Venues

Thinking About A Venue?

When it comes to choosing and booking the best site for the ceremony and reception, every couple has their own unique set of wants, wishes, and must-haves.
Maybe you already have your heart set on one of the area’s breathtaking venues. Maybe you’re keeping an open mind as you begin the planning process, or maybe you have no idea where to start.
Whatever the case may be, we’re here to help!
Finding the perfect venue is an essential part of planning your wedding, and choosing the right one is likely the first major decision you will make when it comes to organizing your event.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant social club, an extravagant castle, a charming farm in the countryside, a sophisticated private residence, a quirky cottage, or a mountain resort, there’s a location in the High South that’s right for you.
Each of the area’s venues boasts a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a unique perspective on what makes a wedding day special. The experts behind each one offer a variety of services, as well as the knowledge, experience, and creativity to ensure the festivities go off without a hitch.
As you envision the best day of your life, take time to get to know your options. Find the venue that meets the needs of your family and your guests and enjoy the experience as your fairytale unfolds.

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Venue:

BUDGET — First thing’s first. Of course, you want your big day to be perfect and you don’t want anything to get in the way of making it happen, but it’s important to be realistic about your budget. Know what you can afford to spend before you start shopping for venues and keep that in mind as you visit your favorites.
SIZE — Even if your guest list is still in the works, you probably already know whether you’re interested in an extravagant affair with hundreds of people or a smaller get-together with a select group of friends and family. If you don’t have a final count, use a ballpark number to make sure the venue can accommodate the crowd you want to host.
STYLE — Decide what style you’re going for and find a venue that fits with the wedding day you envision. Whether you’re looking for something rustic and natural, sophisticated and elegant, dramatic and extravagant, or laidback and low-key, take into consideration the existing elements of the locations you explore and choose one that lends to the look you want to achieve.
LIGHTING — Visit a potential venue during the time of day you plan to get married. Checking the place out first thing in the morning won’t give you a realistic view of the venue if you’re hoping for a sunset wedding. Sunlight plays an important part in any event, especially if you’re outside, so ask to see the venue at the right time of day and pay attention to the way the light brings the location to life. Also, ask about other lighting options that can be made available to set the right mood.
RAIN CHECK — There’s no place more perfect for an outdoor wedding than the mountains of the High Country. But what happens when it rains on your big day? When choosing a venue for your outdoor affair, consider what options you have (if any) for bringing the whole thing inside if you’re faced with unfavorable weather.
LAYOUT — Pay attention to the size and layout of the grounds. If you plan to have a large crowd, make sure there will be enough room for everyone to be seated comfortably in the space you choose. If you’re opting for a more intimate affair, think about how you will utilize the space to bring everyone together.
PARTY ESSENTIALS — If you’re planning an after party that will keep your guests on their feet, make sure the reception site you choose has a dance floor large enough to accommodate your group. If you want to include an open bar in the festivities, consider choosing a reception venue that has everything you need on-site.
THE VIEW — Worried about the stress that comes from shopping or DIY-ing your way to an elaborate slew of wedding décor? Not sure what you’ll do with all of that stuff when the party’s over? If spending a fortune on décor isn’t on your to-do list, opt for a site that boasts breathtaking mountain views and can blow your guests away on its own. Lucky for you, the High Country offers a variety of venues that can pack a lot of wow factor with minimal décor.
THE 411 — If you have a specific venue in mind, get as much information about it as you can before making a commitment. Talk to vendors who have worked weddings there before, or even couples who were married there, and get the scoop on how it all played out. Ask what they liked or didn’t like about the place and decide whether or not you have reason to share in their concerns.
THE FOOD — Consider your catering needs. Some venues will require you to use in-house caterers and bakers or will ask you to choose from a list of preferred vendors. If your heart’s set on a particular menu, caterer or cake, make sure you find a venue with a flexible policy on bringing in food service providers.
ALL IN ONE — If you’re planning to host your ceremony and reception in the same location, keep an eye out for venues that have space for both aspects of your big day and can accommodate your guests in transition between the two.
RENTALS — Does your preferred venue have tables and chairs for you to use or will you need to rent them from someone else? Rentals can be a costly addition to your budget, so keep that in mind when you’re making this decision. Make sure the venue offers everything you need. If they don’t, make sure you have the time and the resources to get those things from a local rental company.
GETTING READY — Does the venue you like offer plenty of space for you and your wedding party to get dressed and dolled up for the big day? Make sure there’s a designated space on-site for all of your pre-wedding needs. If there’s not, make sure you can find a place close by and plan accordingly for transportation.
LOGISTICS — Make sure the venue you choose offers ample parking for the number of guests you want to accommodate. Parking doesn’t have to be a deal breaker when it comes to choosing your venue, but keep in mind that you may have to spend more on providing transportation for your guests if there’s nowhere for them to park.
ACCOMMODATIONS — Would you prefer to spend the weekend on-site and be right in the middle of the action? Some venues offer on-site accommodations that can keep you and your most important guests together throughout the weekend. If this is something you’re interested in, start by looking into facilities that can offer your VIPs a place to stay.
BEFORE YOU BOOK — Found the perfect spot? Don’t get the checkbook out just yet. Check with the important people in your life — family, wedding party, officiant, consultant — and make sure the date you’ve chosen works for them before you pay any deposits.

