ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSTING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NANTAHALA

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Venue Stability

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

Venue Location

Where is the venue located? Nantahala is a beautiful, remote area in western North Carolina, nestled in the mountains near the Great Smoky Mountains. More specifically, Nantahala Weddings is located in Macon County close to the following towns:

  • Andrews (12 miles)
  • Franklin (21 miles),
  • Murphy (28 miles),
  • Bryson City (32 miles)

The name “Nantahala” comes from the Cherokee language and means “Land of the Noonday Sun,” referring to the deep valleys where sunlight reaches the floor only when the sun is directly overhead.

It’s known for its crystal-clear lake, cool summer temperatures, and peaceful, tucked-away feel—one of the reasons it’s such a special setting for weddings and gatherings.

Book a Virtual or In-Person Tour

How do I book a tour? If you are a prospective couple getting married, or a friend/family member of a couple getting married at Nantahala Weddings & Events, we invite you to our weekly Sunday virtual tour at 12:30pm, in-person group tour at 1:30pm, or a private tour on an alternative date.

To schedule, please text 828-332-5557 or use the text feature on the website with the following details:

  • Your names
  • Tour type: Virtual Group, In-Person Group, Private
  • Preferred tour date
  • Preferred wedding date: please check our Availability Calendar.
  • Wedding package: feel free to call us for guidance.

You can expect to receive a text confirmation with arrival instructions!

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 will send you a short questionnaire upon request to kick-start the booking process. After you submit the questionnaire, we’ll send your personalized 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 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.

Facilities

How many guests can the venue accommodate? The Reception Pavilion can accommodate 118 seated – this number includes the couple and anyone who needs a seat at the reception tables. Chapel in the Sky has more than enough space for 118 guests and we include all the chairs (plus extras) to support your party of 118. Please see our full and micro/intimate wedding floor plans to help envision what a full house will look like in the pavilion! Note: The dance floor has a massive capacity… no worries there. ; ) 

Where can I hold my ceremony? You have two beautiful ceremony options at Nantahala Weddings, both included in every package: “Chapel in the Sky” is our signature ceremony location—an open-air setting with sweeping lake and mountain views. It is about a 300-foot walk from the reception area, or an easy shuttle ride for guests who prefer it. For a more sheltered option, our Covered Chapel sits right next to the reception space. It offers a warm, intimate feel while still being surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains.

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 at a time. When couples check-out on Sunday at 10:45am, we reset the venue and often host a one-day wedding on Sunday afternoon.

How many bathrooms are there in the reception area at the wedding venue? There are two large, private single-stall bathrooms located within the reception area. Both are clean, spacious, and easily accessible for guests throughout the event. One has a large mirror, while the other one has a baby changing station.

Is parking available on-site? Yes, there are approximately 55 parking spaces; 45 along Wayah road and an additional 10 for anyone staying on-site in Fie Top Suite or in the Mateos. Parking is free of charge. And there are string lights along the road to illuminate the parking area.

Is any decor included? If you don’t want to rent or purchase all your decor, check out what we have on hand for you to use for free: decor 1 (left wall – candle side), decor 2 (right wall), decor 3 (easels), decor 4 (signs), golden hex arch for reception or covered chapel, kitchen 1 (serving platters and jugs), kitchen 2 (plates, glass cups, silverware), Chapel in the Sky (the shed), but keep in mind, the décor is in a state of flux: items may break and other couples might leave some new décor for future couples. But we ALWAYS keep 125 of the follow: plates, cutlery (forks, spoons, knives) and stemless wine glasses. (Decor Photos updated Jul 2026, next update coming in Dec 2026)

 

Wedding Season and Weather

What is your wedding season?  Our premium months are June, September, and October, when the climate is especially ideal—comfortable temperatures, lower precipitation, and some of the most vibrant mountain views of the year. That said, April, May, July, August, and November are also incredibly beautiful. Spring brings fresh greenery and blooms, summer offers warm days with surprisingly mild temperatures at 3,500 feet (typically low 80s during the day and high 60s in the evening), and fall delivers stunning foliage and crisp mountain air.

