ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

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ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

Facilities

How many guests can the Wedding Venue accommodate? 118

Where can I hold my ceremony? Our open air ceremony area with lake and mountain view, “Chapel in the Sky,” is 300 feet from the reception area. The covered ceremony chapel is adjacent to the reception area.

Is there an additional charge for the ceremony areas? Both ceremony areas are free of charge, and seating is included.

I’m having trouble envisioning the layout of Nantahala weddings. Please  see this graphical map of the venue to help you envision the venue layout. The map shows Chapel in the Sky, the reception pavilion, covered chapel, the Mateos, Fie Top Suite, the caterer’s kitchen, and adjacent parking.

How many weddings or events do you host on one day? On one weekend? If you book our venue for multiple days, there will never be another wedding during your stay. We host only one wedding per day, and only one wedding per weekend for multi-day events.

How many bathrooms are there in the reception area at the Wedding Venue? Two large bathrooms.

Is parking available on-site? Yes, there are approximately 50 parking spaces next to the venue. Parking is free of charge.

 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

Wedding Season

What is your wedding season? Nantahala is spectacular and magical all year round, so we host weddings year round. Premium months at our venue are June, September, and October because the climate is ideal – perfect temperatures and low precipitation. April, May, July, August, November, December – also incredibly beautiful with spectacular weather. For a month-by-month overview of the climate in Nantahala, and a bird’s eye view into what the landscape looks like in all seasons, please see Nantahala Weather. Most people are surprised by how perfect the temperatures in July/August are at 3500 feet – mid-day highs in the low 80s, evenings in the high 60s!

In the cooler months (starting in November), we enclose the Reception Pavilion with clear walls and install commercial-grade stand-up propane heaters to keep you and your guests toasty.

In January, February, and March, we do not host full weddings, microweddings, or minimonies, but we do host elopements.

What are the average temperatures in Nantahala? You might be surprised by how ideal the climate is in Nantahala throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Check out: Average high and low temps in Nantahala to find the perfect climate for you wedding.

 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

Lodging

Do you have any onsite lodging? YES! Fie Top Suite (sleeps up to 10):

  • oversized honeymoon suite for the bride and groom
  • two additional bedrooms with separate entrances, climate control, and private full bathrooms
  • ground-level bedroom with a queen-size bed + sleeper sofa, climate control and half-bath (converting to full-bath by late March 2025)
  • bridal suite
  • groom’s suite/”Cave”
  • large dining area
  • deck with a view of the canopy and lake
  • gas bonfire pit
  • gas BBQ grill
  • pet friendly!

There are four bungalows onsite, each with lake view.  Each bungalow has a queen size bed, a private bath, climate control, and a kitchenette with coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, air fryer, and dishes for two. We call them the “Mateos,” named after our architect’s little son. The Mateos are rented out separately to your guests via Airbnb for $140 per night, 2-night minimum. We ask that you reserve the Mateos as quickly as possible after booking your event to make sure only your wedding guests are staying onsite during your wedding. Two of the Mateos are pet friendly, two are not.

Lots of vacation homes on the lake. In addition to onsite lodging on the venue grounds for 18 people, there are MANY vacation homes for rent on Lake Nantahala, all in close proximity to the venue. Our Lodging page provides links to beautiful vacation homes for rent on the lake categorized by walking distance to venue, group of cabins close to each other, lakefront or lake view, pets allowed, etc. There are also several homes that you can access via a walking trail from our venue. Also check out the listings on Airbnb Nantahala Lake, VRBO, Home Away, and Visit Lake’s End.

What is the nearest hotel to the venue? Quality Inn in Andrews, NC is 20 minutes from venue. Please see our Local Vendors list (after you book with us) for companies that provide shuttle service to and from hotels.

 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

 

Logistics

What are the closest airports? Asheville – 1 h 50 min, Chattanooga – 2h 14 min, Knoxville – 2h 15 min, Atlanta – 2h 50 min, Greenville-Spartanburg – 2h 40 min.

