Virginia Beach Elopement

Are you planning your adventurous Virginia Beach elopement but have no clue where to start?? Well you’ve stumbled upon the right place my friend. From the best food to where to explore, we will dive into all the things that will make planning your Virginia Beach elopement a piece of cake.

Table of Contents

bride and groom walking down the beach after their ceremony at First Landing State park

Where is Virginia Beach?

Where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Virginia Beach is a quaint coastal city in southeast Virginia. From the exquisite culinary scene to the stunning beaches and many parks to explore, there is something here for locals and tourists alike. Virginia Beach is close by the cities Norfolk and Chesapeake and easy to get to.


Activities for your Virginia Beach Elopement

While planning your Virginia Beach elopement, you may want to do more than just sit on the beach. Here is a list of activities you can plan for the day of your elopement or later on if you’re honeymooning at your destination.

Budget Friendly Activities in Virginia Beach

Things to know before you go: You must ride a shuttle to get to the lighthouse, it runs every 15 minutes. General admission is $12 and additional $4 if you want a ticket to climb to the top of the tower.

Be sure to check this out for local seafood, fresh produce, gifts to take back home, flowers and so much more. The above link will take you to more information on the two different markets in Virginia Beach!

With 3 miles to explore, there are many great options for food and fun! Check this post out here if you want to look at some of the best restaurants on the boardwalk.

  • Go paddleboarding or kayaking

You can do a guided kayak trip here!

To get to Cape Charles, you do have to pay a $16 toll to cross the bridge but it’s a beautiful drive and worth it!

If there’s one thing I love most in this world, it’s donuts. As someone who has tried a lot of different donuts, hear me out when I say these are top contender for my favorite ones I’ve had in the state of Virginia. Do not plan your Virginia Beach elopement without adding this to your itinerary!!

black and white photo of bride and groom hugging after their first look on the boardwalk in Virginia beach
bride and groom dancing on the boardwalk in Virginia beach

Best Places to Elope in Virginia Beach

There are so many beautiful locations to choose from for your Virginia Beach Elopement. From the salty ocean, to fairy-tale like woods and awesome breweries – the options are endless. Here is a list of some of my favorite places to elope in Virginia Beach.

bride and groom walking out on the beach to their ceremony location in First Landing State Park

1. Sandbridge Beach

This is the perfect location if you’re looking for a quaint coastal getaway for your Virginia Beach elopement. If you want a laid-back and relaxed vibe for your day, then this secluded beach with pristine sand dunes will be your best bet. You can also check out False Cape State Park while you’re there. Best of all, as long as you’re doing a simple ceremony without any sort of set-up, you don’t need a wedding permit! If you want decor such as an arch or chairs, the permit is $200. You can learn more about getting a permit for your Sandbridge Beach elopement here.

2. First Landing State Park

This park has 2,888 acres of scenery and over 19 miles of trails to explore for your elopement day! With the ton of variety in this park, there are numerous places that make for beautiful backdrops. From the large cypress trees covered in Spanish moss to the Chesapeake shoreline, everything here is picturesque. As with any Virginia State Park, you will need a permit to get married here. I suggest taking some extra time to camp here – it’s truly a beautiful camp ground. There is a $7 fee to enter the park but it’s totally worth it.

3. The Mill at Fine Creek

This is not in Virginia Beach, it is in Powhattan, Virginia about 2 hours and 20 minutes from the main city. However, I had to include it because just look how absolutely stunning it is. On their website they describe their venue as “abundant natural beauty is reminiscent of Ireland’s wonders”. This all-inclusive venue offers catering, a brewery, day of coordination, guest cottages, and so much more.

4. Virginia Beach Vibe Creative District

If urban is more your style, then check out this area! There are plenty of street murals created by local artists and the tastiest food Virginia Beach has to offer.

5. Norfolk Botanical Garden

For the people wanting to get married near Virginia Beach but don’t want the ocean vibe, this is a beautiful location. 175 acres of the prettiest florals and gardens make for a great spot for your elopement.

6. Back Bay National Wildlife Refugee

With over 9,000 acres to explore, there is no shortage of beauty to be found for your Virginia Beach elopement. The park opens half an hour before sunrise and closes half an hour after sunset. To get married here, you will need to pay a cheap $35 permit fee.


What time is best for your Virginia Beach elopement?

I would recommend eloping during the Spring or Fall. While every season has its perks and downfalls, these two seasons will likely have the less crowds while still having good weather. The summer months will be hot and humid, along with the most visitors compared to other seasons making it difficult to find a private location. The winter months will have far less crowds if you’re able to bundle up a little bit. Virginia beach is very peaceful and quiet in the winter so it’s definitely worth considering for your elopement!

While you are planning your Virginia Beach elopement, try to elope during the week so that you can have more privacy and beat the weekend vacationers. Beaches and parks are more likely to be crowded on Friday – Sundays.


bride and groom running down the beach at First Landing State Park

Virginia Beach Elopement Photographer

Virginia Beach elopement photographer

Hi there! I’m Kristen – a Virginia Beach elopement photographer that would love to capture your special day! I specialize in intimate weddings and elopements in Virginia and beyond. When you book me for your Virginia Beach elopement, I will help you plan from start to finish. I thrive for creating a memorable experience for you and your love to make sure you never forget a single detail on your wedding day.

Don’t take my word for it though, read this review from a recent bride that eloped in Cape Charles, Virginia:

happy married couple popping champagne after their Virginia Beach 
elopement

“From start to finish, Kristen showed so much passion with her work. Sincerity to every text, email and calls. We didn’t just have a photographer, we gained a friend! She is genuinely kind and made us feel so comfortable, she flawlessly took away all of our awkwardness being in front of the camera. And we can’t stop looking at our gallery! It always brings us back to how special and perfect our elopement day was. Thank heavens we found her. :)” -Gail


Elopement Packages Virginia Beach

Photography Coverage:

I offer 4-8 hour coverage to best suit your adventurous Virginia Beach elopement. I know to some people, that seems like a lot of hours for an elopement. However, I truly believe that even though you’ve decided to go the more untraditional route, your day still deserves to be remembered. I want to be there for the sweet and slow getting ready moments, to the mid-day first look, all the way to last few moments of your first day as a married couple.

Help with planning and figuring out the details:

We can jump on a phone call at any point during the planning process. You’re welcome to text me anytime. I will send you recommendations for locations, vendors, and places to stay. You tell me your vision for your day, and I will do everything in my power to make it come true. I also craft a personalized timeline for your day that will keep everyone on track to not miss a thing.

Virginia Beach elopement packages start at $2,800

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