North Carolina Elopement Packages
North Carolina is a beautiful location to plan your intimate elopement. With its gorgeous mountains and dense forests, NC has plenty to explore. Our comprehensive list of locations, vendors, and tips is perfect for your NC elopement plans. From permit questions to places to elope, we’ve got you covered.
Are you recently engaged? Do you want to elope somewhere beautiful and down to earth? Then you came to the right place to build your NC Elopement Package.
*While we don’t offer bundled elopement packages in NC, we do provide you with all of the information and resources you will need to create your perfect elopement package. Our Wandering Weddings members are also amazing vendors to ask questions. These members have plenty of experience curating awesome elopement experiences for couples.
Vendors For Your North Carolina Elopement Package
When putting together your NC elopement package, you want to consider your overall elopement budget. Elopements have a pretty big range when it comes to an average price because it all depends on what vendors you decide to include on your wedding day. Please note that you are not required to include every vendor type in your package.
Are you ready to start planning your North Carolina elopement?
Check out our vendor categories to consider when thinking about your elopement package:
Photographers
These vendors are where most of your elopement budget will be going towards, but for good reason. On average, our photographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. This depends on how many hours of coverage (half-day versus full-day) a couple is looking for their NC elopement package.
Videographers
Like elopement photographers, videographers are going to be a great investment for your elopement day to document your adventures together. On average, our videographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. Keep in mind, this depends on how long you want your elopement footage to be. For example, a full-day video coverage would cost more versus covering just your elopement ceremony.
Officiants
On average, our officiant members will charge $500-$800 per elopement. Officiants are great to orchestrate your favorite traditions and wedding vows. It’s also important to note that some other vendors are also officiants, so we recommend always asking.
Elopement Planners
You don’t necessarily always need a wedding planner for your elopement adventure, but having a planner does help if couples have a very clear elopement vision. The average price for our planner members is $1,000-$3,000. Planners are also great for couples who don’t want to DIY or worry about anything, or couples who live far from their elopement destination.
Florists
Since you’re planning an elopement, you’ll need fewer floral arrangements than your average traditional wedding in North Carolina. If you aren’t down to DIY your own bridal bouquet, then a florist in NC can average from $300 to $600.
Venues
Are you looking to elope in Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, or Durham? Even though there are plenty of public land options to consider eloping to in North Carolina, there are also some pretty neat private venues in NC too. Our team loves private venues because they do offer you more privacy and flexibility when you two are going to elope. Private venues, on average, will charge $300 to $4,000, depending on the location.
Places to Elope in North Carolina
So you’re ready to start planning your elopement in North Carolina, but you aren’t sure where you should exchange your vows with your partner. Check out these locations to elope in NC.
Chimney Rock State Park
This is a perfect spot to elope if you are looking for a destination with a view. There is a 315-foot spire overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure, making Chimney Rock the perfect place if you are looking for some dramatic portraits. There is an admission fee ($10 for the day), but this access comes with a range of things you can explore throughout your day, including trails and more than 5,700 acres of land.
Hanging Rock State Park
With more than 20 miles of hiking trails that weave and turn into amazing views, Hanging Rock State Park is the ideal destination for adventurous couples. Aside from the trails to explore, there are also campgrounds with a lake and canoe rental!
Check out this magical waterfall elopement at Hanging Rock State Park.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Your NC elopement package doesn’t have to just include mountains and forests. North Carolina also has some gorgeous beaches to explore off the coast. Cape Hatteras is one of our team’s favorites. Here you will be able to enjoy the beach, kayak, and enjoy the famous lighthouse.
DuPont State Recreational Forest
If you are looking to plan a whimsical elopement, then we suggest DuPont State Recreational Forest. This forest has a lot to offer. You can hike the multiple trails during your elopement, or you can also visit multiple falls such as High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
No list would be complete without mentioning the Great Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of scenic views, historic structures, and wildlife to appreciate here. You can also enjoy multiple waterfalls and hiking trails during your wedding day. Fun fact: did you know that this park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee?
Blue Ridge Parkway
If you both are adventurous and love road trips, then maybe you should plan your elopement overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is an amazing drive as you and your honey can enjoy the scenery. We are also sure you’ll find an amazing spot to stop and have your ceremony. Get with one of our members to help you decide which one is best.