Do you have your own sound equipment and speakers? At Fie Top Suite, we have a sound system in the Rehearsal Dinner/Bridal Salon and another sound system in the “Cave.” You will need to download your own playlist and bring a connector from your device to the 3.5 mm male TRS (audio connector). You’ll also need to hire a DJ for your reception. The sound system cannot be moved from Fie Top to the reception facility.

Are there noise restrictions? No noise restrictions, and no mandatory end time! And that policy applies for the duration of your stay.

What is the backup plan for rain or inclement weather? Our covered chapel is one of two elegant rain plans. We also have two clear tents available for use at “Chapel in the Sky” (fee for set up by external vendor). The reception pavilion is rain-proof. We put up clear tent walls and bring in six stand-up propane heaters when the weather is cool. We also have a powerful generator will kick in within 12 seconds after an outage to keep the reception facility and all the lodging fully operational in case of an outage.

Are there “getting ready” rooms available on-site? Yes – Fie Top Suite includes not only lodging but also a bridal salon and a groom’s suite.

How much time is allocated for the rehearsal? No restrictions – PERIOD! The entire property is available for you to use freely for decorating, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and reception. Since many people will be traveling to your wedding, you may want to have a large rehearsal dinner. Feel free to use the reception pavilion for that purpose!

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

Vendors and Set Up

Can we choose our own vendors, or do you have a preferred or exclusive vendor list? We have an amazing selection of local vendors, including local wedding coordinators/planner, event rentals/decorators, photographers, videographers caterers, hair and makeup, DJs, musicians cake makers, officiants, childcare providers, and florists.

Are we required to hire a wedding coordinator? Yes – we require that you hire a day of or weekend of coordinator to make sure your wedding goes smoothly.

Can the reception facility accommodate a DJ or live band? Absolutely!

What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding? Your vendors have access to the venue as early as they want to get started, based on the start and end times in your rental agreement: check in is at 3PM; check out is at 11AM for multi-day packages. NOTE: You can request early check-in and we’ll do our best to accomodate you. No extra charge!

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

Food and Beverage

Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers, or do I need to provide my own? Even if there is an in-house caterer, do I have the option of using an outside caterer instead? We have preferred caterers, but you can choose any caterer. Contact Jody for recommendations.

If I hire my own caterer, are kitchen facilities available for them? Yes – we have a full kitchen for use by all caterers.

Are tables, chairs, linens, plates, silverware, and glassware, or will I have to rent them myself or get them through my caterer? For Full and Microweddings, tables, chairs, dinner plates (NOT appetizer or dessert plates), silverware, glassware, chafers, and serving dishes are all provided for your reception only. You are required to rent tableware for your rehearsal/welcome dinner or use disposables.

Do you have a liquor license? No – we do not have a liquor license, but you can buy and serve beer, wine, and liquor that you purchase. We require that you hire a bartender. Contact Jody for recommendations.

Are we required to obtain an ABC license to serve alcohol at Nantahala Weddings? Yes – we ask that you comply with state alcohol regulations by obtaining an ABC license if alcohol will be served. For more information and to apply, follow this link: ABC License Information. 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

Budget

Pricing. Please see the Packages & Pricing page for detailed information about our wedding packages, including peak and non-peak, weekend and weekday options.

How much is the rental deposit and when is it due? A signed rental agreement and first payment ($1000) are required to reserve your date for full weddings and microweddings. Elopements must be paid in full at the time of booking. Minimony venue fees ar split into two equal payments: 50% is due within one week after you receive the rental agreement; 50% is due 4 moths before your wedding.

Booking process. Once you decide on the date and package for your wedding, we send you a rental agreement. You have one week to sign the rental agreement electronically and submit your first payment. Payment options include: check (personal, cashiers, USPS, or money order), bank transfer, Zelle, or credit card (2.75% credit card processing fee applies).

How do you structure the payment schedule? The First Payment ($1000) to secure the date is due 7 days after you submit the request to book. The Second Payment (33% of the remaining balance) is due 3 months after receipt of the rental agreement. The Final Payment is due four months before your wedding. Upon request, we can also set up a personalized payment plan. The purchase of liability insurance is required three months prior to your event (not required for elopements or minimonies with no alcohol). 

