This location is perfect for a romantic wind blown experience. Situated on Salt Pond Mountain this summit sits roughly 4,361 ft. above sea level. It looks out over the scenic New River Valley with ridges rolling through all the way to West Virginia. The trail head is located at the iconic Mountain Lake Lodge which is the hotel and cabins where the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. The mountain is West facing making it a great place to watch the sunset and stargaze! Maybe this post will inspire you to have your own Bald Knob elopement. This post will break down everything you need to know.

How do you get married there?

You must obtain a Virginia marriage license (no waiting period) from any Virginia Circuit Court clerk, valid for 60 days and cost $30. Find out more about the requirements for the state of Virginia below. Then you must find and hire an authorized officiant. Virginia does require a pastor/preacher or court appointed officiant for a legal marriage. Make sure they are aware of the hike to the top of Bald Knob. Plan for a small, Leave No Trace-compliant ceremony, as it is a public scenic overlook within the Jefferson National Forest.

When is the best time to visit

Because the hike to get to the top of Bald Knob is a mile long fire road and the mountain is West facing you can see the sun go down behind the mountainscape it can be pretty busy around sunset hours. It is also much busier in the summer through the fall but is pretty busy year round due to the easy nature of the hike. If you planned a Sunset elopement here you would find a lot more privacy.

How to get there

I will tell you now that the drive up is very curvy and steep. In the winter months you may need to check access and require 4 wheel drive. You will park in the parking lot for the outfitters directly before you get to the mountain lake lodge building. There is no fee for parking but the lot can fill up so get there early. One more thing of note is that the temperature is at least 10 degrees cooler at the top of the mountain than it is down in the surrounding cities.

How long is the road

The hike itself is .9 miles in length and takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to get to the top. It is a fire road but is also pretty steep especially when you are walking. There is a cell tower at the top of the mountain so you will have great service on top but you will lose it for a while on the drive back down. When you get to the top you will have to navigate through some brush to access the rock outcroppings. There are some wide crevices you may need to jump over to navigate. There are almost 360 degree views with rock outcroppings around the top of the mountain.

How much does it cost to get married there?

A Bald Knob elopement requires a $150 special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service for the ceremony, as it is located within the Jefferson National Forest. This permit allows for small groups, with strict limitations on site usage to protect the environment. The permit is $150 ($75 application + $75 administrative fee) and is required for special events like weddings, often limited to small groups. The area is undeveloped, so you must plan for transporting guests, setting up, and cleaning up, as no services are provided. While it is a fire road only emergency services have access to use their vehicles on this road.

Where to stay?

For a more traditional, full-service venue, Mountain Lake Lodge has lodging, this is where you park to get to the trailhead. They offer ceremonies with starting fees at $3,000–$5,000. This Lodge is also the iconic location where the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. The grounds are beautiful and there are several places along the way that would be perfect for an elopement. Check out a beautiful Mountain Lake Lodge elopement below. You can find plenty of lodging in the surrounding area as well such as; Blacksburg, Giles, Christiansburg and Pembroke.

Are dogs allowed?

Pets are allowed on the hike but do need to be kept on a leash at all times. There are rocky areas and the hike is steep so be sure they are prepared for a moderate hike. Bring them at least a bottle of water. Also, make sure that you have bags to clean up any mess they make to follow all Leave No Trace Principles.

Best spots for wedding

If you want a more secluded spot for a Bald Knob elopement there is an option to go off to the right, while the view isn’t as great it is more private and still really pretty. The other option is to try and get up there for sunrise so you can use the rocks to the left. There are wide open spaces on that side with drop dead views but a lot less privacy. There is also the big rock that everyone photographs at but this is the busiest spot on the whole Knob. You have to pass this area no matter which way you come from.

Mike and Tammra Hellemn’s Love Story

The Cutest Little Chapel

Mike and Tammra wanted to have the best of both worlds. They live in Florida but were drawn to the area. Getting married in a chapel by a pastor was very important to them so we found the cutest little chapel buried deep in the blue ridge mountains. The pastor and his wife were so helpful and welcoming!

The Bald Knob Elopement Story

We left the church to head to the Bald Knob elopement portion of the day. We had a casual walk to the top and really got to get to know each other. I love how adventurous their life in Florida sounds. They hiked up in full wedding gear easily. We got to the top and went to the left to really take advantage of the boulders. We didn’t actually see anyone else while we were up there as it was a weekday and in the middle of the day. Tammra was a little scared of the deep crevices and jumping across them but she handled it like a boss with the love and support of her new husband.

Perfect ending to the day

Then we decided to take a stroll around the grounds of Mountain Lake Lodge. We got to see the places outside where Dirty Dancing was filmed and wandered upon a beautiful white gazebo. This is overlooking where the pond used to be and is now a wildlife trail. It’s a long story but the lake was a natural lake, not man-made. There was a hole in the bottom of the lake that opened up and all the water drained out. This happened twice so they just didn’t refill it again.

