Why Asheville, NC is the best place to elope!
I could easily sum up the top 4 reasons to elope to Asheville, North Carolina. We’ve been a destination for visitors for decades. With a charming culture, local artistic expression, dozens of breweries and the stunning blue ridge mountains - what’s not to love?
This blog post features a real elopement that was held at a private residence then we bounced around on the Blue Ridge Parkway for photos after during the peak of fall season!
Asheville fits any wedding style you can dream up!
Are you looking for romance and charm? Asheville has many historical Bed & Breakfasts just outside of downtown. Welcoming hosts make you feel like you’re at a home here in the mountains. You can kick the romance up a notch with a visit to the Biltmore Estate as well. Biltmore offers the option for hosting your nuptials there or you can consider just visiting for an engagement session or wedding day portraits! Keep in mind there’s a fee to enter the Biltmore grounds even if you don’t go inside the house. The grounds are expansive and gorgeous, you can explore a lot without even stepping foot inside the house.
Or maybe your style is more barefoot in the woods, being at one with nature as you exchange vows! Asheville is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking trails, 360º mountaintop views and waterfalls are easily found by nature-lovers. I’d be happy to help narrow down your options for outdoor locations based on your driving + hiking + setting preferences.
Asheville is also full of modern options for couples who want culture, fun and their favorite beers for their celebration! I’ve seen elopements inside breweries, in our industrial-yet-artsy River Arts District and at our dreamy historical courthouse.
In Asheville, you do you.
2. You do you in Asheville.
Asheville is a love-is-love, open-minded and free spirited community. Keep Asheville Weird is a commonly heard phrase. I’m always reminding my couples that it’s important to be themselves on their wedding day. This day is for you two, no one else! Get creative, have fun with DIY, buck traditions you dislike. Asheville is a great place to be exactly who you are and fit in just the same. We hope that you (and anyone your bring with you) enjoy our southern town’s inclusive hospitality!
3. Asheville is the perfect location to gather.
Maybe you’re planning a micro wedding with a few friends, maybe you’re bringing parents along to be witnesses or maybe you’re planning a private elopement with a reception just after. There are so many ways to get married these days (hallelujah!) that it’s not unlikely your elopement could include loved ones in one way or another.
Asheville is the perfect meeting place! Many of my clients choose Asheville because of its accessibility on the east coast. We’re full of large rental cabins for everyone to stay in one spot and enjoy all that western North Carolina has to offer.
The weather in Asheville also makes for a great place to visit throughout the year! Fall is our busiest time with the stunning changing colors of the leaves. Summer is our underrated season - I think this is because Asheville is in the South so it’s assumed that our summers are sweltering. However, we’re actually in the mountains and the elevation keeps our summer temps manageable!
4. Asheville is fun AF
There’s so much to do here! Asheville has a booming tourism industry for good reason.
Feeling outdoorsy? Hiking, ziplining, firefly watching, tubing, camping, glamping, waterfall exploring, water hole swimming… we’ve got it all!
Where are my foodies? Asheville has something to serve everyone with a special inclination towards seasonal + local. Our restaurants are also fantastic about offering gluten free, non-alcoholic, vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.
Of course, you’ve heard of our beer scene. With about 50 breweries ranging from the big ones like New Belgium and Sierra Nevada to local faves like Burial and Zillicoah, there’s a beer for everyone who loves it.
Want to include your dog(s) in your elopement?! Avl is incredibly dog-friendly and we can’t wait to meet your pup!
Local artists and craftsman bring character to our mountain town. The River Arts District, Asheville Art Museum and the Folk Art Center highlight incredible talent from our region.
Whether you’re bringing your family with you for the elopement or you’re making Asheville your honeymoon spot, you’ll never be bored!
What’s your favorite thing about Asheville? I love this mountain city and am proud to call it home. I’m always happy to recommend the best-of-the-best to my out of town clients so they get the most out of their time here!