Let's Dream Big Together
Imagine this: You wake up in a cozy Airbnb tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sunlight pours in through linen curtains. A lace dress hangs from a reclaimed wood hanger. There’s a fresh cup of tea in hand, dried lavender nearby, and board games waiting on the porch table. This isn’t a fairy tale —this could be your actual elopement day.
If you’re dreaming of a romantic, nature-filled, and intentionally slow wedding day, a cottagecore elopement in Western North Carolina might be exactly what your heart’s been asking for. Here's how to plan a dreamy elopement with no stress, no big crowds, just you, your partner, and the wildflowers.
Location: Say “I Do” at the NC Arboretum
Tucked in South Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum is an ideal ceremony spot for couples who love nature, flowers, and quiet ambiance. With secret gardens, winding forest paths, and spots that feel totally private, it's basically cottagecore heaven. You can exchange vows under an arbor of blooming dogwoods or surrounded by native wildflowers.
As your local elopement photographer and planner, I’ll help you scout the perfect ceremony nook—somewhere beautiful, quiet, and entirely yours
Lodging: Willow Log Cabin
Instead of a hotel, lean into the vibe with a charming mountain Airbnb—think peaceful ponds, vintage quilts, wood paneling, and wildflowers lining the porch. Western NC is full of cottage-style stays that feel like something out of Anne of Green Gables.
Ceremony Attire
If you’re going for that old-soul romance, a lace wedding dress pairs beautifully with a dried lavender or wildflower bouquet. These textures and tones photograph like a dream—soft, earthy, and timeless. We’ll work together to make sure your details feel cohesive without being overly “styled.” Think mismatched candlesticks, handwritten vow books, and heirloom-inspired accessories that feel authentically you.
Creative Activity: Asheville Luxury Picnic Company
To have a day full of elopement luxury, don’t stop at just the ceremony! Nothing says cottagecore more than curling up with a book on a blanket in a field... but elevate that times a million with Asheville Picnic Company. It is your wedding after all! They take care of the gear, set up, and even partner with local food vendors. You can set it up in a number of scenic parks, or even back at your Airbnb.
Post-Ceremony Dinner: The Silo Cookhouse at Horseshoe Farm
After a day of soft moments and quiet joy, wrap it all up with a dinner reservation at The Silo Cookhouse at Horseshoe Farm. It’s intimate, refined, and surrounded by the same rolling hills and wild beauty that’s defined your entire day. After your meal, sit by the fire pit and enjoy the community conversation with locals.
Carefree Timeline
To have your elopement day full of wonder, after the ceremony you can press flowers, go thrift shopping in West Asheville, or plan to paint watercolor scenes of the WNC landscape together. You’re not on anyone else’s timeline. This is your permission to slow down, soak it in, and make memories that feel like you.
Ready to Make Your Garden Elopement Dreams Come True?
If you're drawn to secret gardens and slow living in the mountains, a NC elopement package might be just the thing you were dreaming of. I offer NC elopement packages with photography, officiating, planning, florals, and more—so you can focus on each other while I handle the logistics.
Reach out HERE to plan your dreamy cottagecore elopement.
