified instruments, speakers, PA systems, or bullhorns.
Alternative: Who needs music when you have nature as your soundtrack? If you’d really like to incorporate music on your elopement day on the Blue Ridge Parkway, say for a first dance song, we can definitely play it through the speaker on our respective phone(s) and anyone passing by would surely understand and be touched by the special moment. I believe what they’re trying to avoid is a full on dance party.
Suggestion: If you really want music through an amplified instrument of Bluetooth speaker, keep it for your reception.
Alcoholic beverages
Alternative/Suggestion: While the Blue Ridge Parkway doesn’t permit alcoholic beverages, you can still utilize cute bottles of other drink(s) that you enjoy together like iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, even, non-alcoholic swaps of your fave alcoholic beverages could work! If you’re having an early morning elopement, consider bringing a thermos with hot tea and coffee with cups. There are many ways to incorporate other fun beverages for your day without them containing alcohol.
The use of horses or horse drawn carriages.
Suggestion: Do a horse back riding activity as a potential activity for your elopement prior or after your ceremony at an alternate location. Though, in the Southwest Virginia region, you’re likely to find horseback riding as an activity around Smith Mountain Like, not so much on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you need other activity ideas for your elopement, read this blog for inspiration!
A full comprehensive list can be found here under “Activities/Items”.
Perfect Blue Ridge Parkway Elopement Spots in Southwest Virginia
On this website, you can find a comprehensive list of the Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts. Spots in Southwest Virginia start from mile marker 83.1 to mile marker 189. Mile marker 189.1 (Pilot Mountain) is the beginning of North Carolina’s section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Keep in mind that sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway might face closures due to ongoing construction or adverse weather conditions. Luckily, the National Park Service regularly updates Parkway closure details on its official website.
Final Thoughts
Your dream Blue Ridge Parkway elopement is more than just a vision; it’s a reality waiting to be captured. By respecting the locations, adhering to permit requirements, and embracing the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway, your day will be as magical as you’ve always imagined it to be. Together, we can make your elopement an unforgettable experience while preserving the natural wonder of this breathtaking landscape.
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your journey to secure the necessary permits for your dream elopement along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Happy planning!
Now, you might wonder, “How does securing a blue ridge wedding permit benefit me?” When you choose an experienced elopement photographer like me, you’re not only getting someone to capture your love story but also a dedicated guide to handle the logistical aspects. This means less time spent worrying about legalities and more time enjoying intimate moments with your partner.
By assisting you in obtaining the necessary permits, we ensure that your elopement unfolds smoothly and without any unexpected interruptions. You can focus on creating beautiful memories while I handle the red tape, giving you the freedom to fully immerse yourselves in the beauty of your chosen location.
Need more inspiration? Check out Anna and Ben’s Fire Station One elopement, Nalli and Rob’s Carvin’s Cove elopement, Lindsey Page and Taylor’s Fishburn Park elopement, and Meredith and Ryanne’s Airbnb elopement.
Maybe you have plenty of inspiration, but you need planning resources, here a few blogs I’d recommend to help you get started:
Does this sound perfect to you? If so, I’d love to be your elopement photographer and help you plan and capture your special day in the ancient and stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Fill out an inquiry form to start planning your ultimate elopement experience or check out my pricing to learn more about my philosophy, practice, and packages
