How Much Does an Asheville Elopement Cost? Budget Breakdown & Planning Guide

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. What is an Elopement?
3. Why choose an elopement in Asheville?
4. Average Cost of an Asheville Elopement
5. Asheville Elopement Budget Breakdown
6. Ways to Save Money on an Asheville Elopement
7. Tips from Your Asheville, North Carolina Elopement Photographer
8. Elopement Costs: Budget-Friendly or Luxury Experience?
9. Final Thoughts
10. Our Elopement & Micro Wedding Photography Packages
11. Meet Your Elopement & Micro-Wedding Photographers

Introduction

How much does an elopement in Asheville cost? The truth is, elopements can range from just the two of you on a mountain overlook with a photographer to a fully planned, high-end experience with a private venue, florals, and a catered dinner. No matter what kind of elopement you’re envisioning, knowing what to budget for can help you make the right choices.

This guide breaks down elopement costs in Asheville, covering everything from photography and venues to permits and lodging. Whether you’re going for simple and intimate or luxurious and all-inclusive, this will help you plan a day that feels right for you. From photography and venues to florals and travel, we’ll cover everything you need to know the cost of an Asheville elopement. Plus, we’ll share expert tips to help you make the most of your budget while creating a wedding experience that’s uniquely yours.

What is an Elopement?

An elopement is an intimate and personal wedding experience that typically involves just the couple or a very small group of loved ones. Unlike traditional weddings, elopements focus on the couple’s love story rather than large-scale event planning. Couples who choose to elope often want a stress-free day, breathtaking scenery, and a celebration that reflects their unique relationship without the pressure of a big wedding.

Elopements can take place in a variety of settings, from a courthouse to a remote mountain overlook. Many couples opt for destination elopements in picturesque locations like Asheville, North Carolina, where they can combine their wedding and honeymoon into one unforgettable experience.

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Why Choose an Elopement in Asheville?

Asheville is one of the most popular destinations for elopements in the United States, and for good reason. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city offers an incredible mix of scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and unique venues that cater to small weddings and elopements.

Scenic Beauty

Asheville is home to stunning landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain overlooks. These natural backdrops provide the perfect setting for intimate ceremonies and unforgettable wedding photos.

Variety of Locations

Whether you dream of eloping on a secluded mountaintop, in a charming historic estate, or at a cozy Airbnb cabin, Asheville has countless options to suit every couple’s vision.

Fun Activities in Asheville

Asheville is not just about stunning elopement locations—it also offers a variety of exciting activities to enhance your experience. Whether you want to go tubing in the river, explore our amazing wineries and breweries, or swim in the fun swimming holes at beautiful waterfalls, there is something for every couple looking to add adventure to their special day.

Year-Round Destination

Each season in Asheville offers a unique experience. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, fall boasts stunning foliage, and winter provides a quiet, snow-dusted wonderland for cozy elopements.

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Average Cost of an Asheville Elopement

While traditional weddings can cost upwards of $30,000, elopements can be a little more budget friendly. Here’s a general price range for elopements in Asheville:

• Budget-friendly elopement: $2,500 – $5,000
• Mid-range elopement: $5,000 – $10,000
• Luxury elopement: $10,000+

The cost depends on factors like location, photography, florals, and whether you opt for a small celebration with guests. Let’s dive into a full budget breakdown.

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Asheville Elopement Budget Breakdown

Photography ($2,500 – $10,000+)

Photography is one of the most important investments in your elopement (and we aren’t just saying that because we are photographers) — you’ll want beautiful, high-quality images that capture the moment forever because this is the one thing you will take away from your wedding day forever.

• Basic elopement photography (1-2 hours): $2,500 – $3,500
• Full-day or Multi-day coverage (getting ready, ceremony, adventure photos, dinner): $4,000 – $10,000+

Venue or Location Fees ($0 – $5,000+)

• Free & Permit-Only Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks, waterfalls, state parks ($0–$250 for permits).
• Private Venues & Airbnb Elopements: Small wedding venues, luxury cabins ($1,500–$5,000+).

