Expert Tips: How To Plan An Incredible North Carolina Mountain Wedding

There is so much to love about a North Carolina mountain wedding! More and more couples are drawn to the magic of the mountains, thanks to stunning Blue Ridge sunsets, cozy log cabins, and scenic views — this destination is ideal for a rustic country wedding where you can unwind and connect with your guests in privacy.

If you’re all about firepits, golden sunrises, and gorgeous landscapes, here’s how to plan a mountain wedding in North Carolina!

1. Start By Finding The Best Spot For Your Mountain Wedding 

There are so many types of North Carolina mountain wedding venues, ranging from luxury lodges and private estates to rustic barns and scenic overlooks. If you’re not super familiar with the state, it might help to start by researching the mountainous regions of NC a bit more.

One of the best wedding destinations is the Blue Ridge Mountains, which cover much of the western part of the state. Part of Appalachia, you can find gorgeous rustic venues here and lots of wide open space to enjoy! Or, host your wedding in the city of Asheville, within the Blue Ridge — this vibrant city is a mecca for artists and chefs, plus the historic architecture here is gorgeous! 

The towns of Boone and Highlands are also popular mountain destinations in the state, offering epic views and lots of venue and hotel options.

Oh, and this is key too — if you have elderly or less mobile guests attending, definitely keep in mind both the altitude and venue accessibility before booking. Most NC mountain wedding venues are very accommodating, but definitely make sure you’ve found a space that your guests of all ages can enjoy!

2. Consider The Best Time Of Year To Get Married In The NC Mountains

Before locking in your wedding date, consider the time of year and seasons. Generally, late spring and early fall are best — spring offers gorgeous blooms, while the Blue Ridge is famous for its vibrant autumn foliage. 

Summer is always an option too, but keep in mind that North Carolina can be very humid and prone to thunderstorms, so always ensure your venue can provide a backup plan. If you’re thinking of a winter wedding, this can definitely be done, but keep in mind that ice and snow may cause road closures occasionally, if a big storm rolls through. 

North Carolina is an extremely popular place for weddings, so one of my top Blue Ridge Mountains wedding planning tips is to consider weekdays. If you’re flexible, venues often have more availability and lower pricing for weekday weddings — score! 

3. Partner With Local Vendors Who Understand The Terrain & Logistics 

I highly encourage you to hire local vendors! The nature of mountain weddings can bring logistical challenges, so it’s key to work with local partners who have 4WD access and understand the roads and weather patterns. 

For example, your florist can source seasonal blooms and will know what florals are at their peak at different times of the year. Plus, your photographer and videographer absolutely need to understand mountain light, so make the most of your NC wedding by keeping things close with local vendors! 

As your North Carolina wedding photographer, I absolutely love the beauty and natural light that comes from the Blue Ridge and will ensure we plan your big day to include the best possible photo options, no matter what the weather does!

4. Design Your Wedding Day To Reflect The Environment

The mountains are an opportunity to enjoy spectacular views, spend time in nature, and say your vows in a romantic outdoor setting. So, why not include the beauty of the mountains in your celebration for a more meaningful and authentic day?

I can offer you some North Carolina destination wedding ideas to get the wheels turning, but incorporating details like local wildflowers, cozy blankets in fall, and wood and natural detailing on your table centerpieces can be so beautiful and will photograph well too.

For your mountain wedding, embrace the natural backdrop and let it be the star of the show — in this setting, less is often more! 

5. Make The Experience As Easy As Possible For Your Guests 

Your guests will be so excited about celebrating your love in the mountains, but if they’re not from North Carolina, they might be a bit overwhelmed by it all! You can help them out by making the trip as smooth as possible, offering clear directions, cabin or Airbnb recommendations, and organizing shuttles to and from your venue so no one has to drive.

You could even create a weekend itinerary or welcome guide to help them plan, or arrange for a special dinner or event on the arrival night to help everyone connect and answer any questions. 

***

If you’re ready to book your candid and romantic wedding photography in the mountains of North Carolina, let’s connect!