How to Plan an Asheville Courthouse Elopement

Whether you’re planning your elopement fast or looking for a private way to get married, eloping at a courthouse is a great option! Asheville, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a stunning courthouse and nearby downtown architecture that makes it the perfect destination for a simple, stress-free elopement. If you’re considering eloping at a courthouse in Asheville, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your special day:

How to Get Married at the Buncombe County Courthouse

Step 1: Obtain Your Marriage License

Before you can exchange vows, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. In North Carolina, both parties must appear together at the Register of Deeds office to apply. Marriage Licenses are issued from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office at 205 College Street. Bring valid photo identification, Social Security Cards, and be prepared to pay the license fee (typically around $60). There’s no waiting period, so once you have your license, you can get married immediately or within 60 days.

Step 2: Plan Your Civil Ceremony

As of July 2024 and according to the Buncombe County Website, here are the steps to getting married at the Buncombe County Courthouse:

• Once you obtain a marriage license, civil marriage ceremonies can be performed by a civil magistrate on the 2nd floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse on Fridays from 8:30am. – 2:30pm.
• No appointment is needed for a civil ceremony.
• The fee is $50, payable in cash, and should be exact change.
• Friday is the only day of the week when civil ceremonies are available at the courthouse. Additionally, the Buncombe County Detention Center has magistrates available 24 hours a day.

Did You Know that Your Courthouse Elopement Could be More than just 30 Minutes?

You could just do a courthouse elopement, or you could make it into an adventure! To make your day even more memorable, you could consider getting married in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains or incorporating an unforgettable adventure into your day! Imagine a short hike and drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, picnic in the grass with a beautiful view, or first dance as the sun sets over the mountains.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to make your elopement experience memorable:

• Stay at a unique airbnb tucked away in the mountains for a private and secluded wedding weekend.
• Share handwritten vows.
• Have a first look or get ready together.
• Take a walk downtown to a restaurant, coffee shop, cocktail bar or musuem.
• Visit one of Asheville’s many breweries.
• Plan a short hike at Craggy Gardens, only 30 minutes from Asheville.
• Hike to a waterfall.
• Plan a special dinner or reception at Reverie or Posana to celebrate with your loved ones.
• Have a picnic together in the mountains arranged by Parkway Picnics.

Asheville Courthouse Elopement Packages starting at 2 Hours

You deserve a meaningful & memorable day to celebrate your love, beyond just the legal paperwork. I created Asheville Courthouse Elopement Packages for exactly this reason – so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by a full day of coverage, but still have the time to celebrate together and add some personal touches to your day. My courthouse elopement packages start at a minimum of 2 hours of photography coverage, and include personalized planning assistance. This includes things like:

• Personalized research of restaurants, cocktail bars, coffee shops, breweries, etc.
• Hidden-gems downtown with beautiful architecture, greenery & parks, murals, etc.
• Short walking route from the courthouse for couples who would like to explore the best parts of downtown
• Fine-dining restaurant recommendations for a celebratory dinner
• Trails & mountain views just a short drive from downtown for an adventurous hike, picnic, or scenic drive to overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Personalized lodging research based on your desired getaway. Impressive A-frames, boutique hotels, charming Inns, tiny houses, cabins, treehouses, etc.

Ready to make your courthouse elopement extra special with a local expert by your side?

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 courthouse elopement, reach out below!