Max Patch Elopement Guide

Max Patch is known for its panoramic 360-degree views of the Appalachian Mountains, making it a perfect backdrop for an adventure elopement or intimate wedding ceremony. Here’s your go-to guide to help you plan your elopement at Max Patch!

Choosing a Season & Date to Elope at Max Patch

Max Patch has become a very popular spot, so I would only suggest getting married here on a weekday, especially during the summer-fall. Weekday mornings will be the least crowed, so this is a great spot for a sunrise elopement! Here’s a breakdown of each season at Max Patch to help you choose a time of year to get married:

• Winter: Winter can bring lots of snow to higher elevations in North Carolina like Max Patch. Although beautiful, it will be very cold and you may run into trouble getting up the mountain. It’s not impossible to get married here in the winter, but make sure you have a Plan B location just in case Max Patch is not accessible.
• Spring: Spring is a perfect season to elope at Max Patch because the temperatures will be rising to a comfortable level again, and there won’t be too many other hikers until summer hits.
• Summer: Summer at Max Patch brings lots of vivid colors and sunsets making it a beautiful time of year for an elopement. Just be sure to elope on a weekday, and preferable at sunrise or in the morning to avoid crowds.
• Fall: Fall is another really beautiful time to elope at Max Patch with the bright foliage colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unfortunately, the foliage brings even bigger crowds than the summer, making it almost impossible to have a private elopement at a popular place like Max Patch. I would recommend getting married a lesser known trail or eloping at sunrise for a more private experience.

Getting There & The Max Patch Hike

Max Patch is located about an hour drive from Asheville. The drive up the mountain includes dirt roads and there is minimal parking at the trailhead, so plan accordingly by carpooling. The loop hike to the bald about a mile and a half roundtrip with a gradual incline, making it doable in wedding attire with some sneakers or hiking boots. Make sure to inform guests to come prepared as well with the proper footwear and gear.

Wedding Guest Limit at Max Patch

Max Patch is part of the Pisgah National Forest, which does not require a permit for weddings with under 75 guests. This guest limit is the general rule for all Pisgah National Forest land, so it’s important to note that Max Patch is not able to accommodate anywhere near 75 guests. I would suggest keeping your group small, at 10 guests or less, so that the land is minimally impacted and to ensure that there is enough parking for your guests.

What to Do During Your Elopement Day

In addition to your elopement ceremony, Max Patch is a beautiful spot for an elopement picnic, stargazing, watching the sunrise or sunset, or your first dance. Following your ceremony at Max Patch, you could also consider adding a dinner at Posana Restaurant or reception at Reverie in downtown Asheville to end your elopement day! Or, if you’ll be inviting 10+ guests, you could get married at a venue and visit Max Patch for a solo hike, private vows and portraits with your photographer.

Ready to Elope at Max Patch?

Hey, I’m Erin! Before you go, make sure to bookmark this post for reference later on when you begin planning your Max Patch elopement! I’m an elopement photographer based in Asheville North Carolina, helping couples plan memorable elopement days in the Blue Ridge Mountains with their closest loved ones. Although this blog post is a great place to start, there’s nothing better than personal 1-on-1 planning assistance from a local expert for your day! You can get started planning your elopement by reaching out below!

Max Patch Styled Shoot Vendors:

Couple: @katedgonzalez @jonathangonzalez.realestate
Florals: @seededeventsanddesign
Hair: @gabulousdesign
Dress: @wildflowerbridal