Taproom in Copperhill,TN and Ocoee River Distillery in Ducktown, TN
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.
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.
Horns of God Waterfall in Topton, NC.
Wayah Bald Fire Tower Sunrise Micro-Wedding.
Wayah Bald Fire Tower, Topton, NC - Appalachian Trail goes through here, which is fun.
Horseshoe Bend Park, McCayesville, GA/Copperhill, TN
Horns of God Waterfall, Topton, NC
Helton Creek Falls, Blairsville, GA
Bell Mountain, Hiawassee, GA - Huge graffiti mountain and lots of fun.
High Shoals trail, GA
Ocoee White Water Center location, Ocoee, TN
GoForth Creek, Ocoee, TN - no hike, near parking
Mountain Crossings at Walasi-yi - Neel Gap, Blairsville, GA (Appalachian Trail here again but in GA)
Panther Top Fire Tower- Murphy, NC - 1 mile hike up, up and up.
Cherokee Lake- Murphy, NC -sexy dam, trails and beautiful private lake.
Trailhead for Findley Falls- Nantahala, NC - Tiny hike, sweet falls.
The Choestoe School House - Available to rent and can accommodate 60 guests. Adorable. Classic.
Our Favorite local places and vendors in Blue Ridge GA:
Madisyn Alberry a magic voice red head that will adorn your ceremony and reception with music and voice.
Make Me Up Georgia- great hair and make up.
Tipping Point Brewery - Downtown Blue Ridge, GA, great spot to host a gathering. Talk to Madalyn she is amazing and so very helpful.
Smokey Bear Cigars & Cafe - Downtown Blue Ridge, GA. Talk to George and Iraima, owners and super nice! Great spot to get gifts for groomsmen and fathers. Lots of merch here.
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - Fun for family adventures. four-hour railway excursion along the beautiful Toccoa River from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, GA. Call ahead for tickets, they book up 1-877-413-8724.
Mercier Orchards - The largest apple orchard in the southeast, short drive from Downtown Blue Ridge. Something for everyone and lots of taste-testing. Their hard cider is amazing!!! Their fresh cider is amazing. Caramel apples to die for!
Hemlock Trading Company - Blairsville, GA. One of the sweetest families own this store in downtown on the square. Say hello from us to the Logan family and check them out for some great local merch, especially for your wedding party.
Blue Ridge Chamber of Commerce - We have the best chamber with lots of info at your fingertips - from drives to breweries. It also has loads of informations for adventures in general in the Blue Ridge area.
Abide Coffee - Highly recommended for catering or just an afternoon brew.
White Pheasant - Decorator - Out of town but amazing. Jamey is so friendly too. They are out of NC but not too far.
Appalachian Trail Rides - Great option to get outdoors with four legs. Right down the road from us.
Drinks - Mountain Lakes Private Bartending
Cake - Sallie White - philsallywhite@gmail.com, 828-342-1475 she is in Nantahala but does deliver around.
DJ - Sound Extreme
Glamping 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.
Murphy, NC and surrounding areas:
The Ark - Food truck is delicious, authentic Caribbean food. You need them to cater your wedding, rehearsal or just your life.
J Mills Studio - J Mills is the BOMB! This is a local artist group that makes the most unique jewelry. We have been their photographers for years and love their work. This is the best place for bridal party jewelry, gifts for the mommas and grandmas and a little something for your sweetheart. In the downtown square of Murphy, NC.
Black and White Market - Downtown Murphy. Keisha is the owner and has an incredible amount of locally made, mountain merch with spice (great for gifts for the family and the gals) and has awesome prices on her antiques.
Big Nick’s BBQ - Great for take out to feed a crowd.
Smoky Mountain BBQ - Amazing staff to cater your event.
Brother’s Restaurant at Willow Ranch - Great for brunch or dinner- great service. Excellent catering service. Serves GA and NC.
Cherokee Mountain Cabins - Topton, NC - A perfect spot for a family gathering and beautiful creek spots to explore for portraits.
Mateos at Nantahala Weddings - Tiny houses available at this lovely wedding venue that are close to the Horns of God waterfalls and Wayah Bald, Topton, NC These can be booked on Airbnb. Owner- Jody- wonderful human and close friend. Love everything here.
Cherokee County Chamber - Another great resource for things to do in Western North Carolina.
Hawkesdene - 70-acres in Andrews, North Carolina wedding venue that can host everything, best food at any venue I have ever worked at. Hands down. Rob and Phil are incredible humans and so good at what they do. Jami is the golden ticket when it comes to wedding day. You’ll see!
