Asheville Elopements & Micro Weddings
Thinking about eloping in Asheville? Why not! With so many romantic, natural settings around the city, Asheville is one of the best locations for an elopement or a micro wedding.
But, what is the difference between an elopement and a micro wedding?
All of the marriage laws mentioned previously still apply for elopements and micro weddings. You need an ordained officiant, a marriage license and two witnesses present for the ceremony. You can read the North Carolina marriage laws in full detail here.
However, typically, an elopement consists of a very small group of people being present for a couple’s ceremony followed by a few family pictures. An elopement isn’t necessarily followed by a reception and more often than not, only includes the couple, their officiant and their two witnesses.
A micro wedding is more similar to what comes in mind when someone says “wedding,” but with a smaller guest count - we consider a guest count of around 25 or less to be a micro wedding. The micro wedding consists of a ceremony for all guests to be present as the couple exchanges vows and is married, and is followed by a reception for everyone to join as well.
What vendors do I need for an elopement or micro wedding?
Three vendors most often booked for elopements are: officiant, florist and photographer.
If you are planning an intimate wedding, you may want to add additional vendors to the team including, but not limited to, a venue to host the reception, and possibly the ceremony, catering to provide appetizers and meals for guests, desserts, bar services, rentals, etc.
Some couples elope and rent a home to spend time with close friends and family or host a dinner downtown. You can also do the same with a small group.
We had to cancel my 100+ person wedding and have decided to elope or plan a micro wedding. What is the proper etiquette to inform guests of our decision?
With the way the world is right now, everyone is very understanding of the difficult situations that this pandemic has put most wedding couples in. It is completely understandable, and acceptable, to send out a change the date or cancellation card. At the end of the day, the purpose of a wedding is to celebrate the couple’s marriage. You can still make this happen, just with a smaller guest count.
If you are postponing your wedding to a different date, be sure to send out “Change the Date” cards to all guests that were invited so they are aware of the changes. Even if you have not settled on a new date, sending something to let guests know that plans are changing and you will have more information at a later date keeps them at ease and prevents you from having to answer the same question 100+ times from your guests.
If you are canceling your wedding and planning an elopement, send out a “We Eloped!” card. Remind your guests that they were dearly missed and you wish you could have shared the day with them, but given the circumstances you decided to cancel the wedding and have eloped instead. If you are comfortable with it, maybe include a website to the elopement gallery so your friends and family can look back at your beautiful day and be a part of the celebration.
If you are wanting to get married no matter what but still want to find a way to have your friends and family be a part of it, find a videographer or another professional to live stream your ceremony for guests! You can send an additional invitation for this with the web address and ceremony start time so your guests can tune in and be virtually present with you as you and your partner say your “I Do’s” and get married! This also allows guests to get a chance to get dressed up and maybe prepare a cocktail to sip on while they share the day with you!
Carolina Love Event’s Elopement and Intimate Wedding Package
At Carolina Love Events, we specialize in elopement and intimate wedding planning! If you are feeling overwhelmed and are ready to work with an experienced wedding industry professional to plan your perfect elopement or micro wedding, look no further! We’d love to chat with you about how we can work with you and your partner to create a beautiful wedding day that is truly unique to you two.
To make things simpler and for stress-free planning, we have put together an amazing elopement and micro wedding package for couples! Our packages include unlimited communication with your wedding planner so that we are with you every step of the way as you navigate the world of all things weddings in planning your perfect day. We have also teamed up with some of our favorite vendors to offer unique packages and create a one-stop-shop for your elopement or micro wedding needs and wants! Take a look below to learn more about the packages offered by Carolina Love Events and the talented, amazing vendor team on board!
What’s included in Carolina Love Event’s elopement package?
This package is designed for couples who are interested in an intimate ceremony only.
10 guests or less
guidance with budgeting
assistance selecting venue
vendor selection and recommendations
unlimited communication with planner via phone and email
handling of marriage license
wedding day emergency kit
custom welcome sign
3 hours of wedding day coverage
this package starts at $500; final price is contingent on size and scope of event
What’s included in Carolina Love Event’s intimate wedding or micro wedding package?
This package is designed for couples who are interested in hosting an intimate ceremony and celebration with close friends and family.
25 guests or less
6 hours of wedding day coverage
includes all items in elopement package above, and the following:
exclusive vendor discounts
custom wedding day timeline and checklist
handing of all vendor communication
transportation and lodging assistance
access to Carolina Love Event’s unique decor closet
set up and packing of personal items
this package starts at $750; final price is contingent on size and scope of event
What amazing vendors have we teamed up with and what optional add-ons do they have to offer?
These discounted and special rates are hard to beat! We are so lucky to have such talented and creative vendors in the area. Check out what they have to offer below!
Officiant: starting at $200
Photographer: packages starting at $350 for 2 hours of coverage, depending on photographer; choice of six photographers
Videographer: package starting at $700 for 2 hours of coverage; includes a full copy of the ceremony with professional audio and a 5 - 7 minute highlight video of the wedding day
Ceremony Musician: starting at $250; choice of solo violin, viola, piano, harp, keyboard and guitar; additional cocktail hour coverage available
Custom Floral Design: starting at $150 for one bridal bouquet and $20 one boutonniere
Custom Wedding Cake: starting at $60
Vintage Furniture Rental: starting at $250 for a lounge setup
Additional Custom Day-Of Signage and Calligraphy: custom pricing
Pankti Patel with Carolina Love Events & In The Clouds Designs
I am ready to start planning my Asheville elopement or micro wedding, what’s next?!
YAY! We are so excited for you and your partner to be married in one of our favorite places! With so many wonderful locations to choose from, the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect spot for your elopement or micro wedding! Let’s start planning your perfect day together!
