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How to Work with A Day-Of Coordinator -- For Vendors

11/1/2019

 
As more and more people get into the wedding business as a side gig, I’m noticing less and less professionalism among wedding coordinators and planners. It’s not that I am against competition. I welcome new people to our area and to the wedding business! In fact, many of my former assistants are now running their own coordinating businesses. Plus, the more resources we have for brides, the more brides will choose our area to get married. And if new vendors charge less than some of the professionals while they build their business, that’s okay. This practice gives customers on a really tight budget some options. The problem is when people sell themselves as experienced wedding coordinators, when they don’t really know what they are doing. This gives the wedding planning and coordinating business a bad name. I hear many of you saying, “I hate working with day-of coordinators.” I don’t want to hear that any more. So, here are some tips for working with day-of coordinators or planners in general…

Check In Early and Often A good coordinator will make your job easier. When you first sign a contract with your bride, ask if they are working with a coordinator or planner and if it’s a partial or full planning package. Then reach out to the coordinator to let them know you’re on the team, and make sure they have your mobile phone number and email address. A good coordinator will keep you apprised of any changes, create timelines and layouts, and take charge on the day-of, so you can concentrate on being the best at what you do. I even know some vendors that charge less if the bride is working with a planner, because less work for them!

Timelines A good coordinator will create the overall timeline, and share it with the vendors. There is no need for everyone to do their own timelines! I had one bride who had to fill out six different questionnaires for timelines: hairdresser, photography, DJ, etc., and by the end she was sick of it!  (This was before she hired us.) When you first reach out to the coordinator, ask them when they will have a timeline ready. It is usually 6-8 weeks before the wedding. There’s really no point in doing a timeline more than eight weeks before the wedding. Lots of things may change prior to that time – who’s in the wedding party, which family members can attend, and sometimes the location changes. Do you really need to know their first dance song a year ahead? A good timeline will include all the major facets of the day, including set up and clean up times, and times for major things like ceremony, toasts, etc. You can take that and add things that are pertinent to you and your staff. Saves a lot of time!

Communicate Communicate Communicate A good coordinator will be the first person on site. On the day of, as soon as you get to the venue, check in with the coordinator to find out where you are supposed to set up and to get any updates to the timeline. Sometimes the weather changes things, and sometimes things get rearranged at the rehearsal. If you are running late, text them. If you leave the venue after set up, or if it is just a drop off, let the coordinator know. Make sure they understand how to use any equipment, which items need to be returned to you, and when they will be picked up. If your equipment is really valuable, try to leave someone behind to watch it. If you need to take a break during the event, we don’t mind covering for you for a few minutes. And if you have questions on the day of, contact the coordinator, not the bride or her mom, or the venue manager. A good coordinator will field questions and relay them to the appropriate person if necessary. That is primarily why people hire day-of coordinators (besides set up and clean up). They don’t want to be pestered with questions; they want to enjoy the event.

Put Me In Coach A good coordinator will take charge. The coordinator is like the coach of a football team. They decide who plays when, what the plays are, and when a change in strategy needs to be made. You’re a part of the team. The client, whether it is the bride or groom or the mom, is the quarterback. You can’t call an audible. In most cases, the coordinator has been working with the couple and their family for over a year. They’ve gotten to know them really well -- their preferences, their back stories, who doesn’t get along with whom, etc. It’s best to let the coordinator decide if something needs to be changed. And if the coordinator tells you that your outfit is not appropriate, or that the mom (who is paying for everything) does not want the garter toss, or the music is too loud, or that what you are doing is interfering with another vendor’s job or with a guest’s ability to enjoy the festivities, then you need to listen. It will result in better reviews for you, and more recommendations from the coordinator.

Show Some Respect A good coordinator knows her etiquette. For example, there is a certain amount of decorum and respect that is required when you are working a religious ceremony, whether Christian, Jewish, or interdenominational. There should be no talking, whispering, or joking around during the ceremony. There should be no movement at all that might distract the guests, the officiant, or the couple during the ceremony, and that goes especially for photographers and videographers. Although the coordinator can advise where it is best to station yourself during the ceremony, it is the officiant who is actually in charge of the ceremony. Be sure to check with them on their preferences. Flash photography is prohibited in most churches. So is standing behind the officiant or the wedding party. This holds true even if the ceremony is outside. If the officiant is just a friend who got ordained online, here is a general rule: Stay out of the way. I know you are trying to do the best for you clients, but their family and guests have travelled a long way, and they have the right to witness the ceremony without distraction. If you can’t get “THE SHOT” from somewhere in the back, maybe you need better equipment. An exception might be briefly standing in the aisle to capture mom being escorted to her seat, or the happy couple exiting. If you absolutely must stay in the aisle, kneel down so you are not blocking anyone’s view. Consult the coordinator when you have questions about whether or not something is appropriate, and heed their advice. It will make you look more professional.

Dress Code A good coordinator will dress professionally and wear a name badge. For vendors, pretty much anything goes during set up and clean up, but during the event, what you are wearing should be as similar to what the guests are wearing as possible. Short skirts, jeans (especially ripped jeans), and lots of visible tattoos are not appropriate for most formal events. Dress like you’re going to a job interview, because, in a way, you are. No one is going to recommend a DJ who wears sweatpants and a hoodie to a wedding (Yes, that happened). Wear a name badge. Comfortable shoes are understandable, of course, even if they are more casual. (I know one photographer who switches shoes 2-3 times during the day!) If you are moving around a lot and are likely to get hot and sweaty, bring an extra shirt (or two). And, for goodness sake, use deodorant!