TN places worth going to…. For reals
Tellico Grains Bakery - Tellico Plains, TN (remember that we are in the middle of nowhere, so just drive a little further and still be in the middle of nowhere but it is still beautiful and more delicious). This is the best place I have ever been and I want to shoot an elopement here. In the store. On the counters, while eating. While everyone is eating. And then stay and have a reception there…. And continue the eating.
The Cabins at Copperhill , TN are a wedding venue hosting up to 38 guests onsite. Beautiful, intimate, great owners/managers.
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 - 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.
Orchard:
Mercier Orchards - Blue Ridge, GA - Largest apple orchard in the southeast. Offers taste-testing, hard cider, fresh cider, caramel apples, and more.
Jeweler | Jewelry Shop:
J. Mills Studio - Murphy, NC - Local artist group creating unique jewelry. Perfect for bridal party gifts, moms, and grandmas.
Gift Shop | Merch Items | Shopping & Retail:
Hemlock Trading Company - Blairsville, GA - Family-owned shop with great local merchandise, especially for wedding parties.
Black & White Market - Murphy, NC - Owned by Keisha, featuring locally made mountain merchandise, antiques, and gifts.
Dessert Restaurant:
Tellico Grains Bakery - Tellico Plains, TN - A must-visit bakery for an elopement shoot and an unforgettable eating experience.
Coffee Shop:
Abide Coffee - Highly recommended for catering or just an afternoon brew.
Smokey Bear Cigars & Cafe - Downtown Blue Ridge, GA - Talk to George and Iraima, the super friendly owners. Great spot for groomsmen gifts and more.
Food | Catering
The Ark - Murphy, NC - Authentic Caribbean food truck, perfect for wedding catering or rehearsal dinners.
Big Nick’s BBQ - Great for takeout to feed a crowd.
Smoky Mountain BBQ - Amazing staff to cater your event.
Brother’s Restaurant at Willow Ranch - Great brunch and dinner. Excellent catering serving GA & NC.
The Chophouse - Murphy, NC. Fresh seafood, choice cuts of meat, and delicious sides. Excellent, classy, and delicious restaurant. Many couples gravitate to this setting.
Modern Vintage Rentals + Design + Planning:
White Pheasant - Based in NC but close by. Jamey is friendly and highly recommended.
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.
Divine Floral Studio - specialize in creating personalized, inspirational, and high-quality arrangements, dedicated to serving our community with love and care.
Entertainment | DJ | Musicians:
Madisyn Alberry - A magic-voiced redhead perfect for ceremony and reception music.
DJ Sound Extreme - They offer bands and DJs to photobooths and more
DJ Tucker
Bartending:
Mountain Lakes Private Bartending
HMUA (Hair & Makeup Artist):
Make Me Up Georgia - Great hair and makeup services.
Cake | Pastries:
Sally White - Send Sally your favorite Pinterest pic, and she’ll recreate it for your wedding. Flavors: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, red velvet, and carrot. Fruit fillings: strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry. She can also do gluten free and Kosher! Military discount. Ask for a tasting when you visit Nantahala. She’ll make three beautiful little cakes for you – free of charge! Story about Sally: A mother and bride went to Asheville to do tastings, including desserts. They did cake tastings at 5 different upscale (read: pricey!) pastry shops. Their last tasting was Sally’s cakes at Nantahala Weddings. She won the competition hands down!
contact info: philsallywhite@gmail.com - 828-342-1475.
Local Places:
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - Fun family adventure. Call ahead for tickets: 1-877-413-8724.
Blue Ridge Chamber of Commerce - Great resource for local adventures, breweries, and more.
Cherokee County Chamber - Great resource for Western North Carolina activities.
Appalachian Trail Rides - Great way to get outdoors on horseback.
Glamping Blue Ridge - Dome community for up to 7 couples. Great for micro-weddings.
Woodsy Modern - Bookable vacation rentals, including:
Blue Ridge Pines - Ellewood (old name)
Blue Ridge Retreat - Westwood (old name)
Wedding & Elopement Locations and many more….
Horns of God Waterfall - Topton, NC
Wayah Bald Fire Tower - Topton, NC - Appalachian Trail passes through.
The Cabins at Copperhill, TN - Wedding venue, hosting up to 38 guests.
Horseshoe Bend Park - McCaysville, GA/Copperhill, TN
Foothills Parkway, TN
Helton Creek Falls - Blairsville, GA