Have the Perfect Destination Wedding in North Carolina

Thinking about a destination wedding? Can’t afford Hawaii, the Caribbean or even Big Sur?

Make sure you check out the mountainous regions of Western North Carolina before giving up on your dreams. 

Asheville and its surrounding towns and mountains have a lot to offer, whether you’re looking for something small or large enough to hold several hundred guests.

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Don’t forget to check out the many small towns situated around the city. Weaverville morphs north of town and offers high-end dining like the Glass Onion for rehearsal dinners; the scrumptious Well-Bred Bakery & Café for your wedding cakes; and the Shop Around the Corner, a gift shop which rents out its antique artifacts for local weddings.

The mountains are calling, so give North Carolina a chance when planning your destination wedding. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the multitude of creative options available, and your wallet will thank you.

A Bed of Roses, Bed & Breakfast

If an intimate gathering is what you prefer, a B&B is perfect.

A Bed of Roses, in the Montford historic district of downtown Asheville, offers a gorgeous, restored 1897 Queen Anne Victorian inn graciously hosted by Emily and Bill McIntosh. Their passion for antiques, gardening, cooking and historic preservation makes them the perfect team to run this lovely guesthouse. The neighborhood is lined with established, stately old homes and landscaping.

This five-room Historic Asheville bed and breakfast is the perfect site for a small wedding ceremony, either on the front porch or inside in front of the fireplace. Picture the wedding party descending the elegant stairway leading into the living area where you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Delectable breakfasts and afternoon teas add to the Victorian ambiance of this property.

Located just minutes from downtown Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, you won’t run out of things to do in this location. Asheville is full of restaurants, bars and breweries to satisfy any appetite.

A Bed of Roses has also partnered with GayAshevilleNC.com to provide a safe, welcoming wedding venue.

READ MORE: Pro Tips for a Destination Wedding 

Addison Farms Vineyard

If your wedding party is a bit more sizeable, how about repeating your vows in a vineyard? Located in the beautiful Sandy Mush farming community, just outside Asheville, this family owned and operated vineyard, winery and tasting room can handle up to 100 guests.

Imagine your wedding party among rows of grapevines with the Blue Ridge Mountains providing a backdrop!

Addison Farmer’s family has owned and operated the vineyard for four generations since 1937 and strives to provide a friendly venue, with not only the outdoor space but also an indoor venue overlooking the valleys and mountains for an incredible view. They offer an incredible selection of wine, and you will have a choice of several local flower farms where the bride can create a personalized floral décor.

Memory Mountain at Wolf Laurel

With barn weddings trending these days, Memory Mountain provides the perfect venue for a rustic, mountain setting.

Located on several acres, you can choose from a small chapel, lakefront gazebo, pavilion or dock for the ceremony. The huge barn can accommodate 300 guests for a boot-kicking reception complete with antiques, dishes and mason jar glasses, along with hand-made tables and benches from owner Steve Powell and his family.

The chapel was the first of the structures built on the property by Steve in honor of his son, Shane, who tragically passed away several years ago. Through a series of serendipitous events, the property started being used as a wedding venue and now includes five large mountain cabins, which serve as lodging for the wedding party.

When adding new structures to the property, the Powells always strive to repurpose materials and lumber found on the mountain. Every aspect of this venue has a history which emanates throughout this off-the-beaten-path site.

Located just 20 minutes north of Asheville, Memory Mountain is still close enough to the city to provide hotels for overflow guests in the towns of Mars Hill and Weaverville. Steve, and his wife, Joy, will treat you like family and create a special event you’ll never forget.

READ MORE: Travel Agent's Guide to the Perfect Honeymoon 

Omni Grove Park Inn

If you’re interested in a more sophisticated venue in the middle of Asheville, look no further than the Omni Grove Park Inn, which exudes Southern charm while surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Equipped with a world-class subterranean spa as well as a 50,000 square foot sports complex and 18-hole golf course, the Omni GPI will fulfill your every need. Built in 1913, this historic lodge can handle an intimate gathering of family and friends or a larger wedding party with its many venues.

As a twist on champagne towers, you might choose a “Champagne Dress,” worn by servers which double as portable bubbly bars. Or how about a Beer Wall, where your guests can pour their own brews from four taps featuring local craft beer?

Omni Park Inn also offers a Whisky and Cigar Cart along with photo opps alongside the Inn’s 1917 Type 55 Convertible Cadillac.

With 513 rooms tucked in the mountains overlooking the Asheville, your guests will enjoy knockout views and superb amenities. Several wedding packages are available, covering many budget levels. Granted, this venue is a bit pricier than the aforementioned but the location is second to none and the service is excellent.