Known for its rolling hills, temperate climate and breezy coastline, North Carolina is nothing short of a wonderland for nature enthusiasts—and there’s no better place to experience it than from Asheville! Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, Asheville boasts a fun mix of live music, street art, great food, and local beer. With the Smokies in its backyard, the town is also a prime destination for outdoor weddings. If you’re looking for a breathtaking spot to tie the knot, there’s a pretty good chance you’re already considering an Asheville mountain elopement.

Why choose Asheville for your Elopement?

To say, “There’s something for everyone in Asheville,” would be true, but it also sells this little hub short of describing its absolute charm and vibrance. Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, Asheville offers its visitors quaint inns, intimate bars, vibrant street art, and plenty of live music with a ton of gorgeous outdoor destinations in the surrounding area.

The region is famous for its rolling mountains and thick pine forests, but also features a smorgasbord of other breathtaking landscapes ranging from dramatic gorges and waterfalls to wildflower-laden valleys.

Of course, no wedding is complete without a toast or two, and Asheville offers visitors plenty of options when it comes to beer and wine. With a healthy amount of wineries and more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the country, Asheville is the craft beer enthusiast’s dream come true.

Ceremony location ideas and venues

Asheville has no shortage of beautiful outdoor destinations. With the Great Smoky Mountains, Great Craggy Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Balsam Mountains, and tons of other spots nearby, your biggest problem with an Asheville mountain elopement is honestly going to be narrowing down your options. As an elopement photographer, that’s where I can help! Exploring the outdoors is what I love to do, so I’m happy to help narrow down options for your elopement spot so you can still have that truly wild and adventurous feel.

With a recent increase in elopements and outdoor activities, in general, several locations may be temporarily off-limits, as well. Thankfully, permit administrators are incredibly helpful in providing alternate locations if the place you have in mind isn’t available for your elopement. More up-to-date information can be found here.

What to know before planning your Asheville Mountain elopement

Before you throw on your hiking books and trek up a mountain in your wedding dress, you’ll want to keep in mind that Asheville requires all couples to nab a marriage license before their big day. Thankfully, the whole process is pretty much a breeze. Unlike many states, North Carolina requires no drawn-out waiting periods. Licenses may be issued during business hours between 8am and 5pm at any Register of Deeds office, and simply require the payment of a $60 fee.

North Carolina also requires all wedding ceremonies to have at least two adult witnesses present to sign the marriage license. In addition to your photographer, you’ll likely need to invite at least one friend or family member along to help you celebrate.

After you’ve signed all your documents and said, “I do,” on that mountain top, you’ll need to return the completed license to the Register of Deeds office within 10 days. After the state issues your certificate of marriage, the whole process is complete and it’s time to get out in Asheville and do some more celebrating!

How to plan your Asheville Mountain elopement

Asheville and its surrounding area are stunning year-round, but each season has its own distinct vibe. While no time of year is necessarily better than the others, they do each come with their own pros and cons. The date you pick will depend largely on how you’ve always pictured your big day.

If it’s the area’s panoramic mountain views that have captured your heart, you’ll be planning your wedding for a destination with higher elevation—and higher elevation can mean lower temperatures. Elopements taking place in mountaintop spots are generally best when scheduled between May and September.

If you’re wanting your elopement photos to feature some of the country’s most beautiful fall foliage (and you don’t mind cooler temps), there’s no better time than early October. Just remember to bring a sweater and plan for the weather! Lastly, keep in mind that weather at high altitudes is so unpredictable; many of Asheville’s nearby parks experience weather-dependent closures, so a contingency plan is always a good idea.

Finding local Asheville vendors

The best thing about an elopement is the opportunity to make it entirely your own; choosing to work with vendors is a great way to put a personalized spin on your big day. As a hub for creativity and popular spot for small businesses, Asheville has plenty to offer when it comes to florists, makeup artists, bridal boutiques, decor rentals, caterers, and everything in between.

Dressed in a flowing V-cut bridal gown by Maggi Bridal Asheville, a gauzy veil from Veil Trends Couture, and her trusted hiking books, Lindsey’s elopement ensemble nailed that perfect mark between rustic authenticity and elegant glamour.

Along with vibrant florals by Flora Asheville and an ornate crown braid by Faith from Atlas Beauty, this elopement-styled adventure proved how much personality can be packed into a mountaintop adventure with the help of vendors—and in Asheville, there’s plenty to choose from.

Other local vendors offer plenty of options to incorporate those small touches, like catered desserts, stylized A-frames, and outdoor furniture rentals (just to name a few).

PRACTICE LEAVE NO TRACE

Leave No Trace, or LNT, is a set of principles that encourage leaving as little impact on outdoor spaces as possible. Regardless of where you elope, it’s important to remember to minimize your impact and be aware of the effects that humans can have. You can read more about LNT and elopements HERE!

Practicing Leave No Trace includes staying on trails, being aware of the rules when it comes to hanging decorations, and researching restrictions for the number of guests that you can bring to your elopement. Being aware and minimizing your impact can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping our public lands beautiful.

Between stunning mountain views, colorful foliage, gorges and waterfalls galore, Asheville is the perfect elopement location. I’ve spent countless hours exploring nearby mountains, so I’m ready to help with everything from secret, secluded locations, to permit information, to building the perfect elopement timeline. So if you’re ready to plan your Asheville elopement, contact me!