Planning a small wedding in North Carolina and looking for the perfect venue? Look no further! I’ve created a list of my favorite small wedding venues in NC to help you visualize your options. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy mountain escape or a chic countryside retreat, this guide has you covered. From venues with on-site lodging to those without, I will help you narrow down the best fit for your big (but small) day.

If you’d like to search for your small North Carolina wedding venue by where it is located in the state, take a look at this interactive map!

Why Choose a Small Wedding Venue in North Carolina?

A small wedding venue is perfect for couples who want a meaningful, intimate day without the stress of a massive guest list or overwhelming logistics. For those who value quality time with loved ones and want to focus on their connection, small venues offer the best of both worlds—intimacy and convenience.

North Carolina is an ideal backdrop for a small wedding, with its mix of stunning natural beauty and unique venues that cater to couples seeking something special. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy mountain retreat, a serene lakeside ceremony, or a rustic countryside setting, North Carolina has it all. The diverse landscape ensures there’s a venue to match your vision, from the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains to all of the forest-y vibes.

Small wedding venues often strike the perfect balance between adventure and comfort. You get the personal attention of an elopement but with the added perks of a curated venue—dedicated ceremony spaces, reception areas, and often, on-site lodging for your closest family and friends. These venues are especially attractive to couples traveling to North Carolina because they simplify planning while still offering a “wow” factor.

If the thought of managing a guest list of hundreds makes you feel overwhelmed, a smaller venue can help you prioritize the people who matter most. Imagine walking into a venue that feels intimate, cozy, and designed for your love story, rather than a massive hall where you’re just another booking. Small venues create an environment where every guest feels appreciated, and every detail feels intentional.

Let’s dive into the best options, organized by whether they include on-site lodging or not.

