By when do I need to RSVP?

Please RSVP as soon as you can, but no later than August 23, 2025.

What should I expect from this wedding weekend?

We are so excited to celebrate our special day with you! As we prepare for this joyous occasion, we want to share something important. Our wedding is a reflection of our love and values, which include supporting and uplifting all of the LGBTQ+ community. As a gay couple, we are committed to creating an inclusive and loving environment for all. We have carefully chosen vendors who are either LGBTQ+ themselves or are openly supportive of the community.

If you are planning to vote for politicians whose policies and rhetoric harm this community, including the former President, we kindly ask you to reconsider your attendance. We believe that love should be celebrated without discrimination or harm, and we hope to surround ourselves with those who share these values. Just over 10 years ago, this ceremony would not have been possible and we have politicians looking to send us back to that time. We encourage you to check your voter registration status here.

What is the dress code?

We ask that all of our guests dress in cocktail attire for the wedding ceremony and reception. Please do not wear jeans, shorts, or other less formal attire. Please also avoid wearing a white dress (yes, even at a wedding between two men!) Please feel free to have fun with your outfit though - this is a celebration after all - and let us know if you have any questions. All other events do not have a specific dress code.

Will the wedding be inside or outside?

The ceremony and cocktail hour will be on the rooftop, outside, without direct cover from sun or rain. Please look at the weather before coming and make sure you’re prepared for the weather! Our reception will be held in the main event center and mezzanine level inside.

Do I need a car?

A lot of Asheville is walkable. Downtown is fairly condensed, and we’ve had no problem getting Ubers in Asheville. For the wedding day, we’ll have transportation provided between the hotels, the venue, and the afterparty location. There is also a charge to park a car at the hotel. I’d avoid renting a car if you don’t need it!

Do I have to attend the whole weekend?

We get it - there’s a ton of weddings and other trips to prioritize, and sometimes you can’t make the whole event. Please prioritize attending the wedding and reception. All other events are optional but will be a ton of fun. Please let us know in the RSVPs which event(s) you plan to attend!

Are children invited to the wedding?

We’ve decided to make our wedding a child-free event. This will help us create a relaxed atmosphere for our adult guests and focus on celebrating our special day. We appreciate your understanding and hope you can enjoy the evening to the fullest!

Am I allowed to bring a guest?

We’ve tried to account for all plus-ones in our invitations, but please let us know if we’ve missed your partner!

I got a Save the Date but I haven’t received an invitation - did I get uninvited?

No - of course not!! We mailed out our invitations on May 19th so if you don’t receive one within a couple of weeks please reach out to us at grooms@ericbenne.com! Everyone who received a Save the Date is being sent an invitation. We had a bunch of Save the Dates that didn’t make it to their destinations so I expect the same could happen with our invitations.

Am I allowed to take photos during the ceremony?

We have hired an excellent photographer and videographer duo to capture all of our important moments. We ask that all phones/cameras be put away for the entire duration of the ceremony, including the procession down the aisle. Please feel free to take photos during the cocktail hour and reception and other events throughout the weekend though!

Why Asheville?

We get this question a lot! We fell in love with Asheville when we first visited in June 2022, just a few months into dating. It was the first place we ever talked about as a potential wedding destination and we’re so glad we get to live out our dream destination. Our usual Sunday activity is going to a brewery in Brooklyn (or wherever we happen to be traveling that week), so a brewery wedding just made sense for us! Asheville is also a very LGBTQ+ destination and we’re hoping that the beautiful fall leaves will show through in-time for our wedding.