Best tips to plan your Dolly Sods Elopement{Updated for 2024!}
Best tips to elope in Dolly Sods {Updated for 2024!}
Great, we’re here to help. Not only as elopement photographer and videographers who know a thing or two about getting married at Dolly Sods, but also as elopement planners and experts.
If you’ve never explored the Dolly Sods Wilderness in West Virginia, I hate to say it but you are truly missing out. We particularly love it due to its diverse and vast landscape, the different colors of each season, and how we find something new every time we go. If you’re curious about planning a Dolly Sods elopement or an intimate/micro wedding in that area of WV, here are a few things to consider:
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Best time of year to elope at Dolly Sods
Weather plays a huge factor in the ideal times to elope at Dolly Sods. The Sods is a 17,000+ wilderness area with unstable weather conditions, frigid wind chill factors, and unpredictable temperatures. I have photographed couples there in nearly every month and the middle of October was the warmest weather we experienced. HOWEVER, this was a fluke because the weekend prior to our trip, our photographer friend photographed an elopement there in 40 degree weather and then we were blessed with 75 degree weather 5 days later. I did mention the word -unpredictable- didn’t I?
I think the safest timeframe to explore Dolly Sods for your nuptials would be late June through middle of October. You’ll likely experience some bugs in June and July, possibly August, but I’d rather deal with pesky bugs than freezing wind. If you’re more into the gorgeous colors of the fall, aim for early October. The autumn colors are nearly gone by October 15th, but there are a few deep reds and oranges hanging on for the final few days of peak leaf season.
Now what time of year should you avoid the sods? November-April for sure and it should be noted that the roads to get to Dolly Sods are closed January 1-April 1.
A closing thought about weather: I have helped couples plan several elopements all over West Virginia and the US and about 50% of the time, the weather app is calling for less than ideal weather. In every single scenario, couples have chosen to push forward with their elopement despite the weather chances and I AM SO GLAD THEY DID. Two times last year, the weather called for 90% thunderstorms and both couples were like “screw it, we’re down for whatever” and sure enough we were met with warm temperatures and the most amazing sunset I’ve ever seen. Don’t overthink the weather, but also be prepared. You never know how the universe will surprise us.
What to wear
Ooh now let’s talk some fun stuff-clothes! A wedding client of mine recently told me, “it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.” With the unpredictable weather of Dolly Sods, it’ll be a safe bet to have a jacket, blanket, hand and foot warmers, and warm socks with you just in case. And in the best case scenario that you don’t need any of it, perfect!
If you’re choosing to wear a wedding dress, you can wear nude leggings underneath to help keep you warm if you’re date falls on the chillier side of the calendar. If you’re wearing a suit, bring some layers with you just in case you need to add some warmth in.
I am all about cute shoes, you should see my closet. But I’m also all about not rolling an ankle and staying safe in rocky terrain. If you have a pair of shoes you are just dying to wear with your wedding dress, bring them with you. But in the name of practicality and safety, plan to wear some hiking boots or solid tennis shoes as well. If style is the name of your game, you can meet in the middle with some super cute boots.
Neat freaks beware- your wedding clothes will likely get dirty at Dolly Sods. Here is a link to a blog I wrote about finding inexpensive wedding dresses if you don’t want to break the bank for an adventure wedding dress.
Make a full trip out of it
I wouldn’t consider this a full guide to Dolly Sods elopements without discussing what to do prior to and/or after your adventurous nuptials. It’s important to remember that this neck of the woods has a strong focus on exploration and adventure rather than a vibrant hustle and bustle that you’d get from a nearby big city. It’s best to be prepared with reservations (winging it is great too but you may end up sleeping in your car!) I’lll briefly discuss ideas to make the most out of your elopement trip, nearby lodging suggestions, as well as where to eat.
Ideas to make it a full experience
Explore the adorable town of Thomas. Once an historic, coal town is now a vibrant destination ran by local artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Catch an Appalachian folk band at the Purple Fiddle or splurge on a night of local brews at the Mountain State Brewing Company.
Gallivant through Blackwater Falls State Park. Home to West Virginia’s best waterfalls, you won’t be disappointed to plan some hikes in this area. Combine this with a lunch date and shopping in Davis followed by local beers at Stumptown, and you might just consider moving to this quaint little town.
If staying in is more your vibe, rent a luxury cabin or AirBnb and hire a private chef. While you’re enjoying that just married energy, having your wedding meal prepared for you saves you the trouble of cooking and you still get to treat yourself. If you’re feeling extra fancy, bring in a masseuse for a couple’s massage on your private patio overlooking the hills of Appalachia.
Drive out to Seneca Rocks and sign up for a horseback riding trip up the mountain to really grab one of the best views in the state. Once you’ve made it back down to “town”, grab a big pizza from the Front Porch Restaurant and wander around Yokum’s Vacationland.
If you’re the avid backpacker, go for a 1-3 backcountry trip in Dolly Sods. Some of the best views, hidden gems, and hiking on the East Coast. How cool would it be to say you spent your honeymoon on a 3-day backpacking trip. Ditch your wedding clothes in the car and take off on the trails- must take selfies to document.
Where to stay
Lodging is going to be fairly limited in this little corner of paradise, particularly in the fall. But with plenty of time to plan, you should be able to find the perfect place to rest your just-married heads.
The Billy Motel: a hillbilly fabulous hub where each guest gets a free drink in the PM and French Press coffee in the AM. This ten-room motel and bar is nestled in the center of the towns of Thomas and Davis and about a 40 minute drive to Dolly Sods.
Golden Anchor Cabins : nestled in the heart of Canaan Valley with most cabins having expansive views of the Appalachian Mountains. Each cabin features a private hot tub and a gas-log fireplace to set the mood for an elopement honeymoon.
