Discover the Bliss of Having the Perfect Wedding Utilizing Asheville's Outstanding Wedding Planning Services

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Event Spaces
Bakeries
Photographers
Florists

Wedding Event Planners

Exquisite Events & Consulting
".... is a full service wedding and event planning firm specializing in Western North Carolina celebrations...."

Shay Brown Events
".... will guide you through the process of selecting the right caterer, florist, photographer, calligrapher, videographer and hair & make-up artist. We also place emphasis on creating the perfect setting by using experienced vendors in hotel & B&B reservations, rehearsal dinner site, venue location, travel and transportation. Finally, we focus on those extra touches that every wedding needs - favors, daily itineraries for guest and pre-event information about the area..."

Weddings With Tara
"... Not only do I have over 9 years of experience working with weddings, but as you can see, I have been in your shoes. I know how you feel, how you want everything to be as perfect as possible. You want to be sure that every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ is crossed so you can relax and treasure this special day. That is what I am here for! Allow me to turn what seems overwhelming into easy. My desire is to weave your personality into every detail so that your wedding is as unique and fun as you are. Tell me your dreams, visions and ideas, and let’s make them reality. I look forward to getting to know you ..." See Tara's Blog for a glimpse into ACTUAL weddings she's planned.

Butterfly Releases

UpstateButterfly.com
".... Release live butterflies for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, memorial service or any special event to add a uniquely colorful touch that will create a lasting impression.Our farm raised wedding Monarch butterfly accentuates the essence of change. What better way of celebrating the amazing new beginnings in your life than with a cloud of these magical creatures?..."

Wedding Facilitators and Officiators ... Persons Who Perform Wedding Ceremonies

Jennifer Stansbury
"... I am an ordained interfaith minister who loves people and bringing them together for the Highest Good. My ministry was begun to join people in marriage. All people who love freely/fully and honestly are worthy of God’s covenant. Jesus said to love one another and I am glad to provide ceremonies for people of all faiths, backgrounds, sexual orientations/preferences. I make no bond of love (thank you Kahlil Gibran) but ask only for your commitment to each other and your relationship. I also am gifted with prophesy. Some call it psychic, intuitive, channeling, etc. I only ask for the Highest Good for each one to come from what I share. God is my Divine channel and is so for each of us. Some choose to listen more closely and that is my work.... I would love to meet people who are in committed relationships and who want a unique and personal ceremony created just for them. Those who want to have a ceremony they will remember fondly for the rest of their lives, who want their words, their feeling and their personalities truly represented within the ceremony itself. I love to combine faiths for a ceremony of unique and personal expression of the couple. If you are of no particular faith then I seek to establish the faith you have in each other and your relationship. I want to meet You. The real You beyond the veil of illusion and fear. The You that knows who and whose you are. The You that remembers and lives in the Light of God as Good. You as God as You...."

Weddings by Chad & Lytingale
"..A husband & wife team, we like to participate in your marriage ceremony together; however, you may also engage either one of us individually. Rev. Chad O'Shea offers a wealth of experience as a wedding officiant - over 1,000 weddings celebrated since he was ordained as a Unity minister in 1977. He brings a beautifully written, meaningful interfaith service, a calm presence, a warm voice, and an open heart to your wedding celebration. Lytingale brings musical artistry in her beautiful voice, accompanied by her keyboard (or guitar if no electricity), performing original songs that are especially meaningful, or your choice of sacred or secular music for your wedding. She is experienced in a wide variety of styles of music..."

Reverend Nancy Clark, ordained Unity minister ".... has many years of experience in officiating at weddings of all kinds. Her approach honors the Spirit of Love, and is universal in its spiritual message. Whether you desire a traditional or non-traditional approach, Reverend Clark will provide the celebration plan and work with you to customize it to meet your special needs and desires. Make this most memorable occasion of your life extra special by holding it in the setting that is most meaningful to you. Imagine your beautiful wedding in your home, in the woods or by a lake, at a lovely country inn, or anywhere you want. Reverend Clark can refer you to several facilities and sites for gatherings of all sizes and even provide a ridge top glen for very small gatherings..."

Click on each of the dozens of categories to the left to uncover what makes the Asheville area so vital, so intriguing and so, well, UTTERLY BLISSFUL!

From Rolf Potts' Vagabonding blog:

I've never been one of those uptight literary types who thinks that you have to have actually read a book in order to recommend it to others. So I feel no trepidation in suggesting Eric Weiner's new travelogue-slash-memoir The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World The premise of the book is simple but intriguing-- here is Amazon's description:

Part foreign affairs discourse, part humor, and part twisted self-help guide, The Geography of Bliss takes the reader from America to Iceland to India in search of happiness, or, in the crabby author's case, moments of "un-unhappiness." The book uses a beguiling mixture of travel, psychology, science and humor to investigate not what happiness is, but where it is. Are people in Switzerland happier because it is the most democratic country in the world? Do citizens of Singapore benefit psychologically by having their options limited by the government? Is the King of Bhutan a visionary for his initiative to calculate Gross National Happiness? Why is Asheville, North Carolina so damn happy? With engaging wit and surprising insights, Eric Weiner answers those questions and many others, offering travelers of all moods some interesting new ideas for sunnier destinations and dispositions.

