Many couples travel to Asheville and the mountains of North Carolina for an elopement or a small wedding celebration with a few friends or family members. It's the perfect place to elope. Since we have so many public lands such as national and state parks and forest, nature provides the ultimate setting and decoration! Having a simple wedding means there is more time for exploring. Photo by Meghan Rolfe.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Weddings and elopements with 25 people or less are allowed along the Blue Ridge Parkway with a permit (application fee of $60 and permit fee $40). There are many places, ranging from waterfalls to mountaintops, but none are private. So you may have some extra onlookers. The permit covers two hours for a ceremony - no receptions. Permits are not issued for federal holidays or the month of October (busiest month due to fall color). Keep it simple: no live plants, no releasing of doves/butterflies, no birdseed/rice throwing, no open flames, no decorating with ribbons, no balloons, no alcoholic beverages. For ideas, see our Top 50 Parkway Stops near Asheville. No weddings allowed at busiest spots such as Waterrock Knob, Graveyard Fields and Devil's Courthouse. Go to the Blue Ridge Parkway website for Wedding Policies & Permit.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A permit for a ceremony or portrait photography is required ($50) with application completed at least 14 days in advance. Much of the park is open to outdoor weddings with a maximum of 20 people and six cars. If you want a larger wedding, they have approved locations for a ceremony - including historic churches:
- Road to Nowhere, Fontana Lake overlook, maximum of 15 cars and 30 people
- Deep Creek Picnic Pavilion, a good choice if you want a picnic afterwards. A very busy area in the summer with camping, waterfalls and tubing.
- Historic Mingus Mill (no private events March-Nov 9AM-5PM when open for tour) - perfect for evening wedding.
- Historic Smokemont Church, maximum of 6 cars and 40 people (pic above)
- Collins Creek Picnic Pavilion off Newfound Gap Road
- Heintooga Overlook on Heintooga Ridge Road, adjacent to picnic area. Entrance from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Historic Palmer Chapel in Cataloochee Valley - maximum of 10 cars and 50 people (pic at very top of page)
If you have a NC license, be sure to stay on the NC side of the park. Remember that since this is a national park, there are many regulations. Download a PDF of their Permit Guidelines for Weddings. For more info and permit applications, go to their website.
Pisgah National Forest & Nantahala National Forest
If you have 75 or fewer people, a permit is not required. If you want to get married at a developed site with an office, just notify them first. Otherwise, you can have a ceremony anywhere on public forest land. Of course, you cannot block trails or prevent other guests from visiting. You cannot bring in decorations, flowers or food (unless it's a simple picnic). Keep it simple! Also find other outdoor spots on our Outdoor Scenic Wedding guide.
Chimney Rock Park
Find a variety of spots for a wedding for the cost of park admission for each guests. Say your vows atop the famous Chimney or in front of Hickory Nut Falls if you have 15 guests or less. Stay away from weekends in July and October. Contact them to check dates - all weddings require a reservation. For larger groups, they have a Pavilion for up to 150 guests. And their Old Rock Café has a great outdoor deck for a meal afterwards. Read more.
Biltmore Estate
Elope on the private grounds of America’s largest home and get access to the entire estate for photos! Their Elopement Package includes luxurious overnight accommodations for the couple at the Inn on Biltmore and up to 12 chairs for guests. Biltmore’s wedding team books elopements within 90 days of the big day. You can add on special experiences like a carriage ride, special tours of the house and a romantic dinner. Go to their website. Also see our Biltmore Weddings & Other Estate Venues for more ideas.
Lake Lure
Morse Park by the marina offers a lot of lakefront spots - no reservations needed for a small wedding with no chairs / decorations. A gazebo is also available by reservation. Another option is renting a pontoon boat and getting married on the lake. Nearby in Chimney Rock Village is the Riverwalk with plenty of spots by the rushing river. Read more.
Lake Glenville
Rent a pontoon from Signal Ridge Marina and get married by a waterfall that cascades into the lake. Or find a secluded cove. Read more.
North Carolina Arboretum
The beautiful setting of gardens and natural areas has an elopement package for 10 or less guests. It includes one hour at a wedding site, table, folding chairs setup, free parking, event coordinator, bridal room, and one year membership. $500 for Sunday-Thursday dates and $1,000 for Friday or Saturday. Go to their Website for more.
State Parks: Mt. Mitchell, Lake James, Gorges, South Mountains
A Special Activity Permit is required, but it's only $35. Call the state park office first for best locations and their procedures.
Bed & Breakfasts
These grand homes offer the ultimate romantic setting for a wedding and honeymoon. Innkeepers love to help you coordinate and many have packages. Also see our B&Bs & Larger Home Weddings guide.
Elopement Venues, Officiants, and Packages
Bent Creek Lodge
Elope at this charming bed & breakfast surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy access to over 200 acres of hiking trails, gardens, and a serene atmosphere. Choose from four all-inclusive wedding packages that feature lodging, breakfast for up to 30 guests, an onsite coordinator, officiant, photography, cake, champagne, and more, ensuring a seamless experience.
Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast
Elope in style! A simple yet elegant celebration awaits you at Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast. This 1905 historic English Tudor, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a charming… read more
Elope in style! A simple yet elegant celebration awaits you at Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast. This 1905 historic English Tudor, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a charming venue to start your happily ever after. Elopements for just the couple or bring your closest friends or family (up to four additional people.) Set on 1.3 acres, their terrace is the perfect backdrop for…
The Luxury Wedding Co.
