ROANOKE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Elena Gera | Wedding Photographer Serving Roanoke, VA
GETTING MARRIED IN ROANOKE, VA?
Welcome to this Roanoke wedding photographer’s page! If you've stumbled upon it, chances are you're about to embark on the exhilarating journey of planning your very first wedding. It's a whirlwind of excitement, isn't it? Perhaps you find yourself flipping through pages of bridal magazines, each glossy image fueling your dreams. Or maybe you are scrolling through endless Pinterest boards, not sure which one you like best.
But fret not! Let's tackle the first step together – securing that dream venue. Take a moment to peruse my handpicked selection of exquisite Roanoke wedding venues below. Once that's done, locking in the perfect date is essential. And when it comes to capturing those cherished moments, who better than a skilled photographer? While I may jest a bit, feel free to explore my portfolio. If you resonate with my style, let's connect and discuss how I can bring your vision to life!
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ROANOKE, VA WEDDING VENUES
The Roanoke area is truly rich in a diverse array of wedding venues, with new ones popping up every year!
Let's explore some of my favorites below.
Venue 290
Rocky Mount, VA
Style: Elegant, Intimate, Refined
Venue 290 in Rocky Mount, VA, is a stunning blend of intimacy and grandeur, offering the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding day. What strikes me most as a photographer is how its rich dark oak floors, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and timeless charm create a warm and inviting atmosphere while maintaining a sense of elegance and sophistication.
To see a real wedding at Venue 290 check out Venue 290 Wedding | Angel+Casina
Seneca Lake Venue
Gladys, VA
Style: Rustic, Outdoor, Mountain
Seneca Lake is a huge 6,000 square foot barn situated on a 200-acre family-owned farm in Gladys, VA. Nestled in the rolling countryside, it comfortably accommodates up to 200 guests. Both the ceremony and reception can be seamlessly arranged indoors in the same room, eliminating the need for guests to be exposed to the elements if they prefer otherwise. There is a grand outside patio and outdoor ceremony spot with mountain views.
To see a real wedding at Seneca Lake check out Seneca Lake Venue: Rustic Elegance Wedding
Hunting Hills Country Club
Roanoke, VA
Style: Elegant, Timeless, Refined
Hunting Hills is a versatile wedding venue located right in the heart of Roanoke! Boasting a variety of ceremony locations, my personal favorite is the inviting brick courtyard. The ballroom exudes elegance, featuring abundant windows that fill the space with natural light, alongside a majestic fireplace. And the cuisine? Absolutely delightful! I am in love with the lush greenery of the adjacent golf course offering scenic mountain views.
The Corinthian Ballroom
Roanoke, VA
Style: Classic, Indoor, Ballroom
The Corinthian Ballroom is a spacious, classic-style wedding venue in downtown Roanoke. An interesting perk - it was built in 1911 as a Masonic Lodge. It boasts two huge ballrooms, with my favorite being on the 4th floor, featuring Corinthian-style pillars that stand two stories tall. Guests can even enjoy the view from the second-story balcony. I'm in love with its large windows that provide lots of natural light. This space is ideal for a large wedding.
The Maridor
Roanoke, VA
Style: Elegant, Intimate, Historic
The Maridor is a lovely estate in downtown Roanoke, featuring a beautiful courtyard perfect for smaller weddings. What sets this venue apart is its unique semi-circle stone patio under a grand tree, which serves as an ideal outdoor ceremony spot. Additionally, The Maridor offers catering and tablescaping services, making it a convenient one-stop shop for wedding planning. The spacious ballroom provides ample space for dancing, while the front walkway offers a charming backdrop for photos.
Belle Garden Estate
Wirtz, VA
Style: Classic, Manor, Historic
Belle Garden is my dream wedding venue nestled among the mountains of Wirtz, VA. From the moment you drive down the tree-lined driveway, you're greeted by stunning mountain views and a serene creek. The historic colonial manor exudes charm, and I love the updated bridal suite—it's a photographer's dream with its beautiful light and spaciousness. There are so many unique nooks and crannies to explore, from the small cottage for intimate events to the large arbor for ceremonies.
Cedar Oaks Farms
Bedford, VA
Style: Elegant, Outdoor, Mountain
Cedar Oaks offers an elevated barn experience, comfortably accommodating 200 guests. I'm particularly enamored with the bride and groom suites, flooded with natural light and adorned in soft, neutral colors. The ceremony site boasts breathtaking views of the Peaks of Otter, creating a stunning backdrop for the vows. Conveniently located near the reception barn, it ensures a seamless transition for the guests. Plus, the added bonus of a disc golf course on-site is perfect for some pre-wedding fun!
Sycamore Canyon
Hardy, VA
Style: Contemporary, Scenic, Outdoor
What I like about Sycamore Canyon is how it feels both modern and completely connected to nature. Just a stone's throw from Smith Mountain Lake, the venue blends contemporary architecture with the surrounding landscape, and their in-house catering team serves elegant, beautifully prepared food that makes the whole experience feel thoughtful and complete.
To see more of Sycamore Canyon check out Sycamore Canyon on Smith Mountain Lake
Choosing from these top six wedding venues in the Roanoke area might prove to be quite the task, given their exceptional beauty. But rest assured, whichever one you settle on, you're in for an unforgettable experience!
Already moving on to step two? If you're on the hunt for a photographer, let me share my love for Roanoke, VA. I discovered this charming town about five years ago and instantly fell head over heels. Its beauty never fails to inspire me, and I'd be honored to capture your special moments amidst its stunning scenery.
