Abby and Mike's Blue Ridge Mountains wedding was something right out of a magazine. We were just so honored to be a part of it and from the minute we left, I was looking forward to writing it all out to share in a blog post for the week. With luck, you might be here because you are also interested in having a wedding in the mountains. So with that being said, here are all of our favorite details from the day, and hopefully, some of them might help with your own wedding planning questions.
Blue Ridge Mountains Wedding
Living in Asheville, North Carolina brings quite a lot of perks. The biggest one most likely is the incredible view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although I've lived her my entire life, there is still such a breathlessness to seeing the mountains go for miles and miles. It's even more awesome when we get to see our couples tie the knot with a picture-perfect view spread out behind them.
One of the best things about choosing the Blue Ridge Parkway for your wedding is the flexibility. You can keep things simple with a "just us" elopement at one of the many overlooks, or you can invite a handful of close friends and family to join you for a ceremony in the mountains followed by a cozy dinner in Asheville. The possibilities are endless!
Burnsville, NC
Technically, I don't live in Asheville but just a short 30-minute drive outside. I grew up in the small town of Burnsville, North Carolina and that's where I still reside and am raising my own child today. I'm very lucky because I get the best of both worlds: the incredible views without the hustle of the city, but the ability to hop in the car and make a short trip to all the best restaurants and small businesses in AVL.
However, 99% of our weddings and elopements are actually in Asheville, Charlotte, or Greenville- all of the bigger cities. We almost never get the chance to shoot events in our own little town. A few months ago, I got an inquiry on The Knot from Abagail who was, to my surprise, looking for a wedding photographer right in Burnsville. Although the two of them currently lived in Boston, they were coming into town to get married on a piece of local property that was owned by a family member. I was absolutely overjoyed to hear that we would get an opportunity to showcase our backyard- no really, it was a 5-minute drive from our house!
Can You Get Married on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
You can get married on the Blue Ridge Parkway! There are tons of little trails and waterfalls that many of our clients choose for their intimate Asheville elopements. There are also more than enough venues to choose from that showcase the mountains as well. These two chose a private, family-owned mountaintop to exchange vows, but there are so many other options in the area if you are on the lookout.
You do need a permit to legally get married on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Park Service requires a Special Use Permit for any formal ceremony. It's best to apply at least 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure you’re covered and know the exact guidelines for your chosen spot. Permits are typically affordable (around $60–$100) and include rules about guest count, decor, and where you can set up.
Keep in mind: there are no restrooms, electricity, or backup options in many Parkway locations. That’s part of the charm—but also something to prepare for. I always recommend bringing water, snacks, hiking shoes (if applicable), and a plan B in case of sudden weather changes.
Abby and Mike's Real Wedding Story
There are so many details about this day and I'm not sure just how to fit them all in one excerpt. To start, Abby's wedding dress was her own mother's repurposed gown. Her grandmother, mother, and aunt had all gotten married in the dress and Abby wanted to do the same. Her best friend and maid-of-honor, Maxine, redesigned the dress and completely transformed it into a unique, strapless gown that fit her like a glove! Everyone was in tears seeing her mother's reaction to it the first time she walked out of the house.
The property was family-owned and passed down for generations. What used to be just a little cabin on the tip-top of the mountain is now a huge family compound hosting multiple mansions, ponds, tennis courts, and pavilions. I've lived in this little town for almost 28 years and still never had a clue this gorgeous piece of land existed!
The ceremony was small and short- very familiar to my very own elopement with my husband back in 2019. They were surrounded by their closest family and friends, totaling only 33 guests including the bridal party and bride and groom! Just as the couple was set to walk down the aisle, storm clouds rolled in and the rain began to sprinkle. Not only that, but a clap of thunder roared during Michael's vows. But instead of a rainy wedding day, we got the most perfect, overcast, cool summer breeze. We couldn't have asked for anything better!
Intimate Farm To Table Reception
And finally, the intimate, farm-to-table reception was set up a short walk down the gravel road. There were 33 place settings underneath a gorgeous, wooden beam pavilion overlooking the pond. The florals were hand-picked wildflowers that Abby's own mother picked a few days before the wedding. They made for great centerpieces on the farm tables. However, the best part of the night was the absolutely incredible farm fresh, local catering. Our plate was covered in freshly cooked veggies and organic fruits. One of our favorite reception meals of all time!
Their Blue Ridge Mountains wedding was such an incredible experience and we were so glad to have been a part of it!
Asheville Venues with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Here’s a curated list of our favorite Asheville wedding venues with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for couples who want those iconic mountain backdrops on their big day:
1. The Ridge Asheville
Location: Marshall, NC (just outside Asheville)
Vibe: Elegant European estate meets mountain charm
Why We Love It: The ceremony lawn overlooks layered Blue Ridge ridgelines with jaw-dropping panoramic views. They even have a covered pavilion so you can still enjoy the scenery rain or shine.
Bonus: On-site getting ready suites and a charming reception barn.
2. The Venue at Green Mountain Farm
Location: Hendersonville, NC
Vibe: Luxury farmhouse with expansive views
Why We Love It: A private estate with unobstructed mountain vistas and beautiful golden light at sunset. It’s intimate, romantic, and perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
Bonus: On-site lodging for you and your guests.
3. Chestnut Ridge
Location: Canton, NC
Vibe: Classic white barn meets mountain elegance
Why We Love It: Nestled at 2,500 feet, this venue delivers incredible mountain views from the ceremony site and main hall windows. It’s great for larger weddings, but still feels private.
Bonus: They offer in-house planning, rentals, and a bridal suite with a view.
4. Claxton Farm
Location: Weaverville, NC
Vibe: Rustic-meets-elegant working farm
Why We Love It: Surrounded by rolling hills and peaks, this 500-acre property feels like your own private mountain oasis. The open-air pavilion allows views throughout your event.
Bonus: Highland cows make a cameo in some portraits!
5. The Farm – A Gathering Place
Location: Candler, NC
Vibe: Refined barn with a backdrop of forest and mountains
Why We Love It: The outdoor ceremony site sits on a gentle slope with Blue Ridge views behind you. It’s peaceful, green, and perfectly Asheville.
Bonus: Award-winning on-site catering.
6. Biltmore Estate – Diana at Biltmore
Location: Asheville, NC
Vibe: Grand, historic, and iconic
Why We Love It: Diana overlooks the Biltmore House and the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating one of the most regal and unforgettable views in Western NC.
Bonus: The estate offers multiple venues across the property, so you can curate your dream day.
7. Appalachian View
Location: Marshall, NC
Vibe: Chic, modern barn in the clouds
Why We Love It: True to its name, this venue offers sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains, especially at golden hour. It’s one of the newer venues in the area and has incredible photo potential.
Bonus: Indoor and outdoor options for all seasons.
