Places to get married or just go see

These are perfect places to have a private elopement, small wedding or go on an adventure.

Most places are easy-peasy. Walk up and enjoy.

For those public lands, no need to make plans or get permission. You’ll see locals enjoying the spots, right there with you; maybe even a through hiker traveling down the path.

It’s a lovely way to enjoy the mountains and keep your wedding day or ceremony day on budget.

Wedding Venue and more

• Hawkesdene - A sprawling 70‑acre haven with top-tier cuisin. Rob, Phil, Jami & Heather are rock‑stars of the wedding day—fun, seamless, and unforgettable. info@hawkesdene.com 800-447-9549 or 828-321-6027

• The Choestoe School House - Charming 60‑guest venue. Classic, intimate, and utterly adorable—think old‑school schoolhouse with a sweet twist.

• The Cabins at Copperhill, TN - Up to 38 or more guests in a cozy, intimate mountain setting. Owners are warm, attentive, and make everything feel effortless

• Nantahala Weddings and Events - Versatile venue nestled in lush Nantahala—ideal for personalized weddings and events with that signature mountain charm. Tiny houses on-site offer cozy overnight stays. For bookings, reach out to Jody at 828‑421‑0141 (primary) or Jess at 828‑579‑0000, or email forever@nantahalaweddings.com.

• Black Fox Farm - Rustic‑chic farm venue brought to life by Sarah Bragg’s creative vision. An artisan’s dream space with authentic mountain character.

• The Venue in the Vines, Set amidst Engelheim Vineyards. Lee‑Ann’s attention to detail makes every celebration feel vineyard‑magical.

• Juliet Chapel and Events, Ellijay, NC - Quaint chapel setting for heartfelt ceremonies, complemented by stylish event space—perfectly romantic and picture‑ready

• Payne Meadows, Murphy, NC- Set in gorgeous meadows, Robert’s warm support and flower‑farm expertise bring natural beauty to your day. robertpayne@paynemeadows.com 828-361-6048 or 828-361-2236

• Castle of Joy, Murphy, NC - Whimsical castle‑inspired locale—fun, fairytale vibes without the frills.

• Toccoa House Properties, Blue Ridge, GA - Elegant rental homes with mountain charm—ideal for retreats, gatherings, or intimate weddings. Co-owned by Dana Nazerian & Greg Spencer 706‑851‑0220 706‑633‑0141 for bookings and personalized planning.

• Hemlock Ridge - Secluded ridge‑top serenity—great for private elopements and small group celebrations in nature.

• Glamp Blue Ridge - Dome‑style glamping retreat perched above Fall Branch Falls in Cherry Log, GA—perfect for up to 7 couples. Built by brothers David and Andy Heymann 706‑514‑0964.

• Butternut Creek Golf Course - Scenic golf‑course backdrop—open layouts and lush fairways, great for casual to upscale ceremonies and receptions.

• Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa - Full‑service resort with spa, golf, and mountain views. Ideal for couples who want a full guest‑experience stay.

• The Barn at Young Harris - Rustic barn venue with a modern twist—spacious, versatile, and full of country charm. Melanie Abrams - 678-237-8184

• Everett Hotel - luxury boutique hotel is an ideal location to place you in the midst of great shopping, galleries, magnificent mountain views, unique on-site dining, and discovering why Bryson City. Rob & Scott - TheEverettHotel@gmail.com

• Willow Falls Resort - Lakeside resort offering cabins, lodge space, and stunning waterfall views—excellent for multi‑day events.

• Blue Ridge Inn B&B : John’s charming inn sits right downtown across from the train—intimate lodging with old‑town vibes. (706) 661-7575 howdy@blueridgeinn.com

• Forrest Hills Resort - Family‑oriented resort with golf, lodging, and outdoor spaces—perfect for relaxed, fun‑filled events.

• Glamping Retro - Retro‑themed glamping options—funky, fun, and super photogenic for intimate celebrations. Look for Sharen Turner - glampingretro@gmail.com

  Cabins and Rentals

• Glamp Blue Ridge - A perfect dome community for up to 7 couples that can come for a gathering or celebration like a Micro Wedding in the mountains! Forest, land, waterfalls-perfection.

• WoodsyModern is the personal (not through Airbnb) booking link to these amazing places- Westwood and Ellewood.

