The Ultimate Guide For Your Asheville Elopement
your unique outdoor Wedding experience awaits
Choosing to elope in Asheville is perfect for nature lovers, mindful spirits and adventurers!
Maybe you're seeking an intimate celebration that gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience, or perhaps you're trying to avoid the stress of planning a big wedding. When it comes down to it, you probably just want to celebrate your love in a way that actually feels like you. Whatever your reason, you've come to the right place. In this guide I share my local insight for creating your dream elopement in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
That's me and my Mom at Max Patch!
Elevating Elopements with Local Expertise
Hey y'all - I'm Kathryn!
I was born and raised here in the
Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC.
This land is a deep part of my heritage and celebrating it's beauty woven in with your unique love story is one of my greatest joys.
With a lifetime of exploring every winding gravel road, off-map hiking trail, and small town street of Appalachia, and 8 years of helping couples get married here, you can rest easy knowing you're in good hands.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Elope In Asheville
of
Asheville and the surrounding small tows are filled with gorgeous parks, lakes, and forests for you to choose from. If you need help narrowing down your options, I can help!
Here is a quick breakdown of your choices:
Explore the vast wonders of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, which together blanket a majority of Western North Carolina, offering an array of enchanting spaces for your elopement. While Pisgah tends to draw more visitors, Nantahala's serene landscapes beckon those seeking solitude. Yet, both forests boast stunning waterfalls, panoramic vistas, meandering rivers, and endless trails, providing a wealth of options for crafting your perfect day amidst nature's splendor.
Embrace once-in-a-lifetime moments amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile mountain road journeying from Western North Carolina to Virginia. I help my couples discover secluded spots and scenic trails perfect for crafting intentional elopements. With its accessible yet captivating vistas, it's the perfect setting for those seeking to immerse themselves in purposeful connections with nature and each other.
Private Venues
If you're looking for more ensured privacy for your celebration, Western NC offers a wealth of secluded spaces perfectly suited for your elopement. From serene flower farms to exclusive wedding venues and cozy rental homes, you'll find an array of private settings where you can exchange vows without interruptions. With no worries about other people being present, you'll have the freedom to set up additional elements like chairs and a wedding arch, ensuring your day is as intimate and personalized as you've always dreamed.
Check off a National Park from your bucket list for your elopement! Imagine saying 'I do' amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, spanning the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. While it can be very busy, this iconic park offers a wealth of exploration opportunities across its diverse landscapes. Whether you prefer easy access locations or are drawn to long hikes and backpacking adventures, the Great Smoky Mountains cater to every kind of nature lover, ensuring an elopement experience as unique as your love
NOT SURE WHich location TO CHOOSE?
You're probably feeling a bit overwhelmed by the abundance choices in the Asheville area for your elopement... I get it - But don't worry! I'm here to help you navigate through the options and find the perfect spot that resonates with your unique vision.
With my local expertise and personalized guidance, together we'll turn your elopement dreams into a reality. Don't hesitate to reach out. We will connect to see if I'm a good fit for you before we start planning your unforgettable celebration in nature.
NC State Parks
The remainder of public land in Western NC comprises state parks such as Gorges, Grandfather Mountain, and Mt. Mitchell. These stunning landscapes offer picturesque settings for your elopement, with the added convenience of nearby facilities such as campgrounds and restrooms. Ideal for couples who prefer to be closer to accommodations while still immersing themselves in the natural beauty of North Carolina.
You don't have to do this alone!
THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN ASHEVILLE
Spring
Among the myriad decisions couples face when planning their elopement, perhaps none is as pivotal as choosing the perfect season.
In Asheville, each season unfolds with its own distinctive allure, presenting couples with a canvas of possibilities.
My advice?
Read my descriptions, listen to your gut, and choose whatever feels like a good fit for you!
March - May
Spring stands out as one of the prime seasons for elopements in Western NC and it's not hard to see why. From the vibrant blooms of our diverse plant life paired with milder temperatures, this time of year offers an enchanting and colorful backdrop for your special day.
Summer
June - august
While Summer brings warmth and a lush backdrop of greenery, it also invites crowds, especially with school vacations. However, fear not - That's nothing a lesser-known location and access to cooling water spots can't fix! If you dream of getting in one of our crystal clear rivers or lakes during your elopement - this is the time!
Fall
september - November
The Fall is the absolute most popular season to elope in Asheville for - you guessed it - the colors! There’s nothing like when the trees turn red, orange, and yellow, lighting up the landscape. Plus the weather is ideal with a balance of warm with a crisp chill in the air. The downside to eloping here in the fall? Crowds. LOTS of people visit here to “leaf look” So finding locations, where you can avoid the tourists is key.
Winter
december - february
Winter in the mountains can be surprisingly magical. You might get lucky with our gentle snowfall, but even without it you will get graced with views you wouldn't experience in any other season. The color of the mountains seem to change this time of year to an even bluer tone and you're inspired to snuggle up by a fire and enjoy the quieter time of year on the trails.
1.
Choose to elope on a week day - the less crowded the trails, the better.
2.
Confirm when your location and/or venue is available or accessible for booking or permitting.
Tips for picking
your Date to
elope in Asheville
3.
Avoid holidays - a very important way to try and avoid crowds and get some privacy!
4.
Decide what type of weather you want to experience, and pick a month based on that.
5.
Plan around personal time off for a stress free experience!
