Real Asheville Weddings

ERIN & COREY

WHY/HOW DID YOU SELECT ASHEVILLE AS YOUR WEDDING DESTINATION?

One of the attractive traits that drew us together is our strong sense of family. Therefore, we really wanted to focus on having a relaxed, family environment for our wedding ceremony. Plus, we wanted to provide the opportunity for our families to mingle and visit a place that most had never been. Asheville was the perfect fit because of the unique environment, restaurants, outdoor activities, music venues, guided tours, chocolate factories,  great microbreweries, and on and on! We have always loved the changing fall  leaves and cool temperatures of Western North Carolina. The outdoor activities are limitless in that part of the world.

DESCRIBE ANY WEDDING HIGHLIGHTS THAT HAD UNIQUE OR LOCAL FLAVOR.

With the assistance of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau and local bakeries, we were able to make personal care packages for our guests upon  their arrival that accentuated the unique features of the city. Our mission was to set our families loose in the city and surrounding areas so they could enjoy all the exquisite offerings. Everyone loved Biltmore Estate, the trolley tour, The Grove Park Inn, Biltmore Village, Grove Arcade, and the nightlife.

BRITTANY & BRITTANY

How did you select Asheville as your wedding destination?

As cliche as it sounds, Asheville really is a melting pot. We were obviously particular about finding a wedding location as we are an interracial same sex couple. Asheville very much offers a vibe that you can't deny- one that welcomes folks from all walks of life. Who could say no to that?

How did you pick your ceremony and/or reception site?

We honestly googled venues that were LGBT friendly in the Asheville area. Homewood (our venue) just stood out- the antique/vintage feel was undeniable and exactly what we were going for. We checked out a couple other places as well, but Homewood fit the budget and made a lasting impression on our first tour!

Describe any wedding highlights that add unique or local flavor to your wedding.

LOCAL FOOD/CATERERS, PHOTOGRAPHER, AND BREWS! We have made a conscious effort to "shop local" for our wedding and the Asheville talent has made it so easy.

NATHALIE & CRAIG

HOW DID YOU SELECT ASHEVILLE AS YOUR WEDDING DESTINATION?

I knew right from the start that I wanted to get married in Asheville, my hometown. We were so excited with the thought of our guests, especially those from out of town, experiencing the beauty of the Biltmore.

WHERE DID YOU GET MARRIED?

We chose to have our ceremony and reception at the Deerpark Restaurant on the Biltmore Estate. Traditionally, Deerpark weddings are in the courtyard, but we had our eye on the surrounding grounds. Deepark had never hosted a wedding ceremony in the field, but they were up for the challenge.

BARBARA & SHANE

DESCRIBE A MOMENT THAT WAS MADE EXTRA SPECIAL THROUGH ASHEVILLE AS YOUR SETTING.

Knowing that I could walk down the aisle to the Jaw’s theme song and it would be embraced as unique, wonderful and special without ever feeling the need to be conventional. This describes Asheville to me – its ability and ease of embracing and encouraging the unique, the special, the non-conventional.

HOW DID YOU PICK THE CEREMONY SITE? 

Hidden River was our first stop. From the moment I stepped out of my car, the natural beauty of the area and peace of the surrounding mountains told me this is where our wedding vows were to take place, where family and friends could mingle comfortably and safely.

MEG & WILL

BEYOND THE WEDDING, DID YOU OR YOUR GUESTS ENJOY THE ASHEVILLE AREA? HOW?

After the wedding the younger guests went to the Bier Garden and took over most of the seating there and continued the celebration.

DESCRIBE THE RECEPTION DÉCOR.

I chose three designs. Lots of glass containers with flowers floating in water, floating candles and candles in general. The venue is decorated fairly contemporary. It was a beautiful room with the additional centerpieces.

DESCRIBE ANY WEDDING HIGHLIGHTS THAT HAD UNIQUE OR LOCAL FLAVOR.

I gave all the hotel guests welcome bags filled with goodies to get them through the weekend. We gave guests a  lengthy list of places to go, see, visit, shop, and dine, coupled with a list of our favorite things to see in Asheville.