The mountains of North Carolina are the perfect place for a cozy and intimate elopement.

So, you are wanting to elope in North Carolina but you need some advice on where to even begin. To make things easier for you, I have put together a complete guide to help answer your questions and walk you through the process all in one place. The mountains of North Carolina are the perfect place for a cozy and intimate elopement.

Learn more about my North Carolina Elopement Packages!

Why Elope in North Carolina

Whether you are planning to elope with your client friends and family members or just the two of you, North Carolina is the perfect location if you are looking for mountains, waterfalls, or  botanical gardens. North Carolina offers an array of beautiful landscapes through the entirety of the state. 

Along with the beautiful landscapes, North Carolina experiences all four seasons – giving each location a different look and vibe depending on the time of year. Whether you are looking for snow capped mountains or blooming botanical gardens, North Carolina offers it all. 

When to elope in North Carolina

What Season to elope in North Carolina

Winter (November – March) – During winter months North Carolina is the perfect place to elope if you are looking for beautiful snowy scenery with a bit more privacy. The downfall of winter is the colder weather as well as possible road closures due to the weather. Having a solid plan b location planned out is a must during the winter months

Spring (March-June) – During the spring months trails are still on the more private side as temperatures begin to rise to a comfortable temperature for hiking. Botanical gardens start to bloom and the spring colors become more vigilant. The downfall to spring elopements is the possibility of rain but don’t let that deter you from choosing a spring month for your elopement – just bring some clear umbrellas or ponchos. 

Summer (June – August) – During the summer months you begin to feel the warmer temperatures and bright colors. The privacy on trails becomes minimal and I highly suggest a weekday elopement. 

Fall (September – November) – During the fall months, North Carolina begins to cool down and the fall colors start to show more and more. The downfall to fall months is the crowds the fall colors bring in. I highly suggest a week day elopement to avoid as many tourists as you can. Keep in mind that the Blue Ridge Parkway does not allow for permits during the month of October. 

Time of day to elope in North Carolina

When planning your elopement in North Carolina I highly suggest planning your timeline around sunrise and/or sunset. If you are planning a mountain top elopement, being on the mountain top during either sunrise or sunset is going to make for some amazing photos. 

Where to stay in North Carolina

When choosing where to stay during your elopement I highly suggest renting a home through Airbnb or Vrbo. Not only are rental homes more aesthetically pleasing than hotels for your elopement day, hotels tend to be more expensive. 

North Carolina offers a wide range of rental homes from larger mountain cabins to lakeside tiny homes. There is sure to be a perfect home for your elopement day. 

Before choosing your accommodations, I highly suggest knowing the adventures you want to include into your elopement day and where you are wanting to have your ceremony. This will cut down on travel time to and from different locations due to the mountain roads. 

Here are a few of my favorite WNC Airbnb’s to check out for your elopement day! 

Intimate Airbnbs – perfect for just you two

Forest Tiny home in Fairview

A-frame located in Clyde

Mountain side Dome in Clyde

Tiny A-frame in Swannanoa

Storage bunker tiny home in Todd

Airbnb’s perfect with a few family and friends

Luxury Mountain View in Asheville

Farmhouse cottage in Canton

Luxury mountain escape in Black Mountain

Luxury home in Banner Elk

What to wear

When choosing what to wear, be cautious of where you are planning to elope and the activities you choose to do. 

If you are planning on hiking during your elopement wearing clothing that you feel comfortable hiking in is a must. Whether you plan on changing at the top of the mountain or hiking with your wedding attire on – be sure you are comfy. 

Dresses

When choosing a dress for your elopement day be sure to choose something you feel comfortable moving around in. Something loose at the hips and easy to move in would be ideal for your outdoor elopement. 

Taking in consideration of the weather and the season in which you elope should be a big priority when choosing your elopement dress. Colder months such as December or January I would highly recommend a long sleeve dress, a shawl or even a cute jacket. Warmer months such as June or July you could be more flexible with layers and sleeve options. 

Shirts and Pants 

If you choose to wear wedding attire along the lines of shirts and pants, make sure your outfit is not too snug. Having room to climb if needed is a must, especially if you plan on stepping up on big rock or choosing a more difficult hike.

If you choose to wear layers, such as vests or suit jackets, be sure you are comfortable with and without them on. Not only will having layers allow you to be more comfortable with whatever the weather throws our way but it will give us options for photos too. 