Popular Venues

Appalachian Ski Mtn – Appalachian Ski Mtn. provides a unique and scenic location in the Boone / Blowing Rock area for your High Country Wedding. Our professional staff will assist you in making your occasion one to remember. The Catering Department is always available to aid you in the planning of your event. We offer many complimentary services, such as assistance in locating florists, bakers, musicians, rental equipment, and more. Appalachian also offers chairlift service for Wedding ceremonies as well as convenient on-site mountainside lodging. We know that planning an event takes a lot of time and we want to facilitate your needs in every possible way. We look forward to the opportunity to offer you service that is second to none!  828-295-7828
www.appskimtn.com


Banner Elk Winery & Villa – A wedding at Banner Elk Winery & Villa is the event of a lifetime. Imagine family and friends surrounded by the majestic High Country mountains in celebration of one of life's most special occasions. Sites within our winery such as the elegantly rustic Enchanted Barn, the manicured gardens of the Grassy Knoll surrounding the enormous stone fire pit, the blueberry orchard, or the Scenic Vineyard high above the rest of the property ~ each provide a picturesque romantic backdrop to exchange wedding vows. It is the perfect venue for weddings and receptions of all sizes and styles, from the small and intimate to the large and opulent. We have the experience and the expertise to create the wedding of your dreams.  828-898-9090
www.bannerelkwinery.com


Beech Mountain Resort – Beech Mountain Resort offers unique settings, both indoor and outdoor, for your extraordinary day. Take advantage of the ski lifts to the ceremony site, situated at 5,506 feet in elevation. Take a walk in the clouds with the one you love, and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains as you exchange your vows. We have multiple venues that can accommodate up to 400 people.  A variety of wedding planning services, catering options, and choices are also available. Contact us to schedule a tour and start planning your dream wedding at Beech Mountain Resort.  800-438-2093
www.beechmountainresort.com


The Blowing Rock – The majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony at The Blowing Rock Attraction. We offer an ideal location for your special day, with the splendor of Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill and Table Rock being apart of your long-range mountain vista views. We can tailor your event to the size of your party. You may utilize our gardens, patio, footbridge or our observation deck with the feeling of being suspended a thousand feet over the Johns River Gorge. Our mountains in all their glory promises to make your wedding a breathtaking event.  828-295-7111 www.theblowingrock.com


Blue Ridge Mountain Club – Storybook weddings in a storybook setting. At Blue Ridge Mountain Club, we’ll help you make your wedding one you’ll actually remember. With our expansive Great Lawn, gorgeous Pavilion and 50-mile views in virtually every direction, you can marry the man of your dreams in the place dreams are made of. Contact us for more information.  828-295-8667 www.blueridgemountainclub.com


Chetola Resort – Blowing Rock’s most celebrated wedding destination sits on 86 acres with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and Chetola Lake. Chetola Resort, whose history dates back to 1846, offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, as well as beautifully appointed lodging, including Chetola Lodge, the Bob Timberlake Inn and spacious condominiums. The resort’s wedding venues can accommodate weddings up to 250 guests. Special spa packages and outdoor adventure activities are also available for the entire wedding party.  828-295-5500
www.chetola.com


Grandfather Vineyard & Winery – Grandfather Vineyard and Winery is available for smaller weddings, parties and corporate events. Your guests will delight in the beautiful natural surroundings of the winery and vineyard. The terraced mountain vineyard and winery is nestled right on the Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain. We have a tasting room, a covered outdoor patio and grass lawn for tent space and plenty of parking. Call us for more information about holding an event here.  828-963-2400
www.grandfathervineyard.com


