Ready to elope in Asheville? Looking for a personalized experience? Here’s our guide for inspiration to create the perfect day!
The Ultimate Inspiration Guide to Elope in Asheville
So, you’re thinking about an Asheville elopement? Awesome! A quick question as we get started into this guide together — you’re not just here for a quick “I do” – you’re ready to dive into something way more exciting, right?
We believe that an Asheville elopement should be about crafting an entire experience that’s all about you, your love, and the adventure you two are on together. Whether you’re dreaming of sunrise mountain top vows, hidden waterfall adventures, or something totally out-of-the-box, this guide is here to help you imagine the possibilities and bring them to life!
Free Download: Elopement Budget Spreadsheet
StoryBright | What Makes Us Different
Let’s get this straight – at StoryBright, we’re not just about throwing together a basic ceremony. We’re about creating an experience that speaks to who you are as a couple. Here’s what different about us:
- Creative, Custom Experiences: With over 20 years of experience in the mountains of Asheville and beyond, we’ve seen and done it all. We’re here to help you create the ultimate vision of your day! If you can dream it, we can make it happen—even things you didn’t think were possible.
- Seriously Organized: We’ve got the details down. Permits, timelines, logistics? We’ve got it covered so your day flows seamlessly.
- Personal Care: We’re not just “vendors”—we’re invested in you. We adjust, pivot, and roll with the day to ensure everything feels right in the moment, no matter what surprises come up. When we used to photograph big weddings, we witnessed how good the day could be with a great day-of coordinator, and how poor the couple’s experience is without one. We take that lesson to how we manage elopement days — we want you to have the best day ever and are working hard behind the scenes to make that happen!
So many people these days talk about eloping for the stress free nature of it. That can be true, but often that simplicity will sacrifice the personalized experience you deserve. Said another way, why exchange the cookie-cutter nature of big weddings with a cookie-cutter elopement? We’re here to help you create a day that is just for you that incorporates all the experiences you love while making the planning process and the day-of carefree.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
Elope in Asheville | Imagining your Perfect Day
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! You’ve probably been doing some searches already about what it might look like to plan an Asheville elopement, and it seems like everyone describes the typical lists of locations and details — but we’re not here just to regurgitate the same info as everyone else. Nor are we here to be like everyone else (sense a theme here?).
Instead of throwing a bunch of random info your way, we want you to feel what your day could actually be. Let’s dive into some real experiences we’ve created for other couples, and hopefully, you’ll start to picture your own adventure. Let us handle the details of bringing it all together while you dream big!
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Mountain View Asheville Elopement
Picture this: You’ve spent an amazing day together, and you’re hiking up a mountain trail as the day approaches golden hour. Your heart’s racing—not just from the climb—but from the sheer excitement of knowing that in just a little while, you’ll be exchanging vows as the sun sets over the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s just the two of you, surrounded by nothing but silence and breathtaking views. It’s as if you own the entire mountain range. This is a moment that’s 100% yours.
Waterfall Asheville Elopement
Or maybe you want to elope in Asheville at a secluded waterfall. Imagine hiking into a waterfall that feels like you’re the first people to discover it. Then standing by the rushing water, the only sound is the falls behind you as you say your vows. Afterwards, you explore the surrounding forest, having a private first dance, and even dipping your toes in the hidden pools. It’s not just a ceremony—it’s a full-on exploration where you discover a new place together, that feels like it has been waiting just for you to find.
Elope in Asheville for Mountains & Waterfalls!
Can’t decide between the two? Why not have both?! Honestly, many of our couples decide on both mountain views and waterfalls when the choose Asheville as their destination. Coming to this area — in our opinion — should be much more than spending the day. Why not spend a week? Likewise, why not experience the total adventure of big views, golden hour, a waterfalls too?
Start your day with a sunrise hike to a mountaintop for private vows, then hit up a hidden waterfall to celebrate afterward. It’s an epic combo that gives you the best of both worlds: sweeping views and intimate moments where you’re hidden away in the forest.
Unique Small Venues for an Asheville Elopement
Looking for something a little more structured but still full of Asheville’s magic? Small, unique venues around the area give you all the charm and intimacy you want, but with a little more comfort. Maybe it’s a cozy mountain lodge, a rustic barn, or an elegant garden with mountain views. These venues allow you to gather family and friends without sacrificing that deep connection to nature. You’ll still get that wow factor, but with a little extra comfort.
Here’s an example from one of our couples, where they chose to elope in Asheville at a small venue close to town for a perfect balance. They started their day with private vows in the morning on a nearby mountaintop, then celebrated with their family and friends at an intimate ceremony and a gorgeous sunset. Then they all gathered in a private room at a restaurant, for a reception that felt like home.