Whitewater Falls
This waterfall will definitely give you a dramatic look and feel during your elopement. The Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. The fall plungest at 411 feet, and you can also admire the beautiful wildlife surrounding the area. If you are thinking about eloping here, then we recommend a sunrise elopement to avoid the crowds.
Linville Gorge and Falls
If you’re visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains, then we suggest Linville Gorge and Falls for your elopement destination. This waterfall’s trail is 1.6 miles round trip, so this is an easy hike for your elopement adventure! This is also a great place to bring your pets, but they do need to be on a leash.
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is an ideal elopement destination if you are planning a winter elopement. The name actually comes from when the falls freeze and glisten like a mirror in the sun during winter. This waterfall also has easy accessibility to get to!
Check out North Carolina’s National Forest site for more updated information on rules and regulations for events in NC. We encourage everyone to practice LNT (leave no trace) practices, so more couples can enjoy these areas.
Permits for North Carolina Elopements
Marriage License in North Carolina
To legally elope in North Carolina, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from any county’s Register of Deeds office.
The cost of a marriage license in North Carolina is typically around $60. The license is valid immediately and can be used anywhere in the state, with no waiting period.
Permits and Leave No Trace in North Carolina Elopement Locations
Many outdoor locations in North Carolina, particularly in state and national parks, require a special use permit for elopements and small weddings. It’s important to contact the relevant park office or visitor center to obtain the necessary permits in advance. The cost of permits varies by location and the size of your gathering.
North Carolina’s natural beauty is one of its greatest treasures, and it’s essential to preserve it for future generations. Please leave the area better than you found it!
When to Elope in North Carolina
North Carolina’s diverse landscapes, from the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains to the beautiful Atlantic coastline, make it a perfect destination for an elopement any time of year. The state experiences four distinct seasons, each offering its unique charm and beauty.
Here’s a guide to help you decide when to elope in North Carolina:
Spring (March to May)
Average temperatures: 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
Pros:
- Blooming flowers and vibrant greenery create a picturesque setting.
- Comfortable temperatures are ideal for outdoor ceremonies in both mountains and coastal areas.
- Fewer tourists than in the summer, offering more privacy and tranquility.
Cons:
- Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers.
- Early spring can still be chilly, especially in higher elevations.
Summer (June to August)
Average temperatures: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), though it can be cooler in the mountains.
Pros:
- Long, sunny days are perfect for beach elopements and outdoor adventures.
- Lush, green landscapes in the mountains and coastal regions.
- Ideal for couples who love water activities and summer vibes.
Cons:
- High humidity, especially in lower elevations, can make it feel hotter.
- Popular tourist season, leading to more crowded locations and higher costs.
- Coastal areas are prone to hurricanes and storms, particularly later in the season.
Fall (September to November)
Average temperatures: 10°C to 24°C (50°F to 75°F)
Pros:
- Stunning fall colors, particularly in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offer a romantic and dramatic backdrop.
- Mild and comfortable weather is ideal for outdoor ceremonies.
- Fewer tourists compared to summer, offering more peace and privacy.
Cons:
- Shorter daylight hours compared to summer.
- Weather can be variable, with a mix of sunny, cool days and occasional rain.
Winter (December to February)
Average temperatures: 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F)
Pros:
- Snow-covered mountains provide a magical winter wonderland for elopements.
- Fewer tourists, offering a more intimate and serene experience.
- Ideal for couples who love cozy settings, fireplaces, and winter sports.
Cons:
- Cold temperatures, especially in the mountains, and potential for snowstorms.
- Some outdoor locations may be less accessible due to winter conditions.
- Shorter daylight hours and fewer blooming landscapes.
Places to Stay in North Carolina
North Carolina offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every couple’s style and preferences, whether you’re planning an elopement in the mountains, along the coast, or in one of the state’s charming cities. From luxury resorts and cozy bed-and-breakfasts to rustic cabins and beachfront cottages, there are plenty of options to create the perfect stay for your wedding adventure. Whether you’re looking for a secluded retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a historic inn in a quaint small town, or a chic boutique hotel in the heart of a vibrant city, North Carolina has something for every couple.
Check out some of our favorites:
Check out this cabin near Hanging Rock State Park.
Check out this home near Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Check out this cabin near DuPont Forest.
Check out this home near Blue Ridge Parkway.
Let’s keep planning your flights and stays in North Carolina!