Alan & Walter’sAshevilleWedding
Itinerary
For three nights and four days, we’ll enjoy the best Asheville has to offer. You can expect delicious food, unique activities and excellent company. And while there will be a number of planned events, we’ll also ensure there’s time to do whatever you want. We want everyone to enjoy their trip, whatever that may look like.
*Optional
Excursions
With so much to see and do in Asheville, it can be hard to choose what to prioritize, so we’re organizing two excursions that highlight the best parts of the city—one on Saturday and one on Sunday. You’ll find information about each one below, along with its price. If you’re interested in either, or both, let us know and we’ll provide instructions on how to purchase tickets.
To clarify, both excursions are entirely optional. If there’s something else you want to do, go for it! And while these excursions cost money, we’re also planning a number of free activities, so there will be plenty of opportunities to hang out as a larger group.
LaZoom
LaZoom is not only regarded as the best tour company in Asheville, it’s also the most unusual. They lead tours of the city from the comfort of a windowless purple bus, and their guides are hilarious, a little insane and full of historical facts. We went on a LaZoom tour last summer, and it was one of the best parts of our trip.
The Details
- The plan is to go on LaZoom’s “Hey Asheville” tour Saturday at 3pm.
- Tours depart from The LaZoom Room, which is a short walk from the hotel.
- Tours are 90 minutes long and include a bathroom break.
- Unfortunately, the tour is only for ages 13 and up. For those of you with kids on hand, don’t worry—we’ll coordinate someone to watch them while you’re on the tour.
- The cost of the tour is $56 per adult.
Biltmore Estate
If you ask someone what the one must-see attraction in Asheville is, they’ll likely say the Biltmore Estate. The main draw is the Biltmore House, the largest home in the country, but there are lots of additional areas to explore, including a village, multiple gardens and the country’s most-visited winery.
The Details
- The plan is to drive to the Biltmore Estate Sunday at 10am, then go on a tour of the Biltmore House at 11:30am.
- The estate is about a six-minute drive from the hotel. For those of you without a car, we’ll coordinate transportation to and from the estate for you.
- While tours of the house are about 60 minutes long, the plan is to spend additional time exploring the grounds, gardens, and winery. We’ll probably head back to the hotel around 4pm.
- The Biltmore Estate is suitable for all ages and has areas geared specifically for kids, like a playground and farmyard.
- The cost of the tour is $113 per adult and includes access to all areas of the estate. Kids (16 and under) are free.
Travel
Whether you plan to fly in or take a road trip through the mountains, we promise it will be worth the journey. Here are some travel tips to help with your planning.
We recommend flying in to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is about a 30-minute drive to the hotel. Grabbing a rideshare from the airport is easy.
From Chicago
There are multiple direct flights from ORD and MDW. Travel time: about 2 hours.
From Los Angeles
There are multiple 1 and 2-stop flights (nothing direct) from LAX, BUR, SNA and ONT. Travel time: 7–12 hours, depending on the number of stops.
From Fort Wayne
There are multiple 1 and 2-stop flights (nothing direct) from FWA. Travel time: 4–10 hours, depending on the number of stops.
When to Book
Typically, you can find the best fares 2–3 months out, so we recommend buying your tickets in March or April.
The Hotel
We’re thrilled to be hosting you at one of the coolest hotels in downtown Asheville: Zelda Dearest. Inspired by the Asheville icon Zelda Fitzgerald, the hotel consists of three beautifully restored homes, each named after one of Zelda’s sisters. The entire property, including the hotel’s bar and outdoor spaces, will be ours for the weekend, giving us plenty of room to relax, celebrate and spend time together.
Address
150 South Lexington Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Reservations
Here’s the best part: your stay is on us! All you need to do is accept the RSVP, pack your bags and get ready to celebrate.
Check-In
The official check-in time on Friday is 4pm. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can either connect with us or head directly to the hotel office to check in. The front desk already has your information and room assignment, so you’ll simply need to give them your name.
Food & Beverages
The hotel will provide a complimentary breakfast every morning (baked goods, fruit, yogurt, coffee, juice, etc.). In addition, you’re welcome to bring back any food and beverages you find while exploring Asheville.
Room Selection
To ensure everyone has a room that fits their needs, we’ll be in charge of assigning rooms (don’t worry—you’re in good hands). If you require any sort of special arrangement, let us know ahead of time. In addition, once you’ve booked your travel, send us the details so we know when you plan to arrive and leave.
FAQ
What if I can’t be there for the whole weekend (Friday to Monday)?
When we decided to have our wedding in Asheville, we knew the guest list would have to be on the smaller side, and honestly, we’re excited about that fact. It means more time—and higher-quality time—with our favorite people. It also means everything was planned with you in mind. We’ve carefully crafted an entire weekend of surprises, from Friday afternoon through Monday morning, and we hope you can be there for it all. If staying the whole time truly isn’t an option, let us know as soon as possible, so we can plan accordingly.
Should I bring a gift?
No need; your presence is the only gift we require. We understand you’ll be spending time and money to join us, and that means a lot, so please don’t feel like you have to give anything more.
What should I wear?
First and foremost, we want you to be comfortable. No need for stuffy suits, ill-fitting gowns or crazy updos, as all of the meals and activities will be casual. If you want to dress up a bit, brunch on Saturday will be your time to shine. The weather in early June is typically a mix of warm days and cool nights, so you may want to pack a jacket along with some shorts. We’ll send you a more-detailed packing list closer to the weekend.
What is there to do in Asheville?
One of the reasons we chose Asheville is because there’s so much to see and do. Whether it's hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, touring the country's largest estate or losing a couple hours in a tiki-themed speakeasy, everyone will find something they enjoy. A list of our favorite spots is coming soon, but feel free to do a little research in the meantime.
If you have additional questions, or need help booking travel, you can email us at mail@acouplegents.com or send us a text.