Private Airbnb or Vacation Home Asheville Elopement
Want the whole place to yourselves? Renting an Airbnb or vacation home means the entire space is yours to enjoy. Get ready in a stunning home, have your ceremony in the backyard with views of the mountains, and then spend the evening celebrating with family and friends around a fire pit. You can even set up the space exactly how you want—no strict timelines here! Unlike a venue where you get kicked out at a certain time, when you rent a vacation home you can have “hang out” time and really enjoy the time together and with your loved ones.
Follow along in the photos below from one of our couples! They spent an entire week in a farmhouse vacation home with their closest friends. It was a multi-day celebration with group hikes, dinners, and an unforgettable wedding day that felt like a laid-back, adventurous family retreat. From a first look with misty mountains in the distance, to a beautiful ceremony followed by a reception and private chef’s dinner, it was a dreamy, personalized experience.
Elope in Asheville & Rent a Jeep | Explore Off the Beaten Path
Ready for an off-road adventure? Renting a jeep gives you the freedom to get to those out-of-the-way spots that no one else is thinking about. Spend the day going off the beaten path, soaking in the views, finding hidden waterfalls and getting lost in the woods together. If you’re the kind of couple who loves exploring, this might be the perfect fit for you!
Road or Mountain Biking Asheville Elopement
For the couples who live for biking, why not incorporate fun on two wheels into your big day? Start the morning with a road bike ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the sunrise lighting your path. Or mountain bike at Dupont or Bent Creek. Stop at scenic overlooks, then use our van to change in wedding attire! Exchange vows with the mountains as your backdrop, then enjoy a reception for just the two of you, toasting your marriage with a coffee break overlooking the valleys below.
Free Download: Elopement Budget Spreadsheet
Elope in Asheville with a Private Luxury Picnic
After a day of adventure, imagine coming down from a mountain hike to a gorgeous luxury picnic set up just for you. We’re talking cozy blankets, plush pillows, and an array of your favorite foods, all laid out beautifully in the middle of nature. You’re toasting with champagne, soaking in the moment, and savoring the peace and quiet after an epic day together.
Check out this example from one of our couples! They celebrated their elopement with a private luxury picnic in the forest, complete with handcrafted charcuterie, champagne, and a custom cake just for them. It was the perfect way to wind down from their adventurous day.
Campfire Experience Asheville Elopement
Want to end your elopement day cozied up around a campfire? We highly recommend it! After hiking, exchanging vows, and exploring the mountains, you can spend the evening around a fire, roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, and even dancing under the stars. It’s intimate, relaxed, and perfect for couples who just want to soak in the moment together.
One couple made this their entire vision for the day. After adventuring through the mountains with their dogs, they wrapped up with a cozy campfire outside their glamping dome. They grilled hot dogs for dinner, made s’mores, and had their first dance by the fire with their dogs at their side. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Private Chef for your Asheville Elopement
We love smaller, more intimate receptions that our couples get to experience when they elope. Instead of the big production of a traditional wedding reception, use the opportunity to enjoy the amazing food scene in Asheville! Hiring a private chef is a popular option when looking for a relaxed experience at your rental cabin. You get personalized attention, an amazing menu, and you don’t have to “drive back home” after dinner.
Here’s an example from one of our couples where they spent time with family, enjoyed an entire day in the mountains and then gathered together at an amazing mountain view rental cabin for dinner to end their day.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
Elope in Asheville for Endless Possibilities!
Are you starting to see what’s possible yet? This is just the beginning. There are so many ways to make your Asheville elopement uniquely yours. From mountaintop views to hidden waterfalls, luxury picnics to campfires, whatever adventure you’re dreaming of, we’re here to make it a reality. Together, we’ll create a day that’s not just about saying “I do” – it’s about celebrating you and the experience of a lifetime.
Details You Don’t Need to Worry About
While you’re dreaming up how you want to elope in Asheville, we’ve got the logistics covered. Here’s how we handle the behind-the-scenes details so you can focus on the experience itself:
- Permits: Depending on where you want to elope, permits can be a must. National parks, forests, and some overlooks or trails require them, and trust us, it’s easy to forget about these details when you’re DIY-ing. That’s where we come in! We know which spots need them and how to get them squared away, so you don’t have to deal with any last-minute surprises or headaches.