In the imaginary Netflix queue of books-that-I'm-planning-to-read, this one has just jumped to the top. By the way, why has no one started a Netflix for books? This question, and many more, I'll leave for another day.

Destination Wedding Venues

See also:
Event Spaces for additional wedding venues

Biltmore Weddings
"... Picture Yourself in a Biltmore Wedding... Your wedding deserves a memorable location. Biltmore has been awarded the "Best Wedding Event of the Year 2006" by the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). Your celebration will be created with the utmost care and your guests treated with the Biltmore tradition of gracious hospitality. Our experienced staff is eager to plan your special day...."

Botanical Gardens at Asheville
"... provide a lovely setting for an outdoor wedding with an indoor facility for receptions or the possible rainy day. The Gazebo located on the Sunshine Meadow on the edge of Reed Creek or the meadow in  front of the Hayes Cabin, an authentic log cabin nestled in a cove, are perfect locations for a memorable day....."

Brahma Ridge Event Center
Located on a 50 acre mountain cove just south of Asheville. Their gigantic open pondside canopy makes it the perfect setting for a beautiful outdoor garden wedding, rain or shine. Plus there is enough onsite accommodations to make this a memorable getaway for the entire wedding party.

Bright Leaf Junction (Hot Springs)
"... weddings, receptions, fund raisers, rehearsal dinners, executive retreats, business meetings, weekend seminars, sales promotions, grand openings and formal balls with dinner, dancing with live entertainment. We can serve from 2 to 200... your place or ours. Private paries at Bright Leaf Junction have the whole hotel for your use for the night or entire weekend or just a romantic table for two for dinner. We can cater your function on-site here at Bright Leaf Junction... off-site catering the possibilities are endless. We are completely flexible... from a delivered luncheon for 4 at your place of business to an outdoor formal ball for 200 on your property...."

The Crest Center & Pavilion
".... is fast becoming Asheville and surrounding area's most desirable wedding venue! The Crest Center (seating for up to 300) has views from the overlook deck that are breathtaking for both day and evening weddings. The interiors, men's and women's facilities, and the lounge all reflect the elegance you are looking for. Your ceremony can be held on the deck, in front of our floor to ceiling stone fireplace, or even in the Pavilion. The Pavilion (seating up to 400 or more) is an open air facility that is perfect for an outdoor wedding but is glass enclosed to comfort you against inclement weather. The adjoining terrace and gardens offer cozy gathering places apart from the larger Pavilion. Both venues have side rooms that make excellent brides dressing rooms. Both also have full service bars for service of non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, and liquor. Indoor, outdoor, day or night, The Crest Center & Pavilion is the perfect setting for your perfect day...."

Deerfields
"... Let Deerfields host your wedding or special event. Big or small, our 940 acres can accommodate your needs...Camping is available.... on site catering for all private events! From small elegant dinner parties, to large wedding receptions... The Cabin sleeps four to six. A King bed is in the loft overlooking the fireplace, and a Full bed is in the bedroom... Deerfields is located 20 minutes south of Asheville in the Mills River Community. The retreat is a 940-acre family-owned tract of unspoiled wilderness offering camping, swimming, and hiking. Surrounding the ponds and two authentic cabins, apple orchards and rhododendrons cascade throughout the Queens Creek Mountains...."

Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa
"... Whether you’re planning a small gathering of close family and friends or a magnificent social event for hundreds, one of these settings is certain to be the perfect location for your celebration...."

Hidden River
"....Guests are likely to see some of the most magnificent sunsets they've ever seen... From the banks of the Swannanoa River that flows along the edge of the property, form the midst of one of our fields with long and wide-range views of one of the most beautiful valleys in the region, or beneath on of our lovely 'marrying trees' and with the oldest mountains in the world as your witnesses, you will see how a heart can soar here, like the hawks and herons that frequently dance overhead....."

Highland Lake Inn
"...is a haven of hospitality, charm and natural beauty nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. A historic North Carolina resort, Highland Lake Inn rests in a country setting of 26 gently wooded acres on a serene lake, just 25 minutes from Asheville, NC, in historic Flat Rock, NC.... Whether you are planning an intimate affair for 25 or a lavish party for 200, our experienced staff will help you plan a wedding to remember. Why envision a one-day event, when you can create an entire weekend celebration! We specialize in destination weddings that allow you to bring your family and guests together for more than just one day. Everything you need is right here--wedding and reception sites, spectacular food, delightful accommodations, and on-site activities. We can create the ultimate romantic experience for you, while also creating unforgettable memories for your guests that will last a lifetime. Highland Lake Inn offers a unique setting, blending nature's beauty with spectacular food and unparalleled service...."

