MOUNTAINS + TRAILS + WILD PLACES
Adventure Elopement Photographer
You’re not just getting married in the mountains. You’re getting MARRIED in the mountains. There’s a difference. You’re hiking in at sunrise. You’re exchanging vows on a ridgeline with nothing but sky and rock and the person you love. You’re celebrating with a beer and a fire under the stars.
This isn’t a venue change. It’s a completely different kind of experience. One where the adventure IS the wedding.
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What Makes an Adventure Elopement Different?
A standard elopement might be something simple and straightforward. You drive to a scenic spot, a courthouse, or some other location, say your vows, take a few photos, and head back out.
An adventure elopement usually has a little more shape to it than that.
It is not just about where you say your vows. It is about how you get there, what the experience feels like, and giving yourselves time to actually be in it instead of just showing up for a quick ceremony and leaving.
Here’s what that can look like:
The day usually starts at your cabin, Airbnb, or rental house.
Getting ready is slow and relaxed. You could enjoy nice breakfast together and share some fresh coffee from a local roaster like High Noon or Rowan Coffee. Sometimes hair and makeup comes to you. Sometimes you do it yourselves. Either way, there’s no crowd of family and friends waiting on you and no pressure to rush through it.
From there, you can decide what feels right. Maybe you read private vows to each other. Maybe you do a first look. Or maybe you save all of that for the ceremony instead.
After that, we usually head to a first spot before the ceremony. Sometimes that’s a local brewery for a drink and a light bite to eat. Sometimes it’s a waterfall or another nature spot if you want to keep the whole day outside.
Later, we make our way to the trailhead, meet your officiant, and hike up for the ceremony.
I usually like to leave room for more than just the ceremony itself — quiet in-between moments, a little exploring, and sometimes a few field portraits on film too. Those are made with a simple backdrop I pack along, and I think they add something a little extra without making the day feel overdone.
That’s the kind of pace I’m after. Nothing stiff. Nothing rushed. Just a day that actually feels good while it’s happening.
Built Around the Experience, Not Just the Photos
One of the best parts of an Asheville elopement is that your wedding can feel completely different from what most people think a wedding day should be.
Instead of spending the day moving from one obligation to the next, you get to experience something together. Maybe that's watching the sunrise from a mountaintop. Maybe it's getting a little sweaty on the hike in. Maybe it's standing at a waterfall with nobody else around.
I've spent years exploring these mountains on foot, climbing, camping, scouting locations, and returning to the same places in different seasons and conditions. That familiarity helps me recommend locations that fit not only the photos you're drawn to, but the experience you want to have.
Weeks and Days Before
We'll spend time narrowing down locations, building a timeline, and making sure you know exactly what to expect. I'll help with permits, logistics, backup plans, gear recommendations, and all the details that tend to feel overwhelming when you're planning from out of town.
Before your day arrives, I'll scout the location, review conditions, and make sure everything is set so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Adventure Day
The best adventure elopements feel less like a photoshoot and more like a really good day outside.
You might start before sunrise. You might hike a little. You might end up standing somewhere that took real effort to reach. Along the way, I'll document what it actually felt like to be there: the anticipation, the nerves, the laughter, the quiet moments, and the view when you finally arrive.
No performance. No pressure. Just the two of you having an experience that very few people ever get to have on their wedding day.
The Film Element
I photograph adventure elopements using both digital and medium format film.
Digital allows me to document the day as it unfolds. Film slows things down. It encourages intention and creates images with a character that's difficult to replicate any other way.
It does not replace digital; it simply adds another layer to the story.
After Your Day
You'll receive a preview gallery within 48 hours so you can relive the experience while it's still fresh.
Your full gallery arrives about 10 weeks later and typically includes hundreds of carefully edited images, along with any film scans from the day.
Every image is edited by hand and delivered with the same care that went into creating the experience itself.
What I Handle (So You Don’t Have To)
Adventure elopements have logistics. That’s my problem, not yours.
Route planning. I will identify the best hike for your vision, fitness level, and timeline. I scout it beforehand so there are no surprises - like rutted out roads, closed locations, or something else.
Timing. Sunrise, sunset, travel times, rest points, photo stops, weather windows. All calculated and built into your one-of-a-kind, relaxed timeline.
Weather contingencies. Mountains are unpredictable. I know where to move if weather shifts. Backup ceremony sites are always part of the plan and location recommendations often have a built-in rain options like trees to protect us from rain or wind, etc.
