Your New Guide On How To Elope In The North Georgia Mountains

Georgia is a vibrant state with endless spots for your wedding. From the open fields to the bustling cities, it has everything. Few places, however, compare to the North Georgia Mountains! As an elopement photographer, I am lucky enough to tour the globe looking at one-of-a-kind locations. Here’s your ultimate guide for planning to elope in the North Georgia Mountains!

Plan A Stunning Adventure When You Elope In The North Georgia Mountains 

When You Should Elope in North Georgia Mountains & How to Pick Your Date

With the North Georgia Mountains, one of the biggest hurdles will be picking a date where you can avoid the swells of tourists. When I say this is one of the most breathtaking spots in the globe, I’m not kidding! And unfortunately, the mountains just aren’t one of the best-kept secrets. One of the best ways to avoid the crowds is to stick to the weekdays. Because the mountains are a short drive from downtown Atlanta, many people head over during the weekends to get in some hiking. I would also suggest sticking to sunrise. Yes, you might have to deal with less sleep, but you will be rewarded with fewer tourists and jaw-dropping views.

Now, It’s Time To Pick Your Season 

• Winter: If you really want a winter wedding, make sure you have a backup plan! Because of the weather, closures can be expected, and they can happen with very little notice. It can also get pretty rainy. I would plan on having an AirBnB as your wedding location and heading out to the mountains if the sun does decide to make its rare appearance. 
• Spring: During late April, the mountains seem to wake up! Flowers emerge, green leaves start to appear, and the weather begins to warm. If springtime is your preferred season, I would recommend skipping March and planning your celebration between April and May. 
• Summer: The summer months can be hot and humid throughout the South, and the mountains are no exception! With a sunrise wedding, you can escape the worst of the climate. Then, you can spend the day celebrating in the water! 
• Fall: Autumn is probably the best season for weddings. The leaves are turning, and the weather is gorgeous. Just know that this is the season where the crowds are at their largest. I would suggest getting a nearby AirBnB and heading out early to avoid all the tourists. 

North Georgia Mountains Elopement Locations

Now, let’s chat about locations! There are so many places where you can host your elopement. 

• Preacher’s Rock: Located on the Appalachian Trail, Preacher’s Rock gives you a backdrop you have to see to believe. The rock itself is flat, serving as a convenient lookout for your ceremony. As you exchange your vows, you will have miles of mountains just behind you. With this location, be ready for a hike! 
• Black Rock Mountain State Park: This park gives you the best heights of any Georgia state park, with an elevation of 3,640 feet. That elevation helps you escape all the heat while providing you with lush wildflowers and vibrant colors. 
• Vogel State Park: Nestled next to Blood Mountain, Vogel State Park is a scenic space that’s accessible to smaller crowds. It also contains rentable rustic cabins as well as waterfalls, perfect for your portraits! 
• Fort Mountain State Park: If you prefer moody, mysterious wedding locations, I think you might love Fort Mountain State Park. Located near the Cohutta Wilderness, this area is prone to foggy mornings perfect for those Pride and Prejudice-esque portraits! When the sun does shine, you can check out hardwood forests, mountain ranges, and tranquil streams. 
• Cloudland Canyon State Park: If canyons are more your vibe, this is going to be your spot! This location has a 1,000-foot-deep canyon with several waterfalls. It’s particularly magical as the sun rises! 

How to Get a North Georgia Marriage License

In order to hold a mountain elopement, you must first get a wedding license through the state of Georgia. If one person in the couple is a legal resident of the state, you can get a marriage license at a probate court in any county. If neither of you live in the state, you will need to apply in the county where your ceremony is taking place. The Georgia state website makes it incredibly easy to find the court where you need to apply! On the day of your application, both parties will need to be present. You will need to have proof of age, proof of divorce (if applicable), and a method of payment. 

From there, you will need to pick your location and see what they require for your ceremony. Most state parks will require a special use permit. Be sure to apply early so you can be ready for your celebration! 

What to Wear to Your Elopement

Elopements give you the freedom to wear whatever you want! When choosing your outfit, be sure to plan for practicality. Many brides choose to wear hiking boots to their location and change into their wedding shoes once they arrive. While long, bohemian dresses might be perfect during your ceremony, make sure you won’t trip on the hem as you make your way to your location. For grooms, I would encourage non-confining suits (think linen) and comfortable shoes. Because it can get chilly, layers are always a good idea! 

How Much Does It Cost?

With an elopement, you will have to pay around $50-$100 for your wedding license. From there, you can choose what you want for your wedding celebration. On average, couples pay a total of $9,740 on their Georgia elopement. This includes the venue, an officiant, a photographer, flowers, travel and accommodation, music, hair, attire, and reception meals. 

Hiring a North Georgia Mountains Elopement Photographer

Maybe the most important thing as you plan your wedding is finding a photographer ready for the adventure. Elopements are incredibly intimate and personal experiences, and you want to make sure you can carry every moment with you until the end of time. As an adventure elopement photographer, I adore working with couples to capture this moment in the midst of the most stunning parts of nature. From Banff National Park to the hills of Greece, I’ve been with couples through it all. I would love to have a conversation and tell you all about my experience so you can decide if I’m lucky enough to celebrate with you!

I Hope This Help You Elope In The North Georgia Mountains With Ease

Hopefully, this guide helps you as you start to plan your dream weekend to elope in the North Georgia Mountains! And if you do want to find out more about elopements, let’s chat! As an East Coast & destination wedding and elopement photographer, I love to capture such intimate moments so you can cherish them forever. Send me a message today so you can decide if we’re a match written in the stars! 

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