So you’ve decided to elope.

You’ve said “nope” to the traditional wedding day. It could be the high costs of throwing an extravagant reception, family issues, or just a longing for a more intimate ceremony. No matter the reason, you and your beloved are in love and ready to say “I Do”. But now what?

Most people think an elopement is a rushed, after work-before dinner ceremony but it can really be whatever you want. Now that your plate is a little less full with seating arrangements and catering options, you can focus on planning a small ceremony that will be a lovely and memorable milestone in your life. You can have as little, or as many people and go anywhere for an intimate setting. Why not pick somewhere beautiful and romantic, with several picturesque backdrops, local wineries to celebrate at, and serene lodging options to start your honeymoon off right. Helen is nestled in the southern range of the Appalachian Mountains in Northern Georgia and is the perfect destination to plan a romantic elopement.

1. Picturesque Mountain Town

This Bavarian-style town is filled with charm and beauty around every corner. The buildings are all designed to resemble a small alpine village. Wander around the town all dressed up for some beautiful and unique pictures and a truly “fairytale” wedding feeling.

2. Nature All Around

With State and National Parks surrounding the town, there are several spots if you are looking for an outdoor area to hold the ceremony. At many of the parks, there are decks and gazebos that are reservable (often for free) and make the perfect spot for an outdoorsy couple to hold a small intimate ceremony.

3. Vineyards

Hold a reception at a vineyard and celebrate with locally produced wine! Vineyards are beautiful and provide a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photos. Reserve a tasting room or cellar for the evening and escape from the heat if you’re planning to elope in the summer. Wineries offer the perfect elevated ambiance for a romantic night, and Sylvan Valley Lodge & Cellars has a winery conveniently on-site!

4. Events

Helen is always hosting events, from quirky festivals like the Bluegrass and BBQ festival to awe-inspiring events like the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. If you want a party but don’t want to plan it, tag along to one of these events and use the festival as your reception. Tie the knot on a hot air balloon, with an amazing sunrise background, ride into the sunset at the Southern Worthersee European car show, or say “Ale always love you!” at Helen’s Octoberfest. The possibilities are endless for creative and unique elopements.

5. Wedding & Honeymoon All in One

After a big traditional wedding comes the honeymoon, another big event you’ve got to plan out. Why not spend your wedding day and honeymoon nights in Helen? With beautiful secluded lodges right there, you don’t need to travel far to find a luxury room to retreat to.

The Sylvan Valley Lodge & Cellars is the ultimate elopement destination in Helen, with several ceremony spaces on the property, each with jaw-dropping backdrops, an on-site winery to celebrate post-ceremony, and a wide selection of mountain-view rooms and private cabins to book for your honeymoon. Innkeepers John and Ginevra Boyes love to host couples on their special day and are experts when it comes to making a ceremony special. They know the best photographers in the area and even have special elopement packages available. No matter how you say “I Do,” Helen is the romantic, intimate destination to make your day a memorable event.

Planning an elopement? Tie the knot in Helen, GA. Contact Sylvan Valley Lodge & Cellars to plan a romantic elopement unique to you and your beloved.