Plan Your West Virginia Elopement at Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
If a secluded, nature focused elopement is what you’re hearts are looking for, West Virginia couldn’t be a more beautiful location to choose. If you love to hike or have always wanted to, you’re in for a real treat with all of the incredible trails and parks West Virginia has to offer. One of which being Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. I’ve laid out the perfect itinerary, including a great spot to stay, the perfect area to exchange your vows, and some of my favorite places to eat. I’ve put this Dolly Sods elopement guide together so that you don’t have to do a ton of research and can focus on the good stuff…getting married!
Where to Stay
Don’t be fooled; this is no ordinary motel. The Billy Motel is a mountaintop getaway that prides itself on being “Hillbilly Fabulous,” which couldn’t be a more apt description for this chic ten-room motel and bar. This fully renovated boutique motel is hip and trendy, making your stay feel that much more exciting. Your elopement deserves special treatment and unique accommodations instead of some boring hotel or motel room. You’ll be greeted with some masterfully crafted cocktails that you can enjoy in their patio area or by the fire in the lounge.
Where to Eat
The Billy Motel makes the list again with their 5-star rated ‘Ish Kitchen. The ‘Ish Kitchen serves chef-prepared 5-star meals that are perfect for celebrating. They have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, so there’s something for everybody in your group to enjoy. And if I’m being honest the room serviced meal my husband and I shared here was the best meal we ate in 2020!
Wicked Wilderness Pub ‘N’ Parlor
The Wicked Wilderness Pub is the perfect spot if you’re looking to try some local craft beer and wholesome cooking. They’ve got beer on tap from the three local breweries in the towns of Davis and Thomas and love serving regional favorites to thirsty travelers. Expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere and enjoy the live music if you make your way there on a Saturday. Their menu consists of hearty pub favorites like wings, burgers, and pizza rolls, along with a rotating variety of delicious homemade desserts.
A spot that offers indoor and outdoor dining that serves tacos, bowls, taco plates, margaritas and beer, with a casual inviting vibe.
“The beef we serve is raised locally, right down the hill here, and we have these carnitas that we slow-cook for 14 hours,” Alexander describes. She goes on to tease a house-made pickled slaw that has a little bite to it and a fresh avocado salsa that “just feels so fresh, so clean, so good for you” when you taste it. “The rice and beans are hearty and freaking awesome. The plantains are fried up, and you get a little sweet and a little salty with each bite. That’s a perfect meal that I’m so proud to serve, especially to a community that has welcomed me with open arms.” -Owner Yessi Alexander
I can’t go to West Virginia without stopping at Tip Top Coffee at least once. Their coffee beans are equitably sourced and roasted to perfection. I swear you’ll fall in love after the first sip. They bake fresh pastries every day and have a Bloody Mary Bar during their Sunday Brunch. Stop by and fill your thermos before hiking to your elopement sight and pop in on the way back for some refreshing libations.
Where to say “I do”
Bear Rocks Preserve at Dolly Sods Wilderness
Dolly Sods is known for its breathtaking views and is only about an hour away from the Billy Motel. There are several locations that you can elope at, but Bear Rocks Preserve is one of the most beautiful and unique in our opinion. An easy climb up the exposed rock formation will have you standing on top of the world and in awe of the grassy meadows, beautiful pine trees, rolling hills, and magnificent mountains that sprawl out around you. Luckily, it’s only a short and easy hike from the main entrance of the park. You won’t need to worry too much about accessibility for your guests, and you likely won’t need to bring a change of clothes for the hike unless you plan to keep exploring the trails after you elope. No matter where you stand, Dolly Sods offers panoramic views that never disappoint. It doesn’t get more intimate than exchanging vows in front of your loved ones on top of a mountain with a beautiful vista as your backdrop. Once you see it, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most gorgeous places to elope in all of West Virginia.
PS if you want to catch a killer sunset after heading back to the Billy Motel for dinner, we know the perfect secluded overlook just minutes away!
I really hope this guide has inspired you to elope in West Virginia! It’s genuinely one of my favorite places to visit as a photographer and a nature lover. The hikes are seriously magical and you can’t go wrong with all of cool spots to stay and eat! It makes for the perfect area to sneak away for a few days and say “I do”!
Ready to elope but don't know where to get started? Hi, I’m Liz, I specialize in Pennsylvania and West Virginia elopement photography and planning. I help couples create an elopement day that’s intentional and stress-free by offering a supportive, knowledgeable and kind experience that includes vendor and location research, a comprehensive elopement guide and custom timeline curation, ensuring couples get beautiful photos while having an incredible time.