Rough Ridge Overlook | Fall Elopement
This epic fall elopement styled shoot in the North Carolina mountains is going to have you running for your cozy knit sweaters, soup recipes, and big fat mugs of hot cider. This session will show you what is possible when it comes to locations and ideas for your own elopement. SO, whether you are a bride to be or planning a dreamy fall session get ready to fall in love all over again and take lots of notes.
Keep scrolling to see why these mountains will captivate your fall dreams. Plus, how to plan your elopement wedding within the guidelines of the park while still embracing the magic of this destination and nearby locations.
Fall may be my favorite time of the year purely because of the colors and there is no greater view of the fall foliage than driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway in October. Deep reds, burnt oranges, golden ochre yellows. I do not blame all the tourists who come to see it. In 2019 there were 14.9 million visitors in the parkway!
Because of the fall leaves, October is by far the most popular month in North Carolina to get married – especially to elope in the mountains.
Which you will easily see why when you check out this dreamy elopement. Rough Ridge Overlook is often a favorite spot for portraits because it offers a short hike with a rocky outcrop to explore and stunning views, that are often highlighted as one of the better spots to see the fall leaves. But like most popular spots, it is best to go on weekday and during sunrise. Or I can help you find a lesser known spot that allows for more privacy. (At this time they do not allow for wedding ceremonies at Rough Ridge overlook, however you can go for portraits.) And PRO TIP, when you make your way up into the mountains it is usually 5 – 10 degrees colder than in town. My brides find this to be a great opportunity to accessorize a bit with a cozy flannel, an edgy personalized jacket, or a classic fur shawl.
If you are planning a fall wedding in my favorite Blue Ridge Mountains, there are two important things to know:
Book accommodations early! Hotels and Airbnb’s book up months in advance. (As do wedding vendors.)
They do NOT issue wedding permits for locations directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway for the whole month of October because it is so busy. What that means is you CAN have your ceremony in the surrounding mountains, and then you can do portraits in your wedding attire or share your private vows (without an officiant) on trails/overlooks, etc. on the parkway.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a road that connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and is 469 miles long! It runs along a portion of the Appalachian Mountains, lovingly referred to as The Blue Ridge Mountains. It has incredible views, hundreds of trails, camping locations, picnic areas, and accessible overlooks. In North Carolina, most people come to stay in the two popular towns of Asheville and Boone. Then access the parkway during the day for the views and trails.