Small Wedding Venues in NC

On-Site Lodging

1. The Heavens
   Location: Hot Springs, NC
   Cost: Starts at $1,450 (up to 15 guests)
   Ceremony & Reception Options: Large covered arch with panoramic mountain views, open air space for receptions.
   Best Time of Book: Fall for stunning foliage or spring for blooming landscapes.
   Lodging Details: On-site cabins accommodate up to 8 guests.
2. Laurel Falls
   Location: Fairview, NC
   Cost: Starting at $14,500 (up to 75 guests)
   Ceremony & Reception Options: Waterfall or mountain backdrop backdrop for ceremonies, outdoor reception space.
   Best Time to Book: Early fall for vibrant leaves.
   Lodging Details: Private cabins and lodges accommodate up to 20 guests.
3. Timberlake Earth Sanctuary
   Location: Whitsett, NC
   Cost: Inquire for pricing
   Ceremony & Reception Options: Woodlands, garden or orchard ceremonies with reception barn or tent.
   Best Time to Book: Spring for mild weather and blooming flowers.
   Activities: Meditation gardens, nature trails.
   Lodging Details: Limited eco-lodging for up to 25 guests.
4. Engadine Inn & Cabins
   Location: Candler, NC
   Cost: Inquire for pricing
   Ceremony & Reception Options: Mountain or vineyard overlook for ceremonies and outdoor or tent for receptions.
   Best Time to Book: Summer or early fall.
   Lodging Details: Multiple inn rooms and cabins available.
5. Nantahala Weddings
   Location: Topton, NC
   Cost: Packages start at $7,750 (up to 50 guests)
   Ceremony & Reception Options: Mountain, lake, waterfall or forest options for ceremony and reception venue.
   Best Time to Book: Late spring or summer for warmer lake activities.
   Activities: Hike, bike, raft in Nantahala National Forest for the adventure wedding dress challenge.
   Lodging Details: On-site cabins accommodate up to 18 guests.
6. Earthshine Lodge
   Location: Lake Toxaway, NC
   Cost: Inquire for pricing
   Ceremony & Reception Options: Mountaintop or woodland ceremony sites, lodge-style reception hall.
   Best Time to Book: Fall for cooler temperatures and foliage.
   Activities: Ziplining, bonfires, hiking with llamas.
   Lodging Details: Main lodge and sunrise cottage accommodations included.
7. Skyline Lodge
   Location: Highlands, NC
   Cost: Inquire for pricing
   Ceremony & Reception Options: Mountain view ceremony and open air reception space with fire pit gathering area.
   Best Time to Book: Spring or early fall.
   Lodging Details: Boutique hotel-style rooms available.
8. Old Edwards Inn
   Location: Highlands, NC
   Cost: Starting at $4,000
   Ceremony & Reception Options: 10+ options available for ceremony and reception sites.
   Best Time to Book: Spring or summer.
   Activities: Spa treatments, golf, hiking.
   Lodging Details: Luxurious inn accommodations for guests.
9. Flat Mountain Farm
   Location: Highlands, NC
   Cost: Inquire for pricing
   Ceremony & Reception Options: Waterfall and mountaintop ceremony sites, rustic barn receptions.
   Best Time to Book: Fall for foliage or spring for blooming flowers.
   Lodging Details: Farmhouse and cabins for guests.
10. Little Chapel at Haven Ridge
    Location: Winston-Salem, NC
    Cost: Starting at $2,000 (up to 20 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Quaint chapel for ceremonies and greenhouse reception space.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or early fall.
    Activities: On-site row boat
    Lodging Details: Modern inn available for up to 6.
11. Chimney Pond Farm
    Location: Glenville, NC
    Cost: Starting at $8,500 (up to 100 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Mountain overlook or Christmas tree ceremony, rustic barn reception space.
    Best Time to Book: Fall or winter.
    Lodging Details: 4 large houses available for guests.
12. Brown Mountain Beach Resort
    Location: Lenoir, NC
    Cost: Starting at $10,500 (up to 120 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Riverside ceremony site and rustic lodge reception space.
    Best Time to Book: Summer for enjoying the river.
    Activities: On-site tubing.
    Lodging Details: Multiple cottages and yurts available for guests.
13. Magnolia House
    Location: Hot Springs, NC
    Cost: Inquire for pricing
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Wooded or mountain view ceremony site, covered pavilion reception space.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or summer.
    Lodging Details: 3 historic estate homes available for up to 20 guests.
14. Sky Retreat
    Location: Purlear, NC
    Cost: Inquire for pricing
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Grassy, mountain view ceremony site and rustic lodge reception space.
    Best Time to Book: Summer for enjoying the outdoors.
    Activities: Fire pits and hiking trails on-site.
    Lodging Details: Multiple small cabins available for guests.
15. Douglas Ellington House
    Location: Asheville, NC
    Cost: Inquire for pricing
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Historic cottage available for ceremony and small dinner.
    Best Time to Book: Fall for all of the moody vibes.
    Lodging Details: On-site storybook cottage available for two.
16. Biltmore Village Inn
    Location: Asheville, NC
    Cost: Starting at $5,520 (up to 14 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Outdoor pergola with mountain views for ceremony and reception.
    Best Time to Book: Spring for blooming flowers.
    Lodging Details: Victorian style rooms and cottages available for guests.
17. Stony Woods Estate
    Location: Marshall, NC
    Cost: Inquire for pricing
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Mountain overlook ceremony site and tent reception space.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or Summer.
    Lodging Details: Villa and treehouses available for guests.
18. The Vineyard at High Holly
    Location: Scaly Mountain, NC
    Cost: Inquire for pricing
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Vineyard ceremony site and rustic barn reception space.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or summer for stunning vineyards.
    Activities: On-site restaurant and bar.
    Lodging Details: Farmhouse and cottages available for guests.
19. Outland Great Smoky Mountains Resort
    Location: Whittier, NC
    Cost: Starting at $1,500 (up to 20 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Great Smoky Mountain overlook, terraced garden, or mountain lawn available for ceremony, indoor and outdoor spaces for reception.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or Fall for stunning views.
    Lodging Details: Family lodge available for guests and romantic suite for couples.
20. Weddings Over Waterfalls
    Location: Hot Springs, NC
    Cost: Starting at $1,200 (up to 28 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Waterfall or creekside ceremony site, tent or cabin deck reception.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or summer for water activities.
    Nearby Activities: Hike the stunning Max Patch mountain.
    Lodging Details: Cabin can accommodate 5 guests.
21. Carolina Country Weddings
    Location: Mt Pleasant, NC
    Cost: Starting at $2,500 (up to 32 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Woodsy, garden or meadow ceremony site and hall, lodge or patio reception.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or Fall for blooming flower or Fall foliage.
    Lodging Details: Multiple farmhouses can accommodate up to 20 guests.
22. JuneBug Asheville
    Location: Weaverville, NC
    Cost: Starting at $7,700 (up to 20 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Treehouse or wooded ceremony site, treehouse reception.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or summer for beautiful greens and mild weather.
    Lodging Details: 10 retro campers available for guests, each sleeps 2-6 people.
23. Twisty Maple
    Location: Fletcher, NC
    Cost: Starting at $3,200 (up to 30 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Mountain view ceremony site, covered patio reception.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or Fall for beautiful colors and mild weather.
    Lodging Details: House available for up to 16 guests.
24. Deerwoode Reserve
    Location: Brevard, NC
    Cost: Starting at $1,500
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Meadow ceremony site with pond and mountain view, modern barn reception.
    Best Time to Book: Spring for blooming flowers and mild weather.
    Lodging Details: Multiple cabins and lodges for guests.
25. Running Cedar Springs
    Location: Tuckasegee, NC
    Cost: Starting at $5,000
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Mountaintop or deck ceremony site, indoor and outdoor reception options.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or Fall for beautiful colors and mild weather.
    Lodging Details: 3 cabins available for guests.

