Best Small Wedding Venues in the North Carolina Mountains (No Barns!)

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Searching for the Best Small Wedding VenueS in the North Carolina Mountains?

Planning a small wedding in the North Carolina mountains means breathtaking views, intimate settings, and a peaceful escape into nature. If you’re looking for an intimate, mountain view venue (that isn’t a barn), this is our list that features some of the best small wedding venues in the North Carolina Mountains, perfect for elopements and weddings with fewer than 100 guests. We hope this can be super helpful for you on your search!

Whether you dream of a vineyard wedding, a secluded mountaintop retreat, or a venue with cascading waterfalls, these locations offer a stunning backdrop for your special day. Also, one of our favorite alternatives, if your wedding is under 35 guests – you may want to consider a luxury Airbnb wedding rental for a truly private celebration.

*Photos are not my own and are sourced from the websites of each venue!*

1. The Heavens Venue – Hot Springs, NC

Located in Hot Springs, North Carolina, The Heavens Venue is an exclusive, high-end mountain wedding venue perfect for couples who want both luxury and nature in one breathtaking location. This venue is also located near one of our favorite spots in the area, Max Patch, which is a lovely hike where at the top you have 360 mountain views (one of the best spots here, in our opinion!). This venue is truly one of our favorites in the area.

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Stunning Panoramic Views – Exchange vows with the Blue Ridge Mountains as your backdrop.
✔️ Intimate & Private – Perfect for small weddings and elopements, with exclusive access for your event.
✔️ Luxury Accommodations – Guests can stay in upscale cabins and suites with high-end amenities.

📍 Location: Hot Springs, NC
🌐 Website


2. The Sky Retreat – Purlear, NC

For a mountain wedding with a grand yet intimate feel, The Sky Retreat is a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This 6,500-square-foot event space features breathtaking long-range mountain views and luxurious amenities. This spot is so one in a million, you get the vast and beautiful mountain views, while also getting a beautiful and spacious space for guests!

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Sweeping Views of the Blue Ridge Parkway – A scenic and photogenic backdrop for your ceremony.
✔️ Elegant Grand Event Hall – A spacious indoor space with an open-air design.
✔️ On-Site Cabins – Stay the weekend and celebrate without leaving the property.

📍 Location: Purlear, NC
🌐 Website


3. Addison Farms Vineyard – Leicester, NC

If you love the idea of a mountaintop vineyard wedding, Addison Farms Vineyard is a dreamy, family-owned estate just outside of Asheville. Honestly a vineyard wedding just sounds so perfect and blends the vibes of nature and elegance so well!

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Romantic Vineyard Setting – Say your vows between the vines, with nearly 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
✔️ Indoor & Outdoor Spaces – Choose between a scenic outdoor ceremony site or an elegant reception space inside.
✔️ Award-Winning Wines – Enjoy handcrafted wines made on-site.

📍 Location: Leicester, NC
🌐 Website


4. The Parker Mill – Whittier, NC

A historic sawmill-turned-wedding-venue, The Parker Mill is a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, ideal for small destination weddings in North Carolina. We love how its rustic and homey but not TOO barn feeling, and it really feels so nestled away from everything.

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Authentic Mountain Setting – Nestled in a private Smoky Mountain community for a truly exclusive experience.
✔️ Bridal & Groom Suites – Get ready in style with comfortable, well-designed prep areas.
✔️ Multiple Ceremony Options – Indoor and outdoor locations with weather flexibility.

📍 Location: Whittier, NC
🌐 Website


5. Cabin Heaven – Asheville, NC

For a secluded, nature-immersed wedding experience, Cabin Heaven is a hidden oasis surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. ALL WE HAVE TO SAY IS – THE VIEWSSSS!!!! And we love how it’s not too far from Asheville and Hendersonville, where you can find lots of delicious food and fun vibes.