For cooler-weather weddings in late October, November and into April, we fully enclose the Reception Pavilion with clear walls and provide six propane heaters to keep the space warm and comfortable for you and your guests.

For a deeper look at month-by-month weather and what the landscape looks like throughout the year, please visit our Nantahala Weather Page.

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.

What is the venue’s rain plan? Our Reception Pavilion is fully covered and rain-ready, so your reception will be comfortable no matter the weather. For ceremonies at Chapel in the Sky, we offer a beautiful clear tent option. We provide the tent itself, and couples contract directly with our tent team for set up and teardown. See photos: Clear Tent, Clear Tent During Ceremony.

There’s no need to reserve the tent in advance; however, we do require your final decision by 6:00 PM two days prior to your wedding (for example, by Thursday at 6:00 PM for a Saturday event). That’s so we can make sure we are able to reach the tent crew and organize set up immediately after your rehearsal.

If there’s any rain in the forecast, we typically recommend opting for the tent—it’s far easier to have it and not need it than the other way around. Without it, chairs cannot be set until the rain passes, and decorating the ceremony space can be challenging in uncertain conditions.

If you choose not to use the tent, there are still lovely alternatives. Chairs can be arranged inside the covered chapel, or guests can be seated in the pavilion while you exchange vows in the garden among the hydrangeas. It’s a charming and flexible backup plan—and you can always head up to Chapel in the Sky for photos once the weather clears.

The clear tent can accommodate:

  • Large tent for 65-118 guests – $800
  • Medium tent for less than 65 guests – $550

Lodging

Exactly how many people can stay onsite, and how is lodging booked and paid for? We have onsite lodging for up to 20 guests. Our multi-day wedding packages include Fie Top Suite, which sleeps up to 10 guests. Additional onsite lodging for up to 10 more guests is available separately through our four lake-view Mateos and The Window Suite. 

Most couples use the included Fie Top lodging for their wedding party or closest family, then reserve the additional onsite spaces for guests who would like to stay right on the property. Beyond the venue, there are 100+ additional beds within one mile—one of the perks of getting married on a vacation lake!

Fie Top Suite — Sleeps up to 10 | Included with Multi-Day Packages

Check out the video walk through of our main onsite lodging space, Fie Top Suite for up to 10, which includes:

  • Bedroom #1: Oversized honeymoon suite for the couple (Sleeps up to 2)
  • Bedroom #2: Ground-level, ADA-compliant room with queen bed + sleeper sofa and large bathroom (Sleeps up to 4)
  • Bedrooms #3 & #4: Private-entry rooms with queen beds, climate control, and full bathrooms (each sleep up to 2)
  • Additional features:
    • Bridal suite
    • Groom’s lounge (“The Cave”)
    • Large dining area
    • Deck with lake and canopy views
    • Gas bonfire pit + BBQ grill
    • All rooms are pet-friendly
    • Parking for up to 10 vehicles

The Mateos — Four Lake-View Bungalows | Sleeps 2 in each, 8 total

Our four private lake-view bungalows, known as The Mateos, each sleep two guests and are available separately for $184/night with a two-night minimum. Each Mateo includes a queen bed, private bathroom, climate control and kitchenette with coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, air fryer and dishes for two. Two are pet-friendly and two are pet-free.

The Mateos are not automatically included or held with your wedding package, so we strongly recommend reserving them soon after booking if you’d like to keep them available for your wedding guests. They are booked separately through Airbnb. Since many couples prefer their guests to pay for their own lodging, Airbnb’s payment options can make it easier to reserve the spaces early and coordinate payment with your guests closer to the wedding.

