Where to Elope in Asheville, North Carolina
If you read my recent How to Elope In Asheville blog, you know that Asheville is one of my favorite cities on the East Coast. There are so many options for incredible elopement days, from scenic spots in national parks to historic estates and vineyards. While you can’t go wrong eloping anywhere in this wonderful area, I’ve created a guide to some of my absolute favorite spots.
Eloping in the Mountains
Lots of my couples choose Asheville for its gorgeous mountains and parks. If you picture yourself exchanging vows at a stunning overlook or next to a waterfall, there are so many fantastic spots to choose from. While I’m always open to scoping out new locations or visiting somewhere special to you, these are some of my favorite parks and venues for mountain elopements. And remember to keep in mind that many locations require special use permits for elopements!
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Jump Off Rock
- Laurel Falls
- Nantahala National Forest
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park
- Pisgah National Forest
If you prefer an adventurous elopement day, why not exchange your vows on a hike? I love hiking with my couples and it always adds something special to an elopement day in the mountains. There are countless hikes in the Asheville area you could choose from, but here are some of my favorite easy-to-moderate options.
As always, it’s important to practice Leave No Trace (LNT) principles when hiking and eloping in natural areas. This means we’ll stick to trails and carry out everything we bring in. If you have any questions about LNT, I’m always happy to chat about expectations and why it’s important!
Eloping in the City
For those of you who prefer downtown to the mountains, there are tons of great places to elope in the city as well! From spots right in the heart of town to historic buildings a little further out, I love the variety that Asheville offers.
And if you prefer to expand your elopement a little further out from Asheville, there are some awesome towns nearby that are definitely worth a visit. Hot Springs has tons of outdoor activities, and Boone is known for its incredible 26-acre research garden. Right across the Tennessee border, Johnson City is a sweet college town with tons to do. And even Knoxville isn’t too far away, with only a 2-hour drive from Asheville.
When to Elope in Asheville
Another thing to keep in mind when determining your elopement location in Asheville is when you’d like to elope. Asheville experiences a variety of weather throughout the year, so it’s important to keep in mind when planning. If you’d love a winter or early spring elopement, I recommend sticking to the city or garden venues, since the mountains around Asheville can experience snow through the end of April. During the summer, Asheville tends to be a bit more crowded with tourists, but the weather is truly beautiful. The late evenings and golden hour light are incredible if you’re okay with more people! In the fall, the leaves will start to change, with the earliest foliage colors at the top of the mountains. However, sunsets will be earlier which may limit your time for photos. Overall, Asheville is a beautiful location for elopements any time of year, as long as you know what’s important to you!
Elope in Asheville with Evergreen Photo
When you choose to elope, you cut out a lot of the “excess” that comes with a traditional wedding day. In turn, the things that remain, like your location, become a highlight of the day and dictate the overall feel. It’s so important to find a spot that resonates with you as a couple and one that you’ll look back on fondly for years to come. When you book Evergreen Photo for your elopement day photography, you’ll receive customized location recommendations, scouting, and regional guides to simplify the process. If you’re ready to elope in Asheville and want gorgeous photos and an expert to help you throughout the process, reach out!