Permits. If your ceremony location requires a permit, I’ll advise you on exactly what’s needed and how to secure it well in advance of your day.
Safety & Preparedness. I carry walkie talkies, advise your packing list, know the terrain and location, and bring emergency essentials just in case. I make sure you, and any guests, arrive fully prepared for the adventure we’ve put together.
Elopement Pricing
EXPERIENCE 1
Extended/Multi-Day Elopement
For those who have an epic wedding adventure in mind. More locations and plenty of time to capture all the moments of your multi-day dream elopement. Camping, climbing, paddle-boarding, an afternoon picnic, marshmallows over the fire at your cabin… imagine all the activities you could experience together as you celebrate at your own pace.
4-5 locations | 12 hours of photography (May be split over 2 days)
Starting at $6200
EXPERIENCE 2
Full-Day Elopement
Great for couples who want the full elopement day documented. We’ll have a perfect amount of time for getting ready, first look, plenty of candid moments on digital and film, vow exchange at an additional location, the ceremony and celebration, as well as sunset portraits and moody dusk photos. Bring your wild ideas (and your lanterns)!
Up to 3 Locations | 8 hours of photography
Starting at $4800
EXPERIENCE 3
Half-Day Elopement
Spend a nice portion of your day outside together. With 6 hours, your wedding story can start at a cabin, brewery, or other first look spot before we make our way to a beautiful hike for adventuring in the woods to a mountain-top ceremony. Good amount of time if you plan to include a few guests for a portion of the day.
1-2 Locations (6 hours of photography)
Starting at $4000
EXPERIENCE 4
Elopement Essentials
Designed for just you and your partner and up to 4 guests, this package is short and sweet but still makes time for the essential moments. We’ll choose a gorgeous ceremony spot and capture the biggest moments and a few details before you head off into the sunset together!
1 Location (4 hours of photography).
$3400
Reviews
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Andy was truly incredible to work with. From the very beginning, he was kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our vision come to life. He took the time to meet with us multiple times, making the entire experience feel so personal and effortless.
Not only did he make my whole family feel comfortable, but the photos he captured were absolutely jaw dropping and perfectly reflected everything we had hoped for.
If you’re looking for a photographer Andy is your guy!!Sophia D.
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Andy did a truly fantastic job capturing all the details, beauty, and emotions of our wedding day. We are beyond obsessed with how our photos turned out, and everyone we show them to compliments his talent as well. We can’t stop looking at them!
We wanted to incorporate a hike into our destination elopement, and Andy was incredibly knowledgeable with helping us choose a gorgeous location that fit our vision. Aside from Andy being a true artist, he is sooo easy and fun to work with. His joy and energy are contagious, and he was genuinely excited to capture our photos which made it that much more fun for us. We truly enjoyed every step of the process with him and felt like we had a friend with us all day! We cannot recommend Andy enough!
Jillian B.
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We had the pleasure of working with Andy for both our ceremony and an adventure photoshoot, and I cannot say enough good things about him and his work.
Andy is a professional when it comes to planning. He follows up without being prompted, gives excellent advice, and really puts care into his interactions with you. With Andy, you feel like you're his only client. We worked with Andy for over 2 years, as our plans kept changing and evolving; Andy was incredibly open and willing to work around his busy schedule to give us the best experience possible. Also, on the day of our adventure shoot, we had unsafe wind conditions for our predetermined location. However, Andy researched wind maps and found a brand-new location safe from the winds 1) that was just as stunning as our first location and 2) that was within the same drive time. This level of insight and ability to plan under a time crunch was already a 5-star expereince.
On top of his professionalism, Andy's work is some of the best I've ever seen. I'm from out of state and researched photographers from all over the U.S. and landed on Andy due to his portfolio and pricing. When working with Andy, he handles 2-3 cameras and is bouncing around getting the best shot possible. He is a visionary, and can see photographic potential in places and lighting I would never imagine. It was incredible watching him work AND with such a positive attitude. The results speak for themselves, and we were in awe with the final results we received. We have no regrets, and would choose Andy again and again. I 100% recommend and would love to work with him again someday.Ashlee M.
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Andy was everything we could have hoped for in a wedding photographer. He had this incredible intuition for when to step in and guide us, and when to completely disappear into the background—capturing candid, authentic moments we’ll cherish forever.
What really impressed us was the variety of equipment he brought—digital, film, and even a drone—which gave us a stunning mix of perspectives and styles in our final gallery. The photos turned out beautifully, and his website made it so easy to view, download, and share them with family and friends.
