You’re Engaged!
You’re engaged — awesome! You’ve decided Asheville, NC is the perfect place for your wedding. Now it’s time to start booking your venue plus all the vendors. Derek & Kristi of Fête Photography (that’s us!) often hear that a photographer is the most important decision. But we know the venue is also a crucial choice. Really, they go hand in hand because you want your guests to have the time of their lives, but the photos will stick around and be a visual reminder of the space and how epic your celebration was.
Where to Get Married in Asheville
There are lots of marvelous Asheville wedding venues. From rustic barns nestled in verdant valleys to a grandiose castle inspired by a French chateau. It’s no surprise that Asheville is a premier destination wedding spot. The magnificence of the Blue Ridge mountains tops the list of reasons to get married here. Not only will you have a wonderful time, but your friends and family will thank you! We love calling this city home and where we primarily photograph weddings.
Unique Perspective on Asheville Wedding Venues
Many of our clients don’t live in Asheville or even in North Carolina. We have tons of experience working with destination brides and grooms. We love meeting potential clients in person, but often book weddings just via e-mails, phone calls, or even video chat. Booking your Asheville wedding venue without “meeting” it might be a little trickier. We’re here to help! As wedding photographers we have a unique perspective on venues. We often spend up to 8-10 hours hours at a single location on any given wedding day. We’re constantly looking around for the best light, candid moments, and portrait ideas.
Below are some venues in Asheville and insight from our perspective. This isn’t some Buzzfeed list or an advertisement. This is us sharing advice and photos. Check it out and then send us an e-mail if you connect with our work. We’d love to work with you no matter what venue you choose!
Biltmore Estate
One of the popular venues in Asheville that people often think of is the Biltmore Estate. It boasts natural beauty, man-made marvels, and intricate architecture. There are several venues to chose from and you can visit our page dedicated to this fine piece of history: Biltmore Estate Weddings. This venue offers just about everything: mountain views, nature, history, and even lodging for your guests.
Grove Park Inn
Historic hotel venue that has been visited by US presidents, writers (such as F. Scott Fitzgerald), musicians, and plenty more.
Grand Bohemian Hotel
Located in Biltmore Village.
North Carolina Arboretum
Rustic Asheville Wedding Venues
A trip to western North Carolina isn’t complete unless it’s infused with a touch of rustic. There are several Asheville wedding venues to chose from if you want that vibe. For starters, check out The Farm. They have horses on site, outdoor ceremonies, and even quaint cabins to stay in.
Bohemian and Urban Weddings
Asheville wedding venues aren’t all rustic. If Walt Whitman isn’t your cup of tea, there are options for you too. Grand Bohemian weddings are elegant affairs in a glamorous ballroom. Guests can even book a room here and walk around Biltmore Village which has shops and restaurants.
Downtown Asheville has a few options as well. Your downtown wedding doesn’t have to be quirky or include a nun on a bicycle (but it can). On Broadway is a classy event space as well as The Century Room right in Pack Square. You could even elope and have a courthouse wedding then spend quality time on portraits with us.
A few other locations in the heart of downtown are The Venue, Basilica of St. Lawrence (for ceremony) and The Orange Peel. The key is to make it your own and have fun with whatever you choose.
Surrounding Areas
Some of the Asheville wedding venues mentioned above are just outside of the city. There are lots of towns and places to get married within a short drive of the city. Be sure to visit Weaverville, Black Mountain, Brevard, Hendersonville, Marshall, Montford, and Leicester when considering your wedding spot. Even if you don’t get married in these towns they are worth visiting when you are here! Check out these venues: The Ridge (Marshall), Lake Eden Events (Black Mountain), Mountain Magnolia Inn (Hot Springs), Montreat College, and Crest Center.
All images by Asheville wedding photographers, Fete Photography.