• Shiny Apple Cabin Rentals - Debra’s warm hospitality and dog‑friendly setups make these cabins a Blue Ridge favorite—furry friends included. 954-2268-463 shinyapplecabinrentals@gmail.com

• Escape to Blue Ridge - Cabin Rentals -312 active short term rental available. Set against the stunning Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge is just 90 minutes from Atlanta—but it feels like a world away. Talk to Rhonda about setting up your perfect cabin for your wedding or elopement.

• The Cabins at Copperhill , Up to 38 or more guests in a cozy, intimate mountain setting. Owners are warm, attentive, and make everything feel effortless

• Cherokee Mountain Cabins - Topton, NC - Ideal for family reunions or portraits by creekside—uplifting mountain vibes meet cozy cabins.

• Mateos at Nantahala Weddings - Tiny‑house accommodations at this waterfall‑adjacent venue. Jody is a gem—and the perfect mix of adventure and ease.

• Cascade Getaways Vacation Rentals - Varied collection of vacation homes—ideal for accommodating wedding guests in comfort and style. Connect with Chelsea moffa thegreatescaperiveredge@gmail.com

  Breweries | Wineries

• Buck Bald Brewery - Murphy, NC - A family-owned brewery located in Copperhill, TN, offering a variety of craft beers in a cozy, retro gas station setting.

• Valley River Brewery - Murphy, NC - Located in a former town hall and fire department, this brewery offers a taproom, outdoor patio, and event space, crafting great beer and community since 2015.

• Tipping Point Brewery - Downtown Blue Ridge, GA - Talk to Madalyn; she is amazing and so helpful.

• Copperhill Brewery/Ocoee River Distillery - Craft brewery in Copperhill, TN, providing a friendly atmosphere with a selection of exceptional tasting craft beers.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing Company - Based in Franklin, NC, this brewery offers a range of beers inspired by the adventurous spirit of hikers.

• Cartecay River Brewing Co. - Located in a former town hall and fire department, this brewery offers a taproom, outdoor patio, and event space, crafting great beer and community since 2015.

• Grandaddy Mimm's Distilling Co. - Produces a variety of moonshines and spirits, offering tours and tastings to visitors.

• Reece's Cider Co.- Specializes in crafting hard ciders using locally sourced apples, providing a refreshing alternative to beer.

• House of Applejay - Ellijay, GA - Fine Spirit and Liquor Distillery

• Fairy Bottle Shop - Murphy, NC - Wine shop and bar with beer, cider, cheese, chocolate, gourmet snacks, polish pottery and gifts.

• Bar 21 - A cozy speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a killer collection—20+ bourbons, 30+ wines by the glass, craft beers, and seasonal mocktails. Live music and vibes every Sunday night; charcuterie boards are a hit.

• Angry Hops - Dog-friendly and bold, this laid-back taproom offers 17+ rotating beers—from IPAs to sours—plus patio seating and food trucks. Bingo Tuesdays, live music, and strong community spirit make it a must‑visit.

• Grumpy Old Men Brewing - Hilariously founded by two retiree brewers. Enjoy a nostalgic, fun atmosphere

• Hiawassee Brew - A local favorite just north of Blue Ridge. Relaxed brewpub offering classic ales and lagers—great creekside location for a chill pint

  Orchard

• Mercier’s Orchards - Blue Ridge, GA - Largest apple orchard in the southeast. Offers taste-testing, hard cider, fresh cider, caramel apples, and more.

• The Folk Collaborative - A charming, family‑run orchard nestled in the Appalachians—ideal for seasonal U‑Pick apples (20+ varieties), wagon ride. Luke & Amanda - 706-492-7753

  Jeweler | Jewelry Shop

• J. Mills Studio - Murphy, NC - Unique, handcrafted jewelry—perfect for bridal gifts. J. Mills is the BOMB!

  Gift Shop | Merch Items | Shopping & Retail

• Black & White Market - Murphy, NC - Alanna’s curated collection of mountain-made goods, antiques, and gifts.

• Silver Thread and Golden Needles - Carol Barb’s sweet, artisan boutique.

• Blue Ridge Bird Seed Co. - Charming local shop. - Connect with Jaime Davis - (706) 258-2473

• Copper Fox Book Store, - Community‑focused owners Natalie and Nikkie, who fill the shop with bookish charm and warmth. Whether you're browsing shelves, savouring a brew, or soaking up local stories, they make every visit feel like catching up with old friends.

• Mailbox Co., Blue Ridge, GA - Quirky gift & stationery spot downtown. Look for Tanya - 706-946-7447

  Coffee Shop | Smokes

• Abide Coffee - Delightful espresso catering or morning brew station.

