More fun.

Less noise.

Asheville Elopement & Wedding Photography by Andy Wickstrom

Choose a slower, simpler way to celebrate—one that gives you time to breathe, space to be present, and room for whatever makes the day yours.

Serving the mountains of North Carolina and beyond.

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Make it smaller than, not less than.

You probably already know that a traditional wedding isn’t the right fit for you. You care more about being present than going through the motions of a larger event and being the center of attention. Maybe you’re more introverted. Perhaps you just don’t have the time or resources to plan all that.

You’d prefer a day that actually feels like you and reflects your values, interests, and relationship. Oh, and it’s a hard pass on having a wedding day that fills you with stress, or adds unhelpful pressure or expectation to do things a certain way.

Plan like a local.

Not sure where to start with elopement locations? Let me be your guide and offer my favorite local spots, or look for new ones. I’ll present options that fit your interests, time, and budget.

Think: Rent a unique Airbnb outside of Asheville and share the day with a few friends and family. Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail and tie the knot on a summit. Snuggle up near a secluded waterfall in the Blue Ridge Mountains or camp out under the stars in the Smokies and get up for a sunrise ceremony.

The possibilities are endless.

Bride and groom watching sunset on a cliff top.
Bride and groom hiking through the forest in fall.

  • My expectations for Andy were high and he exceeded them all. He was responsive and always available to chat during the planning process and showed up on the day giving 110% of himself and expertise.

    L. Thompson

  • Andy will go above and beyond—including hanging off cliffs!—to get the right photo.

    Charise G.

  • His amazing energy and calming nature makes your big day that much easier.

    Kara K.

  • Andy listens to what you want and then brings his own creativity to the photos. We were blown away by the gallery!

    Ryan W.

  • Andy did such an incredible job!! We are totally, completely in love with how he captured our day!!

    J. Brooks

Hi, I’m Andy!

I’m an adventure photographer, a father of two, a life-long climber, and former RV-nomad. After spending five years living small on the road with my wife and our dog Pickle, we now live in beautiful Asheville, NC with our two girls.

I started MountainWed for couples who want to shed the wedding tradition and celebrate their love in the outdoors. When I work with you, I bring years of outdoor adventure photography experience along with me. I’m here to creatively document you and your partner in a way that feels fresh, vibrant and fun.

I’m local to Asheville, and shoot everything from mountain elopements to outdoor micro-weddings at small venues or cabins. If your plans have you celebrating out of state or someplace exotic, I also have extensive experience traveling (5 years living full-time on the road) and have location ideas for spots all around the country.

Whatever you have in mind, I would love to hear it!

Wedding couple hiking up hawksbill North Carolina

Why Choose MountainWed?

A Personalized Experience

On our initial call, I’ll get to know you, hear your ideas, answer your questions, and brainstorm with you about how we can craft the wedding day of your dreams. We’ll talk interests, preferences, desired hiking level, timeline, guest list and more. You can come to the meetup with your specific ideas or let it be an open space for info sharing and discussion. I’m here for it alI!

Relaxed and Friendly Vibes

I’m chill and I want you to be, too. I like to keep things light and relaxed, because when you’re relaxed and having fun—when you feel confident and present—the best photos happen. And, if you need a little direction on where to stand or what to do, I’m happy to help you with that too!

Local + National Experience

I’ve been capturing adventurous people in the outdoors for over a decade. I love the mountains surrounding Asheville (my home), but also enjoy traveling! I have explored all around the country and have tons of special spots in mind for your elopement — from Vermont to Washington, Utah, California and beyond. Let’s find a spot that’s perfect for you.

2022_KaitlynEvan_Chimneys-2890.JPG
A bride and groom walk together through a stone path between rocks at dusk with lanterns.
A smiling bride hikes in her dress through snow in the mountains of Colorado with her husband behind her.
A same sex couple runs through a field of wildflowers together.
A bride laughs as she wipes her face with her groom's tie.
A same sex climber couple kisses while holding their wedding rings with climbing tape on their fingers.
A bride and groom cozy up at dusk with lanterns.

It’s easy to work with MountainWed, here’s how:

  • Connect

    Fill out my short inquiry form and get the conversation started! There’s no pressure to book. I’ll reach out within 24-hours to set up a free 30-min intro call.

  • Book

    If you decide that I’m the right fit, you’ll lock in your date with a deposit and officially check “find photographer” off the to-do list.

  • Plan

    You’ll offer up ideas, questions, and needs; I’ll give you a menu of choices to fit and together we’ll craft the day of your dreams.

  • Get Married

    All the work is done, let’s have fun! I’ll lead us through the day and capture all the emotion, details, and beauty of your wedding adventure.

Contact me to get started

Recognized by TravelGuides - Asheville:

The Best Elopement Photographers in Asheville, North Carolina

Would a call help?

A discovery call with me is a short, no-pressure conversation to answer questions and help you get started.

Consider me your active, outdoorsy friend in Asheville with the inside scoop on the best spots to celebrate the best day ever.