It may seem like summer is so far away, but summer wedding season is just around the corner! Summer is also the perfect time to elope outdoors! Do you love the idea of getting out of the months and months of planning that comes with a traditional wedding? Maybe eloping is right for you and your fiancé! The wedding industry is trending towards smaller elopements that can be tailored to each couple for an unforgettable, unique experience. Check out this quiz to see if eloping is right for you! No matter how you choose to elope, we want to be able to help you have the best experience you possibly can. With Backpacks and Bow Ties, you can dream wildly.
Why Elope in the Summer?
Now that you’ve decided to elope, you might be wondering “why should we elope this Summer?” Good question! There are lots of advantages to eloping during the Summer. Summer will give you more flexibility with what you might want out of your elopement. The weather is fairer, and less likely to rain on you! You will get a lot more sunlight out of the day, letting you plan for lots of activities leading up to or following your elopement.
An advantage of eloping specifically during the Summer is you can mix it up and be playful. Do you want to get married on a lake, beachside or in a canoe? What about in front of a waterfall, or on a mountain overlook? Summer is probably the best time to do this, depending on how adventurous you want to get.
Maybe the most important part of Summer? The outdoors are beautiful this time of year! Capture your best wild moments in your favorite outdoor spot, or somewhere you’ve never been before with an elopement photographer like me!
Have I convinced you to elope this Summer? Awesome! Now that you’ve decided to elope outdoors, you’ll have to figure out how you’re going to do it this Summer in 2022. Let me help!
First, a Brainstorm - What Do You Want?
Before you get into what you want, think about your constraints, first. Do you have a strict budget, or physical handicaps within your party that may restrict you? How many people do you plan on being with you? Keep those in mind when making plans. The good news is, there is something for everybody in Western North Carolina!
I think one of the most important decisions you can make is location. Do you have a theme for your elopement? What kind of vibe are you trying to give off? Do you want to go somewhere super remote in the mountains, or somewhere urban in Asheville’s cityscape? You’re in luck, the Great Smoky Mountains and its surrounding areas has it all.
Find the Perfect Spot to Elope
I think Western North Carolina is the best place to elope outdoors in North Carolina. The possibilities are endless here, giving you permission to dream wildly. Just within an hour of Asheville, you could elope: on top of a mountain, in front of a waterfall, at the edge of a lake, on a rooftop bar in downtown Asheville, or even a castle. What more could you ask for? Let’s look at a few specifics:
Cowee Overlook
If you want a view, you just found it. Cowee Overlook is one of the best spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway west of Asheville. Known as one of the best sunset parking spots in Western NC, you can see about a dozen mountain ranges from a single spot. One of the advantages here is its accessibility: you can drive straight up to the overlook and not have any hiking, stairs, or many other obstacles in your way besides other visitors. If you elope here, I recommend you stay for sunset pictures, you will not regret it.
Black Balsam Knob
If you are actually wanting to hike when you elope, Black Balsam Knob is a great place to go. Black Balsam Knob is one of the highest mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and has some great views. Even better, you don’t have to go more than a quarter mile to start seeing beautiful mountain country. Bring an extra pair of hiking shoes and have a blast hiking Black Balsam.
Castle LadyHawke
What if you could run away and elope to a castle? Your dream could be a reality if you eloped at Castle LadyHawke. Perched on top of a mountain at Bear Lake Reserve, Castle LadyHawke is Western North Carolina’s premier wedding venue. As a more traditional wedding spot, you could also host an elopement party here to celebrate with more guests. If you want to fulfill your Disney Princess dreams, this is your chance!
Rooftops in Asheville
Asheville can give you the urban feel you might want while still getting the mountains surrounding you wherever you look. One of the best ways to elope here is on a rooftop! Asheville has a range of hotels and rooftop bars to choose from that could suit your needs. A rooftop elopement will give you a fantastic view of downtown Asheville and the mountains beyond. If you fancy somewhere without heights, there are lots of other options in downtown Asheville.
What Should I Wear for a Summer Elopement?
When you’re eloping, you don’t need to follow the traditions of a normal wedding. That’s probably a good thing if you plan on hiking when you elope! So, ditch the traditional wedding attire if you want to. Any clothing that will keep you cool and make you feel great is a great choice! Choose light colors and light fabrics like cotton. A Summer dress is a great option! Let the location help you decide what’s the best fit, and keep the weather in mind. If you do choose to go hiking, don’t forget an extra pair of shoes to get to and from your destination!
What Can We Do When We Elope?
Here’s your chance to get really creative! Most of what you can do depends on your location. Remember, your day doesn’t have to be anything like a traditional wedding. Maybe you get married at a lake, and go swimming after? If you have guests with you, you could have a potluck or even a small picnic for you and your new spouse. Of course, you can include as many traditions as you want as far as your ceremony, like exchanging vows and rings. Don’t forget to bring decorations! This is your chance to be as minimalist or all out as you want, let your location help you decide what’s best for you! Don’t forget, you can have an elopement party afterwards, too. An elopement party is a great way to celebrate and include more friends and family!
Don’t Forget to Capture the Moment
You deserve to elope somewhere beautiful - and have beautiful keepsakes to remember it all! An elopement photographer - like me! - is the perfect compliment to your special day to capture all the goodies before, during, and after your wedding ceremony. Not only do I love delivering beautiful pictures to my wedding couples, but I also love to help them plan the perfect experience.
If you are stuck, need some advice, or just need someone to bounce ideas off of, get in touch with me and we can get some coffee and talk about it!
We're offering free hotel stays for your vacation or honeymoon if you book your wedding or elopement with Backpacks and Bow Ties in 2022/2023!
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