A Guide to Asheville Wedding Venues: A Photographer's Perspective
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The Newest Wedding Venues in 2022
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I would love to share with you an insider’s view of all the new wedding venues that have opened since publishing this original post in 2018. There are so many new and amazing places to get married in Western North Carolina!
Scroll down for the original post with details on more that 50 classic wedding venues in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
The Original Guide to Asheville Wedding Venues
The main advice I would give to couples starting their wedding planning:
When looking at a venue, check out the larger picture of what they offer. Do they include some things you would otherwise have to rent or do they include a day-of coordinator? In the end you may find they are the best option.
Always find out if you venue has a rain plan – where will your ceremony be if it rains the afternoon of your wedding?
If you find a vendor you love, go for it. You can always continue to search and find things you love, but take my advice as someone recently wed, over-searching actually takes the fun out of the wedding and can drain your enthusiasm.
Read vendor reviews
Mountain Views and Scenic Overlooks:
The Ridge (http://www.theridgeasheville.com)
Perfect scenic overlook for your ceremony
Beautiful house with wrap-around porch to great you guests upon arrival
New reception building with equally amazing views
Luxury venue
The Cabin Ridge (http://www.thecabinridge.com)
Breathtaking overlook of the mountains
Outdoor pavilion for your reception
Rustic Cabins
Chestnut Ridge (http://www.chestnutridge.events)
at an elevation of about 3000 feet, the venue offer a scenic view and the feeling of also being right in the mountains
Indoor and outdoor options for the ceremony
New venue with large event barn, and suites for getting ready
Luxury venue
Bend of Ivy Lodge (http://bendofivylodge.com)
Tranquil mountain setting
Scenic overlook
Accommodations for guests
Pastoral setting for intimate weddings
Engadine Inn and Cabins (https://www.engadineinnandcabins.com/weddings-events)
Intimate B&B
Outdoor venue
Two Scenic Overlooks
Claxton Farm (http://claxtonfarm.com)
Pastoral landscape, rolling hills with a 360-degree view
Classic mountain views for the ceremony and reception, and event barn with porch
There is a reason this has been a classic venue for so long, it never disappoints
The Vineyards at Betty's Creek (http://www.thevineyardsatbettyscreek.com)
Luxury venue with an amazing landscape and unmatched, rustic buildings, it's hard to do justice to the venue with words
Cabin Heaven (https://www.thecabinheaven.com)
Mountain top vistas
Valleys, Mountain Views & Pastoral Landscapes:
Hidden River (http://www.hiddenriverevents.com)
Located in an open valley, surrounded by mountains
Tented Reception
Long respected venue in western North Carolina
Lavaonia Crest (http://lavoniacrest.business.site)
Located just beneath Roan Mountain, a valley setting with tranquil mountain views
New venue, hidden gem so you can currently rent the venue for a great price
Reception style: outdoor pavilion and rented tent
Outdoor fireplace and fire pit
Budget friendly
Sherill's Inn at Hickory Nut gap farm (https://www.hickorynutgapfarm.com/venue-locations/)
Tons of authentic charm and character
Historic, 1845 farmhouse setting
Views of hills and mountains
Boxwood garden pathways
Open field above the house for tented or open air reception
Lake Eden (http://lakeedenevents.com)
A classic venue in Asheville that offers so much
Mountain views, pastoral rolling hills, authentic red barn reception
The property has a large footprint with many wonderful features throughout the landscape
Ivy Creek Farm (http://www.ivycreekfamilyfarm.com/event-venue)
Farm themed, rustic venue in the countryside
down-to-earth, relaxed vibe
Yesterday Spaces (https://yesterdayspaces.com)
Farm style setting with so many great features
Two residential homes to stay in on the property
Dairy barn, a great backup plan for you ceremony if it rains and if frequently used for the rehearsal dinner
Open field with mountains in the distance, used for ceremonies
Reception barn
An amazing tree lined walk-way to your ceremony. Historically this long tree-lined path was a portion of the carriage path through the community in the 1800's...it's a fantastic feature!