Shoes

Probably one of the most important topics of conversation when discussing what to wear is your shoes. If you are planning on any type of hike during your elopement, hiking shoes are a must. Not only will you be more comfortable during your hike, they make for perfect outdoor touch to your outdoor elopement. 

If you are a vans or converse type of couple (first off hell yes!!) but these would be a great option as well. Be sure no matter what shoes you plan on wearing that you break them in prior to your elopement day.

North Carolina Marriage Laws

What’s an elopement without it being legal? I am here to tell you everything you need to know about how to make your North Carolina elopement legal! It’s pretty straightforward and an easy process. 

Things to know

• You must obtain your marriage license in person with both parties present at the local register of deeds office. Each person must have a valid photo ID to purchase your license. 
• You can fill out the marriage application prior to your visit to the courthouse by printing it out online through the register of deeds website. 
• Marriage license cost $60
• Your marriage license is good for 60 days and can be used the day you obtain it. 
• You must have an ordained minister, magistrates or other religious officials officiate your ceremony. (Hint Hint I am an ordained minister)
• You are required to have two adult witnesses sign your marriage license. (Have someone ordained in mind but still need a witness, I’d be glad to sign as one)

What to do during your elopement day 

• Hiking 
• Star gazing 
• Camping 
• Biking 
• River days at the swimming holes 
• Picnic 
• Hot air balloon rides
• Kayaking
• Tubing 
• Rafting 
• Watch the sunrise/set
• Waterfall chasing 
• Yoga
• Massage
• Spas
• Private chef meals 
• Make smores 
• Rent a lake boat 
• Foraging 
• Cruise the parkway 

Elopement Permits 

North Carolina is a beautiful place to elope but you will need permits in order to get married in some locations. Depending on the location in which you choose to elope at will determine where you need to get your special use permit from. As a North Carolina elopement photographer, I help all my couples obtain marriage permits.

Example Elopement Timelines

Your elopement can be as adventurous or as laid back as you wish but you need to make sure you have enough time in the day to enjoy your time with your partner. Here are two elopement timelines to use as a guide to your elopement day. Keep in mind every elopement is different and will require a different finalized timeline. 

6 Hour North Carolina Hiking Elopement Timeline Example

5 AM : Meet up at your favorite hikes trailhead to begin hike

5:30 AM: Begin hiking to your ceremony location

7:00 AM : Arrive at the mountaintop & change into your wedding attire

7:30 AM : Share your vows as the sun rises

8 AM : Watch & enjoy the remainder of the sunrise as newly weds

8:30 AM : Make a small breakfast and drink coffee/hot chocolate

9 AM : Have your first dance on the mountaintop 

9:30 AM : Hike back down and enjoy the views such as waterfalls, bridges, forests, etc.

11 AM : Say goodbye & and enjoy the rest of the day as newly weds!

Two day North Carolina Elopement timeline example

Day one: Sunset Ceremony with off roading adventure (9hrs)

2:00pm – Meet at Airbnb for detail photos and getting ready photos

3:30pm – Head to botanical gardens for ceremony

4:30pm – Private vows in gardens

5:00pm – Explore gardens and couples portraits

6:00pm – Drive to Jeep rental

7:00pm – Prepare for guided jeep excursion 

9:00 pm – End Jeep Guided tour and head back to Airbnb

10:00 pm – Eat an already prepared meal by a private chef

10:30pm – Star photos

11:00 pm – Wrap for the day – coverage ends

Day two: Sunrise Overlook Hike & Pack Raft Adventure (10hrs)

5:30am – Meet at trailhead

5:45am – Get into wedding attire on location

6:00am – Begin hike, taking photos along the way

7:30 am – Arrive at Overlook and enjoy sunrise

8:00 am – mountain top couples portraits

9:30am – Wrap up, hike back

11:00 am – Arrive back at trailhead

11:15am – Drive to lake/river for a prepared lunch picnic

12:00pm – Enjoy lunch 

1:00pm – Launch kayaks 

1:30pm – Explore the lake/river on kayaks

2:30pm – Dock kayak for couples portraits

3:00pm – Head back to shore

3:30 pm – Say our goodbyes & reflect on your day

North Carolina Elopement Photographer