This one-stop-shop makes destination wedding planning easy with all-inclusive packages for elopements and micro weddings in Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Packages include everything you… read more
This one-stop-shop makes destination wedding planning easy with all-inclusive packages for elopements and micro weddings in Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Packages include everything you need to elope including photography, cake, bouquet, venue, and more! Add-on options are also available. Packages accommodate up to 12 guests.
Outland Great Smoky Mountains Chalet & Suites
Set on a unique 22-acre estate, this intimate venue is perfect for weddings or elopements, offering numerous picturesque locations for celebration. With panoramic Smoky Mountain views, lush… read more
Set on a unique 22-acre estate, this intimate venue is perfect for weddings or elopements, offering numerous picturesque locations for celebration. With panoramic Smoky Mountain views, lush gardens, and an event lawn, couples can choose from an outdoor fire pit or various scenic spots. The Chalet Lodge and Spa Suites cater to all guests with 13 private rooms and bathrooms.
Hotel Cashiers
Located in the heart of Cashiers, this boutique mountain inn features warm hospitality, modern-rustic design, and a truly unique location making it ideal for an elopement or intimate wedding in… read more
Located in the heart of Cashiers, this boutique mountain inn features warm hospitality, modern-rustic design, and a truly unique location making it ideal for an elopement or intimate wedding in the mountains of Western North Carolina! They offer indoor and outdoor areas for wedding parties, welcome receptions, departure brunches, and more. They can customize an offering including lodging,…
Hidden River Events, Asheville
Elope along the banks of the Swannanoa River or surrounded by the Craggy and High Windy Mountain ranges, just 15 minutes from Asheville. Choose from a variety of elopement options for up to 20… read more
Elope along the banks of the Swannanoa River or surrounded by the Craggy and High Windy Mountain ranges, just 15 minutes from Asheville. Choose from a variety of elopement options for up to 20 guests including photography, flowers, music, carriage, and cake. On-site overnight stays also available. Rate starts at $500
Intimate Wedding Packages, Simple I Do's of Asheville
Create romantic memories of your big day on a mountain peak, by a waterfall or even at a brewery. Elopement and small wedding packages suit your personal style with custom vows, a short video of… read more
Create romantic memories of your big day on a mountain peak, by a waterfall or even at a brewery. Elopement and small wedding packages suit your personal style with custom vows, a short video of the ceremony, beer or champagne, photography, commemorative gifts and more. Rate: From $495
Paint Rock Farm, Hot Springs
Imagine exchanging vows and eloping amidst spectacular vistas, ensuring an unforgettable experience for up to 40 guests! The elopement ceremony site at Paint Rock Farm includes a stunning location… read more
Imagine exchanging vows and eloping amidst spectacular vistas, ensuring an unforgettable experience for up to 40 guests! The elopement ceremony site at Paint Rock Farm includes a stunning location overlooking expansive mountain views and the French Broad River. An arbor and seating are provided, and an officiant is available by reservation.
The elopement ceremony site at Paint…
Elope Outdoors, Asheville
This team picks the perfect outdoor location for couples that love nature, including waterfalls and mountaintops. A variety of packages include professional photography session with gorgeous… read more
This team picks the perfect outdoor location for couples that love nature, including waterfalls and mountaintops. A variety of packages include professional photography session with gorgeous scenery, videography and custom ceremony with an officiant. Book weekdays (Mon-Thurs) for more private settings at some of the most iconic mountain locations. Rate: From $1250
Elope Asheville
Get married on your own terms with Asheville's most experienced intimate destination wedding planning service. They have helped thousands of couples to plan intimate, romantic and memorable… read more
Get married on your own terms with Asheville's most experienced intimate destination wedding planning service. They have helped thousands of couples to plan intimate, romantic and memorable weddings in and around the Asheville area since 2010. Whether it's just the two of you, or an intimate gathering of up to 30 family and friends in a breathtaking location, they will find an option to suit…
Diamond Falls Preserve, Bat Cave
Surrounded by a variety of gorgeous natural landscapes, this venue offers an idyllic spot for a simple, intimate elopement in the mountains. The field offers wide open space with a scattering of… read more
Surrounded by a variety of gorgeous natural landscapes, this venue offers an idyllic spot for a simple, intimate elopement in the mountains. The field offers wide open space with a scattering of mossy trees, a rushing mountain stream, and a backdrop of mountain laurel. The wedding terrace, stone patios, and open grassy areas around the cabin are equally stunning. The bridge crossing adds…
Getting Married in the Asheville Courthouse
Marriage Licenses are issued during business hours (8 AM-5 PM) at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office at 205 College Street, Asheville. Arrive by 4:30 PM. For more info, call 828-250-4301. Once you obtain a marriage license, marriages can be performed by a civil magistrate on the 2nd floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse (60 Court Plaza, Asheville). The magistrate is generally available on weekdays at 8:30 AM and 4 PM. However, this is not always the case, so it is advisable to call the magistrate’s office before arriving to ensure that he will be available. The fee is $20, payable in cash only. For more information, call the magistrate’s office at 828-259-3407. You will need two witnesses.
If you would like to get married after business hours or on the weekend, you may be able to do so by a criminal magistrate at the Buncombe County Jail. Please contact the criminal magistrate’s office at 828-250-4690 for more information.
For larger shindigs, see our Top Asheville Wedding Venues. Also find resources like officiants, planners, and photographers on our Wedding Planners & Other Services guide. Also, find Wedding Lodging and Bachelorette Party Ideas.