Elopement Photos in Asheville
For couples who don’t need a perfectly polished wedding day — just a beautiful place outside and enough freedom to enjoy the hell out of it.
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A lot of couples are trading ballrooms and traditional venues for forests, overlooks, and mountain spaces that feel more like them—and only bringing their closest peeps.
I photograph adventurous Asheville elopements for couples who’d rather trade stress and structure for fresh air, freedom, and a day that actually feels like them.
My work is about capturing the day as it actually felt — not dragging you through an all-day photo shoot. I keep things natural, stay out of the way when it matters, and avoid forcing moments that don’t need help. If the experience is fun, relaxed, and real, the photos will be too.
Outdoor Celebrations in the Blue Ridge Mountains
If you’re looking for an intimate celebration with a different type of schedule - but one with so much less stress more time and space to enjoy it all, you’ve found your photographer. Imagine not having to work within venue limitations. more time spent actually being there.
These beautiful mountains offer couples endless overlooks, forests, waterfalls, cabins, and all kinds of beautiful places that don’t come with the constraints or costs of an inclusive venue.
Exchanging vows on the edge of a massive cliff (for example) might be more your speed.
I help shape the day around good light, a natural pace, and locations that make your jaw drop. No manmade or manicured ‘backdrops’ needed. Nature has that covered.
Let’s build a day that feels more lived-in and create photos that feel honest, artful, and real.
Photography That Fits the Outdoor Experience
If you’re here for the landscape, the slower pace, and a day that actually feels like your own, you’re in the right place.
My approach is relaxed and documentary-driven, which means you get to stay in the experience instead of being managed through it all day. No constant posing. No over-directing. Just helpful guidance when it matters and space for the rest to happen naturally.
That keeps the focus where it belongs: on the place, your people, the in-between moments, and the energy of the day as it unfolds.
The result is a set of images that feels honest, alive, and genuinely connected to the experience you had out there.
Why Couples Choose Outdoor Weddings in Asheville
Asheville sits right in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means you’re never far from a view, a trail, a waterfall, or some quiet stretch of forest that feels a little removed from everything else.
That’s a big part of the draw. The landscape does a lot of the work for you. It gives the day texture, atmosphere, and a real sense of place without needing to force anything.
It also hits a sweet spot: wild enough to feel like an escape, but accessible enough that it doesn’t have to turn into a major production.
Couples usually end up choosing Asheville for things like:
mountain views in pretty much every direction
sunset light that delivers
cabins and venues that feel tucked into the landscape
a more relaxed, less formal atmosphere
easy access to the Parkway, lesser-known trails, and places that still feel a little off the map
If being outside already feels like your natural setting, Asheville gives you a pretty incredible place to build a wedding day around it.
Client Testimonials
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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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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.
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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 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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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.
What an Outdoor Elopement Celebration Can Include
No two elopement days are exactly alike, but a lot of outdoor elopements follow a loose, natural flow that gives the day shape without making it feel overplanned — getting ready, a first look, vow exchange - either privately before the ceremony - or during, photos with any guests, and some kind of celebration afterward. Cake cutting or other things can also be included. One common thread with all the elopements and intimate weddings I capture: adventure.
Sometimes the adventure takes place all on the same day as the wedding ceremony.
Other times, and typically for logistical reasons, couple’s will opt to separate the ceremony day from the adventure day in order to make it easier for couple’s to be with family on their wedding day, and then be completely free to be their typical outdoorsy self on another day spent in the mountains together. The options are endless…
Just know this: you don’t need to follow any set formula, but if there are moments or you envision having captured, I’d love to know more.
Getting Ready
The day often begins at a nearby cabin, lodge, or venue where couples prepare with family and close friends.
First Look
Some couples choose to share a first look before the ceremony. This might be a private moment between the couple or a first look with a parent or close family member. These quieter moments often become some of the most meaningful and emotional photographs of the day.
Outdoor Ceremony
Ceremonies often take place in scenic outdoor locations with mountain views or forest backdrops.
Couples Portraits
Couples portraits often take place in nearby scenic locations, especially during sunset when the mountain light is soft and warm.
Family Portraits
After the ceremony, family portraits are usually photographed while everyone is gathered together.
