The Best Places to Elope in North Carolina in 2024
Documenting adventurous wedding days against the breathtaking backdrop of North Carolina’s landscapes is one of my biggest joys as an elopement photographer. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to to the Outer Banks, North Carolina offers a variety of locations for couples seeking a unique and immersive outdoor wedding experience.
Welcome! I’m Erin, an elopement photographer and planning expert based near Asheville, NC. I specialize in North Carolina elopements, providing couples with hidden-gem locations and local secrets for their elopement day. In this blog post, I’m going to share some of the best places to elope in North Carolina within Asheville, Boone, The Blue Ridge Parkway, and even the coast!
*When getting married on public lands, please make sure to follow all Leave No Trace principles, obtain the required permits, follow land rules, and leave the area better than you found it!
Elope in Asheville
Asheville is one the best cities in North Carolina for your elopement, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a variety of elopement locations nearby to choose from, unique places to stay, easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the best restaurants, and a historic downtown to explore. Keep reading for some of the best places to elope near Asheville, North Carolina!
Craggy Gardens
Craggy Gardens is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, about an hour drive from Asheville. This beautiful stretch of the parkway is perfect for elopements – with short hikes, beautiful views, wildflowers, and enchanting trees. Craggy Gardens is especially known for it’s abundance of vibrant pink and purple rhododendrons in the spring. To get married here, you will have to apply for a Blue Ridge Parkway permit, and keep your guest list under 25 people. Click here for everything you need to know about eloping on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls Venue is located in Asheville, North Carolina, just 20 minutes from downtown, on 18 acres of land tucked away in the mountains. There are 4 on-site cabins to sleep up to 19 guests, making this the perfect venue for couples who have guests traveling in from out of state for their wedding. They offer a variety of different outdoor spaces for your elopement, including 2 ceremony spots with stunning views of the mountains, 3 reception spaces to choose from, as well as trails and waterfalls on the property for portraits. Click here to see a full Laurel Falls Elopement.
Jump Off Rock
Jump Off Rock is a historic overlook located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, about 45 minutes from Asheville. The overlook’s iconic tall trees and mountain views in the distance create a beautiful backdrop for your small wedding ceremony. There is no hike, and a grassy area to set up chairs, making this a perfect spot for couples with a group of guests. Click here to see Morgan & Drew’s ceremony at Jump Off Rock.
Black Balsam Knob
Getting married at Black Balsam Knob is an adventure in itself, offering couples an unforgettable experience on their elopement day. The hike begins through tall pine trees, reminding me of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and then reveals 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. Black Balsam Knob is located south of Asheville within the Pisgah Nation Forest, no permit required!
The fog rolling over the mountains against the dark evergreen trees during Joni & Derek’s elopement is a scene that will forever be imprinted in my mind.
Asheville Courthouse
Getting married at the courthouse in Asheville is a practical yet meaningful choice for many couples. Whether it’s just you and your partner, or a small gathering of loved ones, there’s a simplicity to courthouse weddings that is really special. In addition to the courthouse, you can take a short walk around downtown Asheville to enjoy the historic architecture, grab a cocktail, browse through an antique store, or enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many local shops.
Elope in Boone
Boone is located north of Asheville, surrounded by small towns like Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. If you’d prefer to escape the busyness of Asheville, Blowing Rock is a quaint small mountain town that offers a peaceful getaway and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Grandfather Mountain State Park is located just outside of Boone, with a variety of easily-accessible ceremony spots, hiking trails, and a mile-high swinging bridge. To get married here, you’ll have to contact the park for permission to plan your ceremony within their hours of operation. Click here to see a full Grandfather Mountain Elopement.
Beacon Heights
Beacon Heights is one of my personal favorite trails for elopements, located about 30 minutes from Blowing Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many of my couples are drawn to the panoramic views of the overlooks, and the ease of the hike that makes this is a perfect ceremony spot for their guests. A permit is required and you are allowed 25 guests maximum. Click here for everything you need to know about eloping on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Chestoa Overlook
Chestoa Overlook is one of the most easily-accessible ceremony spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This beautifully crafted stone overlook is only a short walk and some stairs from the parking lot, providing beautiful views and an intimate setting for a small wedding ceremony. A permit is required and you are allowed 10 guests maximum. Click here for everything you need to know about eloping on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Elope on the Coast
If you’re looking for a coastal setting for your elopement in North Carolina, the Outer Banks are the place for you! You could also consider Charleston, South Carolina for a luxury elopement experience on the coast.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Located in the Outer Banks, Jockey’s Ridge State Park provides a dynamic landscape for your elopement, with rolling sand dunes, windy beaches and vivid sunsets.
The North Carolina Elopement Guide
I hope you’re feeling inspired by the magical landscapes and architecture here in North Carolina! I may be biased, but North Carolina is truly one of the best places to elope. After 4 years of photographing elopements here, I have little desire to go anywhere else. These mountains have a way of making you feel at home the second you arrive.
Now that you’ve browsed through locations, I’m sure you’re wondering where to even start on planning your elopement. Whether you live locally or out of state, the legalities and planning tasks can feel overwhelming, which I why I created this step-by-step guide to planning your elopement in North Carolina! This comprehensive resource will guide you through choosing your elopement date, applying for permits, choosing who to invite, finding local vendors, getting your marriage license, planning activities for your day, and more. And… good news, you’ve already started Step 1! Click to link below to get started!
Hey!! I’m Erin, your planning expert and photographer for an intentional elopement day in the great outdoors. If you’re tired of searching on google for the best places to elope in North Carolina, I’ll handle all of the research so that you only have to do the fun part – picking your favorites from a curated list!
