Best Places to Elope in North Carolina
Favorite NC Elopement Spots from a Local Elopement Planner
North Carolina is a deceivingly large state. From Franklin, NC (a charming Appalachian Trail town in Southwest NC), to the Outer Banks on our Northeast coast, is nearly an 8 hour drive! Our long distance backpacking trail, the Mountains to Sea Trail, traverses almost 1200 miles through the state. When I first relocated to North Carolina from the tiny New England state of Connecticut, I truly had no idea just how expansive North Carolina is. Exploring all that Western NC has to offer has proven to be a time-intensive but rewarding task. In the ancient mountains of Southern Appalachia, I’ve uncovered countless places that make incredible spots to say your “I do’s”. Keep reading for a list of some of my personal favorites!
K&J exploring Glen Marie Falls on the Glen Burney Trail in Blowing Rock, NC
What to look for in your elopement location
Setting/ Views:
When you envision exchanging your vows, what is the backdrop? Do you see the peaks of our southern sixers? The cool-toned layers of the Blue Ridge mountains? The 360 degree views a grassy bald affords? Or are you tucked into a green forest? In a tunnel of blooming rhododendrons? At the foot of a cascading waterfall? Lucky for you, western NC is incredibly diverse and you will likely find many options with the views you are looking for. Type of setting is a great jumping off point when beginning to evaluate your options.
Accessibility:
Accessibility has two different meanings in the context of elopements- accessibility in travel and accessibility of the trail/spot itself. When it comes to travel, it is important to consider distance from an airport if you are flying in, distance from your accommodation, or distance from home if you are local. More than likely, you are not going to want to spend hours driving on your elopement day. Accessibility of the location itself matters most if you or any guests that you plan to host have any accessibility needs. There are many locations in NC that allow for awesome views without requiring a long or treacherous hike.
Crowds/ Seasons
Depending on the location and time of year, certain trails and viewpoints in NC have pretty consistent heavy traffic- which isn’t exactly ideal when you are trying to exchange intimate vows. If you are considering a more popular location, consider it for a weekday, early or late in the day, or off-season (which depends on the trail location itself). The season may also impact the accessibility of the trail, as some trailheads (especially in the Smokies or off of the Blue Ridge Parkway) can experience road closures in poor weather or the winter months.
Local amenities- activities, accommodations
A positive of the North Carolina mountains is that although you can be fully submerged in nature, you are rarely so remote that you can’t access a nearby town with accommodation options, restaurants, and activities for your elopement day. When you are creating your timeline, consider how you would like to fill the rest of your day around your ceremony. It is important to prioritize access to any amenities that you would like to include.
Best NC Waterfalls for Elopements
Under the falls: Dry Falls
Located near: Highlands, NC in Nantahala National Forest
Traffic Level: Heavy
Accessibility: Very accessible- .2 mile paved trail
Although a popular trail, we love Dry Falls because of the unique ability to go behind the falls. You can still find seclusion here in the earlier and later hours of the day. It is also a short distance from Bridal Veil Falls, visible from the road, and multiple other falls and swimming holes. This area is great for the summer months if you love to go for a dip!
Dramatic falls: Mingo Falls
Located near: Cherokee, NC, just outside of GSMNP
Traffic Level: Moderate
Accessibility: Short trail- .4 miles to falls, but many stairs. Moderate difficulty.
Located a short distance from the Oconoluftee Visitors Center in GSMNP, Mingo Falls is a tall, cascading waterfall viewable from a small footbridge directly at the base of the falls. Still a moderately popular trail, the stairs do deter some visitors. Mingo Falls is also a great place to stop for some pictures before a ceremony within the Smoky’s boundaries at Mingus Mill- a historic mill building and permitted elopement location in the park.
Seclusion- Glen Marie Falls
Located near: Downtown Blowing Rock, NC, near the Blue Ridge Parkway
Traffic Level: Mild-moderate
Accessibility: Located along the Glen Burney Trail, an approximately 2 mile out and back trail, this hike is moderately rated. Rocks, roots, and a steep climb back up to the trailhead make this hike inaccessible for everyone.
Walkable from downtown Blowing Rock, this trail follows a set of falls along a pathway through rhododendrons and other greenery. It is generally easier to find yourselves alone on this trail, especially as there are two waterfalls and multiple points to view them. This trail also has some excellent picnic locations, so grab some snacks from the local deli before heading down the trail!
*Bonus*- Backpacking on the Foothills Trail- NC/SC
If you are a waterfall fanatic and interested in a backpacking elopement, consider a section (or all!) of the Foothills Trail, which winds in and out of South and North Carolina. The waterfalls are numerous on this trail, with the opportunity to camp near multiple. You can also find views of Whitewater Falls- the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies. A backpacking trip would allow you to elope in front of a waterfall only accessible to people who have hiked miles and miles, meaning it will be much easier to find yourself alone!