• Charming indoor or picturesque lakeside ceremony sites
• Various indoor locations for your reception to accommodate small and large events
• Complete catering service from our award-winning Season's Restaurant
• Bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, celebration brunches
• A variety of delightful lodging accommodations ranging from cozy cabins to an elegant Inn
• Secluded and romantic Bridal Suite
• Recommended services for florists, musicians, wedding cake designers, officiates - even a horse and carriage!
• Activities for guests including swimming, tennis, canoeing, yoga , in-room massages, and golf
• Local attractions including the Flat Rock Playhouse, the Carl Sandburg House, and the Biltmore Estate
• Play the Wedding Video

Meadowbrook Inn
"... We take pride in our reputation for creating “awesome” weddings and receptions.... We feature over 6,500 square feet of elegant meeting and banquet space. Our sales professionals cater to the needs of individual groups and increase the efficiency of group sessions by offering appropriate room setup and timely, flexible food service.... Wedding ceremony and reception sites vary at the Meadowbrook Inn, from indoor rooms, for your decorating needs, to outside locations (weather permitting) on our Terrace, Patio, or Gazebo overlooking our brook, pond and waterfall.... we can meet your rehearsal dinner, bride’s maid luncheon, wedding reception and lodging needs. We have a fabulous reputation for planning and creating functions that meet your desires, from casual/informal, to very elegant and formal affairs...." Located in the fabulous resort town of Blowing Rock DIRECTIONS

Mountain Magnolia Inn &
Retreat (Hot Springs)
".... Mountain Magnolia Inn is a full service destination wedding site located 35 miles north of Asheville,NC in the quaint mountain town of Hot Springs, NC.... Experience the Beauty and Romance of a Mountain Wedding in Hot Springs, North Carolina, the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, and a short drive from Asheville. We will make your Wedding Day an experience to remember for a lifetime. The Inn is a fully restored, 3-story 1868 Victorian estate featured in This Old House magazine, HGTV and Southern Living. The 3.5 acre estate offers a park-like setting with beautiful mountain views. There is a total of 15 guest bedrooms and can accommodate up to 38 people and the town can accommodate all your guests. We operate a small restaurant on premises, and have an excellent chef and team of experienced servers...."

Ponder Cove B&B
"... This breathtaking property is a peaceful venue for the most memorable of weddings, civil unions or elopments. We can do all the work for you and you concentrate on the romance. We prefer those weddings on the smaller side, up to 25 guests where the emphasis is on a personal ceremony. Whether choosing an outdoor ceremony with the countryside as your backdrop or near the wood-burning stove on a chilly January morning we promise you a memorable occasion at Ponder Cove, a beautiful North Carolina wedding location...." Located in a quiet mountain cover in Madison County, about a 1/2 hour north of Asheville.

Rainbow Lake Resort
"... has many features that will make any wedding memorable. Our ceremony island in the middle of the lake is approached by an arched footbridge. The centerpiece of the island is a 14ft elevated gazebo with a small raised dais at the entrance where the bride and groom can take their vows. There is also a runner carpet that runs up the aisle to the gazebo, and a large shade tent is erected to keep the attendees cool during summertime ceremonies...." Located just south of Brevard

Woodfield Inn (in Historic Flatrock)
"... can accommodate all of your wedding needs... from guest rooms and rehearsal dinners to ceremonies and receptions. The Inn's restaurant, with four dining rooms, and our expansive grounds can provide a beautiful, elegant setting for events of all sizes. The creative cuisine and it's unique presentation make your event the envy of everyone. Our hospitable staff can help with all your wedding arrangements, allowing for stress-free planning of your special day. With our unique pavilion and gazebo close at hand, your choices are numerous in deciding the atmosphere for your wedding ceremony and family gatherings...."

Smaller Wedding Venues

The Unitarian Universalist
Church of Asheville
".... has always valued the opportunity to make its facilities available to non-members and community groups when our busy Church calendar allows, and according to our church policies...." This use includes weddings. At One Edwin Place (just off of Charlotte Street) Directions

Duckett House Inn & Farm (located in Hot Springs, 40 mins from Asheville)
"... Charming country weddings at the Duckett House Inn & Farm. From casual to formal, let us help you plan your special day. Our Inn can cater up to 200 people on the grounds or a small intimate affair. We have been hosting weddings for 14 years and can arrange every detail, from minister to flowers, rehearsal dinner to reception..."

Wedding Bouquets and Floral Arrangements

Below are florists who specialize in wedding bouquets and floral arrangements.

Choy's Flowers and Ikebana
"... hand-tied or cascade bouquets, corsages or tussie mussies, centerpeies or candelabras? At Choy's we try to help make the decision process as easy as possible. We do this by scheduling a time with our bride, usually about 6 months in advance. At this first consultation, we encourage the bride to bring any pictures, magazine clippings, or items that show what they have in mind. We then go through an extensive checklist (so as not to omit anyone or anything). This attention to detail is what sets us apart. No wedding is too big or too small for Choy's Flowers and Ikebana..." Located in Hendersonville

Sweetbriar Flower Shoppe
"... Specializing in wedding decorations & bouquets using a wide variety of flowers, Sweetbrier's floral artists love all kinds of flowers, from roses to wild flowers, and are delighted to participate in your special day with unique, creative, artistic flowers for your wedding or other special occasion...." Located in Hendersonville.