MORE THAN A WEDDING DAY

There are plenty of beautiful places to get married—but what we offer goes deeper than a view. Tucked in the mountains of Nantahala National Forest, our venue blends natural beauty, heartfelt hospitality, and a sense of togetherness that turns weddings into a full weekend experience rather than a single-day event.

About Us

Nantahala Weddings didn’t begin as a business plan or a polished vision—it began as a real wedding, full of heart, hope, and a little bit of improvising.

In 2014, Jess and her now-husband Colton stood said “I do” on Wayah Bald – before they started prohibiting that. Back then, there was no landscaping, no Chapel in the Sky, no Covered Chapel, no handcrafted wooden tables or cozy lodging. Just a white tent, plastic tables and chairs, a dance floor, a chandelier, and strands of string lights glowing against the mountain night.

But what it lacked in polish, it made up for in something far more powerful: connection.

It wasn’t just a wedding day—it was a wedding weekend. Friends and family traveled from all over the country, and Nantahala made the journey worth it. Eighty-eight guests came not just to celebrate, but to hike, to laugh, to dance, to explore the lake and river, and to be fully present together. Again and again, people said it was the best wedding they’d ever been to.

That was the moment the magic revealed itself.

That first celebration became the spark—the beginning of something bigger. We saw what Nantahala could be, and we set out to create a place where every couple could experience that same joy, that same sense of belonging, that same unforgettable weekend. A place where your wedding isn’t just an event, but the start of a story you’ll revisit every time you look at your photos—or better yet, every time you come back to Nantahala.

Fast forward to 2023, when Jess, Colton, and their three children made the move to Franklin to help run the venue. A full-circle moment in every sense.

And yes—we still catch ourselves in disbelief sometimes. Because getting to be part of the beginning of so many love stories? There’s nothing better than that.

A Full Weekend Mountain Experience, Not Just a Wedding

Think of it as a luxurious summer camp for weddings—where your favorite people gather, unplug, and celebrate over multiple days. Our couples don’t just arrive, say “I do,” and leave. They settle in, explore, laugh, hike, eat, and create memories to recall for years to come.

We’re a family-run, mother-daughter team, and that spirit shapes everything we do. When you’re here, you’re not just a client—you’re part of something warm, welcoming, and deeply personal. Nature is always at the center, setting the tone for a celebration that feels grounded, peaceful, and unforgettable.

Our Wedding Philosophy

We believe a wedding should be more than a timeline—it should be an experience.

That’s why we specialize in multi-day weddings. From welcome gatherings to farewell brunches, your celebration has room to breathe. You’ll have time to connect with your guests, soak in the setting, and truly enjoy every moment without feeling rushe

You’re in Good Hands

When you choose Nantahala Weddings, you’re choosing a venue with a proven track record and deep roots.

11+ years of creating unforgettable weddings
Family-owned property—no corporate surprises, ever
100+ celebrations hosted each year
Zero cancellations—ever*

*Yes, even through extreme weather, including hosting a beautiful celebration during Hurricane Helene.

Experience matters—and we bring calm, confidence, and care to every single wedding.

The Little Touches That Mean Everything

Open Venue

Each March, just before wedding season begins, we host a special Open Venue event. Our favorite local vendors come together so couples can meet them face-to-face, ask questions, and start building their dream team. It’s relaxed, collaborative, and incredibly helpful for planning.

The Secret Garden

Hidden beside the ceremony space, this quiet corner offers one of the most stunning views on the property. We set a cozy table for two so you can slip away for a private toast—or even share your first meal together as a married couple.

It’s peaceful, romantic, and feels like a moment the world pauses just for you.

The Hiding Tree

A place brides don’t know they need until they get there. This charming spot is where many brides pause (in a sense hide, hence the name) right before walking down the aisle. Marked with a sweet sign, it’s both meaningful and wonderfully photogenic.

A perfect place to gather your breath—and your excitement—before the big moment. It is not uncommon to see mother and daughter hand-in-hand at the hiding tree, or the father of the bride fully in tears.

Nature-Made Magic

Scattered throughout the property are small, meaningful surprises—including a heart naturally carved into a tree. We like to think nature had a hand in celebrating love long before any of us arrived.

Barefoot Path – coming soon!

Inspired by a traditional German park experience, our Barefoot Path will invite you to slow down and connect with nature—literally. It’s a playful, grounding activity your guests won’t forget.

Wedding Morning Yoga

Wedding yoga is more than a yoga session. We place this strategically in the morning one day before wedding day. Our optional Wedding Yoga sessions goes deep. It brings a needed stretch and warmth after your travels, then opens energy paths with a focus on the heart chakra to give and receive love. Then we combine slow and deep Yin Yoga combined with a visualization that has been described as “a spiritual experience.” Under the tree canopy, a lot can feel spiritual.

Come Experience the Difference

At Nantahala Weddings, it’s not just about how your wedding looks—it’s about how it feels. It’s the mountain air. Then the 100% presence with yourself and your favorite people.

When everything is quiet (or loud or hilarious), it is those moments that the magic happens—you don’t take a cell phone picture, because it is that moment that can’t be captured on film. It is only inside of you, and it will stay there forever.
Because you know that you found a place where your story truly belongs.