Two-Day Spring Elopement in North Carolina
What Does a Two-day Elopement Look Like?
Kassie and Jake’s multi-day elopement in Western North Carolina is one that we will never forget! It was two days full of adventure, back up plans, freezing cold temperatures, and unique activities that made for the perfect wedding experience for them. This is also a GREAT example of what a true adventure elopement can look like, and why having vendors who know how to pivot your day and create backup plans is so important. If you’re looking for inspiration about what a two-day elopement could look like, keep reading!
Looking to plan your own elopement or micro-wedding?
Why a two-day elopement
When we first chatted with Kassie and Jake about this day, we knew that we had to include lots of hiking, and quality time to slow down. They live in New York City and both have incredibly busy jobs, so they don’t get the opportunity to take it easy often. A two-day elopement worked well for them, because they would have time to soak up all of the best parts of Western North Carolina, travel to different areas, and not feel rushed about going back to the city after the day.
Planning an North Carolina elopement? Check out our blog post all about How to Elope in NC for our best tips and tricks!
Day 1
Waterfall hike near Blowing Rock
During the planning process, when prompted with the question of their favorite activities to do together, they both immediately exclaimed “hiking and backpacking!” Kassie and Jake originally met in North Carolina and took trips together to the mountains before moving to New York City. The plan for the first day of their elopement was to inspire some nostalgia about Southern Appalachia to remind them of their first adventures together as a couple.
Becca and I met up with the couple at a quaint little coffee shop in downtown Blowing Rock, and we all shared some laughs and travel stories over lattes and tea as we prepped for our hike. Becca had scouted the perfect spot not far off of Main Street with a short 2 mile trail and two different waterfalls! It was an idyllic Spring day, filled with sunshine and early blooms. They took their time exploring the falls and soaking in each other’s company before their sunrise elopement the next morning.
Day 2
Sunrise elopement ceremony at Carver’s Gap
Even though they had lived in NC for a long period of time, neither of them had ever been to Carver’s Gap, Tennessee. Becca and I knew that would be the perfect spot for them at sunrise, and wasn’t too far of a pre-dawn drive from everyone’s accommodations in Banner Elk. Unfortunately, as we watched the weather reports in the days leading up to it, we knew that it wouldn’t be quite the sunny, blue sky adventure we were hoping for. However, both Kassie and Jake felt it would still be worth it to check it out!
All four of us got a very early start on the morning of their ceremony, meeting at the trailhead around 6:30am. We knew the weather would be cold, but it was truly a winter wonderland!! As Becca and I made our way up the winding road to the trailhead, I watched as our car drove into the frost-covered cloud bank, with no normal, sprawling blue-ridge mountain views in sight.
After consulting with both Jake and Kassie, we decided to move forward with the first look and ceremony right on the Appalachian Trail, while keeping in mind the cold and everyone’s safety. Becca had come prepared with handwarmers, extra gloves, and multiple backpacking quilts and blankets to help keep the couple warm as they walked, side by side, up towards the grassy balds. It was still important for them to get married at the start of the day, so they could spend the rest of it reveling in each other’s company- so we did not want to alter that part of the timeline!
I’m honestly so glad we opted to stay at Carver’s Gap, even in the freezing cold. The soft dusting of snow and ice covered pine forest added to the romantic nature of the moment, setting a serene and peaceful backdrop. It was a beautiful experience watching these two share their first look and vows together with not another human in sight. Not a typical experience you get at this trailhead!
Warm afternoon at the vineyard
We had already planned to take a mid-day break after the sunrise ceremony, so everyone could relax, change their clothes and refresh for the afternoon activities. After the chilly sunrise adventure, the time to nap and warm up was well-deserved! We met up with Kassie and Jake again at Grandfather Vineyard to finish up their elopement experience with a wine tasting and charcuterie board designed by Becca. It was the perfect end to the experience for them, and we had so much fun exploring the vineyard, playing games and chatting before heading back down the mountain!