From left to right: Under Dry Falls, Mingo Falls, Glen Marie Falls, Whitewater falls on the Foothills Trail
Best Elopement Spots in Great Smoky National Park- NC Side
For views- Heintooga Overlook
Located near: Maggie Valley, NC
Traffic level: Low
Accessibility: Very Accessible- picnic area off of road, short trail walk to overlook with benches
In a less trafficked area of Smokies you can find Heintooga Spur Road, aka Balsam Mountain Road. The drive itself is stunning, with views of Mt.LeConte, Clingman’s Dome, the Plott Balsam Range, and the Blue Ridge Parkway to stop at and enjoy all the way up the road. At the end of the road you encounter the picnic area, and the short spur trail to the overlook, with expansive views of the Smokies.
Chapel Vibes- Palmer Chapel
Located near: Cataloochee Valley, NC
Traffic Level: Low
Accessibility: Very accessible- a short walk off of the road
Built in 1898, Palmer Chapel once served the Cataloochee Valley community. It now sits empty, along with a few other historic buildings in the area. It makes a great backdrop for a couple who loves history, or wants to include their religion in a more unique, non-traditional way. The GSMNP also allows permits for elopements and microweddings inside the chapel itself- a space with ample natural lighting, a small alter, and lots of pews for seating. Cataloochee Valley is also home to NC’s elk population, and you can frequently spot them in the area in the mornings and evenings.
View of Fontana Lake from above
Seclusion and lake views- The Road to Nowhere
Located near: Bryson City, NC
Traffic Level: Moderate
Accessibility: Very accessible- drive to parking area with overlook
Another Smoky Mountain spot with deep history, the “Road to Nowhere” is a 6 mile scenic drive that… you guessed it… leads to nowhere. Initially started to replace an old highway now buried under Fontana Lake, construction was halted due to economic reasons. But the road does indeed lead to some incredible views of the mountains and of Fontana Lake, as well as a long, stone tunnel that makes a cool background for some incredible shots!
Best Elopement Spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Accessible views- Wiseman’s View
Located near: Linville, NC
Traffic level: Moderate
Accessibility: Accessible, a paved walk to the viewing area. Some stairs at viewing area, but not mandatory for a view.
Off of the unpaved, rugged Old NC 105, just one mile from the BRP, sits this incredible view of Linville Gorge. From the two viewpoints you can see the unmistakable peaks of Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock, as well as the Linville River over a thousand feet below. Although an easy walk, traffic is not as intense here as at the neighboring Linville Falls. Wiseman’s also has a little grassy area perfect for a picnic!
View of Table Rock from Wiseman’s View
History buffs- Moses H Cone Memorial Park
Located near: Blowing Rock, NC
Traffic Level: Moderate-Heavy
Accessibility: Generally accessible, depending on where in the park you go
With 25 miles of hiking trails, a historical manor and carriage house, and sweeping vistas, Moses Cone is a great place to elope. Not only are there plenty of things to do here between picnicking, touring the manor, and hiking, but there are also many local horseback riding guides to take you on a tour through the woods of the property!
Photo by Karl Johanson, from a guided horseback ride we took in 2021. The front of the manor is visible in the far right.
Lake Views- Julian Price Park
Located near: Blowing Rock, NC
Traffic Level: Moderate
Accessibility: Very accessible
Price Lake is a stunning lake, and the prized gem of Julian Price Park. This park is the ideal elopement spot for couples who would like to spend some time on the water on their elopement day. There are on-site rentals for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards in the warmer months, and in the winter you can travel along the lakeshore on cross-country skis. There is also a campground in the park, perfect for a post-elopement bbq or campfire!
View of Price Lake from the Price Lake Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Best Mountain Town to Elope near
Hot Springs, NC
Located near: The NC/TN border, about 45 min NW of Asheville
Hot Springs, a sweet little town nestled along the French Broad River, is home to the only natural hot springs in the state. The Appalachian Trail runs right through downtown, making it a hub for hiking and adventuring. There are many awesome spots in nature to elope near Hot Springs- including the Rich Mountain Fire Tower and Lover’s Leap to the north. Enjoy a romantic stay at Hot Springs Resort & Spa, and live music and delicious tacos at Big Pillow Brewing. Hot Springs is also the closest town to Max Patch, where elopements currently are not permitted, but is still an amazing place for a sunrise hike on your elopement day!
