Important Update: The Pisgah National Forest has requested that couples not have a Black Balsam Knob wedding for the time being due to over-use.
If you were hoping to have a wedding/elopement here, reach out and we can find another, less popular location!
Black Balsam Knob Wedding Tips & Information
- Schedule a weekday wedding so there will be less hikers around (Monday-Thursday preferably).
- Keep it small (You really shouldn’t bring more than 10 guests).
- There are some steep roots and rocks to hike up. Everyone involved should be prepared for a hike and be sure to wear proper shoes/clothing
- Know that it’s a popular and heavily trafficked location. You likely will not be alone no matter what time or day you pick (yes, even sunrise).
- Parking is VERY limited – you need to carpool as much as you can! Do not park in the road at all.
- Download directions/maps before heading up the mountain – you won’t have service!
- Black Balsam area is NOT on Blue Ridge Parkway Land even though you can access it from the Parkway. It is actually on National Forest Service land. It is a part of Pisgah National Forest.
- The weather is unpredictable up in the mountains. You could get rain, fog, crazy wind, or clear skies. Embrace whatever comes (but don’t be out there during a thunderstorm!)
- There are no bathrooms at the trailhead. Plan and prepare accordingly.
- It takes about an hour drive to get to Black Balsam Knob trailhead from Asheville, NC. Make sure you have enough gas and a good playlist!
Black Balsam Knob Wedding Inspiration Stories
Kirsty + Nick
This is their Black Balsam Knob Wedding story:
Kirsty + Nick are both more introverted and feel most at ease when its just the two of them. They knew they wanted the moment to be special and just for them. “We want our day to be stress free! No strict plans and no expectations. A beautiful moment in a quiet place, a zoom reception with family, tattoos for a permanent souvenir, and a nice meal with the people we love the most.”
In addition to chatting about a couples elopement dreams, I always ask them a few things in a questionnaire to help me get to know them better:
When I asked where, they said, “At a local bodega that a shared group of friends used to frequent.” They also said that the things that drew them both to one another were that “each of us have a quiet happy energy that we both found comfort in”. I loved that so much and I think it reflects in their film and photos.
I also love to ask what how they would describe their relationship. These two listed off so many wonderful things as an answer to that question: “We like to go with the flow and help each other grow.” Sweet and simple, don’t you think?
Some of the most memorable moments:
- I loved that they included 4 of their closest loved ones with them for their elopement. A sweet and simple celebration on the mountain.
- The wind was SO CRAZY the morning of their elopement, but they were all such troopers. The couple took a shot right before the elopement to warm up.
- The epic sunrise with the moon, stars, and cloud inversion was one for the books!
- They brought along their sweet pups for the celebration. No way you could you leave those cuties at home!
- Their family members wore kilts to honor their heritage – very impressive with how cold and windy it was!
More Black Balsam Elopement Stories
Addison + Jovanis
Their Black Balsam Knob Wedding story:
Addison and Jovanis didn’t originally know they wanted to get married on a mountaintop. Covid caused them to push their wedding back a year and during that time they decided they wanted to do something small and intimate. I think a lot of couples had a similar experience in 2020 – 2021. Once they made this decision they knew they wanted something Intimate & relaxed. They wanted to feel excitement & love, smell the forest and mountains, taste champagne, and eat cake!
In addition to figuring out where a couple wants to elope, I always ask them a few things in a questionnaire to help me get to know them better.
When I asked how they met, they said, “We were bartending at sports bars across the street from each other and I (Addison) went to his bar with friends after a wedding and he was working that night.” The things that drew them both to one another that night and long after were their attraction, charm, outgoing natures, confidence, friendliness.
I love to ask what how they would describe their relationship. These two listed off so many wonderful things as an answer to that question: “Loving, open communication, respectful, fun, easy, trusting, understanding, affectionate”.
Some of the most memorable moments:
- I loved that Addison helped Jovanis get ready at the cabin. Then, later, they did a first look with her in her dress on location.
- Their family was all so kind and incredibly teary eyed throughout the ceremony
- So many sweet hugs after the celebration with their loved ones
- These two shared their private vows for a moment on the mountain, separate from their traditional ceremony with their family. It was really intimate (and windy!)
Brittany + Brandon
Their Black Balsam Knob Wedding story:
Brittany and Brandon were heart set on Black Balsam Knob for their elopement style wedding experience. It was just the two of them, celebrating their love and partnership on top of a mountain at sunset.
In addition to figuring out where a couple wants to elope, I always ask them a few things in a questionnaire to help me get to know them better.
When I asked how they met, Brittany said, “ We met through a mutual friend at a Karaoke bar in Orlando called Rising Star. It was a blind date and we’ve been together ever since (6 years in February). He proposed to me there on stage after we sang “Summer nights” from Grease in front my family and our friends. It was our going away party that turned into our engagement party.”
I love to ask what drew a couple to one another. Their answer was sweet and simple: “We always have a great time together, not only are we a couple but we are truly best friends. What’s more perfect?”
Some of the most memorable moments:
- The large group of hikers that passed by us during their ceremony that were full of congratulations and apologies for interrupting. People are so nice here in the blue ridge mountains!
- Poor Brandon getting a flat tire on the way up the mountain and being super late. It was definitely worrisome but what a funny memory to look back on!
- How Brandon could barely hold in his tears the whole afternoon. He was all about the waterworks and I loved it!
- We had to outrun a big storm as the sun was setting, so we rushed off the mountaintop with all the other hikers as quick as possible. We made it to the cars just before the rain hit.