Outside bonfire during cooler weather
Lady Luck Flower Farm (https://ladyluckflowerfarm.com)
Flower farm and wedding venue
Valley setting with mountain views
Outdoor event pavilion
The Willow House (https://willowhouseweddings.com)
Maggie Valley Area
Waterfalls and mountain views
Brahma Ridge (https://brahmaridgeeventcenter.com)
Blue Ridge Parkway for elopements with scenic overlooks:
Craggy Garden (https://ashevilletrails.com/blue-ridge-parkway/craggy-gardens-trail/)
Well loved option with AMAZING views
Appealing because the hike is fairly gentle and it doesn't take long to get to amazing views (1.5 miles roundtrip hike)
Rock outcroppings allow for spectacular photos
Black Balsam Knob (https://ashevilletrails.com/blue-ridge-parkway/black-balsam-knob-art-loeb-trail-hiking/)
At 6000 feet, follow a pastoral trail over mountaintops with truly expansive views
Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll feel like your in another world, an unforgettable feeling for a ceremony
Evergreen forrest is part of the hike, with amazing pools of light breaking through for truly special photographs
Rough Ridge (https://ashevilletrails.com/blue-ridge-parkway/rough-ridge-hike/)
Summit with rock outcroppings and wooden boardwalk
two-mile roundtrip hike
Hawksville Mountain (https://ashevilletrails.com/linville-gorge/hawksbill-mountain-trail/)
1.5 miles roundtrip hike
The views are truly breathtaking when you reach the top
Max’s Patch (https://ashevilletrails.com/appalachian-trail-north-carolina/max-patch/)
Urban Spaces in Downtown Asheville:
Asheville Art Museum (http://www.ashevilleart.org/about/rental/)
Heart of downtown Asheville
The Venue (http://www.ashevillevenue.com)
Large stylish venue
Vintage details through 13,000+ square feet of sectioned rooms
The Rhu (http://rhubarbasheville.com/private-events)
New, private event space above The Rhu Bakery in downtown
Better suited for smaller weddings, less that 100 people
Industrial chic interior, beautiful textures throughout the space
On Broadway (https://celineandcompany.com)
Classic Asheville venue
Large room with hardwood floor
Venue also provides the catering
Asheville Social Hall (https://www.ashevillesocialhall.com)
New Venue
Great location with many large window on two walls
A large room that is a blank canvas for your wedding
Interior is warm and inviting
The Orange Peel (http://theorangepeel.net/venue-rental/)
Large, downtown music venue can be rented for private events
The Century Room (https://packstavern.com/downtown-asheville-wedding-venue/)
Located above Pack's Tavern
They provide the catering for their events
Warm interior details featuring exposed brick and wood bar
Lexington Glassworks (https://www.lexingtonglassworks.com)
Glassworks gallery in downtown can be rented as an event space
cool, industrial stripped down interior
Homewood (https://www.mybelovedhomewood.com/weddings)
Homewood isn't actually in downtown Asheville. It's in Montford, a community adjacent to downtown
It was hard to fit Homewood into any other category, but it's a one of a kind venue and no list would be complete without it.
Historic stone manor with Harwood floors and a warm interior, the building is reminiscent of a castle
Outdoor location for your ceremony, with receptions inside
A classic venue I've loved since I moved here in 2004
East West Venue (https://www.eastwestvintagerentals.com/our-venue)
East West Venue is a large open room, a blank canvas, that's made very interesting through the East West Vintage Rental company which adds lots of eclectic personality and vintage details to the space
Affordable option suited for smaller wedding of about 50 guests, great for a fun indie wedding
Also have to admit this isn't in downtown, but it's very close in west Asheville and I wanted to get it on this list somewhere!
Also worth noting, Nikki who runs the event space and vintage rental company also does floral design–so you could work with her to fulfill so many of your event needs.
