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Adventurous Blackwater Falls Elopement in West Virginia | Intimate & Scenic

  • Writer: Carly D'Angelo-Hall
    Carly D'Angelo-Hall
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read
A couple stands at the Pendleton Overlook in Blackwater Falls State Park, WV, embracing and gazing at lush green hills. She wears a white lace dress, holding flowers; he wears suspenders.


An Elopement in Wild & Wonderful West Virginia


If you're dreaming of an elopement that feels like a true escape into nature, West Virginia might just be the hidden gem you've been searching for. With its dramatic mountain landscapes, dense forests, and countless waterfalls, the Mountain State offers some of the most breathtaking backdrops for couples who want a quiet, scenic, and adventure-filled wedding day. One of the standout locations is Blackwater Falls State Park—a place where golden light filters through the trees, the sound of rushing waterfalls sets the tone, and every trail feels like your own private piece of the world.


Meet Ali & Tony: A Love Rooted in the Outdoors

This past May, I photographed an elopement for a couple who love spending time outdoors together—whether it's camping, hiking, or whitewater kayaking! West Virginia had already become a special place for them, so it felt like the perfect location to exchange their vows.

Ali and Tony began their day at the Spruce Lodge, which they rented for their family and friends to stay in during their time in West Virginia. Ali had her hair and makeup done upstairs while Tony relaxed in the downstairs space, waiting for the day to begin. Once they were both dressed and ready, Ali met Tony on the balcony overlooking the Canaan Valley, where they shared a joyful first look.



Groom in a dress shirt leans on a wooden railing, gazing at scenic hills and trees under a partly cloudy sky, evoking a contemplative mood.
Groom crouches, talking to his son on a wooden deck with a forest background. Both wear suspenders and white shirts, creating a serene mood.
Wedding dress with lace details hangs by patio doors, overlooking wooden deck. Elegant and serene setting, monochrome tones.
Bridal flatlay with shoes and jewelry on a wooden table, surrounded by flowers and lace.
Mom helps bride in white gown adjust straps in cozy room. Orange sofa, floral rug, soft lighting create a warm atmosphere.
Bride in lace dress smiles at woman in lace top, both joyful. Soft-lit room with curtains in background. Black and white photo.
Woman in a white dress gazes out a window. Red sofa with pillows in the foreground, overlooking a vast green landscape under a cloudy sky.
A woman helps another put on white heels on a wooden floor. Both wear elegant dresses. A colorful rug is partially visible.
Bride in a white dress smiles while walking on a wooden deck surrounded by green trees. Bright, sunny day with a relaxed mood.
A bride in a lace gown stands on a wooden deck facing her groom in suspenders, with a scenic, green landscape in the background.
A bride in a lace gown faces a smiling groom in suspenders on a wooden deck. Green hills and trees create a serene backdrop.
Bride in lacy gown and groom in suspenders joyfully facing each other on a wooden deck with scenic green hills in the background.
Bride in white lace gown and groom in white shirt with suspenders smiling on a wooden deck, with a scenic green landscape behind.
A couple kisses on a wooden deck. The woman wears a white lace dress, the man a white shirt with suspenders. Green hills in the background.
Bride and groom embrace on a balcony, overlooking a scenic landscape. Bride in lace dress, groom in shirt with suspenders. Romantic mood.


Ceremony at Blackwater Falls' Pendleton Overlook

Together with their loved ones, they drove to Blackwater Falls State Park’s Pendleton Overlook, where the park staff had arranged chairs for their seated guests. Ali’s dad walked her to the ceremony space, where a family friend officiated the ceremony. They exchanged rings and their first kiss as husband and wife, with an absolutely stunning view behind them! After a few photos with their son and guests, everyone else headed back to the lodge to relax while Ali and Tony ventured to another waterfall in the park.




Two men stand on a rocky overlook with lush green hills in the background. One holds a tablet, both dressed in business casual attire.
Bride in a white dress holding a bouquet walks arm-in-arm with an older man on green grass, surrounded by trees, both smiling.
A couple stands with an officiant at a wedding on a cliff overlooking a green valley, with guests seated in white chairs, under a cloudy sky.
Bride and groom stand outdoors, exchanging vows with officiant. Bride in lace dress, groom in suspenders. Lush greenery and soft light.
A bride and groom hold hands, smiling during an outdoor wedding ceremony. A man in a suit stands beside them, holding a book.
Bride and groom holding hands during a wedding ceremony, with an officiant nearby. Bride in detailed lace dress. Black-and-white photo.
Couple exchanging vows outdoors, with a man officiating. The bride wears lace; the groom, suspenders. The setting is lush and green.

