Weddings / Vow Exchanges / Renewals
So, you want to get married on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It just so happens that we allow that. You and your special someone can exchange vows surrounded by the stunning views and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains.
Applications for wedding/vow renewal/elopement ceremonies are allowed in any of the locations listed below, assuming the area is safe and open for normal visitor use. Applicants should check the current status of any locations of interest on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Road Status and Closures and Road Construction Projects webpages prior to submitting an application or paying fees. Please read through FAQs and additional information to learn more about wedding permits.
- MP 10.7 – Raven’s Roost Overlook
- MP 78.4 – Sunset Field Overlook
- MP 139.0 – Cahas Knob Overlook
- MP 168.0 – The Saddle Overlook
- MP 169.1 – 12 O’clock Knob Overlook
- MP 176.2 – Mabry Mill (Limited to grassy area near pond)
- MP 218.6 – Fox Hunter’s Paradise Overlook
- MP 241.1 – Wildcat Rocks Overlook
- MP 242.4 – Alligator Back Overlook
- MP 264.4 – The Lump Overlook
- MP 294.0 – Cone Manor (Limited to grassy areas in front of Flat Top)
- MP 305.2 – Beacon Heights (Limited to right fork trail)
- MP 350.4 – Green Knob Overlook
- MP 361.2 – Glassmine Falls Overlook
- MP 367.6 – Craggy Flats Bald (No wedding activity at the pinnacle or on the Pinnacle Trail)
- MP 407.7 – Buck Spring Gap
- MP 431.0 – Haywood Jackson Overlook
- MP 433.3 – Roy Taylor Overlook
The following locations are available for Special Use Permits for weddings but have limited capacity:
- MP 74.7 – Thunder Ridge Overlook – Limited to 15 total participants
- MP 85.9 – Sharp Top Pinnacle – Limited to 15 total participants
- MP 320.8 – Chestoa View Overlook – Limited to 12 total participants
The following locations are not within the boundary or jurisdiction of the Blue Ridge Parkway and do not require a Special Use Permit from the NPS:
- Wiseman’s View (Contact US Forest Service Pisgah National Forest)
- Black Balsam Knob (Contact US Forest Service Pisgah National Forest)
- Sam’s Knob (Contact US Forest Service Pisgah National Forest)
- Grandfather Mountain (Contact Grandfather Mountain State Park)
- Mount Mitchell (Contact Mount Mitchell State Park)
- Jump Off Rock (Contact the Town of Laurel Park NC)
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wedding/Elopement/ Vow Renewal Permits
Is there a fee for a wedding permit?
Yes. There is a non-refundable fee of $150.00 due at the time of application. This fee consists of a $75 application fee and $75 administrative fee and is non-refundable as it is cost recovery for work completed in receiving, processing, and administering the permit.
How do I pay the fees?
We only accept electronic payments for Special Use Permit fees. We do not accept cash or checks. Please see the "Instructions for Applying" section below for further information.
New Fee Structure - Effective October 1, 2024.
Are there any restrictions on the size of my wedding group?
Indeed. Wedding permits are limited to 25 total people - including wedding party, officiant, and photographer – or fewer. Some locations are limited to fewer people for safety reasons (see Restrictions). Weddings held at Peaks of Otter lodge may allow up to 100 people, but must be booked directly through the Lodge.
What does my wedding permit cover?
The permit is a two-hour authorization for wedding/elopement/vow exchange ceremony activity on the date/time at the location approved by the permit. The permit does not authorize reception activity at the location. The park will not, and the permit does not supply an officiant, state license/paperwork, photographer, party bus driver, or any other wedding planning services.
Can I block off the area for my wedding to keep the public out?
No. The approved location is still a part of public lands and remains open to normal visitor use throughout the event.
Do the officiant and/or photographer have to apply for a separate permit?
No. The officiant is considered a part of the approved activity, and as long as the photographer is only using a camera, tripod, and simple lighting, no extra permit is required.
What if it rains or the parkway is closed on the date of the event?
Rain on the wedding day is good luck, right? There are no “rain checks” or refunds, and the issuance of a Special Use Permit does not hold the National Park Service responsible for circumstances beyond its control. If the motor road is closed due to public safety concerns, access to the approved location will not be granted.