Private Home Rental for Private Events:
I love the trend of renting private homes and having more time to put your wedding together and spend more time with friends and loved ones than you might get at a traditional venue where receptions usually end around 10:00 or 11:00. Here are a few places that have really stood out to me in recent years:
French Broad River Lodge (https://www.vrbo.com/3872295ha?adultsCount=2&arrival=2020-10-09&departure=2020-10-10)
Hart House : https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/40956163?source_impression_id=p3_1601910616_jiVFns83ldNpFPU7
Beautiful private home with a great yard for your ceremony and reception
Some views of the mountains from the front yard
Easy location to get to in the Fairview area
Laughing Waters Retreat (https://hickorynutforest.com/laughing-waters-retreat-center/)
Beautiful, wooded landscape that includes a creek and orchard
Large home and an area with an open, flat lawn that could easily accommodate a ten
Curving drive through a gorge about 30 minutes from Asheville
Pine Hollow (https://www.vrbo.com/298951)
Lovely home, ceremony and reception are usually held in the yard adjacent to the house
Also features a pond which is a nice background for photos
River's Ridge Lodge (https://www.rrlodge.com)
Hawks Landing (https://www.vrbo.com/967461)
Beautiful estate setting with lots of green space and shade (a must have for spring and summer weddings)
Mountain Joy Cabins (http://mountainjoycottages.com)
Scenic Mountain Retreat (https://www.vrbo.com/552737)
A curving drive into the mountains, but fairly close to Asheville
A cool home with lots of windows and a large deck
From the large deck you have a great view of the mountains and Asheville in the distance
The main feature of the property for a private event is the deck
The house would be great for a relaxed reception with guests mingling back and forth between the large deck and inside the house.
It's on a mountainside, so there's no yard or lawn for event activities
Also has a fantastic pool on the deck
6. Big Butte Retreat (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/22032328?location=Asheville&adults=16&checkin&checkout&children=0)
90 acres
Mountain views
Pond for swimming
Multiple cabins (14 bedrooms)
7. Laurel Falls (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18248629)
8. Carolina Jewel Farmhouse (https://thecarolinajewel.com/property/carolina-jewel-farmhouse/#?a=2018-07-20&d=2018-07-22&g=2&ad=2&max=2500&path=%2Fproperty%2F)
Summer Camp Weddings:
Summer camps weddings are perfect for people who want to have a fun and communal experience at their wedding and there are several places in Western North Carolina that provide that experience
Deerfields (http://www.deerfields.com/weddings/)
Camp Pinnacle (https://www.camppinnacle.com/events-facility-rental/weddings-at-camp/)
Camp Kanuga (https://www.kanuga.org/plan-your-event/weddings/)
When you research Camp Kanuga, please note everything the include in their wedding packages. It's an amazing deal when you compare the cost of their catering to cost of catering in the general WNC area.
They're affiliated with the Episcopal church, but they host every variety of wedding and or faith
Kaunuga has a beautiful wooded campus with amazing evergreens
The property has a large footprint with many locations options for your event
Guest can rent rustic cabins or stay in their newly renovated hotel
Camp Highlander (https://www.camphighlander.com/weddings-events-retreats)
Camp Wayfarer (https://www.campwayfarer.com/about-camp/weddings-and-retreats/)
Affordable Asheville Wedding Venues:
Some of these venues appear in other places on this list, I've added them here because they could potentially be more affordable options. When researching venues, you want to consider the cost of rentals you'll need that aren't provided by the venue. When you look at the cost of the venue in the bigger picture of your entire wedding, a place like Camp Kanuga is an amazing deal because of everything they include, plus their onsite catering is a remarkable deal in comparison to other options. Another option not on the list would be to have your ceremony at a stunning location on the blue ridge parkway (like Max's Patch) and then have a larger party at a home in the afternoon. You might also consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday, as rates could be lower for those non-peak days.
Timber Hall Events (https://www.timberhallevents.com)
Rustic outdoor mountain setting with an event barn
Warren Wilson College (https://www.warren-wilson.edu)
Hidden treasure featuring a garden, pavilion, some mountain views, and they also have a church if you want to choose that for your ceremony
There are lawns where you can rent and add a tent if you need one
UNCA Botanical Gardens (http://ashevillebotanicalgardens.org/wordpress_3/facility-rental/renting-our-facilities/)
Best suited for small, daytime weddings
Amazing price
YMI Cultural Center, Ray Auditorium (http://www.ymiculturalcenter.org/facilities/)
Historic building in downtown Asheville
Beautiful large room
This venue works a blank canvas for you to create your wedding
Peaceful Hollow (https://www.peacefulhollow.com)
Private home setting with a beautiful landscape
Event's at Franny's Farm (http://frannysfarm.com)
Farm themed, rustic venue in the countryside
Down-to-earth, relaxed vibe
Laid-back atmosphere
Cloud Nine Farm (http://www.cloud9relaxation.com/weddings)
Farm themed, rustic venue in the countryside
Down-to-earth, relaxed vibe
Laid-back atmosphere
Chimney Rock state Park (https://www.chimneyrockpark.com/schools-and-groups/weddings-2/)
Affordable, sate park option
Venue has many years of experience doing weddings
Camp Kanuga (https://www.kanuga.org/plan-your-event/weddings/)
When you look at everything they offer, including catering pricing, plus it a beautiful landscape you'll start to see what a great option this is
I HIGHLY recommend you research Camp Kanuga while looking for your venue
Endless opportunities for amazing photographs on your wedding day
The Masonic Temple in downtown Asheville (http://ashevillemasonictemple.com)
Historic building in downtown Asheville, the space is a blank canvas for you to style your wedding
Shay Brown Events, established and respected event planners/designers in Asheville, manage this venue
Asheville Social Hall (https://www.ashevillesocialhall.com)
Downtown venue, open room with great views
I'm imagining rates will go up as this becomes a more established place, now it's quite an amazing deal!