Reception + Celebration
Receptions bring everyone together to celebrate with dinner, toasts, and dancing.
Outdoor Wedding Photography Across Western North Carolina
MountainWed photographs outdoor weddings throughout the mountains of Western North Carolina including:
Black Mountain
Weaverville
Bryson City
Great Smoky Mountains
Brevard
Boone
Banner Elk
Hendersonville
Pisgah National Forest
Nanatahala National Forest
Linville Gorge
Spots off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and more
Many couples travel to Asheville specifically because the landscapes makes an incredible setting for wedding celebrations.
Not only that, but getting here is easy. With over 30 flights each day in Asheville alone, it’s surprisingly easy to find a flight that meets your budget and preferred dates.
Let’s Get Started!
Fill out this form and I’ll reach to set up a no pressure call to meet each other, go over your ideas, answer questions.
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 more than 15 guests? Are you considering something bigger than an elopement, but smaller than a typical wedding? Let’s talk about something more custom-to-you!
Client Testimonials
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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.
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This is your sign to stop looking around for a wedding photographer , Andy from MountainWed photography is the best ! after the wedding we went to a nearby hiking trail and had an a great photo session. Andy is truly a great person and I hope you chose him for your special day too.
–Michel C.
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If you're looking for a photographer who is down with whatever crazy outdoorsy wedding you are dreaming up, Andy is your guy. We pretty much put him in charge of the entire day - he selected a picturesque brewery to start, then followed with an awesome hike up Shortoff Mountain, where we met up with our officiant for a sunset ceremony. Andy never stopped suggesting ideas and we were pretty much down for anything: we made perfect little guinea pigs. He captured so many beautiful, fun, and heartfelt moments. And while he kept things light, loose, and fun, he's nothing short of professional. This is probably the millionth time we're thanking him for creating and capturing a truly memorable day but THANKS AGAIN, DUDE! You rock.
–Chris B.
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Andy was a pleasure to work with throughout the process. He knows how to balance explaining everything through his professional experience as well as answering questions in an easily digestible format based on who he is talking to.
When it came to the wedding itself and the adventure shoot that we did with him, he was quick, efficient, and just a great person to be with. My family had nothing but positive things to say about him after he left and they love the photos he took.
For the adventure shoot itself, he was great at pacing the hike and photos with us so that we wouldn't miss a single moment of the sunset. I would definitely do the adventure shoot with him again 10 out of 10 times. Yes it was a little difficult but we got some amazing pictures that I just don't see myself ever getting again in my life.
The photo variety and how Andy handles himself is enough for me to recommend him to anyone on the fence. Couldn't imagine our wedding day and adventure shoot without him there.–Jason K.
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We loved everything about our experience with Andy! Hurricane Helene had other plans for our wedding pictures last year so we decided to postpone until this year so we could get the fall colors in the mountains. Andy was accommodating to our request and we anxiously waited. Finally the time came and we had such a great time during our photo shoot! We are not posers and Andy was great in directing us all while making it fun. The pictures turned out amazing! My only complaint is choosing just one or two pictures to hang on the wall. We definitely recommend Andy for his knowledge of the area, the quality of his work, and his wonderful personality. Thanks Andy for capturing our special day!
–Jessica D.
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We recently had our pre-wedding pictures done with Andy, and the experience was absolutely amazing. From the moment we met him, he made us feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident in front of the camera.
Andy has a real talent for capturing natural moments and genuine emotions. Every pose felt effortless, and he guided us the whole time without ever making it feel forced. The photos came out beautiful, crisp, and full of life—exactly what we hoped for and more.
We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer for such a special moment in our lives. If you’re looking for someone who’s professional, creative, and easy to work with, Andy is the one. We’re so grateful and excited for him to capture the wedding day too! 💍📸–Joseph M.
Planning an Outdoor Wedding in Asheville?
Planning a wedding here just hits different.
The landscape isn’t just something you look at—it becomes part of the day. The light shifts, the air cools off, people settle in a little more, and everything starts to feel less like a production and more like something real.
You end up with a day that’s relaxed, a little unstructured in the best way, and actually centered around being present with your people.
If that’s what you’re after, Asheville makes it easy.
If you’re starting to picture what this could look like for you, I’d love to hear what you’re thinking.