The Window Suite — Luxury honeymoon suite and Gameroom | Sleeps 2

For couples who want a space completely to themselves, The Window Suite is another optional onsite rental at $263/night with a two-night minimum. Located on venue property, it includes a king bed, full bathroom, kitchen and exclusive access to the Game Room. It is pet-friendly and tucked away from the main lodging area for a little extra privacy. Vehicle access is via a separate private driveway and requires AWD, or it can be reached by a short walk past Chapel in the Sky.

Can our guests stay close by? Absolutely. In addition to lodging for 20 on the property, 100+ guests can stay within approximately one mile of the venue in vacation homes around Lake Nantahala. Several are even accessible by walking trail from the property.

Our Lodging Guide organizes nearby options by:

  • Walking distance to the venue
  • Group-friendly homes
  • Lakefront or lake-view properties
  • Pet-friendly options

You can also find additional rentals throughout the Lake Nantahala area on Airbnb and VRBO.

What is the nearest hotel to the venue? The nearest hotel is the Quality Inn in Andrews, NC, approximately 20 minutes from the venue. After booking, couples also receive our Local Vendors list, which includes companies offering shuttle transportation to and from area hotels.

Logistics

What are the closest airports? Several regional airports make travel to Nantahala Weddings convenient. We typically see couples and guests traveling from further away rent cars or hire a shuttle service. Drive times are approximate:

  • Asheville Regional Airport – 1 hour 55 minutes (See Route)
  • Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport – 2 hours 15 minutes (See Route)
  • McGhee Tyson Knoxville Airport – 2 hours 15 minutes (See Route)
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – 2 hours 50 minutes (See Route)
  • Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport – 2 hours 45 minutes (See Route)

Do you have your own sound equipment and speakers? At Fie Top Suite, we have a sound system in the kitchen/dining area/bridal salon and another sound system in the groom’s lounge. You will need to bring a connector from your device to the 3.5 mm male TRS (audio connector) to use those sound systems. For your reception, you can either hire a DJ, bring your own system to set up at the reception pavilion to play your playlist, or add rental and setup of our Electro-Voice Bluetooth speaker and a Schure microphone with stand and cable for ceremony and reception (this includes transport between locations and the cost is $350). Note: The Fie Top sound system cannot be moved from Fie Top to the reception pavilion.

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. See 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 three powerful generators that 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. (See more information in ‘Wedding Season and Weather’ Section)

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 lounge.

How much time is allocated for the rehearsal? There are no time restrictions—your time on the property is fully yours. You are welcome to use the entire venue freely for decorating, your rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, and reception. Many of our couples have guests traveling in, so hosting a larger, more relaxed rehearsal dinner is a great option. Our Reception Pavilion is available for you to use for your welcome or rehearsal dinner, making it easy to gather everyone in one place and settle into the weekend together.

What time is check out? 10:45am on the day of your check out. Or as indicated in your rental agreement.

Vendors and Set Up

Can we choose our own vendors, or do you have a preferred or exclusive vendor list? You are welcome to choose your own vendors—there are no exclusive requirements. That said, we have built an incredible network of trusted local vendors, including planners/coordinators, photographers, videographers, caterers, florists, DJs and musicians, hair and makeup artists, rental companies, childcare providers, and more. We are happy to share our recommended vendor list to help make your planning process smooth and stress-free. Just message us!

Are we required to hire a wedding coordinator? Yes—we require that you hire at least a day-of or weekend-of coordinator or wedding planner to ensure your wedding runs smoothly.

A coordinator plays a key role in managing the timeline, vendors, and overall flow of the day so you, your family, and your guests can fully relax and enjoy the experience. If your budget allows, we highly recommend working with a planner or coordinator earlier in the process. Having someone help build your timeline and review details in the months leading up to your wedding can make a significant difference and help avoid last-minute stress.

Can the reception facility accommodate a DJ or live band? Absolutely! Our Reception Pavilion can comfortably accommodate both DJs and live bands. We recommend setting up in the back right corner of the pavilion, where a dedicated power box allows for a clean setup and keeps cables out of the way. For live music, we have found that a three-piece band is a great fit for the space, offering a full sound without overwhelming the environment.