My style? It’s relaxed, playful, and evocative. I value connection, joy, authenticity, and true colors. I love to help couples who want candid shots and cherish raw emotions! Did I mention I was a reporter for a travel publication for a decade? This is where my style comes from: it’s photojournalistic and observant. I just LOVE hunting for the right moment. Moments hold immense significance for me when it comes to weddings. (That's why I named my business Focus on the Moment).
Imagine this: your grandmother shedding tears of joy as she watches you exchange vows. Your college pals are giving touching toasts that spark laughter and tears. Your mischievous nephews leading the conga line, spreading joy and spontaneity throughout the reception hall.
These are the irreplaceable moments that define the essence of wedding photojournalism, where I thrive. I'm like a gardener in a jungle, digging through the vines to find the ripest fruits hidden beneath the surface. It's about embracing your love and the quirky entourage that adds flavor to your life like sprinkles on an ice cream sundae.
WHY ROANOKE?
Let me share what I love about Roanoke, VA, and why I recommend it for a wedding
| A Little Background on Roanoke, VA |
Roanoke is a mid-sized, tranquil yet bustling town nestled amidst the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. It's like being cradled in the arms of nature itself, with the Roanoke valley stretching out before you, blanketed in a soft blue mist.
And let's talk about those hiking trails - they're simply spectacular! Take McAfee Knob, for instance, a breathtaking rock ledge offering unparalleled views of the valley 3,000 feet below. It's no wonder it's the most snapped spot on the Appalachian Trail!
With that, here are some super exciting things to know before you visit Roanoke, VA
Money magazine has named Roanoke one of the top 25 places to retire in the U.S., citing its reasonable prices, wealth of outdoor activities and eating places, relatively mild climate and its vibrant, walkable downtown. While all of it is true, there is nothing more deceiving than this award.
Roanoke is like a tightly knit community where everyone knows everyone, yet it remains refreshingly open-minded. It's safe, but far from dull - there's always a buzz in the air. Despite its seemingly remote location, it's conveniently accessible, with two-thirds of the US population just a day's drive away. With its airport and Amtrak station, hopping over to NYC is a piece of cake.
And let's talk about the food scene and musical vibe - it's been on fire for the past five years! Roanoke hosts more festivals and outdoor concerts than you can shake a stick at, making it the place to be for entertainment. Market Square and downtown are bustling hubs, packed with more restaurants and bars per square mile than anywhere else in VA.
Oh, and did I mention the Rail Yard Dawgs? Roanoke's very own ice-hockey team clinched the SPHL cup last year, sparking a city-wide parade that was nothing short of epic!
| Roanoke Weather |
The weather's awesome around here—nice long autumn, quick winter, no need to worry about those wild whirlwinds wrecking havoc like they do down south. Sure, Roanoke gets the occasional flood, but the last time things got really wild was that big storm back in 2012.
Summers are a tad milder compared to the rest of Virginia, thanks to the elevation, but they can still sizzle. If you're not exactly a fan of scorching heat, it might be smart to schedule your wedding for spring or fall. Those are the prime times (and oh-so-gorgeous) for tying the knot here in Appalachia.
| Things to Do |
Roanoke grew up as a railway hub, a legacy vividly depicted at the Virginia Museum of Transportation. It's like stepping into a time machine bound for the glory days of locomotives, all housed within the walls of an old train station. They've even got planes and cars in there too—talk about a journey through history!
If you're a wine enthusiast (or even if you're not), you absolutely must explore the wineries in the area. Virginia wines are the real deal, and sipping them amidst those rolling hills is an experience unto itself. Forget about the hustle and bustle of Napa—this is where you want to be. And don't forget to sample Traminette, a white wine that's pure savory bliss!
And hey, the fun doesn't stop there. Roanoke is always buzzing with events and festivals, from leisurely wine strolls to rocking concerts, artsy exhibitions, and even some adrenaline-pumping sports action. Just take a peek at their event calendar, and you'll see what I mean. There's never a dull moment around here!
Personally, I highly recommend:
Smith Mountain Lake - for some kayaking or motor-boating
Mill Mountain Trail - for panoramic views of the town and the famous neon Roanoke Star
Taubman Museum of Art, which hosts a surprisingly good exposition of modern art
Blue Ridge Parkway - for a leisurely drive
Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail - for wineries and breweries
A meal at Nawab - for excellent Indian food
Awful Arthur’s Seafood Company if you love oysters, crab (or chicken!) and want to support local
*** Here's a fun little idea to spice up your journey to the big day: why not turn it into a full-blown wedding weekend bash? Yup, you heard that right! By organizing some cool activities for the days before and after your ceremony, you'll get to hang out with your guests, make some killer memories, and basically turn everyone into one big happy family by the time you say "I do." Trust me, it's the recipe for an unforgettable wedding experience!
ROANOKE, VA WEDDING VENDORS
There are so many awesome wedding vendors located in the Roanoke area that will make your wedding absolutely perfect. These are some of our favorites.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Elena Gera is a wedding, engagement, and surprise proposal photographer in Roanoke, VA.
Specializing in blending artistic portraiture with genuine storytelling, Elena creates emotive and natural wedding photography. While her heart lies in the Southeast, she's always ready to pack her bags and capture your love story wherever it takes you nationwide.
FEATURED IN:
Also published in various blogs and magazines:
Boho Weddings | Brides&Weddings | Budget Savvy Bride | The Knot
So This Is Love | Pearl by David's
Tina Repass, VA
“I felt the emotion in Elena’s photos, I saw precious moments, not just poses. I told her what I wanted, and she delivered! We had a blast and laughed so much we didn't even have to fake a smile!”
Ellen Perry, VA
"Elena was funny, calm, and truly understood what we wanted with our pictures. We would 100% reccomend her to everyone! An absolute breeze to work with!"