Virginia is such a rich state with jaw-dropping backdrops of every flavor. From our charming cities to the rolling countryside, we have just the place that will elevate your engagement pictures. If you really feel like getting up close and personal with nature, however, to the mountains you must go! As a Virginia wedding photographer and videographer, I am lucky enough to travel all across the state helping people tell the next chapter of their love story. If you are looking for the best spot to take mountain engagement photos in Virginia, here is my comprehensive list of the very best spots!
Disclaimer: The photos in this blog are from various spots I personally have taken photos around Virginia like Ravens Roost, Charlottesville, and Smith Mountain Lake, but I truly adore every view mentioned even if I have not taken a couple there yet! Also always practice leave no trace in every location you visit and be diligent about reading your drone laws in these national parks!
Let’s Celebrate Your Love With Epic Mountain Engagement Photos In Virginia
This is a comprehensive list of all my favorite locations for your engagement session with mountain views throughout the state of Virginia! From engagement sessions to maternity sessions these are all spots I know will make an amazing background, all with fees usually under $100 or free! Click one of the links below to find a spot local to you or read through the whole list to discover somewhere new to visit.
- Mountain Engagement Photo Views in Shenandoah Valley
- Mountain Engagement Photo Views Along the Blue Ridge
- Mountain Engagement Photo Views in Central Virginia
Mountain Engagement Photo Views in Shenandoah Valley
As someone who has been raised in the Virginia mountains my whole life and travel across the United States, I am reminded of the pure luck I have to drive through our beautiful state every month to many of these listed locations. Even more special is the opportunity to live and explore these mountains constantly coming up with new places to check out. So just know this list is constantly growing and while there may not be photos of every lcoation, it just means that special location has been waiting for the perfect fit. Click the links on each name to get more information on the listed Virginia mountain engagement session locations!
Stony Man
Page County, Virginia 22835
If you don’t mind a little hike, let me tell you why Stony Man needs to be at the top of your list! Located in the midst of the Shenandoah National Park, this place looks positively ethereal, especially as the sun starts to rise and a dense fog settles in on the surrounding hills. When you catch it at the right time, you’ll look almost as though you’re suspended in the air! When it comes to the actual hike, it’s not that bad. You can expect to travel around 1.5 miles with a total elevation gain of 321 feet. Because it belongs to the NPS, they only require an entry fee for your session.
Blackrock Summit
Luray, Virginia 22837
Blackrock Summit is a hike in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park that doesn’t make you work too hard for amazing mountain engagement photos! The trail is a loop that covers a little over a mile with about 183 feet of elevation gain. The best part about it? It’s pet-friendly, so you can bring along your pup as long as they’re on leash. Because the hike is so short yet so beautiful, it tends to be a popular one for both locals and tourists. My advice? Get there early in the morning. You’ll skip out on the majority of the crowds, plus you’ll get the magic of a Shenandoah sunrise! The summit will only require the NPS entry fee to access it.
Crescent Rock
Luray, Virginia 22835
Crescent Rock is in the midst of the Appalachian Trail along mile marker 44.4 on Skyline Drive. While I love this Virginia engagement photos spot at all times, it’s especially wonderful around the golden hour. Trust me, you have not lived until you’ve seen the sun setting on this magical slice of land! The area welcomes dogs on leashes, and they have a few hiking options that let you choose your level of adventure. Even if you don’t want to lace up those hiking shoes, you’ll still have some pretty immaculate views! In order to access the drive, you will need to pay the NPS entry fee.
Jewell Hollow Overlook
Luray, Virginia 22835
If you continue down Skyline Drive for another few miles, you will land at Jewel Howell Overlook at mile marker 36.4. I adore this area because it feels just like you are stepping into a brand new world. You can travel across the grassy knolls, climb up the rocks, and step into a beautiful mountain vista. I always encourage my clients to check out the woods. The verdant forest features thin trails and a fairy tale-esque cottage guaranteed to elevate your portraits! This area is best from spring through autumn, depending on what you want the foliage to look like. You will need to pay the NPS entry fee to access it.
Marys Rock Summit
Page County, Virginia
Marys Rock Summit is a legendary spot that has been at the heart of folk stories and bluegrass songs. Just be warned that the hike is moderately difficult. You will face a 3.7-mile loop that takes you up over 1200 feet. If you are ready for a workout, however, you are going to be rewarded with some unforgettable views! The summit itself gives you a rocky landing with miles upon miles of the Shenandoah Valley stretching out in front of you. Back at the base of the mountains, you can check out Marys Rock Tunnel, a 670-foot-long tunnel that now houses a strip of Skyline Drive. You don’t need to pay an entrance fee to use Marys Rock Summit, but you will need to pay the NPS fee to access Skyline.
