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:
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
Chamblee Tap & Market - Atlanta owners, David and Leigh Heymann - A tap room that we would love to shoot an after party or reception. David has places in the mountains, Woodsy Modern and Glamping Blue Ridge here in Blue Ridge, GA.
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.
The Ellewood- Vacation home - up to 18 guests- perfect for Micro Weddings in the mountains.
Weswood- Vacation A-Frame - up to 6 guests, perfect for an Elopement and Honeymoon stay in the mountains.
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.