Without On-Site Lodging

26. Something Blue Mountain
    Location: Marion, NC
    Cost: Starts at $1,850 (up to 24 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Open field or terrace with mountain views, outdoor space for receptions.
    Best Time to Book: Early summer for mild temperatures and lush greenery.
27. Castle Ladyhawke
    Location: Tuckasegee, NC
    Cost: Starting at $5,000 (up to 25 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Castle terrace and mountain view lawn for ceremonies plus great hall and carriage house for receptions.
    Best Time to Book: Summer or early fall.
    Lodging Nearby: Bear Lake Reserve
28. Haiku
    Location: Asheville, NC
    Cost: Starting at $2,200 (up to 10 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Zen garden and chapel ceremony sites and indoor and outdoor reception space.
    Best Time to Book: Spring for greenery and blooming flowers.
    Activities: On-site speakeasy.
29. Longleaf Vineyard
    Location: Marshall, NC
    Cost: Starting at $4,500 (up to 10 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Ceremony site overlooking vineyard, patio with panoramic mountain views and covered pavilion for reception.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or Fall for comfortable weather and stunning views.
30. Mountain Paradise
    Location: Marshall, NC
    Cost: Inquire for pricing
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Ceremony and picnic site overlooking mountains.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or Fall for comfortable weather and stunning views.
31. Laughing Waters
    Location: Gerton, NC
    Cost: Inquire for pricing
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Forest, waterfall or valley with mountain views ceremony site and cabin deck reception space.
    Best Time to Book: Spring or Fall for comfortable weather.
32. The Greenhouse at Arrows Farm
    Location: Lillington, NC
    Cost: Starting at $4,900 (up to 130 guests)
    Ceremony & Reception Options: Garden or greenhouse ceremony and reception.
    Best Time to Book: Spring for blooming flowers.

Tips for Planning Your Small Wedding in NC

• Plan for the Weather: North Carolina’s weather can be unpredictable. If you’re opting for an outdoor venue, consider renting a tent or having a backup indoor option.
• Think About Guest Comfort: Choose a venue with on-site lodging if you have out-of-town guests. This eliminates the hassle of additional travel and creates a more relaxed experience for everyone.
• Visit the Venue: Whenever possible, visit your shortlisted venues to get a feel for the space and visualize your big day.
• Hire Local Vendors: From florists to caterers, local vendors know the area best and can offer invaluable advice and services.
• Book Early: Popular venues fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so secure your date as soon as possible.
• Leverage Off-Peak Seasons: If your schedule allows, consider booking during an off-peak season for lower costs and more venue availability.

Micro Wedding Packages in NC

If you’re considering a micro wedding in North Carolina, you’re in luck! Many of these venues offer all-inclusive micro wedding packages that include essentials like catering, decor, and accommodations for a stress-free planning experience.

These packages are perfect for couples who want to keep their guest list small while still enjoying the comforts and perks of a traditional wedding venue. You can choose from options that handle everything—from florals to food—so you can focus on celebrating with your closest loved ones. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate lakeside gathering or a romantic mountain ceremony, micro wedding packages make planning easy and straightforward.