Laughing Waters Retreat (https://hickorynutforest.com/laughing-waters-retreat-center/)
Private home in a beautiful wooded setting
Trickle Creek Farm (https://www.tricklecreekfarmnc.com)
Farm themed, rustic venue in the countryside
Down-to-earth, relaxed vibe
Weaver House (http://weaverhousenc.com)
New venue which I'm guessing will open in 2018
Great location in downtown Weaverville, at the same time it is a private, garden setting with a beautiful new timber pavilion
I can't say how excited I'm am to see this venue and I highly recommend you check it out
I photographed this venue years ago and it's perfect from a photography perspective
East West Venue (https://www.eastwestvintagerentals.com/our-venue)
Very affordable venue for 50 or less guests
Snaggy Mountain (http://www.snaggymountain.com)
Countryside venue with mountain views
Suited for a down-to-earth, fun weddings
Laid-back atmosphere
Waterside Venues:
Olivette (http://www.olivettenc.com/events)
Located along the side on a river, you feel like you're in a new world, though your just 15 minutes from Asheville
Truly amazing river setting with a gorgeous sunset in the evening
Outdoor ceremony location with a pavilion for the reception
Highland Lake Inn (http://hlinn.com/weddings)
Classic Asheville venue located on a lake
Lodging for you and your guests
Beautiful outdoor landscape with several options for the ceremony
Lodge, style building for the reception
The venue provides the catering
The Lodge on Lake Lure (http://www.lodgeonlakelure.com)
Lake Lure Inn and Spa (https://www.lakelure.com/events/weddings/)
Lake Eden Events (http://lakeedenevents.com/weddings/)
Vineyard Venues Near Asheville:
Addison Farm Vineyards (http://www.addisonfarms.net/weddings/)
Beautiful rolling hillsides
The Vineyards at Betty's Creek (http://www.thevineyardsatbettyscreek.com)
Luxury venue with an amazing landscape and unmatched, rustic buildings, it's hard to do justice to the venue with words
Point Lookout Vineyards (http://pointlookoutvineyards.com/#book-event)
New venue opening soon
Burntshirt Vineyard (https://www.burntshirtvineyards.com)
Glamping Venues:
Brahma Ridge (http://brahmaridgeeventcenter.com)
Beautiful valley and mountain landscape
Onsite, permanent tent for recption
Glamping and cabin options
Paint Rock Farm (http://www.paintrockfarm.com)
Located in the Pisgah National Forest along the French Broad River
Offers a variety of rustic camping and glamping options
Large, vintage barn restore with character for your reception
Pastoral landscape with large fields
JuneBug Retro Resort (https://www.junebugretroresort.com/index.php/wedding-event-center-asheville-nc)
Flat open field surrounded by mountian
Retro, vintage campers from the 1950's
Asheville Glamping (https://www.ashevilleglamping.com)
A glamping venue that accommodates elopements and micro weddings
Garden Setting:
North Carolina Arboretum (http://www.ncarboretum.org/weddings-rentals/)
Amazing garden setting for small or large weddings
Bullington Gardens (https://bullingtongardens.org)
An intimate botanical garden suited for smaller weddings, 60 or less guests
Weaver House (http://weaverhousenc.com)
In the heart of downtown Weaverville
An intimate garden setting with a beautiful timber pavilion
A new venue I highly recommend looking at
Warren Wilson College (https://www.warren-wilson.edu)
Best way to contact Liz Brace through email: lbrace@warren-wilson.edu
A hidden gem to say the least!