Your elopement is not a photoshoot
Your wedding experience is worth so much more than a simple ceremony and hour of posed photos. You want something that honors your story and shares your values; a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with the things you love most and new stories to tell!
Here is just a short list of some fun activities you could enjoy if you elope in Asheville with me.
Hiking or backpacking
star gazing
biking
swimming hole exploring
dreamy picnics
hot air balloon rides
kayaking or Canoeing
tubing or Rafting
sunrise & sunset watching
waterfall chasing
yoga, massage, meditation, spas
Private chef meals
campfire s'mores
renting a lake boat
foraging mushrooms
hammocking
a fancy meal with loved ones
Obtaining a
marriage license
To elope in Asheville
- You will likely get a marriage license from the Buncombe County Register of Deeds during office hours (8 AM - 5 PM) if you're eloping around Asheville.
- You may complete the marriage license application by printing it out at home before your arrival, or you can just fill it out when you get there
- Both people must be present with valid Photo ID’s AND social security cards
- The Marriage License fee is $60
- The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in NC
How to Get Around When You Elope in Asheville
Asheville is a smaller town, not a big city. Therefore, it doesn’t have a lot of taxi or ride-share services like Uber or Lyft. There are a handful, but there aren’t many.
I highly recommend renting a car or bringing your own!
Having your own car will allow you the freedom to explore when and where you want. Plus, there are a lot of outdoor areas that don’t have service around here, so you wouldn’t be able to call a ride anyway. If you are feeling adventurous and want to make sure you have access to everything, I suggest renting an SUV. There are a lot of bumpy dirt roads and pull-offs that need a higher clearance vehicle that would make navigation much easier.
Where to Stay to Elope in Asheville
I’m a big fan of house rentals or straight up camping for the privacy and natural spaces they provide.
There are BEAUTIFUL and really cute rentals all over Western NC. Some also allow elopements to take place on their property - just be sure to ask beforehand to make sure.
You can search for local rentals on airbnb or vrbo.
My suggestion is to try and support locals who have spaces to rent (instead of people who live other places and have rentals here - it helps the local economy more this way).
Hotels are usually incredibly expensive, and not that exciting for photo or video shots in my opinion, so I don’t recommend them.
Extra tip:
Try to pick where you stay after you’ve picked where you want to explore on your elopement day. It’s not uncommon to have to drive an hour or two to get to some of the best spots in the area, so picking a place to stay based on your elopement ceremony location will be helpful!
What to wear for your elopement
My biggest piece of advice when it comes to picking your wedding clothes for an outdoor elopement in Asheville is to choose what you feel your most comfortable AND your most confident in.
You don't have to go down any traditional route. Get creative and have fun with it!
This is about representing you as your truest selves, so choose an outfit that feels like YOU.
Dresses or skirts
If you’re wearing a dress, something loose around the hips and legs is great so you’ve got enough range of motion to hike in. Also, having some layers that you are comfortable having photos taken in each option will give you flexibility for the weather.
Check out my blog post for more detailed info on how to pick your elopement dress.
Shirts & Pants
For those wearing a more shirt and pant style outfit, make sure you’ve got something that is a bit stretchy. You wouldn’t want your pants to rip stepping up on a big rock!
Also, make sure you've got some layers that you are comfortable having photos taken in. This will help keep you comfortable and give you flexibility for whatever the weather throws at us!
Shoes
If you’re hiking during your elopement day, legit hiking boots are the way to go. They will be the most comfortable and comfort is key! Make sure you wear them in if you buy new boots to try and avoid blisters. If you prefer not wearing boots, wear something with good tread at least!
If you prefer to have something a bit less rugged or aren't hiking around during your day, then just make sure your shoes are comfortable.
Photography & Videography
Hey y'All, Im Kathryn and I'm Here for you.
Your photographer/videographer could make or break your elopement day.
Choosing someone you will enjoy being around and that you trust is key to feeling comfortable, connected, and celebrated.
So what can you expect from me?
As a joyful and gentle soul, my utmost priority is to support you in every possible way.
You'll often hear me say, "this is a no judgement zone," and I wholeheartedly mean it.
I firmly believe that the best photos and films capture honest moments, so my goal is to allow you to simply enjoy and be present.
Whether we're marveling at the sunrise or sunset, hiking mountains, or swimming together, I'll be right there with you. And when you need some alone time, I'll gladly give you the space you need. From sharing fun facts about cool plants to helping you build a campfire, I'm here for you every step of the way.
I imagine you aren’t choosing an elopement because you value your day less or want to minimize it.
In fact, I bet you value your experience SO MUCH that you’re choosing to experience it with intention
(and have a little adventure to go with it)!
With packages ranging from four hours to two days, you have the flexibility to embark on a long hike to a private mountaintop, take a kayak trip on a quiet river, have a bonfire in the backyard, host a small celebration ceremony with family and friends, go for an evening bike ride, or enjoy a delicious dinner made by a private chef.
Your options are limitless, and with your final photos and video, you’ll remember every sweet moment forever.
An Elopement Experience Without Limits
Here's my honest take:
Your elopement deserves more than just a cookie-cutter package. It's a once-in-a-lifetime event that deserves personalized attention and care.
Evergreen Era Film + Photo
All Images & Content © 2024 Evergreen Era Films, LLC
Email:
evergreenerafilms@gmail.com
Asheville elopement Photographer
& Videographer
Capturing love stories in the
blue ridge mountains.
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