Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Spring Elopements & Small Weddings in Asheville (March – May) 🌸
- Summer Elopements & Small Weddings in Asheville (June – August) ☀️
- Fall Elopements & Small Weddings in Asheville (September – November) 🍁
- Winter Elopements & Small Weddings in Asheville (December – February) ❄️
- Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Time to Get Married or Elope in Asheville?
- Meet Your Asheville Elopement & Micro-Wedding Photographers
Thinking about eloping or having a small wedding in Asheville, North Carolina? The Blue Ridge Mountains provide an incredible backdrop year-round, but each season offers different scenery, weather, and overall experience. Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant fall foliage, a cozy winter escape, or a wildflower-filled spring ceremony, this guide will help you pick the perfect time for your Asheville elopement or intimate wedding. As photographers who live here, we genuinely believe it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world and we are so excited that you are considering getting married here! 🙂 We hope this guide of the best time of year to elope in Asheville will be helpful in your planning!
You can also check out our in-depth How to Elope in Asheville, NC Guide that goes over this and other considerations like legalities, where to stay, where to go, an so much more! We are so passionate about weddings and elopements and are so excited to help you plan your perfect day 🙂
Spring Elopements & Small Weddings in Asheville (March – May) 🌸
Best for: Mild weather, blooming flowers, fewer crowds
Spring in Asheville is a dream for couples who want a fresh, romantic atmosphere for their ceremony. The rhododendrons, dogwoods, and mountain laurels start blooming in mid-to-late spring, making for lush, colorful backgrounds in photos. March and early April can still be chilly (40s–60s°F), but by late April and May, temperatures reach comfortable highs in the 70s°F, perfect for an outdoor wedding or elopement.
Pros:
✔️ Lush greenery and blooming wildflowers 🌿🌸
✔️ Mild temperatures—great for outdoor vows
✔️ Fewer tourists than peak summer & fall
Cons:
❌ Spring showers can be unpredictable ☔ (which we personally love a moody foggy moment!)
❌ Some high-elevation spots may still be chilly
Tips for a Spring Wedding or Elopement:
- Best bloom timing: Mid-April to late May is peak bloom season for mountain laurel and rhododendrons.
- Weather preparation: Rain showers are common, so bring clear umbrellas for a stylish (and practical) touch.
- Frizz-proofing tips: Spring humidity can affect hair—consider hairstyles that work with natural texture or use anti-frizz products.
- Top Spring Locations: The Biltmore Estate gardens (amazing spring blooms), Max Patch (lush rolling fields), or Craggy Gardens (especially in May when rhododendrons peak).
Summer Elopements & Small Weddings in Asheville (June – August) ☀️
Best for: Warm, golden evenings, adventure elopements
Summer in Asheville means longer daylight hours, golden sunsets, and lush green landscapes. While the city itself can be warm and humid, heading to higher elevations like Black Balsam Knob or Max Patch will give you cooler, breezy weather—often 10-15°F cooler than downtown Asheville. These spots are perfect for couples wanting mountaintop vows without extreme summer heat. We also love summer weddings in Asheville because that means outdoor activities like tubing, swimming in watering holes, and jumping into waterfalls. When couples incorporate these into their wedding day it genuinely could not be more fun!
Pros:
✔️ Stunning golden-hour lighting for photos 🌅
✔️ Best for adventure elopements (hiking, waterfalls, and panoramic views)
✔️ High-elevation locations offer cooler, comfortable weather
Cons:
❌ Can be hot & humid (especially in July) in lower elevations 🔥
❌ Popular locations are busiest during summer—especially weekends
Tips for a Summer Wedding or Elopement:
- Beat the heat: Opt for sunrise or sunset ceremonies at mountain locations like Black Balsam Knob or Max Patch for cooler temperatures (and less crowds!)
- Waterfall locations: Places like Looking Glass Falls and Graveyard Fields offer refreshing, shady spots to escape the heat.
- Humidity & Makeup: Use setting sprays and waterproof makeup to keep a fresh look despite summer warmth.
- Avoid crowds: Weekdays are your best bet for more privacy. (We highly recommend this all year round for elopements and micro-weddings!)
🌟 Best Summer Elopement & Wedding Locations: Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks (at sunrise), Max Patch (for perfect summer weather), or Looking Glass Falls (for a waterfall ceremony).
Fall Elopements & Small Weddings in Asheville (September – November) 🍁
Best for: Peak foliage, cozy vibes, dreamy lighting
If you want jaw-dropping fall colors, eloping or getting married in Asheville in October is a no-brainer. The Blue Ridge Parkway becomes a tunnel of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, and the crisp, cool weather makes for cozy, magical elopement vibes.
Peak foliage typically occurs between October 10–25 at higher elevations (like Black Balsam and Craggy Gardens), while lower elevations peak around late October to early November. Because of this, October is the busiest month for tourism, meaning that popular locations will be crowded.
Pros:
✔️ The most breathtaking scenery for wedding and elopement photos 🍂
✔️ Comfortable, crisp temperatures (50s–60s°F) – ideal for outdoor vows
✔️ Cozy mountain vibes—perfect for intimate weddings
Cons:
❌ Peak tourist season means more crowds, especially on weekends 🚗
❌ Venues & accommodations book up quickly (especially in October)
Tips for a Fall Wedding or Elopement:
- Timing for foliage: Mid-October for higher elevations (Craggy Gardens, Black Balsam), late October to early November for lower elevations (Asheville & surrounding areas).
- Book early: Fall is Asheville’s busiest season, so reserve vendors, venues, and accommodations months in advance.
- Privacy hacks: Choose weekday mornings for fewer crowds, or opt for private venues or secluded Airbnb spots.
- Top Fall Locations: Craggy Gardens at sunrise (for peak foliage and fewer crowds), Black Balsam Knob (panoramic views), or an intimate Airbnb with mountain views.
- *NOTE that the Blue Ridge Parkway does not allow weddings of any kind during October!*
Winter Elopements & Small Weddings in Asheville (December – February) ❄️
Best for: Intimate, cozy vibes & snowy mountain backdrops
Winter elopements and intimate weddings in Asheville can be magical and intimate, especially if you love the idea of bundling up in the mountains or saying your vows with a snow-dusted landscape behind you. While Asheville itself doesn’t get much snow, the higher elevations—like Mount Mitchell or the Blue Ridge Parkway—can get stunning snowfalls, creating a fairy-tale-like winter scene.
Pros:
✔️ Fewer crowds & more privacy for an intimate experience
✔️ Gorgeous snow-covered landscapes (if you time it right)
✔️ Best for cozy cabin elopements or dramatic misty mountain backdrops
Cons:
❌ Some mountain roads (like parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway) close due to snow. You can check out this website for closures: Blue Ridge Parkway Closures
❌ Shorter daylight hours = earlier ceremony times
Tips for a Winter Wedding or Elopement:
- Best snow chances: January and February at Max Patch or Roan Mountain.
- Dressing warm: Opt for stylish coats, hand warmers, and long-sleeve wedding dresses.
- Indoor venue options: Consider a cozy cabin elopement with a fireplace backdrop for warmth and comfort. Y
- You may need: An AWD or 4WD vehicle to access certain areas!
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Time to Get Married or Elope in Asheville?
No matter when you choose to elope or have your intimate wedding, Asheville offers breathtaking scenery, stunning locations, and an unforgettable experience. If you’re ready to start planning, We’d love to help capture your love story in a way that feels cinematic, natural, and authentically you.
📸 Contact me here to start planning your dream elopement or wedding
meet your Asheville elopement & micro-wedding photographers:
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
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