Great news – elopements are in.
Eloping is indeed on the rise.
According to a report from The New York Times, intimate weddings and elopements have seen significant growth post-pandemic, as couples increasingly opt for smaller, more personal ceremonies in scenic destinations (The New York Times, 2023). This shift reflects changing values, with many couples prioritizing experiences over large gatherings.
Even The Knot is reporting the same — that intimate weddings and elopements have gained traction in recent years as couples shift away from traditional large weddings, focusing instead on more personal and experiential ceremonies. (The Knot, 2023).
Let’s take it one step further – Eloping in Western NC. The region is now one of the nation’s most popular choices for couples seeking an intimate destination wedding experience that’s stress-free and budget-friendly. While this may apply to just about everyone, it is especially salient to those who crave adventure and gorgeous scenery while double checking the box for romance. Western North Carolina offers simply some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country to exchange vows.
This is not hyperbole.
Asheville is the hub, and its surrounds such as in Hot Springs, you can choose from a wide range of serene waterfalls and lush forests that essentially define the region. It’s no wonder why so many couples are choosing to elope here. Dream big of a quiet ceremony surrounded by enchanted forests and possibly flowing waterfalls as your backdrop, or an intimate celebration in the heart of nature.
In this post, we’ll explore five key benefits of choosing Western North Carolina as your elopement destination, and why it’s an ideal location for couples looking to begin their lifelong journey in a dramatically gorgeous setting.
Destination Eloping in Western NC
Benefit #1: Stunning Natural Beauty
Max Patch at Sunrise
When it comes to eloping in Asheville and Western North Carolina, the region’s natural beauty is one of its biggest draws. Imagine saying your vows with the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, surrounded by the serene sounds of a cascading waterfall. This area offers an incredible variety of scenic landscapes – towering mountains, peaceful forests and crystal clear rivers – this place is a dream destination for couples who want their wedding to be immersed in nature.
According to National Geographic and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina are among the most biodiverse regions in North America, home to over 4,000 species of plants and numerous unique ecosystems, making them an ideal destination for couples seeking nature-centric wedding experiences”(National Park Service, 2022).
What about your ceremony? Care to choose one intimately beside a waterfall or on a mountaintop such as the iconic Max Patch? The natural beauty here is unmatched when it comes to tranquility and romance. For those who crave nature, Western North Carolina is a dream destination elopement target for those who want to be immersed.
Benefit #2: An Affordable Wedding Alternative
Let’s discuss one of the most compelling and obvious reasons couples choose an elopement over a larger wedding – the significant cost savings. Keep in mind, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. was around $30,000 in 2023, according to Zola and NerdWallet. Eloping eliminates many of the high premiums associated with larger affairs such as big venues, catering costs, and unique and extravagant decor. By choosing an elopement in or around Asheville, you can enjoy a stunning intimate ceremony amidst a stunning landscape all without the financial stress. Instead, couples may focus on the essentials, like a great photographers and a dream location ensconced in nature.
Benefit #3: Adventure and Flexibility
If you’re reading this blog, you probably want to infuse a sense of adventure into your wedding day. Eloping in Western North Carolina offers wonderful opportunities at almost every turn. This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with so many options for exploration before, during and after your ceremony. Are you interested in hiking or taking in sweeping mountain vistas? Maybe you’d like to find a private spot deep in the forest. An elopement here becomes something so much more – its a full-blown adventure.
Another big allure of eloping is the flexibility it offers. For example, here at Weddings Over Waterfalls you can choose a mountaintop ceremony atop Max Patch as well as an intimate and private photo session in the late afternoon by our series of waterfalls. There is a magnificent menu of tantalizing locations from which to choose as the Blue Ridge Mountains are teeming with unbeatable options.
What about timing, you ask? Western NC’s diverse landscape ensures that couples can plan their elopement year round. Choose the vibrant colors of spring, the magnificent foliage during the fall, the lush greenery of summer, and even the quiet serene beauty of a winter wonderland. With so many options for adventure and flexibility, one of a kind elopements are somewhat of a guarantee.
Benefit #4: Intimacy and Privacy
The Sense of intimacy and privacy you get with a smaller and more personal ceremony can be profound. Larger, traditional weddings involve lots of guests, elongated and stressful planning, and the inevitable pressure to cater to others’ expectations. Elopements allow couples to focus solely on each other, free from the distractions of stress the bigger events evoke.
According to a 2023 study conducted by The Wedding Report, nearly 60% of couples who chose to elope cited intimacy and privacy as their primary reasons. These couples wanted to focus on each other and the significance of their moment, without the distractions and pressures of managing large gatherings. (The Wedding Report, 2023).
With fewer people present, couples can experience every moment with more intentional presence. Western NC offers countless secluded locations to share your vows in a peaceful, private setting. Create magic and foster deeper connections and meaningful moments, from your exchange of vows to your first kiss as a married couple.
Benefit #5: A Built-In Honeymoon Destination
Eloping in Western North Carolina offers one more significant perk: you’re already in a prime honeymoon destination. After your intimate ceremony at a breathtaking location, seamlessly transition into a honeymoon without needing additional travel or planning. This region is home to so many cozy mountain cabins, luxurious spa resorts, charming Airbnb’s. Coupled with endless outdoor activities it makes it the perfect place to celebrate your newlywed status.
Let’s Recap
Western North Carolina shines as a bonafide top rate elopement destination. It offers a blend of beauty, affordability, adventure, and intimacy for those who instinctively gravitate to nature. For couples looking to escape the stress and expense of a traditional wedding, this region provides a perfect backdrop for a day that’s uniquely theirs. With waterfalls, mountains, and picturesque settings from every angle, an elopement here is more than just a ceremony—it’s an experience unlike most.
To explore your elopement options right here, reach out to *Weddings Over Waterfalls* and we’ll be happy to discuss your dream elopement including our valued partnerships with photographers.