Green Park Inn – Opened in 1891, the Green Park Hotel boasts a blend of turn of the century style and genteel hospitality. She is one of the last “Grand Manor Hotels” in western North Carolina. We are proud to host a variety of events including weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners. We have exquisitely redecorated indoor facilities as well as charming outdoor locations. Our facilities can accommodate groups ranging in size from 20 to 200 guests. The beautiful interior of the hotel lends to captivating photo opportunities for the bridal party. Whether in our library, living room, tavern, or garden patio, guests can capture their special day to remember forever. Our executive chef will treat you to delicious original menus, served to your guests by our friendly and dedicated staff. We welcome the opportunity to give tours of the venue, guest rooms, and our history room.  828-414-9230
www.greenparkinn.com


Hound Ears Club – When it comes to Special Events, Hound Ears Club will exceed your expectations. Hound Ears Club, in an atmosphere of alpine mountain elegance, offers the perfect venue for your wedding related events and rehearsal dinners. Rehearsal dinner parties as large as 80 are comfortably accommodated. Panoramic views overlook our lush mountain golf course, ponds and streams, with the Grandfather Mountain profile towering overhead. World class cuisine, attentive service, and a professional management team, all ensure a lifetime of memories and a very special evening before the big day.  828-963-2123
www.houndears.com


Leatherwood Mountains – Breathtaking views and pastoral valleys with grazing horses set the stage for several hundred of your closest friends. You and your guests will enjoy luxurious accommodations at our very special mountain hideaway. We have a number of different locations to choose from for your perfect mountain wedding and reception.  336-973-5044
www.leatherwoodmountains.com


Sky Retreat – Weddings with a Spectacular View.  Sky Retreat is a 30 acre, all seasons event venue.  Grand Ballroom with an expansive covered porch, log cabins by the pond, grassy knoll with sweeping views for outdoor weddings, Sky Retreat provides a picturesque environment to create memories of a lifetime.  Enjoy the activity and lodging amenity options, such as professional ballroom dance instruction to create the wedding dance of your dreams.  336-973-0444
www.theskyretreat.com


Smithmore Castle – The Smithmore Castle is a 121 acre private mountain estate located at the top of English Knob in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The 12,000 square foot mansion has 6 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. It includes a 10 seat theater with an 80" screen, a 'starlight' bar, Tuscan themed lounge, commercial kitchen and a main dining room that accommodates seating for 20 with a fireplace and ceiling frescos. A 3,000 square foot out-parcel building known as Crown Hall is nestled in the woods below the main house. Crown Hall boasts a commercial kitchen, exercise room, banquet hall, bride's room, billiards room, separate mens and ladies restrooms and was specifically designed for hosting weddings and receptions.  904-509-5095
www.smithmore.com


Sugar Mountain Resort – Sugar Mountain Resort offers an exceptional and unique wedding experience. Whisk to Sugar’s 5,300’ peak on the Summit Express high speed, six passenger chairlift for your once in a life-time event. Your mountaintop ceremony will be surrounded by blue skies, green slopes, an abundance of trees, comfortable temperatures, family, friends and nature the way it was intended. After the “I do’s” delight in a reception crafted to your personal preferences. Full-service reception options from pig-pick’in to white table cloth are available. After all, love is everything!  828-898-4521
www.skisugar.com


Valle Crucis Vineyard – Take a look at the area's newest and most affordable wedding event venue! Located just above the banks of the Watauga River, Valle Crucis Vineyard offers an updated barn with tent space on 75 acres of mountainside, featuring breathtaking views of the vineyard, river and mountains.  Relax in the comfort of our luxury cabin, included in your reservation. Invite your guests to camp and hike here during their stay. We are dedicated to making your experience unique and unforgettable!  828-406-3135
www.vallecrucisvineyard.com


White Fence Farm – Simple,  Rustic,  Creative Elegance … Down on the Farm. White Fence Farm offers a quaint wedding venue on 100 private acres just outside of Boone on the NC line. We offer a  Rustic Barn, Farmhouse, Stage,  Vintage Campers, Fully equipped Bathrooms / Kitchen. One of the prettiest Venues in the area. Come and have the stress free wedding you’ve always  dreamed about ... with us!  828-964-6767
www.whitefencefarmrentals.com