Taylor + Will’s Roan Mountain adventure elopement was an absolute moody dream. Roan Mountain has incredible views, and at the top of the mountain you can even see 360 degree views of mountains. But, on this particular day, the fog was overwhelming and we could barely see 100 feet in front of us! The fog only made the day that much more special, it was an incredibly intimate and romantic elopement.
The Couple
Taylor shared how her and Will met, and that one of her friends actually told her all about him, saying that he was just her type. At the time, Taylor was living in Spain, but when she came back and saw him at the office, she jokes that he was her motivation to go to work! “Flash forward to several months later when I moved back to Ohio and could see for myself that yes, he was in fact exactly my type!” Not only was the couple incredible to work with but their love story was so perfect.
Roan Mountain Adventure Elopement
As we were coming back down the mountain at the end of their Roan Mountain adventure elopement, a rainbow came out. It was the perfect ending to their fairytale day. It was such an amazing, and fun day, we ended up going to get drinks afterward with Taylor, Will, and their officiant, Katherine Dupree! This elopement has been one of my absolute favorites this year.
“Before even speaking to Will for the first time I had the biggest crush on him and being around him quickly became my motivation to go to work. We both were in relationships but something kept drawing us towards each other and our conversations grew deeper and deeper. After cutting things off with our current significant others, we hung out outside of work for the first time and had the BEST time. We ended up staying up until the sun came up talking, camped out in his car.”
Taylor continues, “that was in December of 2019 and since then we have been inseparable. We have grown through integrating me into his kids lives, buying a new house/remodeling, new jobs, lost jobs, quarantine and much more and have only become stronger since. As a couple, we love being outside, exploring new places, making new memories and meeting new people. Will is truly my best friend, and we do everything together and talk to each other about the smallest and largest things in life. We can’t wait to start this next adventure!”
Planning Your Roan Mountain Elopement
Taylor and Will’s day proved that Roan Mountain is magic in any weather. If you’re dreaming of eloping up here, here’s everything I’d tell you over coffee.
Where to Say “I Do” on Roan Mountain
- Round Bald: the quickest payoff. It’s about three quarters of a mile from Carvers Gap with around 300 feet of climbing, so most guests can make it. Shannon’s family of eight did it in 24 degree weather!
- Jane Bald: a little farther and a little quieter, about 3 miles round trip, with big open views in every direction.
- Grassy Ridge Bald: for the truly adventurous. Plan on about 5 miles round trip and views for days.
- Roan High Bluff: a short forest trail to a rocky overlook. It starts in the Cloudland area, which charges a small access fee.
The Best Time of Year to Elope on Roan Mountain
- Mid to late June: the rhododendrons bloom and the balds turn pink. It’s stunning, and it’s also the busiest time, so think weekday.
- Fall: crisp air, golden light, and fewer hikers on the trail.
- Late fall and winter: gorgeous and COLD. Pack serious layers and a cozy jacket for between photos.
- Any time of year: a sunrise or weekday elopement gives you the best shot at having the mountain to yourselves.
Planning for Roan Mountain Weather
Roan makes its own weather. Fog can roll in fast, and it’s often a lot colder and windier on the balds than in the towns below. Taylor and Will could barely see 100 feet in front of them, and their photos are some of the most romantic I’ve ever taken. So pack layers, bring a blanket, and trust me on this one: fog is a gift.
Permits and Logistics
- Getting there: Carvers Gap sits right on the Tennessee and North Carolina line at 5,512 feet, with a paved parking area and restrooms.
- Permits: Roan is national forest land, where permits are typically required for groups larger than 75 people. Rules can change, so I always double check with the ranger district before your date.
- Leave no trace: the balds are fragile and home to rare wildflowers, so we stay on the trail and pack out everything we bring.
- Officiants: I’ve worked with some amazing adventurous officiants up here, and I’m always happy to share names.
Roan Mountain Elopement FAQ
Is Roan Mountain in the Smoky Mountains? Nope! Roan sits in the Roan Highlands on the Tennessee and North Carolina line, about two hours from Knoxville. If you want the Smokies, my Smoky Mountain elopement guide has you covered.
How long is the hike? As short as about 1.5 miles round trip to Round Bald, or up to about 5 miles if you head out to Grassy Ridge.
Can our family come? Absolutely. Round Bald is short enough for most guests, and small groups fit right in on the trail.
What if it’s foggy? Then we lean in. Some of my favorite photos ever happened in Roan Mountain fog.
Ready to plan your own Roan Mountain adventure elopement? Let’s chat!
