Destination Wedding in the Smoky Mountains | Becca + Andrew

May 17

Written By Bailey Batten

Intimate destination wedding at Nantahala Weddings & events | Nantahala Lake, topton, north carolina

Becca and Andrew chose to have a small intimate wedding in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Their wedding guests got to enjoy a weekend immersed in all of the beauty the Nantahala National Forest as to offer. Lake views surrounded by rolling mountains, the Nantahala Gorge littered with cascading waterfalls, and beautiful flowers and trees blooming all around in the late summer months. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that truly feels like a retreat and peaceful getaway for you and your guest, Nantahala Weddings and Events might just be the perfect fit for you!

Having an intimate wedding offers a host of perks that can make your special day truly unforgettable. One of the standout advantages is the opportunity to create a warm and cozy atmosphere that fosters genuine connections. With a smaller guest list, you can focus on quality interactions and spend quality time with each and every attendee. Whether it's close family or your dearest friends, an intimate wedding allows you to engage in meaningful conversations, share heartfelt moments, and forge deeper bonds. You can truly cherish the presence of your loved ones and create memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Are you planning a destination wedding?

Here are three perks to planning your own destination wedding:

Breathtaking Locations: Opting for a destination wedding allows you to exchange vows in some of the most stunning locations around the world. Whether it's a pristine beach on the West Coast , a charming mountain getaway on the East Coast, or a lush vineyard somewhere in between, the backdrop of your destination will add a touch of magic and beauty to your special day. Your wedding photos will be truly extraordinary, capturing not just your love but also the incredible scenery.
Intimate Experience: A destination wedding often results in a more intimate celebration, as only your closest family and friends will travel to attend. This allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones, creating unforgettable memories together. The smaller guest list also enables you to prioritize personal connections and forge stronger bonds during your wedding festivities.
All-Inclusive Packages: Many destination wedding venues offer all-inclusive packages that simplify the planning process. These packages often include the venue, accommodations, catering, and even wedding coordination services. With fewer vendors to coordinate and decisions to make, you can enjoy a stress-free planning experience and focus on the excitement of your upcoming nuptials. For my couples I am a huge advocate for creating a laid back atmosphere and sharing tips and tricks on how to have a stress free wedding weekend experience for everyone!

Okay, one more BONUS PERK!!!

Extended Celebration: Destination weddings often become week-long celebrations, as guests typically arrive a few days before the wedding day. This allows for additional pre-wedding events, such as welcome dinners, beach parties, or group excursions, creating a festive atmosphere and giving you more time to connect with your loved ones. It's an opportunity to turn your wedding into a memorable vacation for everyone involved.

Check back soon for a full wedding guide on planning your destination wedding in Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest!

advice from Becca, our smoky mountain bride:

What made you pick your wedding venue? And what did you love about it?

I picked Nantahala Weddings because I grew up going to my grandparents cottage in Maine every summer. This was such a memorable place for me and Nantahala resembled it in such a special way. The majority of our guests were from out of town and we wanted to take them on an adventure. I loved that it was a one of a kind venue.

What advice would you give a bride and groom currently planning their wedding?

My advice to brides and grooms is to enjoy the process. This is your time celebrate your love. Don’t let anyone dim your shine, be selfish, take it all in.

What was your favorite memory from your wedding day?

My favorite part of our wedding day was our first look. Getting to do it at the waterfall was our first little adventure. All of the nerves instantly melted away and we got to share the beginning of our wedding intimately. Of course, dancing and celebrating with our loved ones was a very close second :)

Venue: Nantahala Weddings and Events // Planner: Cara Jones // Hair: Danielle FInn // Makeup: Madeline Calloway // Florals: Great Blue Farm // DJ: Rock Bottom Entertainment