Anything on AirBnB- like this luxury vacation home.
Yokum’s Vacationland - really immerse yourself in the culture of this unique area. There’s options for quaint cabins, tent camping, teepees stays, and motel rooms.
Where to eat
Be warned, places in any driving distance of Dolly Sods may close early or be closed in general so prior planning will be key. No one likes to be hangry, especially on your wedding day. Whatever you have up your sleeve for your Dolly Sods elopement experience, here are some recommendations on where to eat in the area.
Breakfast spots:
The Breakfast Nook in Davis, WV.
Milo’s Cafe-also in Davis, WV
Mallow’s Roadsie Cafe in Cabins, WV.
Lunch hangs:
Canaan Valley BBQ in Canaan Valley, WV
Country Roads Saloon in Thomas, WV
Hellbender’s Burritos in Davis, WV
Picnic in Thomas, WV
Dinner dives:
Sirianni’s Cafe in Davis, WV
Cheetah B’s in Petersburg, WV
Mountain State Brewing Co in Thomas, WV
CJ Maggie’s in Elkins, WV
What to expect
Once you’ve made the hard (or easy) decision to just elope, there are few things to keep in mind with an adventurous elopement.
Other people will likely be present at Dolly Sods, so expect to see some strangers during your nuptials (although in our experience folks are pretty respectable of our process and will keep a distance). Particularly at Bear Rocks, where the most epic views are, these spots will probably be heavy with foot traffic. Rest assured, we know of a few intimate spots if you want a private ceremony, and then can head to a staple spot like Bear Rocks when the traffic dies down.
Your wedding clothes and shoes may (most likely) get dirty. You’re getting married in the great outdoors, so this is just something that cannot be avoided without dampening the elopement experience. Aim for an expensive dress (link here) and hiking boots (skip the velvet ballet flats and high heels- trust us).
There is no service for the majority of this wilderness area. There are few a pockets where you can snag a few LTE bars, but it is hit or miss pending which cell phone provider you have. If you have any guests to coordinate with, make sure to tell them ahead of time where and what time to meet. If you hire any vendors like an officiant or a photographer, make sure you over-communicate about where you are meeting and what time, including what vehicle to look out for.
There are over 50 miles of inter-connected trails throughout Dolly Sods. If you are an avid hiker or down to explore something new, try researching a trail loop that you’d like to explore after your elopement. Be sure to download the trail map ahead of time since there is limited service up there. There have been reports of bear encounters, particularly those looking for food, on the trails and backcountry tent sites- so adventurers be prepared!
Hiring elopement specialists
Your elopement can go a couple different directions depending on the vendors you hire. Now of course we would want you to hire us, but that’s not realistic for all folks wanting to elope at Dolly Sods. We love elopements so much, we want even the people who don’t hire us to be taken care of.
When you hire professionals, you should expect to be a level of treatment and experience that is unique to your needs and the environment of your wedding/elopement. Unless you’re a total type A personality- your elopement team should have everything taken care of for you and make you feel like they know what they are doing.
Your officiant should be physically capable of getting to your ceremony location. Dolly Sods is a diverse terrain full of rocks, mud (when it’s rained) and some sketchy spots where you have to hop over a large crack in the ground. Be mindful of this when you hire your officiant and don’t be afraid to ask if they are capable of an adventurous wedding. There are only a handful in the state that I know of, Thomas being one of them. In fact he actually was the videographer AND the officiant for a Dolly Sods elopement last fall, if you’re interested about this- just asked him if you end up chatting with us for your own elopement.
The photographer you hire for your elopement should have solid knowledge of the area you are shooting in, what time the sun sets, what direction the sun sets (the sun sets on the opposite side of the viewpoints of Dolly Sods). Your photographer is not just taking your photo, they are your elopement guide and should make your whole experience as stress free and memorable as possible. Imagine if you hired a photographer who had never shot at Dolly Sods before and therefore didn’t know that there’s no service there. Imagine not being able to find each other because your texts aren’t sending- shew talk about unnecessary anxiety. When you inquire with a particular elopement photographer that you love, be sure to ask them questions on their knowledge of the area, how many times they’ve visited the area personally, and how many times they have shot there. This person should make you feel totally at ease that they know what they are doing. This all applies to hiring a videographer as well.
Logistics and Packing
-The absolute best time to get married at Dolly Sods is during the week when it is less crowded. If you are aiming for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday wedding- be prepared for huge crowds, trouble parking, and lots of people passing by telling you congratulations. Without a doubt- go for a Monday through Thursday ceremony.
-The roads to this area are closed January through April.
-There are two roads to get up to Bear Rocks Preserve- the most popular spot. Jordan Run Road is a longer drive but an easier drive. Rt. 32 is a shorter but much harder/bumpier drive.
-There are no bathrooms at Bear Rocks Preserve. Prepare to potty outside and pack out your waste.
-Please practice all Leave No Trace principles. (Link here)
-It is best to be prepared with snacks and water. On top of never knowing what could happen, you’ll want to avoid being hangry on your wedding day.
-Check the weather regularly on the days leading up to your trip, have some hand warmers and foot warmers with you *just in case*. A warm blanket, jacket, and warm socks may be necessary too (totally pending what time of year your elopement is)
-Bring sunscreen, bug spray, chapstick, allergy meds, toilet paper/bathroom wipes
Now that you know the best tips to plan your Dolly Sods Elopement, go forth and get married in one of the raddest outdoor spaces in West Virginia. If you need a photographer, videographer, and/or officiant- we got your back!
If you’re not really the DIY type and want someone to plan everryything for you, check out our exclusive West Virginia Elopement Collective.
Shoot us an email at hello@thebreiters.com or fill out an inquiry form here.