Your Ultimate Elopement Guide for 2024

Elope in Asheville

An elopement adventure in Asheville is an absolute dream for the nature enthusiasts & advenure lovers a-like – and guess what? You're in luck because you've landed on the ultimate destination by choosing Asheville as your wedding location. I've got the insider knowledge to make your special day unforgettable. So, stick around, because I'm about to spill all the secrets on how to turn your Asheville elopement into the stuff of dreams! Along with offering my knowledge on all the important planning tips, and all the logistics to best prepare for your adventure into this new chapter together.

YOUR dream experience

Welcome to Laren Rose Photography!

I am so excited and honored to be the one documenting your elopement day! And I can’t thank you enough for trusting me to tell your story. This is a major milestone for you and your partner to commit to each other for the rest of your lives. And I couldn’t be thrilled to be a part of it.

You ready to do this?
Let’s do it

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Leave No Trace

  2. Choosing Your Location

  3. Tips to Choose Your Date

  4. Permit Info

  5. Marriage License Tips

  6. Officiant Recommendations

  7. Activity Ideas of What To Do!

  8. Weather & Backup Plans

  9. What to Wear & Pack

  10. General Elopement Tips

Leave No Trace

First and Foremost, Let’s Dive into Leave No Trace 

If you’re learning about Leave No Trace for the first time, here’s the general gist. The landscapes we hike in can only thrive if we actively protect them. So whether there is a wedding celebration or not, certain actions can harm the land, its beauty, & our ability to access the land in the future. In simple terms, that means refraining from littering, sticking to designated trails, securing required permits, and showing consideration others. Leave No Trace values leaving the environment better than we found it, so that future generations can also enjoy these stunning landscapes.

Choosing Your Elopement Location

The Asheville area offers diverse options for everyone.
For nature lovers, we have these national parks nearby, there’s the Blue Ridge Parkway running directly through Asheville, Pisgah National Forest, and both Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your elopement location should reflect the uniqueness of your relationship.


Here are some of my favorite locations below!

  • Black Balsam Knob is my personal favorite location near Asheville. With an short hike to 360 degree views of the mountains, it’s hard to beat! The trail starts off in a beautiful pine forest (photo featured in the page before this) and there are lots of rocky spots to enjoy at the top, and the wildflowers will bloom in late Spring!


    • No permit required

    • Easy Hike, 1 mile out & back

    • 38 miles from Asheville (1 hour)

    • 400 ft Elevation Gain

    • No Restroom. Graveyard Fields is a different spot nearby that has one if needed.

    • Dogs allowed on leash

    • Best Time of Year: April - November

    • No travel fee

    All Trails Link

  • This location has a breathtaking pair of stone, cove-like viewing points offering epic views of Linville Gorge and the meandering Linville River. This is another favorite spot for the mountain views. Note: you will want a vehicle that can handle some off roading for the drive up. I have a Toyota 4runner, so if you don’t have access to a car that can handle it, I can absolutely drive us to and from.

    • No permit required

    • Very Easy Hike, 0.4 mile out & back | Accessibility/Wheelchair Friendly

    • 60 miles from Asheville (1.5 hours)

    • Off Roading Vehicle strongly recommended due to excessive potholes on the drive

    • There is a small restroom. Not ideal for changing in.

    • Dogs allowed on leash

    • Best Time of Year: April - October

    • Travel fee

    All Trails Link

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Looking to elope without any hiking and with more of a downtown vibe?
Consider eloping downtown at the historic Asheville City Hall. The Biltmore Estate is another honorable mention if you love architecture and a garden feel. There are also tons of flower farms near Asheville. And the NC Arboretum and the Douglas Ellington House are both locations that offer packages specifically for elopements.

When to Elope in Asheville

  • Aim for a weekday to avoid larger crowds

  • Plan for a day that doesn’t fall on a holiday for the same reason above

  • Do you have a favorite time of year/ favorite weather? Plan your elopement day to take place during your favorite time of year

  • Permits can be limited at specific spots during certain times of the year, so take gather this information before planning further

  • If your only option is a weekend date to visit town, opt for a sunrise elopement for more privacy and easier access to epic locations

Activity Ideas for your Elopement!

This is your friendly reminder to spend your elopement day doing what brings you two joy! Embrace not just the ceremony itself, but the entire journey surrounding it. From the days leading up to your special day to the moments that follow, each presents an opportunity to craft unforgettable memories. Your elopement is more than just pretty pictures—it's a chance to immerse yourselves in the things you love most or to explore new adventures together!

Here are some ideas to inspire you!

  • SCENIC HIKING

  • PICNIC

  • SUNSET WATCHING

  • WATERFALL WALK

  • CYCLING

  • HOT AIR BALLOON

  • ICE CREAM & PIZZA DOWNTOWN

  • COCKTAILS DOWNTOWN

  • CANOE/KAYAK/BOAT

  • CAMPING

  • STAR GAZING

  • AND MORE! WHATEVER YOU LOVE TO DO!

Weather & Backup Planning For Your Elopement Day

Dealing with inclement weather on your elopement day can be challenging, but there are several ways couples can adapt and make the most of the situation:

Backup Plan: About 2 weeks before the big day, we will check to see what the weather predicts and create a backup plan in the case of inclement weather. Our backup plan can look like a different location altogether, or if possible, having a plan to use an indoor area or covered location. This could be at your vacation rental, a venue space at your hotel, a cozy cabin, or a picturesque spot with indoor space. The weather in the Asheville mountains can be unpredictable, but we will keep a close eye on it leading up to the day to best prepare.

Embrace the Elements: If you're comfortable with it, embrace the weather and let it become a part of your elopement story. Rain or snow can add a romantic atmosphere to your photos.

Bring Protective Gear: Be prepared with appropriate gear such as rain jackets with hoodies, appropriate shoes, and warm clothing to stay comfortable. Bring layers, a fresh pair of socks and clothes to change into as well. I have a few bubble umbrellas in my car for us at all times (they photograph beautifully). My camera gear is weather sealed, so I am good to go with rainy weather.

Postpone or Delay: If the weather forecast is severe, postponing your elopement to a later date (sometimes even the next day) or delaying the ceremony to a different time until weather improves is absolutely an option for us.

Keep An Open Mind: Sometimes the unexpected can lead to the most memorable and unique experiences.

Remember, the most important thing is celebrating your love and commitment to each other, no matter the weather. With a positive attitude and some flexibility, you can still have a meaningful and unforgettable elopement day.

What to Wear and Pack for Your Elopement