Florals & Decor ($200 – $1,500)

• Simple bouquet & boutonnière: $200 – $500
• Full ceremony setup with floral arch: $1,000+

Officiant ($250 – $800)

• Professional officiant: $250 – $800 for personalized vows & legal filing.

Hair & Makeup ($250 – $600)

• Bridal hair & makeup package: $250 – $600
• On-site stylists available for adventure elopements.

Attire ($500 – $3,000)

• Wedding dress & accessories: $1,000 – $10,000
• Suit or tux: $500 – $5,000

Food & Celebration ($100 – $2,000)

• Private chef experience: $500 – $2,000
• Intimate dinner for two in Asheville: $100 – $300

Travel & Accommodation ($500 – $2,500+)

• Romantic Airbnb stay: $150 – $700 per night
• Luxury hotel in downtown Asheville: $300 – $600 per night
• Flights & car rentals (if traveling from out of state)

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Ways to Save Money on an Asheville Elopement

If you’re looking to elope in Asheville on a budget, here are some tips to keep costs down:

• Choose a weekday – Many vendors and venues offer discounts for Monday-Thursday elopements.
• Elope in a scenic free location – Avoid venue fees by choosing a breathtaking overlook or waterfall.
• Combine your elopement & honeymoon – Stay at a cozy Airbnb and turn your wedding into a romantic getaway.

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Tips from Your Asheville, North Carolina Elopement Photographer

Elope on a Weekday

This is our number 1 recommendation. Weekdays are so much less crowded, making for a more intimate and stress-free experience. If you are wanting to have any part of your day take place outside in the mountains, in the weekday it will 1000% be a more fun and relaxing experience!

Combine Your Elopement and Honeymoon

Turn your elopement into a full experience by choosing a beautiful Airbnb or boutique hotel where you can relax and celebrate after your big day. There are so many fun things to do and explore around the Asheville area, so it truly is a perfect place to honeymoon too.

Schedule a Day-After Session

A day-after session allows you to get more relaxed, adventurous photos without the time constraints of your elopement day. Consider hiking to a scenic overlook or exploring a new part of Asheville for unforgettable portraits!

Consider a Sunrise or Sunset Ceremony

For the best lighting and a more intimate experience, plan your ceremony at sunrise or sunset when the natural scenery is at its most beautiful. Those most beautiful mountain photos you see are most likely taken during sunrise or sunset!

Invest in a Photographer Who Knows the Area

A local photographer will not only capture your day beautifully but also help you find the best hidden locations, navigate permits, and recommend top vendors to make your elopement seamless.

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Elopement Costs: Budget-Friendly or Luxury Experience?

While an elopement can be a more budget-friendly alternative to a traditional wedding, it does not always have to be cheaper. Some couples choose to allocate a similar budget to their elopement but in a completely different way. Instead of spending on a large venue, catering for hundreds of guests, and traditional wedding expenses, eloping couples may invest in an exclusive private venue, luxury accommodations, high-end photography, and an unforgettable adventure experience.

Elopements and micro-weddings can be just as luxurious as traditional weddings, with the budget focusing on what matters most to the couple rather than a large-scale event. Whether you want a simple ceremony or an all-inclusive high-end experience, Asheville offers endless possibilities to make your elopement uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

Eloping in Asheville offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, adventure, and flexibility, allowing couples to design a day that truly reflects their love story. Whether you’re eloping to save money or splurging on an unforgettable, high-end experience, the key is to focus on what matters most to you as a couple.

If you’re ready to start planning your Asheville elopement, we’d love to help capture your day in a way that feels authentic, romantic, and timeless. We’ll link our packages and a little bit about us below!

Our Elopement & micro wedding Photography packages

meet your Asheville elopement & micro-wedding photographers:

Like we mentioned before, we’re Yara & Christian – we are photographers based in the North Carolina mountains and we love creating beautiful wedding day experiences! If you are wanting a beautiful day captured in a cinematic and storytelling way, we’re you’re people 🙂 Reach out to us here: CONTACT US