The view from Rich Mountain Fire Tower near Hot Springs
Black Mountain, NC
Located near: Asheville- about 20 minutes west of AVL
Black Mountain is an eclectic mountain town with a charming downtown full of unique shops and yummy restaurants. Named for the mountain range that is home to the tallest mountains on the east coast, including Mount Mitchell, Black Mountain is a great place to stay for access to many different hiking options. Lake Tomahawk sits a few blocks from downtown, setting a beautiful backdrop with views of Graybeard Mountain from below. Access to Asheville and a multitude of other mountain towns also makes this a great location to explore if window shopping, brewery hopping, and trying out all the local dining spots is up your alley!
The mountains surrounding Black Mountain, NC. You can see the town tucked into the landscape though the bare trees.
Highlands, NC
Located near: The NC/SC border in Nantahala National Forest
Highlands and the neighboring town of Cashiers attract nature junkies and foodies alike with access to the many waterfalls of Nantahala National Forest and award winning restaurants. Highlands Heritage Trail offers the opportunity for history lovers to dive into the local area’s past. Highlands is also close to Whiteside Mountain, believed by scientists to be one of the oldest mountains in the entire world. We love the area for its lush, temperate rainforests, dozens of diverse shops, and artsy vibe.
Highlands, NC tucked into Nantahala National Forest, visible from Sunset Rock, a popular hike in the area.
Best Place for a Backpacking Elopement
Linville Gorge
Located near: Morganton, NC
Difficulty level: Very difficult
Length: 25-35 miles, depending on the route you choose
Linville Gorge is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East” and is known for its stunning views of surrounding mountains and of the gorge itself. Although the gorge is home to a few easier trails, like the Hawksbill Trail, the backpacking loops themselves are recommended for experienced backpackers only, linking some of the most difficult trails in the area. There is a 3 day, 2 night camping maximum in Linville Gorge Wilderness, so keep this in mind when determining the length of your trip. Although difficult terrain and grade, we can’t not recommend Linville Gorge with how breathtaking the wilderness is.
Roan Highlands
Located near: Roan Mountain, TN
Difficulty level: Moderate- Difficult
Length: Approx. 14 miles
A stretch of the Appalachian Trail that is near and dear to us here at Trail Magic, the Roan Highlands straddle the NC/TN border, with expansive 360 degree views of both states from the balds. A great one night backpacking trip with plenty of stunning campsites, this trail does have a couple of difficult climbs and descents, but also has many miles of easy walking as well. The first couple of miles from Carvers Gap are very popular for day hikers, but once you make your way through the first long stretch of woods, you will find a much less trafficked trail with plenty of opportunities to be alone. It is an easy place to fall in love with, and the perfect place to elope.
PRO TIP: We recommend adding the short spur trail up to Grassy Ridge Bald- a stunning 6k footer with some of our favorite views in the area!
Wayah Bald
Located near: Franklin, NC
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
Length: 10 miles- 20+ miles
A choose your own adventure along the Appalachian Trail, there are plenty of starting and ending points to choose from to determine the length of your trek. Wayah Bald itself is home to a lookout tower that is an easily accessible elopement spot itself- making this a great option if you would like to backpack and also include guests in your day. They can meet you at the tower! We recommend starting just south of the Nantahala Outdoors Center and following the AT approximately 20 miles to FS 69, just west of Franklin, NC. Franklin is a great town to celebrate both your elopement and your trail miles over a beer at Lazy Hiker Brewing!
*BONUS* Best Elopement Spots for Adrenaline Seekers
Nantahala Outdoor Center- Whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and more!
Located near: Bryson City, NC
The NOC’s Bryson City hub is an adventure junkies paradise with guided raft tours, zipline tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and mountain biking at Tsali Recreation Area- one of the top rated mountain biking destinations in the US! There are also two riverside restaurants, and lodging onsite!
Asheville- Hot Air Balloon Rides
Want to experience what the mountains look like from above? Asheville Balloon Company can make your dreams come true! Owned by an experienced balloon pilot and commercial pilot, the company is experienced in weddings and can even accommodate guests across multiple balloons for an in-flight wedding!
Lake Lure: Rock Climbing
Rumbling Bald, towering over the famed village of Lake Lure (where Dirty Dancing was filmed!), offers climbing for any skill level, nearly year round thanks to the area’s more tame weather. Part of this area is also owned by Chimney Rock State Park, providing some great elopement spot options as well.
North Carolina truly has something for everyone, no matter what you are looking for in your elopement day. I hope that these ideas have helped you think outside the box a bit and given some insight into just how many options there are. Realistically, this list barely scratches the surface of all that western North Carolina offers. We have dozens more locations that we adore up our sleeve! Reach out to us here and we can get a start on planning your dream elopement together!