From the start, Andy’s planning was thoughtful and professional. He even scouted the location ahead of time to make sure everything was set for the big day. That extra care showed in every shot. If you want a photographer who combines artistry, professionalism, and genuine thoughtfulness, Andy is the one.Luis B.
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Andy is a great photographer! We found him on Instagram (we live in WA, & we’re wanting an intimate wedding in Asheville, NC) & immediately loved his work- & called him up & booked him! He helped us create a perfect day & on top of that became a friend!
I am not a big planner, & he took that stress off of me by creating a timeline of the day. The pictures turned out just as magical. I highly recommend using Andy for your photography needs!Audra D.
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Hands down the best experience working with Andy. From the planning and timeline of the day, to the creativity with photos, lighting and location. His flexibility, passion, and energy throughout the entire day and evening was absolutely phenomenal. He helped capture our energy and day in ways we will never be able to truly explain as anything but breath-taking!
Tara M.
Where Adventure Elopements Happen
Craggy Gardens — 5,200+ feet of exposed ridgeline with rhododendron tunnels and 360-degree panoramic views. Morning light turns golden here. Best in late spring and early fall. For more information, visit the Blue Ridge Parkway site.
Check out myCraggy Gardens Elopement Tips
Black Balsam Knob — 6,214 feet of open meadow. No trees blocking the horizon. Wildflowers in summer, panoramic everything all year. Less crowded than Craggy, more remote.
Check out a few of my Black Balsam Knob Elopement Tips.
Linville Gorge — The “Grand Canyon of the East.” 90-foot falls, old-growth forest, dramatic cliff faces. Best in spring when the water is highest and fall when the gorge lights up with color.
Check out my Wiseman’s View Elopement Tips
Max Patch — 4,629 feet of grassy, treeless meadow on the Appalachian Trail. 350 acres of rolling terrain with sunset light that’s pure gold. Feels like another world entirely.
Hidden Waterfalls — Dozens of unnamed, little-known waterfalls scattered through the Blue Ridge. More intimate, more private, rarely photographed. If you want a ceremony spot nobody else has used, this is where we go.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure Elopement?
Your wedding doesn’t have to follow a script. It doesn’t need a ballroom or a guest list or a timeline that makes you anxious.
Ready to make it real?
Outdoor Elopement Frequently Asked Questions
Can we still include some traditional wedding elements if we elope?
Yes. Many couples include traditional elements such as walking down ‘the aisle’, exchanging vows, hand-fasting or unity sand (or other rituals), and celebrating with a full reception - while still holding their ceremony outdoors.
What happens if the weather changes?
Mountain weather has a mind of its own, so this is always part of the planning. I keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to the day and stay in touch as things start to take shape. Sometimes that means adjusting timing, changing locations, or leaning into a backup plan that still feels good. The goal isn’t to pretend weather won’t happen — it’s to plan well enough that it doesn’t throw the whole experience off.
How much photography coverage do most outdoor weddings need?
It really depends on what you want to include. A simple elopement with one location might only need a few hours, while a day with getting ready, a hike, a ceremony, family time, and sunset portraits usually needs more room. Most couples land somewhere between 4 and 8 hours, but it really comes down to how many moving parts, locations, and experiences you want the day to hold.
Do you help couples choose portrait locations?
Yes — a huge part of what I do is helping couples figure out where things should happen and how the day should flow. That includes thinking through light, scenery, privacy, accessibility, driving time, and how each location will actually feel in real life. Whether you want something easy and scenic or more adventurous and tucked away, I help narrow it down to spots that make sense for your day.
Can we do private vows separately from the ceremony?
Absolutely. A lot of couples do private vows earlier in the day — sometimes on a trail, at an overlook, or somewhere quiet — and then have their actual ceremony later with family - sometimes on a second day. It takes some pressure off, gives you a more personal moment together, and can make the whole day flow a lot better. There’s no rule saying everything has to happen in one place or in one exact order.
Do you travel for elopements outside Asheville?
Absolutely. While Asheville and Western North Carolina are home base, I’m always up for photographing elopements somewhere new. I love the scouting and planning side of destination work, and I’m very into helping couples build a day that fits the landscape wherever they’re headed. If you’re planning something outside the area, send it my way.
Have something a little larger to plan?
Are you considering something bigger than an elopement, but smaller than a typical wedding?