- Accommodation: Where you stay isn’t just about having a place to sleep. It’s often the backdrop for some of the most intimate and beautiful parts of your day—getting ready, first look, and post-ceremony celebrations. We’ll help you find the perfect Airbnb, vacation home, or cozy cabin that fits your vision and serves as a great backup option if weather changes your plans. We often start your day there or come back to your accommodation for photos, so it needs to be picture-perfect. We help you find the perfect place! Check out our blog post Airbnb wedding venues in NC for more tips on finding the right place!
- Transportation: Getting around Asheville can be as simple as renting a car or as adventurous as renting a jeep to hit those off-the-beaten-path spots. Whether it’s finding the perfect rental or planning the logistics of getting to your ceremony location, we’ll make sure your ride is set. If you’re aiming for those hidden trails or mountain views, we’ll guide you on what kind of vehicle you need to get there safely and in style. Check out Asheville Jeep Tours for one example!
- Attire: Asheville’s weather is wildly unpredictable. You could be in the valley wearing short sleeves, and then a short time later, you’re up in the mountains wishing you had a jacket! That’s why we help you plan your attire for all the potential conditions. We’ll recommend the best layers to keep you comfortable and looking fabulous, and we always suggest having a great pair of hiking boots on hand. Trust us—those pretty wedding shoes look amazing in photos, but for getting around, boots are a must.
- Vendors: Looking for the perfect florist, hair and makeup artist, officiant or more? We’ve got you. We worked with the best vendors who understand the unique needs of an elopement, whether it’s hiking to a remote ceremony spot or creating the perfect bouquet to complement your outdoor adventure. Don’t bother searching the internet on your own or worrying about service providers at all, honestly. We’ll recommend vendors we trust, so you can focus on enjoying your day, knowing you’re in good hands.
When Is the Best Time to Elope in Asheville?
We’ll be honest — it’s best for us to answer this question once you reach out to us as everyone’s needs are different! Circumstance and timing may be a factor on your choice of your date, or you may have more freedom than you realize regarding plans. But just to give you an idea, here are our top tips for seasons!
Asheville is stunning all year round, but each season brings its own vibe and unique experiences. Here’s a deeper dive into what each season looks like and how to make the most of it:
- Spring (April–June): Spring is a bit of a wild card in the mountains. You might picture blooming flowers and warmer weather, but some of the best spots in the mountains don’t truly start greening up until May. If you’re dreaming of lush greenery and wildflowers, think late spring (more like May into June). March and April can still feel very much like winter—bare trees, cooler temps, and sometimes even snow at higher elevations. But if you love that moody, quiet vibe with a touch of winter’s edge, early spring might be just right for you!
- Summer (July–August): Summer in the Asheville area is incredible. The higher elevations bring mild, comfortable temperatures, and this is when the mountains are truly alive—vibrant greens, blooming rhododendrons, and perfect conditions for an early morning hike. The great thing about summer is the flexibility. You can have a cool, scenic mountain top elopement in the morning and spend the afternoon cooling off in a hidden waterfall. It’s also a less-busy season than the fall, so you won’t have to battle as many crowds, especially if you’re open to weekday adventures.
- Fall (September–November): Ah, fall. Everyone loves fall in Asheville, and it’s easy to see why. The colors are stunning, and the crisp air gives everything a magical feel. But heads up—everyone loves fall in Asheville, which means the weekends can get crazy. If privacy is important to you, weekdays are your best friend during this time of year. We can guide you to hidden spots where you’ll still get those jaw-dropping views without having to share them with tons of other people, but weekdays are really the best choice for the least compromises. Late September and early November are great times to catch those first and last glimpses of fall color with less of the peak season crowds. Here’s a great resource for forecasting fall colors!
- Winter (December–March): Winter in Asheville is peaceful and serene, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which leads to some of the most epic views, can be closed due to snow or ice, and certain locations become harder to access. But if you’re okay with a little extra planning (which we help you with of course!) and love the idea of a dusting of snow, crisp, clear air, and cozying up next to the fire after your ceremony, winter can be an amazing time to elope. Plus, you’ll practically have the mountains to yourselves. Just be ready for us to have backup plans for you—weather in winter is unpredictable, but we’ve got you covered!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
Ready to Elope in Asheville?
You’ve got the inspiration, and now it’s time to bring your dream Asheville elopement to life. Whether it’s a mountain top ceremony, a waterfall adventure, or something totally unique, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Choosing the right location is only part of making your dream day a reality. From making sure we avoid the crowds, choosing the best light, or finding a great AirBnB or local farm to table restaurant to make your experience that much more memorable, we’re here to help! Check out our Blue Ridge Mountain Elopement Planning Guide for more info or our How to Elope Guide and to see all the ways we help you create your epic day. Reach out to us with your ideas, and let’s create an unforgettable day together!