What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding? Vendors may begin setup as early as your venue access time.

For multi-day weddings, vendors can arrive anytime during your rental period. Most coordinators typically arrive in the late-morning, but timing is flexible based on your individual agreement with your planner.

For one-day events, vendor access begins at:

  • 8:00 AM for one-day weddings
  • 3:00 PM for Elopement + Reception packages
  • 3:00 PM for elopements and minimonies (please confirm with your rental agreement)

Can we host a brunch on our check out day? We do not allow brunch on your checkout day. If you would like to host a relaxed post-wedding brunch, we recommend extending your rental through Monday (or an additional day, if a weekday wedding). This allows you to fully enjoy a Sunday morning gathering without feeling rushed and creates a much more comfortable experience for everyone.

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 us for recommendations.

If I hire my own caterer, are kitchen facilities available for them? Yes—our caterer’s kitchen is available for all caterers! If your caterer has not worked at Nantahala Weddings before, please connect them with us in advance so they can preview the kitchen virtually and come prepared. Please note that all catering teams using the main kitchen must be ServSafe-certified.

If you have a family member or friend who would like to cook for your event, we ask that they use the Fie Top kitchen, which is fully stocked for basic cooking and serving. This rule helps ensure the main catering kitchen remains clean and ready for your professional catering team.

Are tables, chairs, linens, plates, silverware, and glassware, or will I have to rent them myself or get them through my caterer? For Full Weddings and Microweddings we provide the following for your reception:

  • Tables and chairs
  • Dinner plates (entrée plates only—not appetizer or dessert plates)
  • Silverware
  • Glassware
  • Cherrywood Chafers
  • Water jugs (our well water is fantastic)
  • Serving dishes
  • Please see above section on decor with photos of our kitchen and decor rooms

For your rehearsal or welcome dinner, we ask that you use disposables or rent tableware separately. This helps ensure the catering kitchen is clean, organized, and fully ready for your wedding day.

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 us for recommendations.

Can we provide our own alcohol, and are there corkage or alcohol service fees? Yes, you can BYO alcohol. You are required to hire a licensed bartender to service your alcohol and must adhere to the state’s ABC requirements. Nantahala Weddings does not charge a corkage fee or percentage/service fee on alcohol.

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.

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 are 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 (due 4 months after receiving rental agreement), Third (due 8 months before the event), and Final Payments (due 4 months before the event) are divided up equally.

Upon request, we can also set up a personalized payment plan. The purchase of liability insurance is required four 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 (*).

How much do couples spend on weddings at Nantahala Weddings? It depends. The biggest cost drivers are guest count, venue package, vendor choices, season, and day of the week. Some couples prioritize photography and food, while others invest more heavily in décor, entertainment, or accommodations. We are happy to provide referrals via our local vendor list for all budgets. Also, ask us about our budget calculator! We played with our budget calculator which takes most categories into consideration (guest count, # of nights, wedding month, wedding planner, caterer for reception dinner, cake, bartender, florals, DJ, photography, officiant, event insurance, venue cleaning fee) and came up with these ranges for our packages:

Full Wedding (weekend) with 100 people for 2 nights: $21,500 – $46,000

Multi-day Micro Wedding (weekday) with 50 people for 2 nights: $20,000 – $38,000

1-Day Wedding with 50 people: $15,000 – $36,000; 100 people $17,000 – $40,000

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, it is also retained in order to recover the loss incurred due to the late cancellation. The security deposit, taxes, 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 $250. 

Minimony  vs. Elopement vs. Elopement + Reception

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: Timeline example here.

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: Timeline example here.

 

  

Elopement + Reception

An “elopement + reception” is an intimate and streamlined celebration with all the bells of a full wedding day, but dialed in and mostly pre-planned to allow an extra breeze of ease.

Suggested timeline for a 3-hour elopement, followed by a 4-hour reception dinner at our reception pavilion: Timeline example here.

 

Do You Have More Questions?

Contact Us!