Formal garden in the center of campus, beautiful
Some views of the mountains
Outdoor pavilion
Chapel on campus for a ceremony option
You can rent and use a tent on some of the open lawn spaces if you need to
Limited dates that often book quickly
Budget friendly
Mountain Magnolia Inn (http://www.mountainmagnoliainn.com/wedding.html)
A great venue in Hot Springs that was hard for me to categorize
It's a charming B&B with gourmet dinning
They doing the catering for events
AMAZING old tree for your ceremony site
manicured gardens incorporated into the front lawn
Mountain view from the front lawn
Wooded pathway at the entrance to the venue with a charming stone wall
Unique, vintage red bride is a great background for photos
Receptions are tented on the side lawn
Brewery Weddings in Asheville:
Highland Brewing (https://highlandbrewing.com/ashevilleeventcenter)
Most establish and experienced brewery to accommodate weddings in Asheville
Catawba Brewing Company (http://catawbabrewing.com/contact/book-event)
Offers a rustic but refined room at the back of the brewery
Accommodates 75 to 120 people, depending on the style of event
I've always thought it would be great to have your ceremony at UNCA botanical gardens followed with a reception in this space, so much fun!
Archetype Brewery (https://www.archetypebrewing.com)
Hip, industrial vibe in west Asheville
A great location for a reception and would pair well with a local food truck to do your catering
Green Man Brewery (http://www.greenmanbrewery.com/contact/events/)
Several rental options at their large downtown Asheville location on the south slope
High-Wire Brewery (https://hiwirebrewing.com/rent-our-space/)
Industrial and rustic space
Habitat Brewing (http://www.habitatbrewing.com)
Downtown Asheville
Catawba Brewery (https://catawbabrewing.com/contact/book-event)
Country Club Venues:
Biltmore Forest Country Club (http://www.biltmoreforestcc.com)
Country Club of Asheville (https://www.ccofasheville.com)
Hendersonville Country Club (http://www.hendersonvillecc.com)
Laurel Ride Country Club (https://www.laurelridgeexperience.com/destination-weddings-events/)
Luxury Venues:
Biltmore Estate (http://www.biltmore.com)
A venue that is unparalleled in Western North Carolina
It's a historic estate, it has a beautiful garden with pastoral rolling hillsides and views of the mountain, really providing everything you could imagine wanting for every style of wedding
Grove Park Inn (https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/weddings)
Luxury, historic hotel overlooking downtown Asheville and the blue ridge mountains
The Farm in Candler (https://thefarmevents.com)
Convenient location not farm from Asheville and easy to drive to
Rolling hillside lead up to private cabins and event barn
Ceremonies held at an intimate gazebo in the lawn adjacent to the event barn
The Vineyard at Betty's Creek (http://www.thevineyardsatbettyscreek.com)
Also in the vineyard category, I had to include it here
Amazing landscape and views, but what I love about it as a photographer is it takes the rustic aesthetic and makes it so refined and visually rich
Accomodations for the wedding party
The Ridge (http://www.theridgeasheville.com)
Perfect scenic overlook for your ceremony
Beautiful house with wrap-around porch to great you guests upon arrival
New reception building with equally amazing views
Luxury venue
Lodge Venues Near Asheville
The Lodge at Bear River (http://www.thelodgeatbearriver.com)
Classic lodge structure
Bend of Ivy Lodge (http://bendofivylodge.com)
Very connected to the natural landscape
Hawks Landing (https://www.vrbo.com/967461)
Also a private home rental
The Lodge on Lake Lure (http://www.lodgeonlakelure.com)
Ranch Venues
Taylor Ranch (https://www.taylorranch.com)
Cataloochee Ranch (http://www.cataloocheeranch.com)
B&B or Inn Venues
The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road (http://www.theyellowhouse.com/bed-breakfast-rates.htm)
The Bunn House (https://bunnhouse.com/events/)
The Inn at Glenn Alpine (http://www.innatglenalpine.com/dream-wedding.php)
Engadine Inn and Cabins (https://www.engadineinnandcabins.com)
Mountain Magnolia Inn (http://www.mountainmagnoliainn.com)
Albemarle Inn (https://www.albemarleinn.com/weddings-events#overview)
The Orchard Inn (https://orchardinn.com/north-carolina-mountain-wedding-venue/)
Historic Echo Mountain Inn (http://www.echomountaininn.com/wedding-receptions-special-events/)