Meet Emilie Gates,
Your Blue Ridge Wedding Officiant

Elopements are often spontaneous by nature, so if your date is same day or a few weeks out, just reach out anyway. Some folks plan a few months ahead of time, especially if they are booking a cabin and making it a honeymoon in the mountains. Let's try to stay away from Friday and Saturday plans since my main job is wedding photography and those events usually fall on those days of the week.

Yes. I'm ordained through the Universal Life Church and have been officiating weddings for about eight years. Your marriage will be just as legal as one performed in a cathedral, just with better views.

Absolutely. Your ceremony can be spiritual, secular, or anywhere in between. I've married couples of all faiths, no faith, and "we'll figure it out as we go." Every ceremony reflects who you are, not a script.

Yes, and it's one of my favorite ways to work. It means one less person on the trail, one less vendor to coordinate, and a smaller, more intimate day. I'll witness your vows to each other and maybe a hands-fasting or kiss and capture everything in my camera. I often talk to the couple and ask a few questions while shooting, but it's a very casual situation. I don't stand in front of the couple and ask them to repeat my words while shooting. You can also book me for just one or the other.

Often, yes. National forests, state parks, and other public lands can make incredible ceremony spots. Some locations require a special use permit, and many have rules about group size, commercial photography, and where ceremonies can happen. I'll help you understand what your chosen spot requires and point you in the right direction for permits. For most public lands, we are just another hiker, adventurer and keeper of the land. We arrive alongside a fellow through-hiker, sometimes bring "trail magic" to share and talk to folks about the adventure. Everyone has always been so supportive as far as giving privacy for the wedding or ceremony or shoot.

So many. Tell me what you're dreaming of, like an overlook, a waterfall, a trail you can drive to, or somewhere totally off the map. I'll suggest spots that fit your group, your fitness level, and the season. I also think through the practical stuff: parking, trail difficulty, crowds, sunrise and sunset angles, and a backup plan if the weather turns.

As strenuous as you want. I've officiated at roadside overlooks and after long climbs to the top of a mountain. If you can hike there, I can marry you there. We'll plan the timing so no one is rushing and we still have light when we need it.

Mountain weather has a mind of its own, so we always plan for it. We'll talk through a backup location or time window ahead of your day. Some of the best ceremonies I've done happened in fog, wind, or a little drizzle. If there's lightning or anything unsafe, we'll move or wait it out. Safety comes first.

Yes. I'm happy to share examples, prompts, and a simple structure to get you started, then give feedback if you'd like it. Whether your vows are three sentences or three pages, I'll help them sound like you.

You'll get your marriage license from the county before the wedding, and the courthouse will let you know exactly what to bring to obtain the license (driver's licenses, divorce decrees, cash, etc). After the ceremony we'll sign it together, whether that's on a trailhead rock or by headlamp on a tailgate. Then I'll make sure it's completed correctly and returned on time. Requirements vary by state, including witnesses and deadlines, so I'll walk you through the details for wherever you're getting married.

It depends on the state. Some require witnesses and some don't. If yours does and it's just the two of you, we'll figure it out together. Photographers, hikers passing by, and friends on FaceTime have all been part of the adventure before. (Double-check that last one for your state, some states require witnesses to be physically present.)

I'm based in Blue Ridge, GA and officiate locally to NC and GA. I'm happy to adventure. Travel fees depend on distance and are always shared up front. Local weddings have no travel fees.

Officiant services start at $150-$250, and elopement packages combining officiating and photography start at $2,100. Every day is a little different, so reach out and I'll put together options that fit your plans.

Send me a message with your date (or rough timeframe), your dream location, and a little about the two of you. We'll set up a free call to chat, and if it feels like a fit, I'll send over the details to lock in your date.