Big Meadows
Skyline Drive, Stanley, Virginia 22851
If wildflowers are your thing, you need to put Big Meadows at the top of your list! Located in Shenandoah National Park, this is the best spot to check out various wildflowers from March through October. Throughout spring and summer, you’ll find bluets and Quaker ladies blooming along the trail. Once May rolls along, you’ll see bright pink azaleas, and white mountain laurels start to show off throughout June. The NPS website has a full list of all the flowers and the seasons, so you can plan your session based on the flowers you will want for your backdrop. To shoot here, you will just need to pay the entry fee through the NPS.
Blackrock Summit
Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Grottoes, Virginia 24441
Blackrock Summit is located inside the Shenandoah National Park in the South District. I always love this one because it delivers exceptional views with a mile-long circuit hike marked at the easiest level of difficulty. Because it is a NPS, you will need to pay the entry fee to access it but will not need a photo permit beyond that. It’s pet-friendly as long as your pup is on a leash. It’s most beautiful from mid-spring through late-fall.
Mountain Engagement Photo Views Along the Blue Ridge
If the views from the above locations speak to you, but the paired hiking does not fit your vision. No need to stress because there are a number of gorgeous location right along the blue ridge parkway or not far off the path that often require no hiking! Many of these location may not be well known to the general public or vary by their availability based on the specific season, so just always have an open mind when selecting your location and trust your photographer to always lead you on the right path!
Ravens Roost Overlook
Blue Rdg Pkwy, Lyndhurst, Virginia 22952
When I talk to some Virginia couples about planning engagement photos in the mountains, one of the most common things I hear is “what if we really don’t want to hike?” If you want beautiful portraits without the killer calf workout, Ravens Roost is the spot for you. Literally, you can just roll up, park your car, and get some pictures in front of the stone railing with both Torrey Ridge and the Shenandoah right behind you. There’s not even an entry fee! In addition to the lookout, I have gone out on some of the crags right off the overlook so my clients could get a little more “in” the mountains.
Peaks of Otter
Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford, Virginia 24523
I love Peaks of Otter because it gives you some pretty exceptional mountain views without giving you the heart-stopping elevation! During the spring, you’ll see lush green grass and waterfowl gliding across the lake. Once autumn hits, the mountains in the background transform to fiery shades. There is a nearby hike up Sharp Top Mountain if you’re feeling adventurous, or you could just take a stroll over the bridge and admire the calm waters. This site is incredible year-round, but it does fill up throughout the weekends. There is no entry fee to access the park.
Back Creek Overlook
Roanoke River Parkway Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014
Just right off the blue ridge parkway you can find a parking spot with a gorgeous view, but what many do not know is that right across the road up a tiny hill is the most gorgeous field with 360 mountain views! This location is available almost year round unless the parkways is closed to access and changes every season to show off the stunning vibrant colors of a Virginia Fall, Summer, or Spring. This location is the perfect fit for a couple who wants minimal walking while still seeing mountains and especially good for couples with kids because there is a ton of space to run around. Additionally if you are someone who wants florals, props, or a special picnic setup for you photos this is an easy access spot with no time limits or need to rush out of peoples way!
Humpback Rocks
Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 5.8, Lyndhurst, Virginia 22952
The views at Humpback Rocks make this Virginia mountains spot an engagement photographer’s favorite. Located just outside of Charlottesville, this outcropping gives you a way to get out and stand on top of the mountains with your beloved. The land is public with no photo or entry fees to access it. There are a few things, however, to note before you choose this location. The hike is pretty short (0.8 miles, to be exact), but it is incredibly steep and rocky, making it a bad choice for inexperienced hikers. Additionally, both locals and tourists flock to this space to take in the views, so you might have to deal with onlookers, especially if you book your pictures on a weekend or during the summer. If you can get past this, however, the views are pretty spectacular!
Cahas Mountain
Floyd County, Virginia
Cahas Mountain is a legendary spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a peak that stands out from the rest. To show it off throughout your session, you can use one of the many open fields across Franklin County. The Cahas Knob Overlook at Milepost 139 tends to be a good option! The mountain is verdant during the warmer seasons, but it still stuns during the colder months. There is no fee for photography at this location.
Sharp Top Trail
Sheep Creek Rd, Bedford, Virginia 24523
Sharp Top Trail is a fabulous option for couples ready for a challenge! The hike starts out with a rapid and steep 1.5-mile ascent that will have your calves burning. Once you reach the top, however, get ready for some of the best mountain views around! As with most of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this trail shines brightest during the warmer seasons. It’s on public land, so there are no access fees to have your session here.
Carvins Cove
9644 Reservoir Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019
Carvins Cove may be half way down the list, but do not let that fool you as this is quite possibly a top location pick of mine for any type of session! The water and mountain views at this location are unmatched and I have not yet seen another location with this view. If you are extra lucky this secluded location also showcases a stunning rock pier that is every couples favorite. Additionally this location you can kayak or paddle board for a fun addition to your photos, but note that no swimming is allowed at the time of this post and it does require a small fee to access!
