Elopement on Public Land: Roan Mountain Sunset Wedding

When Henleigh & Tyler chose their elopement at the end of summer, they called me and shared that they “just wanted to get married somewhere in the mountains.” Not sure how many of you know my love language, but if ROAD TRIP comes into the conversation…. I’M IN!! The last time I shot an elopement on this mountain, I came in my mini-van and car camped. It was such a treat to have time high up in the mountains with the crisp air and the trail right outside our sliding door. My son and I prepped spaghetti and heated it up over the gas camping stove, hunkered down on our pile of blankets and fell asleep to the sound of crickets and Whip-Poor-Wills. Roan Mountain, in Tennessee (on the boarder of North Carolina), is a jewel with easy parking, easy trails and so much space at the knob that there could be five weddings up there and everyone would have their own view.

This Adventure- Any Where, Any Time

Make it Personal and Be Comfortable
Our bride was actually quite chilly with only her shawl. We hiked up from the parking lot to 5,512 ft in elevation. Our hike was under 30 minutes and super easy with the right shoes (or boots in this case.) It always makes me smile that the guys are always wearing those fancy rental shoes that goes with suits and tuxes, but they are super slippery and hard to hike in. Honestly, wear hiking boots. Our bride wore cowboy boots, which turned out to be great to hike in. I loved the boots she picked out for the occasion not just because they were comfortable but they are so sassy!

It was breezy up there at the knob but I never got chilled; not once. I was so thrilled to be back on top of the mountain and with the little hike up the Appalachian Trail, it warmed me from the inside out. I always think of one of my best friends, Jen and Zack, and imagine them hiking the Appalachian Trail. They went through this exact trail and stepped over these exact rocks. They probably saw a wedding or two on this part of the trail. I love seeing through-hikers on wedding days. I only saw day-hikers this go around. One lady I passed said that she and her girlfriend hiked it every day for exercise and for the view of the sky, of course. Can you imagine having this as your backyard? Better yet, can you image having your wedding here?

Sunset Ceremony Light
Henleigh & Tyler exchanged vows just as the sun dipped behind the ridges. September sunsets in the Appalachians bring long, golden light that flatters skin tones, sets the landscape glow, and wraps couples in warmth. Seriously, it’s great for photos. Golden hour is no joke up here. It’s like a movie set pouring that beauty light and providing the best backdrop. And those little yellow pops of flowers everywhere just get me!

Is it Summer or Fall?
While peak fall foliage in Georgia and North Carolina arrives in October, higher elevations like Roan Mountain often reveal the first touches of gold and russet in September. It’s the perfect transition backdrop—subtle yet timeless. I love the grasses as they shift to that beautiful oat color. It is so lovely as the foreground to those Blue Ridge Mountains. Those layers never let me down.

Sweeping Mountain Views
From Carver’s Gap to Round Bald, the panoramic overlooks of Roan Mountain make elaborate décor unnecessary. With 360-degree views, the horizon itself becomes the altar—a dream for both intimate weddings and mountain elopements. My couple tucked away on the trail early to have a private vow exchange and to commit their love to each other with a hands-fasting ceremony. Henleigh made the rope and it was perfect.

Honestly, it doesn’t really matter what mountain you are on. This connection and this light can be captured under any open sky. Some couples want to hike, some want to step out of their Airbnb and enjoy the convenience of the amenities. The Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains offer so many opportunities to have private little weddings.

No venue, no rules. Just the couple. Or the couple and family. Or just the couple and friends. Or just the couple and dog. Or cat. Should I keep on with the possibilities? JK

Wait up, Where are the Lanterns?
The light is so fab at the top of the mountain. We actually stayed until it was dark (like dark, dark) and we had to shine our phones to get down the trail. Who knew that lanterns needed to be charged before use?

All the plans don’t always work out. You do your best to get it all together and then open your hands and free yourself from expectations. I have had brides forget their socks, so they wore their husbands from the day before (we will call this intimate, certainly we will not call this gross :).) I’ve seen bride whose dress was about 6 inches too long and they were literally walking on their dress with every step. We took a pair of scissors out and literally cut off the dress. It was perfect and safe. Looked great with the shoes and barefoot.

All those little stories make it your own day. Not scripted, just memories.

It’s kinda my favorite part of the job. The unknown, the untamed and the unplanned.

Just Right
I can’t get over this capture of Henleigh and Tyler walking on the boardwalk. Usually I go for rocks and climbing together and connecting but this shot. It is just too cute.

Her dress was held by her man and the wind caught the dress in the front. I felt like she was in Coyote Ugly on the bar with those boots. Love it.

But also, rocks. Who wants to play on the rocks? Me.

Rocks also help when we have a really tall groom and a very different height for the bride. I didn’t say short. You thought it. I didn’t say it.

Rocks give us natural options to help bring the couple close together but more than anything, they are fun. They are a perfect distraction to the boring stand and pose scenario. No thanks. Give me play and movement every day.

Marriage License

You can call me a minister if you want. I have the certificate and I took the class to be able to legally marry my couples. It means that I get to be part of the vows by witnessing them, be part of the ceremony by being present and capturing what is before me and signing the official marriage certificate. It is so nice to have a small vendor list and have a sibling, father/mother or friend stand in as the officiant person instead of a stranger. But the biggest reason I like this set up is that we don’t have to coordinate with another vendor.

We can keep it simple. Elope. Make plans. Change plans. Get delayed or be early. Doesn’t matter because we are just us. The couple and me.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that is nothing like those big events. Dreaming of running away and getting married, Let’s talk and make plans for your mountain elopement in Georgia or North Carolina. This might be your perfect beginning. Check my other blog as well for another Roan Mountain Story.