Mountain Lake Lodge home of Dirty Dancing

This beautiful lodge nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains served as the primary filming location for the 1987 classic Dirty Dancing. The Lodge itself stands in for the fictional “Kellerman’s Mountain House”. Filmed in 1986, the resort features iconic, recognizable spots like the stone lodge, gazebo, and “Baby’s Cabin”. Today, it offers specialized Dirty Dancing tours and dance lessons. They also offer themed weekends. If you are a true fan of the movie which to this day os still a true classic, this could be the perfect place for you to elope. Read more to find out how to best plan your Mountain Lake Lodge Wedding/Elopement.

How do you get married there?

To get married at the lodge you will need to book a wedding package through the lodge and wedding planner. There are different options for where you can actually elope, including the grounds, bald knob with stunning 360 degrees views, and bear cliffs. All the packages include: 

Stunning setting in 2,600-acre nature preserve

• Breathtaking mountaintop photography venues
• Discounted wedding guest room blocks
• Deluxe one-night honeymoon suite for bridal couple
• Cake cutting & coffee service
• 4-hour open bar with domestic beer, wine, well liquors (may vary by package)
• Hors d’oeuvres throughout cocktail hour
• Choice of Seasonal Menu

• Menu Tasting for Two
• Experienced Event Manager Services
• Formal Tablecloths & Napkins
• White Chair Covers
• Dance Floor
• Champagne Toast
• Customized Catering

When is the best time to visit

There are many different options as Mountain Lake Lodge is located in Virginia where you get to see all the seasons. I do want to mention here that the lake itself has since dried up as there was a hole in the bottom of the natural lake that all the water drained out of several times. There is now a nature walk where the lake used to be. 

Winter

There is usually snow in the winter time as the elevation is pretty high at 3,875 feet above sea level. They also have a winter wonderland during Christmas time with an ice skating rink and horse carriage rides. The lodge is generally busy during this time as most of the locals also partake in these seasonal festivities.

Spring

This is probably your best bet if you are looking for privacy , staying at the lodge, and just all around don’t want to be surrounded by people. It is usually less busy and the weather is usually less temperamental. I would just be aware that it does rain often in the beginning of spring.

Summer

June is the peak season so be prepared to be around more people. The lodge also offers escape rooms, and seasonal activities like archery tag, bubble balls, and Gator tours. There is ziplining nearby, and hikes in all the surrounding areas. The summer months do have a lot to offer once the weather is warmed up.

Fall

A lot of the locals will visit the bald knob hike during this season as the leaves changing colors is very popular. Also, considering how short the hike is and the fact that it is west facing means that it is a great spot to watch the sunset. 

How to get there

The address is 115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke, VA 24136. Parking is free but if you are just visiting for the day consider parking at the gift shop you first come to when entering the property. In the busier seasons this lot can fill up so keep that in mind in your planning. 

How long is the road

The road to get to Mountain Lake Lodge is pretty windy and straight uphill. In the winter months you may want to consider having 4 wheel drive to get up there, especially if there is any snow or ice at all. The grounds themselves are 2,600 acres with plenty of room to explore. Some of the areas you will need transportation to get to whether that be a truck or a guided gator tour. Most of the immediate grounds you can just walk around and enjoy yourself. There is a hike to Bald Knob with stunning mountain views that is about a mile long with pretty big elevation gain. That being said it is a short walk making this a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the mountains.

How much does it cost to get married there?

They do not list the prices on the website, making you reach out for all pricing which aggravates me. They do however include the amenities that come with booking a wedding package with them which is quite a lot and I mentioned above. All that being said the internet does mention that the starting prices are around $6500 for receptions and $3000 for ceremonies. It looks like they do have a bridal suite and offer discounted packages for book blocking for your guests.

Where to stay?

You can stay at the lodge itself or in one of the cabins that are throughout the property, including the cabin that Baby’s family stayed in while filming the Dirty Dancing Movie. (The cabin baby’s family stayed in is named the Virginia cabin) How iconic is that? Prices start at $159 a night for the cheaper options being in the lodge itself. It looks like the prices do increase in November and go down again in June. Keep in mind some areas of the lodge don’t have air conditioning so plan accordingly.

Are dogs allowed?

They are a pet friendly property but do charge a $75 non refundable fee for any pets that stay. There are leash permits in the county stating that your dog must be on a leash at all times for the safety of other guests and pets. You are also responsible for cleaning up after your own pets. 

Best spots for wedding

I think there are so many options on where you can choose to get married. They have such beautiful grounds with gazebos, trees, wide open spaces, ponds, and so much more. Plus there are hiking trails in the area one of which leads to Bald Knob which offers 360 degree views. There are different packages for these different options as well. I will note here that if you are not staying at the lodge and just want to elope at Bald Knob you do not need to book through Mountain Lake Lodge for that.

Ways to elevate your day to the next level

There are a number of ways that you can elevate your day directly in the area. Some amenities that the lodge itself has are as follows: (keep in mind some may be seasonal)

–gator tours

-pool

-hot tub

-nature walk

-self-guided dirty dancing tour

-archery tag

-bubble ball

-hiking trails

–Bald Knob

–ziplining with Treetop Adventures

-Cascades waterfall hike

-stargazing with high powered telescope at the Nature Center

The Lawrence’s Elopement at Mountain Lake Lodge

The Lawrences worked with the coordinator at Mountain Lake Lodge and planned to have their ceremony at the gazebo on the property. Some scenes of the movie Dirty Dancing were also filmed here. It made a very private and beautiful backdrop for a ceremony. 

The woods

There is a small aclove in the woods that is absolutely magical. There is fairy moss all over the ground and lichen on the trees. This makes all the greenery envelope you like a warm hug. The trees surrounding you create a lush vibrant scenery that makes the world disappear in a private moment for the two of you with the bustling world moving all around on the outside.

The Lodge

We always end up back at the lodge with it’s rustic stone vibe. I love the arches coming off the walkway with the lush greenery in front of it. Also the stairs are just epic and give such another world feel. The building is warm and inviting. I love the classic and timeless feel it lends to the portraits, especially for a wedding/elopement.

Why this location is awesome and who is it best for

Conclusion copy. Wrap up the main points of your post in about 60 words. Include a CTA. Your conclusion should be no longer than two paragraphs long.

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?

Virginia native born expert

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

This also plays into 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 the problem. 

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, actually shooting and posing, culling and editing. While it may take a little bit longer to get your images back I promise its 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.