One of the top questions for anyone wanting to elope near Asheville is “Where should we elope in The Blue Ridge Mountains?!” One of the best parts of my job is helping couples find the perfect location to say “I do”. So, I decided to put together a quick little list to help you narrow down areas to hold your mountain adventure elopement! Here are the top 5 places to elope near Asheville, NC!

There are many things to consider when choosing a location such as hiking ability (for you and/or your guests if you’ll have any), time of year, and time of day. Luckily, these locations have options for almost every situation! And, if you’re wondering how to elope in North Carolina, click here! Want the ultimate guide on how to elope in Asheville specifically? Check that out here!

1. Pisgah National Forest

360 degree mountain views, waterfalls, lush forests! Pisgah National Forest has it ALL! It’s more than 500,000 acres of beauty! No permit is required for any wedding or elopement ceremony under 75 guests. That being said, I wouldn’t recommend taking more than 20 guests for any ceremony held on public lands.

Whether you want an overlook with a short walk, or spend the day hiking to your ceremony location, Pisgah National Forest is a great place to elope near Asheville, NC!

Fun fact: Pisgah National Forest was established in 1915 after the Vanderbilt family sold the federal government 86,700 acres of their land. Today, Pisgah National Forest encompasses 500,000 acres and 15 counties. George Vanderbilt was also the first American landowner to implement scientific forestry on a large scale. Pisgah National Forest was the birthplace of forestry management!

2. Linville Gorge Wilderness

Linville Gorge is part of The Pisgah National Forest but this location needed its own section. It’s about 1.5 hours from Asheville but it is worth the haul, I promise you! The views are incredible and there is something for just about everyone here. There are even locations that are handicapped/ADA accessible. This makes it a solid choice for anyone who wants to keep it simple or go on a raging adventure!

3. Roan Highlands

Roan Highlands is a series of balds along the NC/TN border. Balds are unique to the Appalachian Mountains and are quite incredible. The Rhododendrons and the Flame Azaleas are breathtaking when they bloom in June, but this place is magic in any season! You’ll feel like you’re Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music twirling on these mountaintops!

The Appalachian Trail goes right through this area making it perfect for any adventurous couple! But, with the first bald being less than a mile from the trailhead, this spot is ideal for folks that want an elopement ceremony location without a huge hike.

4. Nantahala National Forest

Located in the western most part of the state, Nantahala is the largest of the national forests in North Carolina. It has a whopping 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. “Nantahala” is a Cherokee word meaning “land of the noon day sun,” a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday. It has some of the wettest lands in the country behind the Pacific Northwest.

This area also offers tons of waterfalls!

Check out this backpacking elopement I did here back in 2020!

5. The Blue Ridge Parkway

There are tons of locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway where you can hold your elopement ceremony. You can have all the epic views without a hike making it perfect for anyone with mobility issues.

The Blue Ridge Parkway requires a Special Use Permit in order to hold your ceremony. They cost $150. While some locations are limited to fewer people due to safety reasons, most locations/permits are limited to 25 people total (this includes the couple, guests, and vendors)

Keep in mind that permits are not issued on federal holidays and federal holiday weekends. Permits are also limited post-Helene since some sections are still closed as a result.

You can learn more about the rules and regulations by visiting https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/wedding-permits.htm

I hope this helped you at least narrow down a region of Western North Carolina to have your elopement ceremony. Location assistance is something I offer with every photography package. I’d love to help you find the perfect location to fit your needs!

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