Why this location is awesome and who is it best for

This location is super unique in that it has a famous base in Mountain Lake Lodge. There aren’t many people that can say they have never heard of the movie Dirty Dancing. Just standing on the same property as the cast feels pretty awesome. The knob itself is also so unique as it’s one of the only places in the state where you can hike less than a mile to a 360 degree view with a west facing mountain. A Bald Knob elopement can be so personal and romantic!

How am i the best option and how i will plan your day

My mission is to help you feel seen, heard and like you truly belong and are celebrated for showing up as you are. I strive to create a space where you can feel safe and secure. So you can be comfortable as your true selves. This will ensure the images authentically capture your emotions in a natural manner.

I am a Virginia Based Adventure Elopement Photographer. I know this whole state like the back of my hand being born and raised here. This location happens to be in my current backyard basically and I have been there so many times. I can expertly guide you through all the steps to elope here and come up with fresh new ideas for how to make the day your own and add on little side quests as well. I can plan a truly epic day for you with this location on the itinerary.

What makes me different from others?

A Virginia born native

While I have lived in Virginia most of my life and in several different areas throughout the state.  I am the perfect person to be your Virginia elopement guide. I am well versed in the areas as I have been exploring them my whole life. I am well versed on the quickly changing weather patterns of the state. Also, how different regions, elevations, and moon cycles affect the weather, tides and skies. I am familiar with the wildlife in our region and how to keep you safe out in the wilderness!

A true empath

Being an empath gives me the unique ability to feel what other people are feeling. I know that no matter how comfortable you are with your spouse and photographer, sometimes it can be hard to voice what you are feeling in the moment, especially if you don’t want to mess up the good vibes of the day. That is where I come in, picking up on how you feel throughout the day and using that to redirect the day as needed.

For instance, we have been walking for awhile and the temperature continues to rise, we keep passing people who keep stopping to congratulate you… I can sense that you are getting overstimulated and need a moment. So I direct us to a private spot and step away to give you two a private moment alone together and time to have a snack, take a breath and get away from people on the trail, the mood is saved. There are many instances where this really comes in handy as I am great at detecting the subtle changes in mood and anticipating the needs of others.

The ultimate single mom

Being a single mom for the last 21 years. I have had to be the ultimate multitasker, keeping all the plates in the air at the same time. While I have managed several schedules at the same time and at times had to be in multiple places at once while still paying attention to all the things. I have had to wear all the hats which really helped me in running an elopement photography business where I also wear all the hats. This assures I don’t get stressed out over things not working out and I work really well under pressure. I will remain calm and offer up some solutions to any problems that may arise.

My Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

My OCD which I have done much therapy to be in a healthy place from and don’t take lightly. I have learned to use those traits to benefit my life and improve it instead of holding me back. My disorder makes me expressly good at planning and paying attention to all the little details. I tend to overthink which makes me great at playing out all the scenarios and having a million back up plans in the back of mind at all times.

While this does make me sound rigid and strict I can assure you that I have had to loosen my grip on that from being a single mom where I really have to go with the flow. I am adaptable to the plan and that is why having a million back up plans is so helpful. Paying attention to all the details really comes in handy during the planning, actual shooting and posing, culling and editing. While it may take a little bit longer to get your images back I promise it’s worth it after I have gone over every little detail.

I am a nomad/gypsy at heart

I get claustrophobic if I have to stay in one place too long. My heart yearns to be on the open road, travelling, and exploring new places. I get away as often as I can whether it be for work or my job. I do have a type A personality so I plan all these trips extensively even down to the unique food places in the area. I have been planning these trips for the past 25 years.

This gives me so much expertise and has made me the best travel advisor ever. Oddly enough this is one of my favorite things to do… planning trips and experiences that mean something. This naturally extends into my job as an adventure elopement photographer. When I say I will also be your wedding planner, I mean it plus I am so good at it.

So what is next?

If this sounds like your jam just fill out the inquiry form below so we can get started planning your specialized elopement. After I receive your inquiry I will be reaching out to set up a consultation call so we can make a customized elopement package to get you exactly what you need and want. I can’t wait to get to know you!

Bald Knob Elopement Packages

If you are looking for a very knowledgeable expert elopement photographer to plan your customized elopement at this beautiful bald knob location I am your girl! Inquire below to find out more about my awesome packages.

Janel Alexandra Photography Elopement Experience

I offer packages ranging from 2 hours to 2 days. Pricing starts at $1000 for 2 hours coverage. I also offer customized packages to ensure you get everything you want and nothing that you don’t.