Rainy North Carolina Elopement on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Although Maddie & Dylan’s day didn’t go 100% according to plan, I don’t think it could have been any more perfect. If there’s one thing you have no control over on your wedding day, it’s the weather. But these two are proof that no matter what happens, having a solid plan B will save the day.

We started their elopement day at a beautiful little overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where they met some of their closest family for their ceremony. Maddie’s Dad walked her down the aisle – or I guess I should say, the trail (yes, you can still do this at an elopement!) where Dylan was waiting. They exchanged their vows with a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains behind them. As they both read their vows, everyone found it difficult to hold back tears. I felt so much love surrounding them.

Right as we finished family photos, it started raining and we quickly got back to their car where Maddie signed her marriage license while sitting in the trunk… in true adventure elopement fashion.

We had planned to do a few mile hike for portraits after the ceremony, but due to the rain we decided to go somewhere more easily accessible. Luckily, one of my favorite trails was only 20 minutes away and it was less than a mile hike. So we shifted our plans and headed there instead. We met at the trailhead and right as we started walking, the sun peaked out from behind the clouds and it looked like we had just stepped into a rainforest. I had hiked the trail many times before, and I can confidently say that it looked the prettiest that day. I couldn’t help but stop along the trail to take some photos as we walked up.

Once we got to the top, there we only a few other people there (rainy day perks!) so we took our time and had fun taking portraits with a beautiful view in the background.

After we hiked down, we ended the day popping some champagne by the trailhead to celebrate. If I could go back and re-live this day, I would do it a thousand times over again.

I hope you enjoyed reading about this magical elopement day and browsing through some of my favorite photos. If you’re new here, I’m Erin!! I help couples plan an adventurous and nature-filled wedding in the Carolinas. If you’re planning a North Carolina elopement, click here to read more about how we can bring your dream day to life!!