When William Shakespeare wrote, “To be or not to be. That is the question” in his famous play, Hamlet, he really meant, “Sunrise or sunset elopement. That is the question.” I mean, if it is important enough that Shakespeare is asking it, then I think that it is a topic that needs to be talked about! Am I right?!

All jokes aside, this is something that I am questioned about the most as an elopement photographer based in Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

Because of this, I have put together everything you need to know before choosing the time of your elopement in the park.

Shenandoah National Park: Sunrise or Sunset Elopement — Sunrise Elopement in Shenandoah National Park

WHY A SUNRISE AND SUNSET ELOPEMENT?

THREE REASONS TO PLAN
A SUNRISE OR SUNSET ELOPEMENT

ONE | LIGHTING

Golden hour refers to, “the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, during which daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky.”

This time of day allows us, photographers, to capture you in the dreamy light.

TWO | CROWD CONTROL

Have you ever been to a National Park during lunchtime? HOLY MOLY. Expect the area to resemble little ant hills.

Although sunset is busier than sunrise, the crowding will be much less significant than in the “daytime” hours.

THREE | INTENTIONS

There is nothing better than starting your day by saying, “I Do.” I can also promise you that you can’t ask for anything more romantic than ending the day wrapped in the arms of your significant other after agreeing to spend eternity together.

Sunset Elopement in Shenandoah National Park

All that being said - you might be banking on some glorious orange, glowing light from the sunrise or the sunset, but you might hit some clouds or rain - so please plan around the actual time of day that makes you happiest, rather than around the light itself.

SUNRISE ELOPEMENTS

The first thing to note about sunrise in Shenandoah National Park is that it is almost ALWAYS less busy than a sunset — especially in the fall. In fact, if you are looking to get married in the months of September, October, or November, I highly recommend eloping at sunrise.

The nice part about sunrise is that after your elopement, you have the whole rest of the day. You aren’t racing to “beat the light”. If you get to the top of the mountain a little later than you wanted, it is completely fine! You basically have 12ish hours left of it.

Obviously, it is early. So, if you aren’t staying nearby then you need to make sure that you make the needed accommodations to be there on time. You can either get an Airbnb right outside the Park or stay on Skyline Drive. They have lodges, rooms, and small cabins. Rustic, but definitely fit the vibe.

The road through Shenandoah National Park is 35 mph. It takes a bit to get to trailheads so you also need to take that into consideration if you’re staying off the Park.

Something else to consider for sunrise is that it can be pretty chilly — especially in the Fall and Winter months. But that’s a blessing in the Summer months!

SUNRISE ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION

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SUNSET elopement

If getting up early just isn’t your jam, I can’t blame you! Luckily, sunset elopements are a glorious thing that makes for the most romantic wedding.

Unlike sunrise elopements, you can do whatever you want before your sunset elopement. Whether it is spending your day hiking throughout the park or meeting your family and friends for lunch, getting ready together at your cabin, the possibilities are endless.

The first part of your hike (getting to your location) is all done while it is light outside so you don’t have to worry about trying to find the trailhead when it is dark outside.

Sunset is a warm type of light and it seems to “glow” more than sunrise. This light creates the most romantic backdrop as you say your vows or pop open a bottle of champagne. Simply put, it is more fun while sunrise is more peaceful and calm.

As I mentioned earlier, sunset can be busier so you need to take that into consideration.