Tie the Knot in a New River Gorge Wedding

Love Bridge Day & the New River Gorge? Want to profess your love here? Say your wedding vows among the WV wilderness, and add some of your favorite festival elements, and other local touches.

Here are Bridge Day's suggestions for a perfect New River Gorge, WV, wedding:

Location & Venues

We're partial to the New River Gorge Bridge view, but not everyone can be as lucky as Erika Terranova, who got to tie the knot atop the bridge the one day of the year it's open for pedestrians (though someone else could always win the chance, too!)

Bridge Walk is year-round, too. But we haven't heard of any small ceremonies requested out there… yet.

Luckily for everyone else, there's plenty more scenic beauty in the area. Get the same beautiful backdrop at Smokey's on the Gorge, where you can say I do on the deck right over the canyon rim. And just off in the distance, stretching across the gorge, is the New River Gorge Bridge.

Another wonderful spot is Opossum Creek Retreat, with their charming gazebo and elegant wedding tent. Invite your closest to stay in the spacious and beautiful The Meadows deluxe cabin, which you can reserve with your wedding package. You'll also get a honeymoon cabin for the happy couple, and the use of the scenic, tucked-away outdoor space for the ceremony.

Catering & Menu Options

Treat your guests to some traditional Appalachian fare, or some gourmet goodness.

Did you know that a festival favorite, Senioritas Fajitas, is actually a Bridge-Day-only endeavor by a local chef and her friends? Her regular gig, Gourmet on the Gorge (JM Catering), specializes in upscale event meals and dazzling cakes.

For a little West Virginia touch, how about chips with kettle-cooked Blue Smoke Salsa for your guests to munch on? Or bottles of Bridge Brew Works craft beer to share alongside the fruity mountain flavors of Kirkwood Winery.

Funnel cakes are the sweet star of the show for Bridge Day food vendors, and while not a traditional meal for a reception, but we bet The Custard Stand would whip some up for you anyway.

Decor & Extra Touches

For a really special touch, what about looking through the WV antique shops like Village Antiques and Things, New River Antique Mall and Antiques at Aide's for elegant pieces from the past to set the scene for your future.

Or, look at Gauley River Pottery or Mountain Art Glass for handcrafted centerpieces. For flowers and bouquets, take your pick of color and let Bessie's Floral arrange something stunning.

Want to make a really big entrance? Surprise everyone when you skydive into the ceremony! (Get 1 leap further on your quest to jump Bridge Day!)

Capturing Memories

Most venues you select in the Gorge will be able to link you to DJs, bands, photographers, etc., to top off all the rest of the wedding-day decisions. But why not create a chance to see your big day through the lens of your loved ones?

A few cameras spread around the reception will give all of your guests to take candids, and show you their favorite keepsake moments of your ceremony. Or better, a couple of Sony Action Cams, with their amazing video stabilization, to get all the groovy moves from your grandparents, nieces & nephews.

Honeymoon in the Mountains

How about some adventuring together to bond on your honeymoon? Hit the trails on mountain bikes, go whitewater rafting or zip lining— there are SO many options for excitement in the New River Gorge!

Get a taste of some of the Bridge Day fun with a rappel session and rock climbing. Or take in some of the best views of the Gorge, from the sky, with Wild Blue's adventure biplanes.

If adventure isn't your speed, that's ok. Enjoy a nice day on a New  River Jetboat ride, stroll the Bridge Walk catwalk, or just enjoy a relaxing day in your mountain honeymoon cabin.

What are you planning for your wedding on the Gorge?