Eloping in North Carolina? Here’s Why You Will Love an Airbnb Photo Session

Featuring Carri & Taylor’s Intimate Red Stone Mansion Experience in Burnsville, NC

Planning an elopement can feel like a breath of fresh air compared to the overwhelming to-do list of a traditional wedding. But even the most intimate, carefree celebrations deserve intentionality and space to truly enjoy the moment. That’s why we are now offering Airbnb Sessions as an optional add-on for our North Carolina elopement packages — and I’m so excited to show you what that can look like.

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Carri and Taylor, a fun, romantic couple who flew in all the way from Texas to elope in the cool, misty mountains of North Carolina. They chose to stay at the Redstone Mansion in Burnsville, NC, a uniquely stylish and eclectic home tucked away in the mountains. It turned out to be the perfect setting for an intimate session the night before their mountaintop elopement in Linville — and I can’t recommend this add-on enough.

Let’s talk about why adding an Airbnb session might be exactly what your elopement needs — and how it helped Carri and Taylor create memories that went far beyond their vows. Make sure to read to the end for a list of Airbnbs that are picture-perfect for a lifestyle session like the one you see here.

What Is an Airbnb Elopement Photo Session?

An Airbnb session is a relaxed, lifestyle-style photo session that takes place wherever you’re staying before your elopement day. You can also have us there on the day of your elopement to capture your morning adventures and the getting ready process before an evening elopement. It’s perfect for capturing the cozy, candid in-between moments — sipping wine, dancing in the kitchen, enjoying s’mores at the fire pit — that make your elopement weekend uniquely yours.

This session is about comfort, connection, and authenticity. It gives us a chance to document the sweet anticipation leading up to your vows — and gives you space to breathe, unwind, and soak up the experience.

Carri & Taylor’s Story: A Playful Evening at the Redstone Mansion in Burnsville, NC

Carri and Taylor knew they wanted something different — something relaxed, personal, and joy-filled. They’re busy professionals and parents, and like so many of the couples I work with, they wanted an experience that felt effortless but meaningful.

They booked the Redstone Mansion Airbnb in Burnsville, NC for a few days of quiet before and after their elopement. This gorgeous property combines eclectic charm with modern finishes — think vibrant art, interesting textures, and huge floor to ceiling windows with plenty of natural light. It made an amazing setting for a casual pre-wedding photo session that felt more like a date night than a photoshoot. You can actually have your wedding ceremony at the Redstone Mansion, and it would make a great place to elope. The natural light and large indoor open space offers a wonderful indoor backup location in case of bad weather. The big mountain view outside, large grassy lawn and generous parking area are uncommon at mountain Airbnbs. Carri and Taylor chose this airbnb to have a solid rainy day backup location for their elopement in case the weather prevented a mountaintop ceremony. Having a good plan B is so important for outdoor elopements.

When I arrived, the sun was beginning to dip low in the sky, casting that perfect golden light across the valley. Inside, Carri and Taylor were relaxed and laughing, sipping cocktails and enjoying the quiet before the big day. Taylor sat at the piano, playing a few favorite songs for Carri. It was romantic but also casual and real — a beautiful mix of sweet and playful. The Redstone Mansion felt remote and surrounded by nature. The drive up is rocky and winds through farm country and across a creek. The area was hit hard by Hurricane Helene, so it’s a good idea to do the drive during daylight hours to avoid closed roads.

We wandered around the property, taking photos on the staircase, in the living room, even on the couch and bed while they snuggled. They were completely at ease, and I got a sense of who they are as a couple — fun, deeply connected, and full of joy. They found each other after divorce, and their story inspired me and was so similar to my own. I am such a sucker for stories about finding true love after hardship!

I am so excited for Carri and Taylor and the beautiful life they are creating together for their family. It is always a hard choice trying to decide whether to include your children in your elopement or not. There are a lot of factors to consider like the kids’ ages, travel, and the overall vibe you want for your elopement. Carri & Taylor are having a celebration later on that includes their young children, but they wanted to focus on their vows to each other and beginning their marriage and this brand new chapter with intention. I can totally relate to this because it is what I did when I married my husband. We are such family people and our kids are our whole life, but we knew that worrying about the kids’ needs and making sure they were happy would distract us from the intimate, sacred and intentional ceremony we wanted. There are many ways to include your children in your wedding, even without having them physically present on the actual day you get married. Carri wore a sweet bracelet with her kids’ names on it for the day of their elopement, and they will be at the wedding reception they have planned at home in Texas.

If you aren’t sure how or if you want to bring your kids along for your elopement, I’m happy to have a conversation about it. I have over 17 years experience as a professional wedding photographer and can help you through the pros and cons based on your particular family situation and your vision for your elopement. The planning and dreaming process is a huge part of the fun for me! I absolutely love holding my clients hand through the planning stage to help them figure out exactly what they want. We arrange the details to make it a reality without much effort on your part. An elopement should feel easy, fun and free! I think a lot of people are surprised just how much planning actually needs to be done for an elopement, and our goal at Golden Hour Elopements is to help take a lot of it off of your plate so that you can focus on what brings you JOY.

A Chance to Connect Before the Big Day

One of the biggest benefits of adding on an Airbnb session is that it gives us a chance to get to know your photographer in a low-pressure setting before your elopement. By the time we made it to the mountaintop the next morning for their Linville sunrise ceremony, Carri and Taylor were already comfortable with me and the camera. That trust made a huge difference — and it shows in the photos.

As a photographer, it’s important for me to understand your energy as a couple. Are you goofy? Romantic? A little shy at first? This session helps us build that foundation so your wedding day photos feel natural and joyful — not stiff or overly posed.

