Roan Mountain Elopement | Carvers Gap

Are you and your partner searching for the perfect outdoor elopement location near North Carolina and Tennessee? With a plethora of stunning landscapes and natural wonders in this region, deciding on the ideal spot to celebrate your love can be both thrilling, and but overwhelming. To help you navigate this exciting decision, we’re here to guide you through a remarkable Roan Mountain elopement option that combine scenic beauty with the spirit of adventure.

Roan Mountain Elopement | Mountain Views

Roan Mountain stands as a testament to the untouched beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. If you’re seeking a place where 360 degree panoramic views, sprawling meadows & sweeping overlooks are the main attraction, and an easy hike for adventure, Roan Mountain should be at the top of your list. This hidden gem offers adventure for couples seeking a unique wedding experience, meadows & foliage that offers ever changing experiences with the changing seasons, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Whether you’re planning a spring, summer, or autumn elopement, Roan Mountain promises to provide all couples with an unique wedding experience overlooking gorgeous mountain views.

The Great Smoky Mountains | Cherokee National Forest

For couples seeking the grandeur of untamed wilderness, the Cherokee National Forest is an unparalleled choice. Straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this majestic park boasts endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From misty mountain mornings to enchanting forest trails, your elopement here will be marked by the raw beauty of the Appalachian landscape. The Great Smoky Mountains offer an authentic connection to nature, where your new chapter of life with your partner can unfold against a backdrop of ancient forests and rugged peaks.

The Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 650,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in Tennessee and adjoins other national forests in Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. The forest is home to 30 developed campgrounds and numerous picnic areas, over 700 miles of trails, seven whitewater rivers, two Forest Service scenic byways where you can enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains, the pursuit of wildlife, the thrill of whitewater, a night under the stars, or solitude on a backcountry trail.

Carvers Gap | Where Mountains Views & Sunsets Meet

Nestled amidst the mountains on the North Carolina/Tennessee border, Carvers Gap offers a dreamy elopement location with its vast, grassy expanse and unobstructed 360-degree “bald” views. Unobstructed views make Carvers gap perfect for both sunset or sunrise Roan Mountain elopements. With an easy to moderate hike of 1.5 miles, Carvers Gap location is perfect for couples who want to light blend of adventure with a touch of whimsy romance on their Roan Mountain elopement.

Roan Mountain Elopement | Perfect for Just Us + Our Dog

Carvers Gap is a great location for couples looking to elope in the mountains with a small selection of guests, but it is also a great elopement location for couples looking for elopement options for just the two of us. Being a dog mom myself, I understand how the fur babies are sometimes at the top (if not the only) guests couples want to be present during your vows. Complete with treats you both enjoy, Carvers Gap is the perfect Roan Mountain elopement for couples looking for adventure, sunset & panoramic sunset views, and small guest counts.

Roan Mountain Elopement | Elopement Timeline

An example timeline for a Roan Mountain sunset elopement could be:

1:00pm – 2:15pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready at nearby treehouse airbnb
2:30pm – 3:30pm: Drive from Banner Elk to Carver’s Gap
3:30pm – 5:00pm: Light hike up Carvers Gap – in your wedding gown if you desire 🙂
5:00pm – Ceremony
5:30pm – 6pm: Reception treats from a local baker
6pm-6:30pm: Couple’s photos
6:30pm – 7pm: Hike back to cars
7:30pm: Dinner in nearby town

Carvers Gap Information & Tips

Hike: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate incline up mountain side
Elevation: 334 feet
Location: East Tennessee/North West North Carolina State Line
Land: Cherokee National Forest
Covered areas: Not on Carvers Gap but can be found in other areas of Roan Mountain to accommodate indoor needs, but must be reserved in advance
Facilities: No
Best Time to Visit:
- April – October = peak season
- Rhododendron blooms in June (Learn more about the annual rhododendron festival here )
- Great way to beat the mid summer heat (average temp in summer is 75 degrees on mountain tops near sunset)
- Winter months will have higher chance of snow but will have less crowds
Mountain Views: Bald view (unobstructed 360 degree view)
Best for sunset or sunrise: Both are stunning due to 360 degree views
Dogs allowed: Yes
Permit Needed: None if will have less than 75 guests* & not using a wedding planner.
- *Please note: It is recommended to have no more than 10 guests due to accomodations, parking, & facilities
Google Map Location: Here
Nearby Major Towns:
- Johnson City, TN = 45 minutes
- Banner Elk, NC = 45 minutes
- Asheville, NC = 1.5 hours
Nearby Mountain Towns:
- Roan Mountain, TN
- Bakersville, NC
- Burnsville, NC
Important Notes & Tips for Elopements:
- Birdseed, petals, rice, etc., CANNOT BE USED. They are detrimental to the environment & wildlife. Leave no trace
- Chairs, arbors, or other large items are prohibited
- You cannot ask other visitors to move for your ceremony or photos. The mountain is public land & is meant for everyone to share. This important to keep in mind while planning your elopement.
- There are no facilities, including places to change beyond natural resources. Path is well paved & maintained but appropriate shoes & clothing should be considered.
- Wildlife is commonly seen on the trail
- Carpool as parking is limited at Carvers Gap
- It is recommended to bring headlamps as many elopements revolve around sunset and sunrise, which means for early starts and/or late nights while hiking in the forest.