Nantahala National Forest Elopement: How To Have a Backpacking Elopement
What if you turned a backpacking trip in North Carolina into an elopement with your closest friends? That’s exactly what Micah and Keeka did! Are you wondering how to make this possible? Read on to learn more about doing a backpacking elopement in North Carolina!
Honestly, what’s better than getting married at sunset with your closest friends, celebrating by campfire, and waking up for a sunrise photo session the next morning?
Micah and Keeka were both avid hikers and outdoors-people. Eloping in nature was so incredibly “them”. But, they were feeling the pressure from family to have a larger wedding at a venue. When the pandemic hit, it gave them the excuse they needed to do something more intentional and intimate. Whatever it takes, right?!
They chose to elope in Nantahala National Forest because it was an area that was special to both of them. They spent a lot of time in those woods and so it was fitting to say “I do” there in June of 2020.
We hiked into an area of Nantahala National Forest called Panthertown Valley. Their guest list consisted of three of their closest friends, their officiant, and myself.
It was pouring rain the entire 2 hour drive we had from Asheville, and it continued to rain for most of the hike in. Luckily, the rain cleared out just in time for us to set up camp in a little clearing of pine trees.
After setting up camp, we ate quesadillas made by camp-stove. It was perhaps one of the most unique wedding day meals I’ve ever had! All the vibes, all the flavor!
After dinner, they prepared for their sunset ceremony at a nearby scenic point through the woods.
One of them headed to the tent for hair and makeup, the other went to a patch of rhododendrons to change into wedding attire.
Imagine getting ready amongst the rhododendrons instead a dark groom’s suite at venue!
Or getting your makeup done by your bestie in your couple’s suite (AKA a tent!)
The First-look
After they were ready, they headed to the ceremony spot to see each other in their wedding attire for the first time.
You can still inject traditions into your elopement such as a first-look! When you elope anything is possible!
Their Elopement Ceremony
After their first-look, Micah and Keeka gathered at their chosen ceremony spot. They began their ceremony with a sage smudging ritual, performed by Amanda Jones of Happily Ever Asheville.
“Burning sage is a powerful ritual that Indigenous communities have been using to clear negative energy for thousands of years. Today, people burn sage and other holy herbs to cleanse a space or environment, to generate wisdom and clarity, and to promote healing.”, says Amanda.
During their ceremony, they exchanged handwritten vows. I love handwritten vows because of how intimate and personalized they are. There’s nothing wrong with the call and response style vows that you would say with an officiant or pastor; but there’s nothing quite like hearing your person make promises and declare their love from the bottom of their heart! Plus, it elicits such a heartfelt reaction as you can see below!
Post-ceremony celebration
After they were married, they built a fire and celebrated all night with their closest friends.
The next morning, we awoke with the sun and they put their wedding attire back on for a day-after photography session.
This was one of the most memorable elopements I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing! If you’re considering a similar elopement experience, read on for some tips!
Quick Tips For a Backpacking Elopement
- Remember to Leave No Trace! Plan ahead, pack out what you pack in, leave what you find, etc.
- Pick a trail and/or area that matches your hiking experience with the views you’re after.
- Choose the right photographer! It’s important to have a photographer that is experienced with hiking. Be sure they are familiar with the area in which you’re eloping. Remember: most elopement photographers will assist you with choosing the right location, too!
- Choose your guests carefully if you plan to include any! Not everyone will be up for an adventure like this. Be sure your guests have backpacking and hiking experience as well.
- When packing wedding attire for your adventure elopement, sometimes it’s easier to skip the garment bags. I recommend rolling dresses and/or suits to prevent wrinkling and putting them in your backpacking bags if you have room.
- Pack the right gear! This will change dramatically depending on season, location, hike length, etc. No matter what, preparation is key!
- Be sure to have a backup plan in case of weather. The weather can change quickly in The Blue Ridge Mountains. Watching the weather goes along with being prepared so have a backup plan just in case.
I hope these tips help you plan your backpacking elopement in North Carolina! This style of elopement might not be for everyone, but for some it will feel like the perfect wedding day activity! Accomplishing a challenge together might be the perfect way to begin your forever adventure!
If you’re looking to learn more about how to elope in North Carolina, click here for tips and more info!
Hey! I’m Laura Sparks, an elopement photographer based in Asheville, NC. The possibilities really are endless for eloping in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee! I’ve lived in these mountains for almost 20 years. I’m here to help you have a day without the stress and all the fun. You deserve a day that is about the two of you! Reach out to learn more and to see if I’m a good fit for you!