Sunrise Vibes and Early Morning Glam

Carri and Taylor planned a sunrise elopement (yes, they were total troopers!), so things started early. And I mean early. Carri’s professional hair and makeup artist arrived at 1:00am to help her get ready at the Airbnb. Having a calm, beautiful space where she could sip coffee, chat with Taylor, and enjoy the getting-ready process made the early wake-up call feel a little less intense.

Booking a nice Airbnb gives you space to prepare in comfort and peace, without rushing or cramming into a tiny hotel room. The morning of your elopement should feel exciting, not stressful.

Who Is This Add-On Perfect For?

This Airbnb session is ideal for couples who:

• Are traveling in from out of state and want to make the most of their trip
• Want more photos in relaxed, personal settings (with a wider variety of outfits or vibes)
• Are camera-shy and want to feel more comfortable before their ceremony
• Value storytelling and want their full elopement experience captured, not just the vows
• Enjoy cozy, romantic moments — wine on the porch, cooking together, dancing barefoot in the kitchen

If you’re someone who loves the idea of a low-key, luxe elopement where every moment feels intentional, this session might be your new favorite thing.

More Than Just Pretty Photos

Yes, the photos are beautiful — warm, romantic, playful — but this session is about more than that. It’s about giving you a moment to pause, connect, and truly enjoy your experience together.

When Carri and Taylor look back at their photos, they won’t just remember how beautiful the mountains were at sunrise. They’ll remember how it felt to laugh over drinks the night before, how Taylor’s fingers danced across the piano keys, how Carri’s eyes lit up when he played her favorite song. These are the kinds of memories that last.

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Practical Details: How It Works

Adding an Airbnb session to your elopement package is simple:

1. Choose your Airbnb wisely.
Look for properties that have great natural light, interesting design elements, beautiful views and cozy corners. The Redstone Mansion was a dream — eclectic art, a piano, a stunning staircase, space to relax and amazing mountain views. It’s a good idea to check to see how close it is to your elopement location and make sure the drive is not too far. I am happy to offer Airbnb suggestions!

2. Schedule it the day before or after your elopement.
We typically do elopements at sunrise or sunset, so the evening before, the day of your elopement or the day after is a great time for your Airbnb session. If you’re doing a sunrise elopement the next day like this couple, it’s a perfect way to relax the day before your wedding.

3. Keep it casual.
There’s no need to dress up unless you want to. Most couples wear something comfortable and romantic — cozy sweaters, soft dresses, maybe even robes or loungewear if we’re capturing getting-ready moments. Be yourselves.

4. Let me take care of the rest.
As always, I’ll guide you with gentle direction so nothing feels forced. My goal is to create a safe, relaxed space where you can just be together — and I’ll capture it all.

Make It Yours

Want to bring your dog along? Pack a picnic and toast on the back deck? Play music or cook dinner together? Let’s make it happen. This session is completely customizable based on what feels meaningful to you. Good news: The Redstone mansion allows dogs!

For Carri and Taylor, that meant piano playing, drinks, cuddling up on the couch and enjoying the amazing mountain sunset view. For you, it might look like dancing barefoot in the kitchen, writing your vows together, or reading a book by the fire. There are no rules — only possibilities.

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Final Thoughts: Slow Down and Savor It

In a world that moves fast, this session is your chance to slow down and truly savor your elopement experience. It’s a way to stretch out the joy — to make your celebration more than a single moment, and instead a whole weekend of connection, fun, and intimacy.

For Carri and Taylor, it was the perfect beginning to a beautiful new chapter. And for you? It might just be the missing piece that makes your elopement unforgettable.

Interested in adding an Airbnb session to your NC elopement?

Let’s talk about what matters most to you and design a relaxed, joy-filled experience that feels easy, meaningful, and totally you.

Contact me here to get started — I can’t wait to help you plan something beautiful.

Incredible Airbnbs for your NC Mountain Elopement

Here is a list of Airbnbs that would be the perfect spot for a relaxed lifestyle session:

The Heavens in Hot Springs has the prettiest view and big meadow with a cute cabin. There is no need to go anywhere else for your elopement as this has a perfect ceremony spot.

Mirror Hotel in Marshall is so unique and amazing. I’m dying to photograph a couple here!!!!

Yadkin Valley Wine Country A Frame Get married at Stone Mountain State Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway or a NC Vineyard and stay here.

Home in Glade Valley with amazing mountain view. Old Beau Resort and Golf Club has a beautiful easily accessible ceremony spot with a mountain view or a 1 mile hike to a private spot with a fantastic view for a hiking elopement

Skyline Serenity in Traphill for fantastic views from the deck and a modern but rustic style and close to the vineyards and great views on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Stone Mountain.

Waterfall House in Rosman- you have access to the cutest private waterfall.

Tiny Home in Penrose near Brevard and Pisgah National Forest with a short drive to waterfalls, Black Balsam Knob and incredible mountain views on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City- you can rent the whole place out for all of your guests.

Asheville Tree House is as fun as it sounds

Junebug Retro Resort in Asheville- stay in a cute camper and enjoy the river, alpaca and treehouse. This is a great elopement venue that can house your guests as well.

Brown Mountain Beach Resort in Lenoir has adorable yurts, cabins and an amazing little beach on the river for your ceremony

Cabin in Banner Elk has the cutest interior and treetop mountain views and is close one of the most beautiful parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Waterfall House in Franklin, near Highlands and Cashiers that can sleep 20, and you can slide down the waterfall! SOMEONE PLEASE BOOK THIS AND HIRE US TO DOCUMENT IT!