Asheville Wedding Dresses for Your Wedding or Elopement

As a local wedding photographer here in Asheville, North Carolina, one of my favorite aspects of my job is seeing how couples choose their wedding attire to complement the unique scenery here in the Blue Ridge Mountains! From hiking elopements on the Blue Ridge Parkway, to elegant venues downtown, Asheville offers a variety of settings that can inspire a diverse range of wedding dress styles. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most popular styles I’ve seen:

Whimsical Elopement Dresses

Whimsical wedding dresses with light-weight tulle skirts, delicate embroidery, and floral lace create a fairy-tale look that pairs beautifully with the Blue Ridge Mountains and elegant venues.

Timeless & Elegant Elopement Dresses

Simple and clean wedding dresses exude elegance and sophistication. Clean lines, shaping silhouettes, and luxurious fabrics like satin or silk are perfect for historic venues and mountain elopements. With the complexity of nature and the views in the mountains, a simple dress is a perfect balance.

Tip: Most dresses of this style are more fitted, so make sure your legs have enough room to move around if you plan to be hiking on your elopement day. Column dresses may be too tight around your legs, so I would suggest a trumpet or fit-and-flare style dress for easy movement and comfort throughout the day.

Bohemian Elopement Dresses

For the free-spirited elopement bride, a bohemian wedding dress is an perfect choice and pairs beautifully with a pair of hiking boots. Consider dresses with whimsical details like floral embroidery, lace sleeves, or a deep V-neckline that enhances the natural surroundings of your elopement location.

Wedding Dresses with Sleeves

Choosing a wedding dress with sleeves can add a unique touch to your bridal look. Both off-the shoulder sleeves and full sleeves can add an extra elegance to the design and fit of your dress. Many designer dresses also have detachable sleeves, which allows you to have 2 looks in 1!

If you’re getting married in North Carolina during the fall or winter, sleeves will provide both warmth and comfort. They are also perfect for spring and summer evenings outdoors when temperatures may drop. Here are some of my favorite wedding dresses with sleeves that I’ve photographed:

The Best Asheville Wedding Dress Shops

1. Wildflower Bridal – Curated bridal shop located in Asheville, with a selection of 200+ designer gowns ranging from $1200-$3500. You can also keep an eye on their Instagram for sample sales at Wildflower.
2. Meadowbrooke Bridal – Bridal shop located in Weaverville, North Carolina with a variety of designer dresses.
3. Birchwood Bridal – Bridal boutique in Asheville, offering a variety of designer dresses ranging from $900-$2800.
4. Juniper James – Juniper James is a bridal shop located in Boone, about an hour north of Asheville. And although this isn’t an Asheville wedding dress shop, the experience and options they provide make it worth the trip! Designer, made-to-order gowns range from $1000-$3500. Keep an eye on their Instagram account for sample sales throughout the year as well.

How to Choose a Dress for Your Mountain Elopement

If you’re eloping in Asheville, here are some key factors to consider when choosing a wedding dress for an elopement in the mountains:

1. Mobility: Opt for a dress that allows you to move freely and navigate the landscape comfortably. A-line and ballgown styles generally have more legroom than fitted gowns.
2. Weight: Lightweight and breathable fabrics such as chiffon, organza, or lightweight lace are ideal for mountain elopements, especially if you’re planning to hike to your ceremony or portrait location. These fabrics will keep you cool while allowing ease of movement.
3. Comfort: Prioritize comfort when selecting your wedding dress. You’ll be spending hours in your dress, hiking, exchanging vows, and posing for photos. Choose a dress that not only looks stunning but also feels comfortable to wear for an extended period. Ensure the fit is tailored to your body to prevent any discomfort or distractions throughout the day.
4. Season: If you’re getting married in the warmer months, choose a breathable dress that will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day. If you’re getting married in the cooler months, you could opt for a dress with more layers to keep you warm, or choose a dress that would pair well with a shall and allow you to hide extra layers underneath.

How to Keep your Dress Clean While Hiking

A little dirt on your wedding dress is a part of the adventure elopement experience, but if you prefer to keep your dress clean and manageable while hiking, order a bridal buddy! Bridal buddies are underskirts that you can wear underneath your dress and use to gather the skirt of your dress and protect it from snagging on rocks or branches. It also keeps your skirt contained and makes it easier to carry without the worry of tripping on the fabric.

When to Purchase Your Wedding Dress

If you’re dreaming of a designer dress, most are made-to-order based on your measurements and can take up to a year to arrive after your appointment. I’d recommend shopping at least 6 months before your wedding date. If you don’t have 6 months to wait, here are a few options for last-minute wedding dress shopping!

1. Go to a Sample Sale: Sample dresses are wedding dresses that have been kept in the bridal shop for brides to try on before ordering their own dress based on their measurements. Once these dresses are discontinued, the samples are sold off the rack for a discounted price.
2. Go to an “Off-the-Rack” Bridal Shop: An “Off-the-Rack” dress is one that is available to be purchased and taken home on the same day. These dresses are not customized to your measurements, but could be altered if needed.
3. Purchase a Wedding Dress Online: If you know your sizing, you can order a dress from an online shop like Lulus or Anthropologie. You could also consider a wedding jumpsuit!

If you’re planning your elopement quickly, check out this blog post for everything you need to know about planning your Asheville elopement within a short timeframe!

Hi, I’m Erin! An elopement photographer and planning expert based in Asheville, North Carolina. I help couples create meaningful and memorable intimate wedding days in the Blue Ridge Mountains. To start planning your Asheville elopement, reach out below!