• Smokey Bear Cigars & Cafe - Downtown Blue Ridge, GA - George and Iraima’s friendly spot—great for groomsmen gifts and relaxed chats.

• Tellico Grains Bakery - Tellico Plains, TN (remember that we are in the middle of nowhere, Worth the drive for exceptional baked goods in the wild beauty.

• Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge, Blue Ridge, GA - Cozy, local favorite for pre‑ceremony energy or laid‑back meetups. Look for Moe Stephens - sip@mountainmamacoffee.com

  Food | Catering

• The Ark - Murphy, NC - Delicious Caribbean food truck—vibrant flavors for rehearsal dinners.

• Big Nick’s BBQ -Crowd‑pleasing take‑out BBQ—great for casual feeds.

• Smoky Mountain BBQ - Crowd‑pleasing take‑out BBQ—great for casual feeds.

• Brother’s Restaurant at Willow Ranch - Excellent brunch/dinner and stellar catering across GA & NC.

• The Chophouse - Classy spot for prime cuts and seafood—romantic and refined.

• Fine Dining Chef, Blue Ridge, GA - premier catering service dedicated to crafting luxurious, all-inclusive culinary experiences for events of any size.

  Modern Vintage Rentals + Design + Planning

• White Pheasant - Jamey is delightful and well‑recommended for fresh, beautiful designs.

• Georgia Doll Events -Creative event teams making visions come alive. She’s the owner, planner, coordinator, florist, designer, manager, secretary, content creator, and boss babe of Georgia Doll Events -

• Unique Events by Andrea - Creating your stress-free destination wedding experience. Andrea 706.851.9106

  Florist

• Harpp Flower Farm- a boutique cut-flower farm and design studio in Murphy, NC dedicated to creating lush, unique arrangements using seasonal, locally grown flowers. Connect with Holly - 678-756-1065

• The Blooms at Cate Farms : Coming Spring ‘25. Unique and whimsical bouquets and arrangements coming to you from the best little farm around - Addie Deal

• Whimsy Flower Farm : Playful, whimsical designs with local flair. Jennifer Logan

• Martha Maes Floral - Fresh flowers, designed & delivered 770-474-8866

• Blue Ridge Flowers : Bringing beautiful floral arrangements to Fannin County - Michelle owner

• FlowerHound, Murphy, NC - The Flower Hound was a wild idea by founders Thea Butler & Ronnie Whims (828)361-9824  |flowerhoundnc@gmail.com

  Entertainment | DJ | Musicians

• Madisyn Alberry - A red‑headed magic‑voiced singer for ceremony and reception.

• DJ Sound Extreme - Bands, DJs, photobooths—ask for Sandman or Ben. 828-551-3519

• DJ Tucker - Pro DJ vibes for any crowd. (336) 661-5857 Tucker Wayne

• Emerald Empire Band - Live music that energizes the floor.

• Gold Headphones - Sleek, curated DJ experience. Romankotowski@gmail.com - 678-906-3974

  Bartending

• Mountain Lakes Private Bartending - Professional, polished drink service.

• Ginseng Mobile Bar - Stylish and mobile—drinks wherever you need them.

  Officiant

• Blue Ridge Weddings : Heartfelt, personalized ceremonies that feel genuine. Steffen Smith (706) 455-7629

  HMUA (Hair & Makeup Artist)

• Make Me Up Georgia - Skilled glam team ready to make you feel radiant.

  Cake | Pastries

• Sally White - Pinterest-perfect cakes in classic flavors—with GF and Kosher options. Email philsallywhite@gmail.com or call 828-342-1475

• Melissa’s Custom Cakes - ustom creations for any milestone. info@cakesandgoodies.com, 706-781-1687

• Sugar Mama’s Bakery Jessie Hall & Becky Huffman—sweet treats with heart. 706-455-7939 / 706-851-6720.

  Local Places

• Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - Charming train ride experience. Call 1‑877‑413‑8724..

• Blue Ridge Chamber of Commerce - Your go‑to for local adventures and brewery maps.

• Cherokee County Chamber - Great info on WNC activities..

• Appalachian Trail Rides - Horseback mountain exploration

• RE/MAX Agent in GA - AJ Petrillo - This is the man you wanna meet in the mountains. He’s got charm, local listings, and probably a flannel for every day of the week. From Fannin to Gilmer to Union County, he’ll help you find the cabin of your dreams—and maybe even carry the firewood.