Elope to North Carolina

Are you on the hunt for a destination elopement with a side of adventure? Look no further than beautiful North Carolina! The entirety of this lovely southeastern state is bursting with natural wonders that act as the picture-perfect backdrop to a North Carolina elopement. The notorious allure of North Carolina is generations old, stemming from the state’s deep and rich connection to its land and history.

From our favorite hidden gems to the reasons the Tar Heel state is so ideal for an elopement, we’ve thought about it all so that you don’t have to. Let’s dive in:

Why elope in North Carolina?

The rugged state of North Carolina boasts an unassuming grandeur. From its wind-swept valleys to the scenic highland viewpoints and wild horses roaming free along the coast, you’ll discover Mother Nature’s raw beauty at every turn.

Walk down the aisle surrounded by lush greenery and toast to your nuptials with some of the state’s notorious moonshine — all without breaking the bank. With something for everyone — and the chance to chase waterfalls — your toughest decision might just be deciding where to elope in NC.

Where to elope in North Carolina?

We are partial to the little city of Asheville, a lively creative hub that runs to the beat of the community of funky live bands that call the city home. Brimming with local breweries and eateries, Asheville has all the bells and whistles you’ll need to arrange the ideal small wedding getaway or elopement.

If the winds of the wild call to you, consider choosing one of North Carolina’s jaw-dropping natural wonders as your main stage:

For something pretty in pink, the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Garden does all the heavy lifting in the bloom department. These natural gardens on the Tennessee-North Carolina border within the Roan Mountain State Park are famous for their abundance of Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense), a brilliant magenta flower. June brides are in luck, with seas of purples and pinks blooming right in the nick of time, around the middle of the month each year.

Keen for a spot with some dramatic flair? A hop and a skip along an ever-popular hike in Chimney Rock State Park, the gem of Rutherford County, leads you and up to 15 of your loved ones to the base of one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. At 404-feet tall, Hickory Nut Falls is the perfect backdrop for your small North Carolina wedding.

Itching to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Asheville? Look no further than the Blue Ridge Parkway! Spanning over 469 miles and named “America’s Favorite Drive” it’s no wonder travelers from all over the US make the trek to experience this famous roadway themselves! The Parkway itself hosts an abundance of overlooks, rolling hills and astonishing views that make the perfect backdrop for any intimate elopement!

Make a pit stop along the drive to some of our favorite elopement spots like Mt. Mitchell – highest peak west of the Mississippi River or Craggy Gardens – known for its breathtaking views at the top of it’s pinnacle hike! Wherever you choose to go, the parkway is sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime! Though be advised, if you’re looking to elope along this scenic roadway we highly encourage scheduling your trip during the late spring or fall months and avoiding winter if possible. Unexpected road closures from weather are not ideal for couples looking to say ‘I do’!

The Blue Ridge Parkway traverses an astonishing 469 miles through the breathtaking Appalachian Highlands, linking Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Chock-full of wide open spaces and rolling hills, there are too many gorgeous vistas to count along America’s Favorite Drive. If you’re hoping for an intimate and private ceremony, note that this is a very popular location year-round.

Our North Carolina elopement packages range from $425 for our most simple ceremonies to $3,040 for our premium Oasis package, with plenty of room for personalization throughout. Of course, you can do the legwork and logistics all on your own, but our North Carolina elopement packages pair you with a dedicated customer experience representative who navigates you through all the details so that you can focus on the fun.

North Carolina remains a fairly affordable destination overall — especially in the winter months. For reference, a holiday to North Carolina for one week usually costs an average of just over $1,000 per person.

You’ll also want to budget for a rental car, as the public transportation system in North Carolina has some limitations — especially if you’re traveling outside of the major cities.

If you choose to elope at a spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway with 25 people or less, you will need to acquire a permit that is valid for two hours. The application fee is $60 and the subsequent permit fee is $40. Your marriage license will cost $60.

When to elope in North Carolina?

North Carolina’s climate is generally quite mild, making each of the four seasons viable options for your North Carolina elopement. In spring, the entire state bursts into bloom, creating a super romantic setting for any venue. In the summer months, temperatures tend to get hot and humid further inland, so we advise summer brides to head for the mountains or the coastline where temperatures hover around the more comfortable mid-60s or high 70s.

Come autumn, North Carolina’s foliage erupts in fiery shades of reds, yellows, and oranges — and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the annual migration of thousands of monarch butterflies. Each year at this time, these remarkable orange butterflies cluster in the mountains around Wagon Road Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway as part of their annual migration to South America.

In winter, average temperatures remain fairly mild. Along the coast, it won’t get much colder than 60, and further inland, temperatures dip into the 40s. Winter is the perfect time to see North Carolina in a different light by visiting its ski resorts by day and cozying up in a log cabin at night. When considering a winter elopement, be aware that some venues shut down from late November through early March.

What is the best way to get to North Carolina?

North Carolina is centrally located on the East Coast and so is conveniently within a day’s drive or flight from cities throughout the Northeast, Midwest, and South. With 10 international and regional airports, there are plenty of options for both domestic and international travelers wishing to visit.

The closest airport to the city of Asheville is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), followed by the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), a little over an hour from the city.

How to get married in North Carolina?

To get married in North Carolina, you will need to get a marriage license from the Register of Deeds in any county in the state before the ceremony. In general, both partners must visit the Register of Deeds office, though some counties allow online applications to be submitted before visiting the office to save time. Once a marriage license is obtained, there is no required waiting period and you may get married that same day. You must, however, marry within 60 days of the license being issued or the license expires and you will need to apply for a new one. On the big day, the marriage ceremony must be conducted by a recognized officiant.

Do I need witnesses to elope in North Carolina?

Yes! At least two witnesses are required to sign the marriage license after the ceremony.