Dreaming of an outdoor wedding amidst stunning mountain scenery is a common desire.
However, while the idea is enchanting, the practicalities often present challenges.

Many couples approach Love & Wisdom seeking an officiant for their outdoor ceremony without a designated venue. They envision exchanging vows on a picturesque mountain top at sunset, but overlook crucial details. They assume finding a free, ideal location with perfect weather is easy.

While elopement companies may assist in finding ceremony spots, our focus at Love & Wisdom is officiating and crafting personalized ceremonies. To work with our officiants, couples must have:

1. A specific reserved venue or location.
2. Permits if necessary.
3. An indoor backup plan for inclement weather or road closures.
4. At least two adult witnesses, as required by law in NC.

I’m a nature worshiper myself and I understand the allure of nature-themed weddings. My intent is not to burst your bubble, I just want to share the benefit of hindsight that I have acquired after more than a decade of experience, so you can prepare accordingly, and set realistic expectations.

There are a lot of outdoor locations to get married in Western North Carolina, but most of them require a permit. And some of the most popular spots have become so overrun and abused that we have been asked by the Forest Service not to perform weddings at these locations.

Outdoor weddings are unpredictable. Weather changes and unforeseen issues like road closures can disrupt plans. Heat, bugs, noise, other people, and lack of restroom facilities are additional concerns. Some locations entail long drives and hikes, making bathroom breaks very problematic. Unfortunately, couples often underestimate these logistical challenges.

Requests for improvised trailside ceremonies pose safety risks too, and can be a real liability. The officiant needs to know what the hike will be like. Is it 50 yards or 2 miles? What if someone gets hurt? The officiant typically has to hike back out alone because the couple sticks around for photos, and there’s no way to know if that’s a safe situation, especially if it starts getting dark. Cell service is spotty in these areas, and a twisted ankle or a snake bite could be very serious.

While outdoor ceremonies can be magical, they require careful planning and consideration of potential pitfalls. By hedging your bets and planning for contingencies, you can minimize disappointments and ensure a memorable, low-stress wedding day.

If you have already reserved a ceremony location, and you have your backup plan and two witnesses, just CLICK HERE to check the availability of our officiants and receive a quote. We look forward to helping you create magic on the mountains!

~ Philip Lingle

Additional Resources:

Information from the National Forest Service (Permits, restrictions, contacts)

Information from the Blue Ridge Parkway (Current road closures, permits, restrictions)

3 Questions To Ask Your Prospective Wedding Officiant