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Intimate, Secluded Setting – Perfect for elopements and micro-weddings with a cozy, private feel.
✔️ Outdoor Ceremony Options – Choose from multiple scenic spots with stunning mountain views.
✔️ Close to Asheville – Enjoy easy access to Asheville’s restaurants and nightlife after your wedding.

📍 Location: Asheville, NC
🌐 Website


6. Chimney Pond Farm – Glenville, NC

Chimney Pond Farm offers 80 acres of lush mountain landscape, perfect for a romantic outdoor wedding. If you scroll through their website, you’ll see this us just a stunning venue all around, and in such a perfect spot. Theres some open spaces, woodsy spaces, its just so versatile and so beautiful.

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Panoramic Views of Lake Glenville – A stunning, unique backdrop for your wedding photos.
✔️ Rolling Hills & Wildflowers – A nature-lover’s dream venue.
✔️ Spacious Reception Area – A large event space accommodating both small and large weddings.

📍 Location: Glenville, NC
🌐 Website


7. Laurel Falls – Asheville, NC

A private 18-acre retreat with waterfalls and historic cabins, Laurel Falls is a truly magical wedding venue. This place gives storybook vibes – theres mountain views, there are beautiful woods, there are small waterfalls, I feel like it looks so unique and magical. It’s also not far from Asheville, which is a plus!

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Waterfall Ceremony Site – Say “I do” with a gorgeous waterfall backdrop.
✔️ On-Site Lodging – Stay in charming historic cabins just steps from your ceremony.
✔️ Secluded & Romantic – A peaceful setting just 20 minutes from Asheville.

📍 Location: Asheville, NC
🌐 Website


Airbnb Wedding Rentals for Small Weddings (Under 35 Guests)

For micro-weddings and elopements with fewer than 35 guests, renting an Airbnb that allows weddings can be an affordable and private alternative. The photo above was taken by us from an Airbnb wedding that consisted of about 20 people, and was located in Fairview, North Carolina!

Tips for Choosing an Airbnb Wedding Venue:

Check the Listing Rules – Make sure the host allows events and weddings.
Look for Outdoor Space – Choose a rental with stunning mountain views, gardens, or a deck.
Plan for Parking & Vendors – Ensure there’s enough space for vendors, guests, and easy accessibility.

Some great Airbnb wedding-friendly properties in the North Carolina mountains include:

  • Luxury Cabins with Scenic Views in Asheville
  • Riverside Lodges near Boone
  • Private Estates & Villas in Highlands

Final Thoughts

Planning a small wedding in the North Carolina mountains means choosing a venue that reflects your love story. Whether you prefer a vineyard wedding, a secluded waterfall ceremony, or a modern mountain retreat, these venues offer stunning views, privacy, and romance—without the typical barn setting. We hope this guide on finding the Best Small Wedding Venues in the North Carolina Mountains was helpful for you 🙂

Need help planning your micro-wedding mountain wedding? We would genuinely love to help plan and capture your lovely day! We’re Yara & Christian – we’re photographers based in the North Carolina mountains who specialize and adore elopements and micro-weddings! If you want to learn more about us, you can check out our website or contact us!

Our Elopement & micro wedding Photography packages

  • Two Photographers (that’s us in the photo below!!)
  • Our Exclusive 60 + Page Ultimate Elopement & Micro Wedding Planning Guide
  • Starting at 6 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
  • Location Research & Scouting
  • Timeline Curation
  • Questionnaires To Help Build Your Perfect Day
  • Professionally Edited and Curated Online Gallery
  • Private Access to your Online Gallery and Print Shop
  • Sneak Peeks
  • Photographer Travel Fees Included (always!)
  • And Of Course, Beautiful and Cinematic Photos of Your Day

Meet your photographers:

Like we mentioned before, we’re Yara & Christian – we are photographers based in the North Carolina mountains and we love creating beautiful wedding day experiences! If you are wanting a beautiful day captured in a cinematic and storytelling way, we’re you’re people 🙂 Reach out to us here: CONTACT US

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