A couple holds hands during a wedding ceremony outdoors, led by an officiant holding a tablet. The setting is serene and emotional.
Bride in white gown holds hands with groom in suspenders on a rocky cliff, surrounded by lush green forest, creating a romantic scene.
Bride and groom kiss at an outdoor wedding on a cliff with lush green forest. Guests sit in white chairs, capturing the moment.
A couple in wedding attire embraces on a cliffside, surrounded by seated guests in folding chairs. Lush green hills fill the background.
Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand on a scenic, forested hilltop. Guests in white shirts and suspenders applaud. Celebratory mood.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand with a child between them at an outdoor wedding. Guests seated, green forest in background, joyful mood.
Bride in white gown kisses boy on cheek, holding floral bouquet. Outdoors on rocky terrain with lush greenery in background.
A couple holds hands, viewed from behind; the woman wears a lace dress, the man has suspenders. They're in a mountainous, forested area.
A couple, holding hands, gazes at each other against a forested backdrop. The woman wears a lace dress, smiling warmly. Black and white.
Bride in lace dress holding bouquet, gazing at groom in suspenders. Standing on rocky cliff with lush green valley backdrop, overcast sky.
Bride and groom kiss on cliff edge, surrounded by lush greenery. She holds a bouquet of flowers, wearing a lace dress. Romantic atmosphere.
Bride in a lace gown holds a bouquet, laughing with the groom on a rocky overlook. Green forested valley under a cloudy sky.
Couple embraces outdoors; the woman holds a bouquet with orange and white flowers. Both smile softly against a lush green backdrop.
A couple embraces on a mountainside, smiling at each other. The woman holds a bouquet of colorful flowers. Both are in white attire.
Bride in lace gown holds bouquet, standing on rocky cliff with lush green forest backdrop, gazing into distance under cloudy sky.
Bride in lace dress smiling, holding bouquet of colorful flowers, with a lush green valley in the background under a cloudy sky.
Person sitting on rocky cliff overlooking lush green canyon under cloudy sky, wearing white shirt and brown suspenders, peaceful mood.
Smiling man climbs a rocky path in a forested valley. He's wearing a white shirt, brown pants, and suspenders. Lush green trees surround him.
A person lifts another joyfully on a rocky cliff, overlooking a vast, lush green valley under a cloudy sky.
Couple embraces, smiling on a rocky cliff with lush green hills in the background. Woman in a white dress, man in brown pants. Romantic setting.
Smiling groom carries bride in lace dress on a rocky cliff with lush green hills in the background. Happiness and romance abound.
Man carries woman in a lacy white dress on a rocky hilltop. She smiles, touching his face. Green forest and hills in the background. Romantic mood.

A smiling couple walks outdoors; the man holds a bouquet, and the woman carries shoes. They're on a rocky path with a lush green background.



Private Vow Reading at Elakala Falls

The new Mr. and Mrs. Raco hadn’t fully tied the knot during the ceremony—instead, they chose to privately exchange vows they had written for one another. Their videographer and I documented this intimate moment from a distance as they sat together on a mossy rock with Elakala Falls behind them. Afterward, they popped a bottle of bubbly, and the celebrations could officially begin!




A bride in a white dress steps out of a van, assisted by a man in brown pants. They're outdoors, surrounded by greenery.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand through a dense forest. Tall trees surround them, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
Couple dances joyfully on a wooden bridge in a forest, surrounded by lush greenery. The man holds a bottle, and the woman wears a long dress.
A couple holding hands on a wooden bridge in a forest. The bride wears a white dress; the groom holds a bottle. Peaceful, natural setting.
Bride and groom embrace on a wooden bridge in a forest setting, holding a bottle. The mood is romantic and serene.
Couple holding hands walks on a wooden bridge in lush forest. The woman wears a white gown; the man, suspenders. Serene and joyful mood.
Couple walking up a forest trail, woman in wedding dress, man in suspenders. The lush green setting conveys a serene, romantic mood.
A couple sits on rocks by a waterfall; the woman looks at her phone, both are smiling. They're surrounded by lush greenery.
Bride and groom sit on rocks, reading vows by a waterfall. The bride smiles, wearing a white dress, groom in suspenders. Serene setting.
Bride and groom sit on rocks near a waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and a wooden bridge above, sharing a peaceful moment together.
Couple sitting by a waterfall; woman laughing, showing arm tattoo. Man reads from a notebook; wearing suspenders. Nature background.
A couple sits by a waterfall, smiling. The man in suspenders holds a book, while the woman in a white dress laughs. Natural setting.
A couple sits on rocks by a waterfall. The woman smiles in a white dress, the man wipes a tear, holding a black book. Serene setting.
A couple sits on rocks by a waterfall. The woman wears a white dress, and the man reads from a book. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.
A couple in formal attire stand on rocks by a waterfall, celebrating with a bottle. The forest setting adds to the joyful atmosphere.
A couple joyfully sprays champagne near a cascading waterfall, standing on rocks. The bride is in a white dress, and the groom wears suspenders.
Bride in a white dress and groom in suspenders by a waterfall. Groom drinks from a bottle, bride smiles. Rocky, natural setting.
Woman in a white dress drinks from a bottle near a waterfall. Man in suspenders stands on rocks. Natural setting with mossy stones.
Couple kissing by a waterfall, holding a champagne bottle. She wears a white dress, he wears suspenders. Lush green surroundings. Romantic mood.
Couple smiles by a waterfall; woman in a lace dress, man in white shirt with suspenders holding a bottle. Joyful, natural setting.
A couple celebrates near a waterfall; the man lifts the woman in a white dress as she joyfully raises her arms. Mossy rocks and water create a serene backdrop.
Couple embraces by a waterfall; the woman in a white dress is lifted by the man in brown pants. A champagne bottle rests on the rocks.