Optional Services and Rentals, DIY options: These are the Optional Services and Rentals you can select four months before your event. DIY is available for some services and are marked with an asterisk (*) below:

What is NOT included in the Venue’s wedding package prices? The following items are not included in the fees shown on the Packages & Pricing page.

  • Sales tax: 6.75%.
  • Security deposit: $1000, refundable based on condition of property upon departure (full and microweddings only).
  • Cleaning fee; $500 (full and microweddings only).
  • Catering, wedding planning/coordinating services, decorating services, photographers, videographers, bartenders, DJ, banquet manager, cake, servers, officiant, any other services provided by vendors, and cleaning of venue in between days.

What is the cancellation policy? We understand that there are circumstances that may require you to cancel your reservation. The First Payment is non-refundable. If you cancel the reservation after making the Final Payment is also retained in order to recover the loss incurred due to the late cancellation. The security deposit, cleaning fees, optional service fees, and pet fees will be refunded for any cancellation.

Do I need to purchase liability insurance? Yes. Approximate cost of coverage for up to four days is about $280. 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

Minimonies vs. Elopements

Minimony

A “minimony” is a small, intimate wedding ceremony. Here’s a suggested timeline for a 4-hour minimony that includes getting ready, the ceremony, photos, and a cocktail hour with appetizers or heavy hors d’oeuvres, plus traditional dances.

Suggested Timeline for a 4-Hour Minimony

3pm: Getting Ready

  • Bride and groom to get ready in separate spaces. (Bridal salon with glamor lights; the groom’s suite with couch and chairs)
  • Get-ready and detail photos.
  • Friends and family arrive and make their way up to the ceremony space.

4pm: Ceremony and Photos

  • Guests are seated.
  • Processional, vows, exchange of rings, and recessional.
  • Family, group, couple’s photos.
  • Marriage Paperwork with Officiant and Witnesses

5pm: Cocktail Hour with Champagne/Wine/Beer and Charcuterie

  • Guests enjoy drinks and charcuterie.
  • Couple joins cocktail hour after photos and mingles with guests.
  • First dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance.

6:30pm: Transition to Dinner

  • Pack up belongings from Fie Top Suite.
  • Head to the chosen restaurant for reception dinner.

Elopement

An “elopement” is a more intimate and streamlined celebration.

Suggested timeline for a 3-hour elopement, followed by a special dinner at a nearby restaurant:

ELOPEMENT TIMELINE
Here’s a suggested timeline for a 3-hour elopement that includes getting ready, the ceremony, photos, and can be followed by a dinner at a restaurant in neighboring towns (Andrews, Bryson City, or Franklin).

3pm: Getting Ready

  • Bride and groom to get ready in separate spaces. (Bridal salon with glamor lights; the groom’s suite with couch and chairs)
  • Get-ready and detail photos.
  • Friends and family arrive and make their way up to the ceremony space.

4pm: Ceremony and Photos

  • Guests are seated.
  • Processional, vows, exchange of rings, and recessional.
  • Family, group, couple’s photos.
  • Marriage Paperwork with Officiant and Witnesses.

5:30pm: Transition to Dinner

  • Pack up belongings from Fie Top Suite.
  • Head to the chosen restaurant for reception dinner.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

Booking Process

Once you have seen the venue – virtually or in-person – and have found a date that is available and works for you, contact us! We’ll send you a short questionnaire to kick-start the booking process. After you submit the questionnaire, we’ll send you a rental agreement. Your date is safe for one week! To secure your date, you must e-sign the Rental Agreement and submit your First Payment within one week after receiving it. The first payment for for Full and Microweddings is $1000, 50% of the venue fees for minimonies, and the full fee for elopements.

We are strictly first come, first served! If you can’t get to the venue to do an in-person tour, and you’re concerned about a specific date getting booked, we recommend you opt for a virtual tour so you can secure the date right away. To be fair to everyone, we do not “soft hold” dates.

Do You Have More Questions?

Contact Us!