Small Weddings in Asheville
If you dream of exchanging vows in a cozy, romantic setting surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, a small wedding in Asheville might be the perfect choice (actually, it IS the perfect choice). Known for its natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and charming mountain town vibe, Asheville, North Carolina has quickly become a hotspot for couples looking to tie the knot in a more personal, meaningful way. And we are so excited that we get to be here to help make these dreams come true for our couples!
Whether you call it a small wedding, intimate wedding, or micro wedding, the trend is here to stay. Couples are discovering the joys of celebrating their love with a tight-knit group of their closest friends and family. And Asheville-with its scenic vistas, boutique venues, and creative vendors-is one of the best places to do it. This post is going to tell you all about why we think so!
Why Choose a Small Wedding in Asheville?
Small weddings offer more than just a scaled-down guest list. They create space for intentional moments, deeper connections, and less stress overall. Here are some reasons that we think Asheville is ideal for small weddings:
It's Locations, obviously: From mountaintop cabins to cozy bed-and-breakfasts, Asheville has no shortage of perfect spaces for your big day. We'll go into a little more detail on this below.
Mild Climate: With four very distinct seasons, Asheville offers beautiful options for weddings year-round. Think blooming spring gardens, golden fall foliage, or snowy winter romance. It's really your choice. As a local, of course I recommend Fall, but you truly cannot go wrong.
Talented Vendor Community: The city is full of talented photographers, florists, and caterers who specialize in custom, heartfelt celebrations. We are so blessed to share the industry with so many incredible people. And if you book with us, we'll be sure to share all those vendors with you.
Relaxed Vibe: Asheville’s welcoming, artsy energy is perfect for couples who want to break free from the pressures of traditional weddings. I truly believe Asheville leads the industry in progressive wedding trends- especially micro-weddings.
Best Venues for Small Weddings in Asheville
Here are some of our favorite spots that are ideal for intimate gatherings:
1. Airbnbs & VRBOs
Unique vacation rentals around Asheville offer stunning, private spaces to host your wedding and your guests. Look for properties with large decks and great mountain views. Some of our all-time favorite small wedding locations in Asheville are rentals. In fact, most of our micro-weddings are at these locations.
2. Arcadian Ave
This is a rentals company tailored for small weddings and elopements. We've shot at several of their locations and we LOVE them.
3. Haiku I Do
Another favorite of ours. A dedicated micro-wedding venue that specializes in stress-free, all-inclusive elopements and small ceremonies. It's tucked right in the heart of the busy Asheville city but you'd hardly know it once you walk through the front gate. Highly recommend.
4. 1900 Inn on Montford
This historic bed-and-breakfast provides a romantic and intimate setting, ideal for couples wanting a quiet and classic celebration. A great spot if you want a more vintage vibe!
Planning Tips for a Small Asheville Wedding
Even though your guest list is shorter, planning a small wedding still takes thoughtful coordination. Here are some tips to help:
1. Focus on What Matters Most
With fewer guests, you can invest in experiences and details that are the most meaningful to you. Whether that’s a farm-to-table dinner, live acoustic music, or handwritten vows—do it your way. And of course, we think photography is an important investment.
2. Hire Local Vendors
Asheville is full of creative professionals who love working small weddings. Find vendors that vibe with your style and specialize in intimate events. Remember, we have a vendors list for you to help make this process a little bit easier.
3. Think Outside the Traditional Venue Box
Airbnbs, gardens, mountaintop overlooks, or even breweries can be transformed into magical wedding spaces. I recommend making the decision based on two things: who you are as a couple, and what you imagine your day to look like when you close your eyes.
4. Stay Legally Savvy
If you plan to marry at a private rental, make sure you get permission from the host and follow any local regulations or noise ordinances. It's also convenient to get married at your local courthouse and then come say your vows and celebrate here. Makes things a little easier (this is what my husband and I did!).
5. Plan for Weather
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, but it almost always works itself out. Always have a backup indoor option or tent plan if you’re celebrating outside. Most bnbs have gorgeous porches and covered decks that make it easy to move things under.
Incorporating Asheville's Charm Into Your Day
Want your wedding to feel authentically Asheville? Here are a few ideas:
- Serve Local Food & Drink: Hire a food truck, order from a local bakery, or offer local brews and craft cocktails.
- Feature Regional Florals: Work with a florist who uses native plants and blooms.
- Book a Bluegrass Band: Nothing sets the tone like some Appalachian folk music.
- Plan a Post-Wedding Hike or Brunch: Celebrate with your guests in the mountains or at a local cafe.
How Much Does a Small Wedding in Asheville Cost?
Costs can vary widely based on the number of guests, the venue, and the vendors you choose. But on average, small weddings in Asheville range from $10,000 to $25,000, with plenty of flexibility for DIY or upscale touches.
You might spend:
- $1,000-$5,000 for a venue or rental
- $3,500-$8,000 for photography
- $1,500-$4,000 for catering
- $1,000-$3,000 for flowers and decor
- $300-$800 for an officiant
Keep in mind—small doesn’t have to mean bare-bones. It can mean intentional luxury, where every detail is tailored to your relationship. And remember that these are just a basic average for prices in the area, so expect a fluctuation when inquiring. We just like to make sure you have realistic budgeting goals!
Real Couple Inspiration
Olivia and Trevor, a recent couple of ours, chose to get married at a rental tucked in the Asheville mountains called Mount Airy Farms. With just 15 guests, wildflower bouquets, and a candlelit dinner via private chef, the day was completely them. And as a photographer, I can say-those quiet, intimate moments make for the most genuine, emotional images. It was one of our all-time favorite moments. I'll link their blog post here if you'd like to see more of their day!
Here is Olivia's testimonial from working with us:
"Truly could not be happier with our decision to hire Taylor for our wedding. I don't even know where to start with my review because every aspect of Taylor's work is a 10/10...professionalism, timeliness, QUALITY, etc. ! She made us feel so calm and relaxed on our wedding day, and just felt very comforting on a somewhat stressful day. We did both digital and film photos with Taylor. Within 1 week of our wedding, she had us our digital photos back and they are absolutely incredible. Then, unfortunately, about a week later, Hurricane Helene hit her sweet mountain town and she was completely out of service/wifi/ internet, (& not to mention probably water, power, etc). Despite being devastated by Helene, she STILL got us our film photos back within 2 weeks (and they are literally stunning)!
Every time I look at our wedding photos, I can't believe it was our own wedding! She truly captured it like a fairytale wedding. We could not recommend Taylor enough :)"
These photos were taken on 35mm film
Ready to Plan Your Asheville Small Wedding?
Asheville is a place where love stories unfold naturally. Whether you’re eloping on a mountain trail or sharing your first dance in an Airbnb bedroom with just the two of you (yes, that happens), it's going to be perfectly you either way. With a little planning and the right team by your side, your small wedding here can be one of the most magical days of your life.
If you're ready to plan your intimate celebration, I’d love to help you capture every moment. Let’s chat about your vision and create something unforgettable together.
Fill out my contact form to learn more about my small wedding photography packages in Asheville! Can't wait to chat!
Let's do this, bestie
