Another couple chose a breathtaking natural setting for their fun filled engagement photo session. This time the tallest park in the state park system was the backdrop to their love, Grayson Highlands State Park. 

These mountains are rugged, offer incredible views and wild ponies to boot. These are just a couple reasons this park is top of the list for many park goers and lovebirds.

ABOUT

Grayson Highlands State Park is near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia's two highest mountains, Grayson Highlands offers scenic views of alpine-like peaks more than 5,000 feet high. The park is well known for its mountain and music festivals.

Please note that the season may be shorter to host photo sessions and weddings at this park due to its high elevation and less predictable inclement weather.

LOCATION

The Park is on U.S. 58 midway between Independence and Damascus and is reached from I-81 at Exit 45 in Marion. Drive times: Northern Va., 6.5 hours; Richmond, 5.5 hours; Tidewater, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, 7.5 hours; Roanoke, 2.5 hours; Winston-Salem, 1.5 hours; Charlotte, 1.5 hours; Raleigh, 4 hours. Its address is: 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA. Click here for a Google map.

FACILITIES

There are various locations throughout the park that are amazing for small intimate weddings, or bring all of the family and friends, and make it a huge celebration. 

Two Examples of super scenic locations:

Buzzard Rock Overlook is ideal for those wanting a small, intimate ceremony. The vista is breathtaking, offering a 180-degree view of the mountain range, and the farming town Rugby. The observation deck itself holds up to eight, but seating for as many as 50 can be arranged along the walkway.

The largest weddings in the park are usually held in the Homestead area. It has a picturesque green field that gently slopes to a cool mountain stream. Two historical log cabins offer focal points for your ceremony or decorations, the surrounding hardwood forest is a beautiful backdrop in summer or fall, and a rustic barn shelter seating up to 100 is perfect for receptions. 

Learn more about weddings and photo locations at this lovely Virginia State Park. Be sure to call the park to see what is required to shoot engagement photos: 276-579-7092...and everything and everything is gonna be good.

See a compilation of photos from this

Ruggedly romantic setting in the slideshow below:

All photos courtesy of Rivkah | Fine Art Photographing 

See more of her beautiful photos here.

#THINKOUTSIDE

Editor's note: In this series we share various wedding and engagement venues at Virginia State Parks from amazing photographers. Click the links throughout the article to learn more about the venue, we would love to help make your dreams come true. Here is our Pinterest board for park weddings. Previously in this series:

1. Stunning Wedding Venue along the Shores of the Rappahannock River
2. An Authentic Mountain Wedding Venue
3. Photo Opportunities Abound at this Virginia Beach Wedding Venue
4. Happily Ever After is Proclaimed at this Wedding Spot
5. A Fall Fairy Tale Wedding
6. A Story Book Wedding in the Formal Gardens
7. A Whimsical Woodsy Wedding
8. Falling in Love is Forever at this Wedding Venue
9. Love Shines in this Special Place
10. Celebrating Love: Engagement Photo Shoot at Sky Meadows State Park
11. A Waterfront Wedding in Central Virginia Makes Our Hearts Swoon
12. Tie The Knot Where Eagles Soar
13. Shout it from the Highest Mountain: We're Engaged!
14. Love has its Perfect Way at this Pocahontas State Park Wedding Venue

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance for venues are also available weekdays (some with discounts in place). Just call the Reservation Center to help pick the perfect park and venue for your magical day, 800-933-7275. 

Lodges, halls, picnic shelters and cabins host guests, and are frequently occupied, so you won't be able to have a walk-through at any state park venue without an appointment, call the park to make arrangements at 276-579-7092.