Asheville Elopements in a Private Mountain Forest
Elope about 25 minutes from downtown Asheville on 35 private acres bordering Pisgah National Forest. Wunderland's Asheville elopement packages include a secluded forest ceremony site at our half-moon stone altar and moon gate, a custom ceremony written and led by our licensed minister, and time on the property for photos, starting at $1,275 with taxes included.
2 to 10 guests · Officiant included · No permits or crowds · Stay the night in a forest villa or glamping pod
An Elopement That Feels Like You
Eloping isn't about skipping the wedding. It's about keeping only the parts that matter: the two of you, the promises you make and the place you make them. Wunderland's elopement experience is made for couples who want intimacy, authenticity and a real connection to the mountains.
Our ceremony site sits in a quiet forest clearing surrounded by wild rhododendrons, with a custom moon gate and half-moon stone altar. Whether it's just the two of you or up to ten people, the space is yours, with a private bathroom a short walk away and no tour groups or hikers wandering into your photos.
Popular public overlooks around Asheville can come with permit requirements, crowds and no facilities. At Wunderland you get Blue Ridge scenery on private land, plus a cozy place to stay afterward. Planning something bigger? Our mountain wedding venue hosts ceremonies for up to 110 guests.
Elopement Packages and Pricing
The Soulful Elopement: $1,275 (taxes included)
- Ceremony for 2 to 10 guests
- Forest ceremony site for 1.5 hours
- Custom spiritual ceremony by our licensed minister
- Private bathrooms within walking distance
- Access to the property for a private photo session
The Soulful Elopement Plus: $1,975 (taxes included)
Everything in the Soulful Elopement, plus 1.5 more hours at one of our outdoor event areas for a toast, a picnic dinner or a small reception.
Popular add-ons
- An overnight stay in a forest villa or glamping pod
- Bouquet and boutonnière
- Champagne toast or tea ritual
- Live acoustic musician
- Fire or meditation ceremony
- Photography by Wunderland's co-owner, a professional photographer, at a special rate
Inviting more than 10 people? The Sacred Ceremony package fits up to 75 guests. Compare every option on our Weddings page.
How to Elope Near Asheville
1. Choose your season. Spring brings rhododendron blooms, summer is lush and green, October brings fall color and winter offers quiet trails and long views. Our cozy season guide covers winter stays.
2. Check your date. Send us your preferred date, guest count and vision using the form below. We reply within 48 hours.
3. Get your North Carolina marriage license. Apply in person at any North Carolina Register of Deeds office, such as McDowell County (where Wunderland is) or Buncombe County (Asheville). Bring photo ID and your Social Security information. The license is valid for 60 days, so check current fees and hours before you go.
4. Plan for two witnesses. North Carolina requires at least two witnesses at the ceremony. If it's just the two of you, ask us about options when you book.
5. Meet your officiant. Our licensed minister gets to know your story and writes a ceremony that reflects your beliefs, spiritual or not.
6. Stay and celebrate. Book a villa or glamping pod, then explore Catawba Falls, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Old Fort restaurants and breweries.
Plan Your Elopement
Tell us your date, how many people (if any) will join you and what you're dreaming of, and we'll reply within 48 hours. Prefer to talk? Call 828-419-4632 or email concierge@wunderlandresort.com.
Plan Your Elopement Getaway
Asheville Elopement FAQs
Everything couples ask before eloping at Wunderland, just outside Asheville, North Carolina.
How much does it cost to elope at Wunderland?
The Soulful Elopement is $1,275 and the Soulful Elopement Plus, which adds 1.5 hours of reception space, is $1,975. Both include taxes, the ceremony site, a licensed officiant and photo time on the property.
How many guests can come to an elopement?
Elopement packages are designed for 2 to 10 guests. For up to 75 guests, choose the Sacred Ceremony package, and for up to 110, see our mountain wedding venue page.
Do we need a permit to elope at Wunderland?
No. Wunderland is private property, so use of the ceremony site is included in your package. Public lands such as the Blue Ridge Parkway or national forests may require a special use permit for ceremonies.
Do we need witnesses to elope in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina requires at least two witnesses at the ceremony, in addition to your officiant. If you're eloping on your own, ask us about witness options when you book.
How do we get a North Carolina marriage license?
Both partners apply in person at a North Carolina Register of Deeds office with photo ID and Social Security information. Many counties let you start the application online. The license is valid for 60 days after it is issued.
Is an officiant included?
Yes. Our licensed minister meets with you ahead of time and writes a custom ceremony around your story and beliefs.
Can we bring our own photographer?
Absolutely. Every package includes access to the property for a private photo session. You can also book Wunderland's co-owner, a professional photographer, at a special rate.
Can we stay overnight after we elope?
Yes. Book a forest villa or glamping pod for your wedding night, or ask about early check-in to get ready on site.
When is the best time to elope near Asheville?
Every season works. Spring has rhododendron blooms, summer is green and warm, October brings peak fall color, and winter is quiet with the clearest long-range views. Weekdays and the November through April off-season usually offer the most flexibility.
How far is Wunderland from Asheville?
About 25 minutes east of downtown Asheville in Old Fort, NC. See how to get to Wunderland for directions and drive times.
Still have questions?
Call 828-419-4632, email concierge@wunderlandresort.com or use the form above. You can also browse our full resort FAQ.