Couple in wedding attire crosses mossy rocks by a waterfall; groom holds a champagne bottle, creating a romantic, adventurous mood.
Two dark vow books labeled "His" and "Her" with rings on top, set on stone near ferns and water. Rustic, romantic setting.
A couple in wedding attire shares a joyful moment against a rustic stone wall, surrounded by greenery. The bride is smiling warmly.
A couple kisses near a large rock. The woman wears a white lace dress; the man wears a white shirt and suspenders. Lush greenery around.


Dinner Celebration at Spruce Lodge

Ali and Tony returned to Spruce Lodge, where their friends and family were waiting. They had hired a team of private chefs to prepare dinner, allowing their guests to relax and enjoy the evening. After a toast on the balcony, everyone sat down to a steak dinner. At the end of the meal, a fire was lit in the backyard, and the newlyweds shared their first dance by firelight—just as a light rain began to fall. But it didn’t dampen the mood one bit. In fact, we used it to our advantage, capturing some stunning photos in front of their camper van’s headlights to close out the night on a high note.



A joyful couple dances in a cozy room with wooden stairs. The woman in a white dress smiles, the man wears suspenders, and snacks are on a counter.
Man pouring drink into a cup on a wooden deck, with a woman in a white dress. Others in background. Forest setting. Relaxed mood.
A group of people on a wooden deck, celebrating with champagne. A man pours drinks while others cheer and chat, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Group of people laughing on a wooden deck amid greenery. Diverse clothing styles, joyful mood, scenic view in the background.
Group of people on a wooden deck toasting with drinks, surrounded by trees. Variety of colorful attire, joyful mood, bottles on table.
Overlooking a lush green valley with trees in foreground, rolling hills in the distance, and a cloudy sky above, conveying tranquility.
A couple embraces by a large campfire at night. The woman wears a detailed lace dress. The scene is warm and intimate.
Smiling couple embraces in evening light, she in a lace dress with tattoos, him in a shirt with suspenders. Warm, intimate mood.
A couple embraces by a campfire at night, surrounded by guests under umbrellas. The scene is warm, with a flickering fire and a dark backdrop.
Couple dances joyfully in the rain in front of an open van, lit by overhead light. The scene is in black and white, creating a romantic mood.
A couple dances in the rain by an open van at night. The woman in a wedding dress, and the man in a shirt, create a romantic, illuminated scene.
Couple kissing passionately in the rain, backlit by car headlights at night, creating a romantic silhouette with raindrops sparkling around.


I’m so happy to have been a part of their wedding adventure and wish them all the best on their journey through life together. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Raco!


Elopement Vendors

Photography: Wild North Weddings

Videography: Canid Creative

Hair & Makeup: Almost Heaven Salon

Florist: Fleurish Flower Shop

Accommodations: Spruce Lodge

Ceremony & Portraits: Blackwaterfalls State Park, West Virginia



Ready to begin planning your Adventure Wedding?


US and European Destination Elopement Photographer, Carly D'Angelo-Hall from Wild North Weddings

I'm Carly, a destination wedding and elopement photographer + planning guide who's documented weddings from Hawaii to Scotland. My top priority on elopement days is to help you create an experience, not just deliver great photos. I want to tell your wedding story, share the emotions you felt that day and the fun you shared together, and provide you with memories that you'll love forever. And in addition to photography, I'll also provide:


✓  Location Scouting & Research

✓  Vendor Recommendations

✓  Customized Timeline Building

✓  Activity Recommendations

✓  Assistance with Permits

✓  An exclusive elopement planning guide


If you're ready to take the first step towards your best day ever, fill out the contact form on my site! We'll talk about all of the possibilities, ease your mind of any hesitations you may still have about eloping, and get planning!



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