The Most Epic Waterfall Locations to Elope at in Western North Carolina
The Most Epic Waterfall Locations to Elope at in Western North Carolina
If you’re dreaming of saying your vows beside a rushing waterfall, Western North Carolina has some of the most unforgettable elopement backdrops in the Southeast. This guide walks you through our favorite waterfall spots and what the hike, vibe, and elopement logistics actually look like on your wedding day.
Looking Glass Falls – Brevard, NC
What the experience feels like
Picture pulling into the forest just after sunrise, the air cool and misty, with the sound of the falls getting louder as you step out of the car. You grab your bouquet, walk down the short staircase, and suddenly you’re standing in front of a dramatic 70-foot curtain of water spilling over the rock face while the morning light catches the mist in the air.
Because Looking Glass Falls is so accessible, you get all the drama of a waterfall without a long or exhausting hike. It’s a great fit for couples who want beautiful scenery, an easy walk, and a relaxed wedding-day experience.
The hike
Short walk down a staircase from the parking area. No long trail or steep climb. Rocks near the bottom can be slick, so good nonslip shoes help.
Why couples love it
Easy access with a big visual payoff. Perfect for couples who want epic photos without a strenuous trek. Great for sunrise ceremonies and quieter weekday moments.
Logistics
A permit is not required at this location, but ceremonies are not to take place on holiday weekends or at peak visitation hours. This is a popular spot for swimming in the summertime, so beating the crowds is important. The short walk makes it easier for couples who want a simple and scenic waterfall experience without a big hike.
Privately Owned Waterfall – Franklin, NC
Lower Falls // Ceremony Site - no hike required
Upper Falls // Some steep hiking required
Private mountaintop on the same property
What the experience feels like
This privately owned waterfall is for couples who want their elopement to feel like the only people in the world. Because it is on private property, you’re guaranteed privacy and won’t have strangers wandering into your ceremony. There is little to no hiking involved, so it’s a great option for couples with guests who have mobility limitations, though it is not wheelchair accessible.
The hike
No hike at all to get to the lower falls, where ceremonies are held. You can drive right up to the ceremony location with the waterfall in the background. The terrain can be uneven with roots, rocks, and muddy sections- not very wheelchair accessible but is a great option for those who can’t walk or hike long distances.
The upper falls is a great fit for couples who are ready to put their hiking boots on and go for a little adventure! The trail is relatively short, but extremely steep. Ceremonies are not permitted at this spot, but it is a gorgeous backdrop for some romantic couples photos!
Why couples love it
It feels intimate, wild, and tucked away. Couples love the guaranteed privacy and the fact that it offers a true “just us” experience. Couples also love the fact that this property allows for both a waterfall experience as well as a private mountaintop with jaw-dropping views.
Logistics
This location does have a private access fee, which starts at $500, but that fee guarantees exclusive use of the property. It’s one of the best options available for couples who want privacy and a ceremony space that feels truly secluded. Because the falls are privately owned, this is also one of the easiest locations to plan around without worrying about crowds or interruptions.
Deep Creek / Tom Branch Falls – Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Bryson City, NC
Juney Whank Falls // Deep Creek
Tom Branch Falls // Deep Creek
Indian Creek Falls // Deep Creek
What the experience feels like
Deep Creek has a fun, playful energy that makes an elopement here feel unique. The trail is lively, the creek runs alongside you, and in warmer months you may even see tubers floating by while the waterfall spills into the background. It’s a beautiful mix of romance and fun, especially for couples who want a laid-back day with a little personality.
The hike
Short, maintained trail from the parking area. Easy access compared to more rugged waterfall hikes.
Why couples love it
It has a relaxed Smoky Mountain vibe and is a beautiful choice for couples who want scenery without too much physical effort.
Logistics
Deep Creek allows photos, but actual ceremonies are not permitted at the falls. Couples must have their ceremony at the approved Deep Creek Picnic Pavilion location, and they must have the approved GSMNP parking pass. This makes it a great option for couples who want waterfall portraits paired with a legally approved ceremony site nearby.
Triple Falls – DuPont State Forest
What the experience feels like
Triple Falls is one of the most dramatic and iconic waterfalls in Western North Carolina, with layered cascades that make for unforgettable photos. It’s a strong choice for couples who want that big waterfall look without needing a strenuous backcountry adventure.
The hike
The walk to Triple Falls is manageable for most couples, but it’s still worth planning for a bit of trail time and uneven terrain.
Why couples love it
It delivers huge visual impact and photographs beautifully in every season. It’s a favorite for couples who want classic mountain waterfall scenery.
Logistics
Ceremonies are not permitted at Triple Falls. Couples can only have their ceremony at Guion Farm down the road, and then come to Triple Falls for photos. That setup makes it easy to pair an approved ceremony location with dramatic waterfall portraits. You must obtain a permit to get married within the DuPont State Forest area.
High Falls – DuPont State Forest
What the experience feels like
High Falls has a bold, powerful presence that feels especially cinematic in photos. It’s the kind of spot that gives you a dramatic backdrop without needing to go far off the beaten path. Note: Ceremonies are not permitted at this location, but you are allowed to take photos there afterwards. Guion Farm is a permitted location a few miles away for ceremonies to take place before or after your trip to the falls.
The hike
The hike is a moderately strenuous, mainly gravel trail, with some tricky traversing rocks once you arrive at the bottom of the falls. This isn’t recommended for small children or people with mobility limitations.
Why couples love it
It’s one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the area and gives you that classic Western North Carolina look.
Logistics
Ceremonies are not permitted at High Falls. Couples can only have their ceremony at Guion Farm down the road, and then come to High Falls for photos. That makes it a great add-on location for couples who want waterfall portraits after a legal ceremony elsewhere. You must obtain a special use permit to get married within the DuPont State Forest area.
Choosing your waterfall
Each of these spots offers a different kind of elopement experience. Looking Glass Falls is the easiest and most accessible, the privately owned Franklin waterfall gives you privacy, Deep Creek offers a scenic approved ceremony setup with photos nearby, and Triple Falls and High Falls are perfect for couples who want photos at the falls but will need a separate ceremony location.
The best location depends on how you want your wedding day to feel. If you want dramatic scenery with minimal hiking, choose Looking Glass. If privacy is your top priority, the private waterfall is ideal. If you want waterfall portraits with a ceremony at an approved nearby spot, Deep Creek, Triple Falls, and High Falls are all great options.