Harpers Ferry Elopement Guide
Here on the East Coast, we have so many underrated elopement destinations – including the historic town of Harpers Ferry in West Virginia! You can tie the knot by the Shenandoah River, take a hike to a viewpoint of the rolling hills, explore the charming town, and so much more. The day you get married should be an adventure, and this guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan a Harpers Ferry elopement – we’ll talk about some of the best elopement locations, setting a date, and more!
Setting a Date for Your Harpers Ferry Elopement
One of the first steps in planning any wedding is to set a date! Harpers Ferry definitely experiences all four seasons, so before you decide, here’s what you need to know.
Summer in Harpers Ferry
Summer is the most popular time to visit Harpers Ferry, because the weather is pretty amazing! Daytime temperatures can be pretty toasty, reaching into the 80s, which might be a little bit too hot if you plan to hike or spend a lot of time outdoors. However, you can always cool down if you elope near the river, and mornings and evenings offer pretty perfect weather with fewer people around.
Because summer is the most popular time to visit, you may need to plan ahead to avoid the crowds! Many of the popular locations will be, well, popular, but if you plan your elopement for a weekday you’ll have a lot more privacy. Planning your ceremony for sunrise is another great way to avoid an audience, and while sunset will be a little busier, it’s still usually less crowded than mid day.
Fall in Harpers Ferry
Fall is an incredible time for a Harpers Ferry elopement. The temperatures cool down, and they’re much more comfortable for hiking and outdoor adventures. While this is still a popular time to visit, it’s usually less busy than the summer time. If you elope the fall, you’ll get a chance to see the incredible fall foliage, experience the crisp autumn air, and it’s a great time to tie the knot!
Winter in Harpers Ferry
Winters are definitely cold, so most couples probably won’t see this as the ideal time to tie the knot. However, if you love a winter wonderland, you might be able to experience the magic of the snow covered hills! This can be a great time to explore if you want to get the scenery to yourself, as most people avoid visiting Harpers Ferry when it’s cold. You’ll definitely need some layers, but it can be a really unique experience!
Spring in Harpers Ferry
As the temperatures start to warm up, spring is a really great time to elope! Spring is a little bit more rainy, but it offers a great balance between warm temperatures and fewer crowds. You’ll see some wildflowers on the hillsides, which makes for a great backdrop!
The Best Harpers Ferry Elopement Locations
Deciding where to tie the night is unbelievably exciting, and Harpers Ferry offers plenty of scenic spots! Here are just a few options.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
One of the best places to elope in Harpers Ferry is the National Historical Park, which has everything from historic exhibits and museums to scenic views of the river and the hills. This park offers something for everyone, with easily accessible views, and hikes for those who want a little extra adventure.
One of the most popular spots is The Point – which is the spot where the Patomac and Shenandoah rivers meet! It’s a really scenic place where you can look out and see three states (Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia), and the gorgeous water gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’re looking for a hike, check out the Maryland Heights loop, which is a 6.6 mile trail in the park that will take you along the river and up to scenic views.
Hill Top House Hotel
Set to open in 2024, the Hill Top House Hotel is going to be a gorgeous retreat that sits on the hills of Harpers Ferry. It’ll be an inredible wedding venue, but also a great place to host smaller elopements! With lookouts over Harpers Ferry, there will be plenty of space for an intimate ceremony, and the hotel will be a relaxing getaway.
A Cabin or B&B
Another idea for a Harpers Ferry elopement location is to tie the knot at a cute cabin or a historic bed & breakfast. Harpers Ferry has lots of adorable bed and breakfasts that can give you a private elopement location, many of which offer elopement packages for small ceremonies. Check out The Ledge House and the Anglers Inn for cute bed and breakfasts, or search Airbnb to find private accommodations, like cute countryside cottages and even unique tree houses!
Hiring a Harpers Ferry Elopement Photographer
You’ll spend your elopement today adventuring, marrying the love of your life, and having a blast – and it’s important that you have beautiful photos to look back on to remind you of all the magic and adventure that made your day unique!
As a Harpers Ferry elopement photographer, I’m all about authentic, honest photos that document your day as it really happened. You won’t catch me forcing you into awkward poses or staging cheesy shots, and instead, I’ll document your story and make sure that your photos reflect who you are, how you began your marriage, and how it felt to be there, marrying your best friend.
Harpers Ferry Elopement Packages
My job is to make sure you have the best elopement day ever – so my Harpers Ferry elopement packages include timeless, meaningful documentation of your day, and all the support, tips, and advice to help you plan your adventure!
To learn more about Harpers Ferry elopement packages, contact me!
Enjoy this post? Check out these!
3 Reasons to Elope in Harper’s Ferry
How to Elope in West Virginia