McAfee Knob
Catawba Valley Drive, Catawba, Virginia 24070
McAfee Knob is considered one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, and truly, it’s no wonder why. To stand up here is to be suspended in the air, the mountains rolling beneath your feet. I highly suggest checking it out either throughout spring or autumn when their leaves are at their best. Because it is so popular, it’s best to plan your engagement photos for a weekday to beat the Virginia mountain crowds. Also, bring some comfy shoes! You will need to hike about four hours just to reach the top, and you’ll face about 1,700 feet of elevation.
Buffalo Mountain
890 Moles Rd SW, Willis, VA 24380
One of the very first hikes I ever took was up to the top of Buffalo Mountain and while it ended after just 1 mile, it left me hooked for life. The views from this hike are unforgettable and perfect in every season, one of my favorites being winter as the snow starts to fall. This location while quite off the beaten path and often requiring at least all wheel drive to arrive does have ample parking and tends to not be overly busy for photo traffic. The trail is usually well maintained, except directly after rain storms and has lots of spots to check out throughout the hike, but is best at sunrise or sunset at the very top since there is limited shade opportunities!
Saddle Overlook
Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 168, Floyd, Virginia 24091
Saddle Overlook is one of the best engagement photo spots to catch both mountain views and Virginia wildlife! Operated by the Department of Wildlife Resources, this location is completely free to access at any time of day. In order to get to the best sites, you will follow a short, easy-to-navigate trail that will put you 3,388 feet above sea level. Don’t worry; most of that ascent will be spent in your car! This area can be used nearly all year long, but I tend to love it most when the leaves are out. During the warmer seasons, you’ll see just why they’re called the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Mountain Engagement Photo Views in Central Virginia
Smith Mountain Lake
Bedford County, Virginia
If you want some of the best views of the water in Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is your spot for engagement photos! This area is a little less rustic than the rest, but it’s just as beautiful. Wooden piers take you over the water while grassy trails are shaded by mature trees. While you are at this picturesque location, you can sit down on the dock and dangle your feet in the water while taking in the sunset. Afterwards, head over to the beach where you can walk across the sand side-by-side. There’s even a charming wooden bridge that feels as though it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a storybook. Most of the park is free to access, but the beach will require a small fee to access.
Natural Bridge State Park
6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, Virginia 24578
Natural Bridge State Park is conveniently located right between Roanoke and Harrisonburg. This area has so much to offer, from its dense forests to its climbable rocks. The real star of the show, of course, is the namesake bridge located over 200 feet in the air. You can get pictures angled in front of the stone structure so you can show it off in all its glory! While you are in the area, you can check out the adorable 1926 Caboose rental. Even if you don’t stay here for a night, it’s a unique backdrop throughout your pics! To access the park, you will need to pay a small state park entrance fee.
Cole Mountain
Lexington, Virginia
If you are the type of Virginia couple always up for a challenge, I think Cole Mountain might just be a fantastic option for engagement photos! This summit is located in the Lexington part of the Appalachian Trail within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. While you definitely don’t have to hike the entire thing, this spot has over 6 miles of trail with elevation taking you up over 1300 feet. The majority of the trail is wooded, but you will stumble upon a large, sun-filled meadow as well as several rocky overviews where you can share a kiss in the heart of the mountains! The area does not require any fees or permits for your session.
Grayson Highlands State Park
829n Grayson Highland Ln, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363
While Grayson Highlands State Park might be pretty far away from the rest of the attractions in Virginia, it’s very much worth the drive for engagement photos. In order to get into the state park, they require a $10 fee. From there, you will be able to explore the grounds and take photos as much as you’d like. This park doesn’t see the big tourist crowds that you might find at Shenandoah, so you can plan your session at any hour of the day. It’s also pretty gorgeous year-round with lush green trees during the spring, as well as vibrant leaves throughout fall. By the way, there’s a good chance you’ll meet some wild ponies during your time here!
Great Falls Park
9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102
Great Falls Park is one of the smaller National Parks, but it still delivers quite the view! The park straddles 800 acres and is a short 15-mile drive from DC. The star of the show is the Potomac with cascades of waterfalls all across the land. There are rocky overlooks as well as wooden bridges and balconies where you can get the rushing water behind you. In order to use this location for your pics, you will need to pay an NPS entry fee. I would also suggest checking the location ahead of your shoot. During the rainiest seasons, the land is prone to flooding, forcing some last-minute changes.
You Will Absolutely Love Your Mountain Engagement Photos In Virginia At These Truly Magical Spots
If you have been considering booking mountain engagement photos in Virginia, I really hope this list helps you out! Now you just need the right photographer to document this moment. I can help with that, too. I am a Virginia wedding photographer and videographer, and I love working with my clients to make sure they can remember every last second of their celebration. If you want to find out if my style matches yours, let’s chat! Send me a message today to find out more!
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