Outdoor Weddings & Adventures in Asheville
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Instead of a typical wedding venue, Asheville couples are choosing backyard ceremony sites at mountain rentals or other unique spaces that reflect what matters most to them.
They’re also making space for some fresh air together in the mountains.
I’m passionate about the outdoors, and photographing couples on their big day who feel the same way. Asheville and Western North Carolina are perfect for hosting your celebration and the region makes it easy to plan something that feels slower, more relaxed and fun—and ultimately tied to the landscape.
Let’s design a wedding experience that prioritizes keeping things natural - not over-directed or stiff. I want you to fully enjoy your day, experience it with your favorite person - and come away with memories and images that are honest and alive.
Outdoor Weddings in the Blue Ridge Mountains
I document laid back, unique, intimate outdoor weddings in Asheville and across Western North Carolina. They’re celebrations that are small enough and simple enough to really slow down and enjoy the moments more easily - celebrations that feel more like them:
Less ballroom, more fresh air.
Less timeline stress, more time with your people.
This region gives you access to unreal settings—mountain overlooks, quiet forests, magical waterfalls and river edges. There are endless cabins tucked into magical settings—and I’m here to help you navigate all of the options.
I document things as they unfold—the big moments, the small ones, and everything in between—so your photos feel like the day actually felt. Not staged. Not overworked. Just honest, a little artful, and tied to the place you chose to be.
Read about other couple’s experiences here.
Photography That Fits the Outdoor Experience
MountainWed photographs outdoor weddings in Asheville and Western North Carolina for couples who aren’t interested in the standard wedding formula.
If you’re here for the landscape, the slower pace, and a day that actually feels like yours—you’re in the right place.
I take a low-pressure, documentary approach so you can stay in it instead of being pulled out of it every five minutes. No over-directing, no constant posing—just a little guidance when it matters and space for the rest to unfold naturally.
The focus stays where it should: the feel of the place, your people, the quiet in-between moments, and the energy that builds as the day goes on.
What you end up with is a set of images that feels like the experience itself—honest, grounded, and tied to the landscape in a real way.
Why Couples Choose Outdoor Weddings in Asheville
Asheville sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers one of the most beautiful and unique outdoor locations in the eastern United States.
Asheville sits right in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains—and yeah, it’s as good as it sounds.
You don’t have to go far to find overlooks, waterfalls, or quiet pockets of forest that feel completely removed from everything.
It’s one of those places where the landscape does a lot of the heavy lifting without you needing to overthink it.
It also hits that rare balance: wild enough to feel like an escape, but accessible enough that your people can actually get there and be part of it.
Couples usually land here because it offers:
mountain views in pretty much every direction
sunset light that actually delivers
venues and cabins tucked into the landscape
a more relaxed, less formal feel than city or urban weddings
easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, unique/less known trails, and spots that feel off the map - even for locals
If you’re the kind of couple that feels more like yourselves outside, Asheville makes it easy to build a day where the place isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the experience.
What a Typical Outdoor Wedding Day Looks Like
Every wedding is different, but many follow a similar flow that makes time for moments that help tell the story of your wedding day experience - beginning with the more emotional candids that happen during getting ready, to the excitement of a first look, all the way through to a reception or meal with family and friends.
Ultimately, you don’t need to follow any script on your wedding day - but if you’re unsure on how to begin, or if you need a little inspo—keep reading…
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.
Client Testimonials
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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 booked Andy for our destination micro wedding in Asheville NC in September of 2025! He did not disappoint in any way! From our first time talking with him over video call we knew he was going to do an amazing job, with the way he responded to our questions and took care of everything. He was in contact with us the months leading up to the wedding, coming up with ideas for our hike into the mountains for pictures and everything else. The day of the wedding he showed up and got to work! It was easy to see he was going to do a great job the moment he entered the venue. He has so much energy and passion for what he does! When we were hiking into the mountains in our full wedding attire he kept the energy up and kept us motivated to get to the destination and it was much needed. He had already scoped out the place we were going to get pictures and had ideas of what would make for a great photo. Even after a long hike with all his gear and cameras he was hustling to get every photo and angle to make them amazing. When we got our photos back we were amazed at how they came out and how many moments he captured that we didn't even realize he was was taking. We both agree that Andy took our ideas and ran with it and made it better than we could have imagined! We HIGHLY recommend him for a wedding photographer and also any other adventure photos you may need. He is highly skilled and has the passion and energy to make your experience amazing! We can not thank him enough for the memories he created and the photos we will have to look at our whole lives!
– Tyler S.
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My wife and I had an amazing experience with Andy as our photographer for our engagement photos and wedding. He is an incredibly kind human being and an even better photographer. From helping us navigate our big day to climbing rock walls to get the perfect shot, we couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. Our photos are STUNNING! Every photo had a great balance of the mountainous landscape, fall colors, and really captured how beautiful the day was. Detail photos, dress photos, couple's photos, family photos, funny moments, etc. everything got captured in the best way!
If you want a photographer that's full of ideas, is kind-hearted, and truly wants your big day to be special, then Mountain Wed Photography is right for you!–Evan S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can outdoor weddings still include traditional elements?
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?
Outdoor venues usually have backup plans or covered areas available. As you can imagine, mountain weather can change quickly and be predictably unpredictable, that’s why planning ahead and being thorough will ensure the day still runs smoothly - no matter what.
Watching the forecast is something I’m regularly doing in the run-up to the big day and communicating with couple’s who might not live here. With a solid weather discussion early on and a final check-in a few days prior, this helps ensure everyone in the wedding is prepared, no matter what Mother Nature tosses our way.
How much photography coverage do most outdoor weddings need?
Most outdoor weddings require between 8 and 10 hours of coverage depending on the timeline.
Do you help couples choose portrait locations?
Yes, a thousand times yes! On top of keeping an eye on the light and for interesting locations at your venue or outdoor spot, I also have been known to create environmental portraits with a portable sheet/backdrop, or a clean background at your location. No matter what, I’ll find the best looking spot for the best portrait moments.
Do you travel for weddings outside Asheville?
Absolutely. As a former full-time RV dweller, I have a huge interest in travel, and visiting new spots for amazing photos. If you’re considering something outside of Western North Carolina, just let me know what you’re thinking. I’ve done extensive travel and am very into scouting a location from afar.
Weddings throughout Western North Carolina and destination weddings are available and offered to couples. Most recently, I photographed couples in Boulder, CO and the Front Range mountains of Colorado, as well as Chattanooga, TN. If you’ve got something out of state in mind, I’d love to hear about it!
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.
Tell me about your wedding.
Share your preferred wedding date, location, and the kind of outdoor celebration you are planning.
From there we can talk about photography coverage and how to document your wedding day naturally.