Asheville Elopement Planning
Asheville is one of the top places to get married in North Carolina. It’s a fun and quirky town with local restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and breweries. You’ll have easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway where you can find gorgeous hikes and waterfalls. The mountain views make Asheville an irresistible wedding destination. I’ll help you through your Asheville elopement planning so you can have an incredible wedding experience!
On this blog, you’ll find recommendations for the following:
- Wedding venues in Asheville, North Carolina
- Wedding vendors
- Best Time to Elope in Asheville
- Things to do in Asheville
- Where to stay
Asheville Elopement Planning
Elopement Venues in Asheville:
Trying to find the perfect place to say your vows? There are plenty of great options in the area. Below is a list of top wedding venues in Asheville, North Carolina:
Black Balsam Knob
You can’t go wrong with a Black Balsam Knob elopement. Locals and travelers are drawn to this Asheville elopement destination because it has gorgeous mountain views. Additionally, it’s easy to get to, and the hike is moderate. There are several stopping points throughout the trail with a stunning outlook. So depending on your fitness and comfort level, you can stop within 15 minutes of walking or keep going. Either way, you’ll get great views of the mountains!
Max Patch
Max Patch is an easy hike, and the views are unreal. It’s a bit of a rough drive getting to the trailhead on the gravel mountain road, but it’s worth the trek. There are usually a lot of hikers and people camping, but it’s an open space so it doesn’t feel too crowded. It’s a great public venue for a couple looking to elope in Western North Carolina.
Lower Falls
Lower Falls is located at Graveyard Fields. It’s one of the shortest hikes you’ll take in Asheville, as it’s only .2 miles from the trailhead. Just beware there are a lot of stairs involved. The waterfall makes a beautiful backdrop for an elopement. You can always continue your hike and explore Graveyard Fields after you say your vows! Also, it’s a short drive to Black Balsam Knob if you want to explore multiple locations on your wedding day.
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is one of the most popular falls for couples choosing a waterfall elopement. It’s a 60 foot waterfall, and it’s a fairly easy quarter-mile walk from the trailhead. Early morning and weekdays are the best time to go if you want a peaceful surrounding without a crowd. The falls are easily accessible and provide a stunning background for your ceremony.
The Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is an Asheville staple. It’s a mansion located about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville by car. The Biltmore has several venues within the property to have your ceremony. So you’ll have plenty of options, whether you want to say your vows surrounded by mountains, with a chateau backdrop, or in a dreamy greenhouse. They accommodate a two person elopement as well as groups. If you want to share your day with a handful of friends and family, the Biltmore is a great choice.
Downtown Asheville
You can say your vows at the courthouse and then wander around downtown Asheville. You can also drive to the mountains if you want to get the best of all Asheville has to offer. Alternatively, if you stay downtown, there are plenty of charming streets, restaurants, breweries, etc.
Asheville Wedding Florists
If you’re looking for a bouquet or flowers to decorate your wedding ceremony, these are three of the best wedding florists in Asheville.
Hair & Makeup Artists:
These hair and makeup artists serving Asheville will have you feeling beautiful and confident for your elopement!
North Carolina Wedding Videographers
Video is a great additional way to document your elopement. These artists are talented story tellers!
Best time to Elope in Asheville
The mountains of Asheville look vastly different depending on what time of year you go. The best time to elope in Asheville is the Fall because of the colorful foliage. The weather is mild, and temperature averages in the low 60’s. The only downside is the popularity of this season among other travelers. Summer is also a great time to visit and elope in Asheville. The weather is warm but not too hot. Additionally, the scenery is vibrant this time of year.
Winter and Spring are not ideal seasons to elope in Asheville. Typically, the temperatures are too cold to enjoy being outside. Also, the winter and early spring weather can affect road access on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can check the status of road conditions here. Therefore, Fall and Summer are the best time to elope in Asheville.
Asheville Elopement Photographer Recommendations
Things to do in Asheville:
As an Asheville elopement photographer, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the area. As you’re planning your elopement, make sure you get the most of your time in Asheville. You can use this for your wedding day or for an Asheville weekend trip itinerary. Here’s a list of fun activities to do:
- Go hiking
- Find a waterfall
- Bar hop at Breweries
- Eat at a local restaurant
- Zip-line
- See the Biltmore
- Contra dance
- Walk around downtown
- Wander around the Arboretum
Accommodation
Where to stay in Asheville:
If you’re looking for accommodation in Asheville, there are plenty of unique options. Depending on your travel style, you can choose something that suits your taste! Whether you’re going for luxury or adventure, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to book far in advance during the busy summer and fall seasons, especially if you’re planning to honeymoon in Asheville!
- Hotel + Resort
- Airbnb
- Cabin
- Camping
Getting Around in Asheville
The best way to get to Asheville, North Carolina:
Depending on where you’re coming from, you can fly or drive to Asheville. First, you have the option of flying into the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is about 20 minutes to downtown Asheville, NC. Alternatively, you could fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and drive from there. The Charlotte airport offers car rentals, and it’s about a 2.5 hour drive to Asheville from there. If you’re located in a surrounding area, driving your own car is always a great option. If you choose to fly, I recommend having a car rental. Downtown has parking decks and meter parking on the street. Having a car is great if you want to hike in the mountains near Asheville. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a well-known scenic drive, especially in the fall.
Asheville Elopement Planning
As a destination wedding photographer serving Asheville, North Carolina, I’m here to guide you as you plan an elopement or destination wedding that’s unique to you. Most importantly, there is no “right” or “wrong” way when it comes to planning an elopement. It can be whatever you want it to be! I’m happy to help you figure out what that looks like for your wedding day.
Asheville Elopement Photographer
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I’m Emily Kidd, and I’m an international elopement photographer. My passion is capturing the authenticity of your relationship + the essence of the experience. I help my couples create unique adventures.
I’ve traveled to 25+ countries, capturing destination weddings and elopements internationally. In addition, I’ll be spending winter in Tulum, Mexico. So I’d love to meet you there and document your incredible journey as a couple.
My couples are the daring ones who aren’t afraid to go after what they want + live in the moment. Reach out for more info, and let’s create something extraordinary!
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