If you’re from another state or a longtime, local – we’re going to get your wheels turning on locations to elope in Asheville, North Carolina!

This is not a comprehensive list of everywhere you can elope, because there are SO many wonderful options in this gem of a town. I’ll also preface that we include more than just Asheville, it’s more focused on the Asheville area (within an hour or so.) I hope this helps get your wheels turning and if you need help with planning, I’m here to help!

A few ideas of where to elope in Asheville, NC:

Buncombe County Courthouse
The Blue Ridge Parkway
A Boutique Hotel
The Biltmore
Pisgah National Forest

Buncombe County Courthouse in Downtown Asheville

Don’t discount the sweet simplicity of a courthouse wedding! Courthouse weddings are in vogue, especially for my anti-brides! If you like that vintage feel of a classic and cool elopement, courthouses are the epitome of that. If you’re eloping and want to keep things super simple, opting for a courthouse wedding is a great option! Just because you have your elopement ceremony at the courthouse, doesn’t mean that’s the end of your day! You could follow it up with a fancy brunch and cocktails, or super beautiful drive on the parkway in a vintage car, or a mountain hike with a picnic and reading your vows – it’s just one part of the day! Also – the Buncombe County courthouse has a cool interior for photos and Asheville City Hall exterior is right next door and is dripping in 1930’s art deco feels.

The Blue Ridge Parkway (or Nearby)

Whether you plan to get married at an approved spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or plan to have your ceremony in a lovely cabin and then take photos on the parkway, there are a number of spots you can consider. It’s important to remember that most places along the parkway are under the jurisdiction of the National Parks Service, so you should always check before making plans whether or not ceremonies are allowed and if a permit is required. Another important consideration is guest count — most locations are limited to 25 total participants and there are some that limit you to 15 (that includes the couple, officiant, and your photographer, or videographer.)

A Boutique Asheville Hotel

There’s some serious charm in this mountain town and we have a number of darling boutique hotels in the area to satisfy the couple looking for something with a unique and stylish vibe. I am currently working to compile a list of some of my favorite boutique Asheville hotels for those looking to stay in town while they elope elsewhere, but most of these spots also offer the option to host your elopement or intimate wedding on site.

The Biltmore

If you’ve seen weddings at the Biltmore, it was likely an insanely extravagant and lavish affair. However, they offer the option for small weddings and elopements at different sites on the grounds as well. Beware that you cannot just visit the grounds to take photos in your wedding getup. They make it very clear on the site that that privilege is reserved only for brides who have booked a wedding or elopement at the estate. If you love the Biltmore and can’t afford to elope there, you can always consider having your engagement photos or an anniversary session there down the line.

Pisgah National Forest

The Pisgah National Forest is the jewel of this area and there are so many beautiful spots to take pictures or host a small elopement. At this time, the U.S. Forest Service is asking couples to avoid using Max Patch, Black Balsam Knob, and Looking Glass Falls as locations for elopements and photography sessions. As a “Leave No Trace” aware photographer, I think it’s incredibly important to be aware of over-use and restrictions of the use of our public lands.

Consider that if you don’t want to host your actual elopement ceremony on the Parkway or in Pisgah since there are a lot of restrictions, you can always incorporate it into your timeline to include a hike or do your private vows, or just as a location for additional photos and video. For more information about specific locations and recommendations, be sure to reach out and inquire. If you’re looking for an Asheville-based elopement photographer and videographer, I’d love to help you out!