Let’s Get Tipsy (NOT) A good day of coordinator will help keep an eye on the guests and alert the bartenders if someone needs to be cut off. But checking ID’s and cutting people off is the responsibility of the bartenders. That is why most venues require a licensed bartender who knows the state’s rules regarding alcohol service. However, if you see something, say something. Things like teenagers taking sips of beer when adults aren’t looking, or a guest who is so drunk they can’t stand up, can lead to HUGE problems later – for all the vendors - if there is an accident. It does not matter if they aren’t driving. If you can’t find the coordinator or get to the bartender, tell the venue manager or a security guard. And you should not be drinking alcohol yourself. You are at work. This is not a social event, for you.

A good coordinator will keep her clients happy, while also helping the vendors get their jobs done, and assuring that the family and guests are having a fabulous experience. It’s a tough job!  But you can help. I know there are bad coordinators out there who are bitchy and boss around the other vendors, and I’m sorry about that. But the majority of coordinators are experienced professionals, and are only there to help everyone have a good time. If they have a suggestion, listen. They might see the opportunity for a great shot, the perfect song, or a special treat that will make you look good. A coordinator can be your best friend, if you will just let them.

p.s. Bonus Points: After the event, send the coordinator a link to any photos or videos you took, and ask for their review or recommendation for future events. And check in from time to time. Out of sight=out of mind.

A Guide to Asheville Wedding Venues by Photographer Jennifer Callahan

2/14/2018

 
PictureThe Ridge, an outdoor wedding venue just north of Asheville includes that quintessential view of the Appalachian mountains.
A Guide to Asheville Wedding Venues: A Photographer's Perspective
 
Since winter is a slower time for weddings in the Asheville area, I'm taking the opportunity to write from the perspective of an Asheville wedding photographer about some of the amazing wedding venues in western North Carolina. For this blog post I decided to focus on the Asheville and Hendersonville area. There are also many great venues near Cashiers and Blowing Rock, which I might post about at a later date. When organizing this post, I recalled so many places just in the Asheville area. I decided to focus on that. Having been a wedding photographer in Asheville for the last 12 years, it's amazing to see how things have changed. For the most part I've organized the venue information by the style of landscape provided by the venue. You'll see venues on the list of long respected places as well as some new places. The last few years have been exciting with so many new venues popping up. I love it! 
​
I'm posting this in January because I know so many couples are getting engaged now and starting their planning and venue search in western North Carolina. I married in 2017, and I know it can be overwhelming for couples to consider all the options and wedding planning can almost turn into a part-time job. I remember searching for venues online in the Asheville area, and often getting search results that were for venues that were hours away from Asheville. There were moments I felt I had wasted my time. This wedding venue guide for Asheville is great because everything I'm listing is close to either Asheville or Hendersonville, and no more than an hour away.

THE MAIN ADVICE I WOULD GIVE TO COUPLES STARTING THEIR WEDDING PLANNING:
  1. Start your planning by taking a balanced approach to finding your venue, caterer and photographer. Don't spend such a large part of your budget on one area that you don't have enough left for other areas that are important to you.
  2. After that, research florists and wedding planners. These businesses sometime do multiple events on weekends as they have multiple employees to cover a variety of events, so you don't have to worry quite as much about your date already being taken!
  3. When looking at a venue, check out the larger picture of what they offer. Do they include some things you would otherwise have to rent or do they include a day-of coordinator? In the end you may find they are the best option.
  4. If you find a vendor you love, go for it. You can always continue to search and find things you love, but take my advice as someone recently wed, over-searching actually takes the fun out of the wedding and can drain your enthusiasm.
  5. Read vendor reviews
If you're searching for a wedding venue and would like to get a photographers perspective, feel free to send me an email ([email protected]) and I'd be happy to make suggestions based on what you're looking for.

VENUES WITH SCENIC OVERLOOKS OF THE MOUNTAINS

1. THE RIDGE
HTTP://WWW.THERIDGEASHEVILLE.COM
o    Perfect scenic overlook for your ceremony
o    Beautiful house with wrap-around porch to great your guests upon arrival
o    New reception building with equally amazing views
o    Luxury venue
2. THE CABIN RIDGE
HTTP://WWW.THECABINRIDGE.COM
o    Breathtaking overlook of the mountains
o    Outdoor pavilion for your reception
o    Rustic Cabins
3. CHESTNUT RIDGE
HTTP://WWW.CHESTNUTRIDGE.EVENTS
o    at an elevation of about 3000 feet, the venue offer a scenic view and the feeling of also being right in the mountains
o    Indoor and outdoor options for the ceremony 
o    New venue with large event barn, and suites for getting ready
o    Luxury venue
4. PISGAH INN
HTTP://WWW.PISGAHINN.COM
o    A hotel and restaurant right on the Blue Ridge Parkway with an amazing, undisturbed view of the mountains, provides catering for events
o    Ceremony location is an outdoor scenic overlook
o    A wonderful new deck looks out over the mountains
o    The reception room has lots of natural light from large windows along two walls
o    Better suited for smaller to medium size weddings, as the reception room isn't large
o    However, if you have a more casual receptions where guests mingle and eat throughout the event room/deck and lawn area, then you would be able to have more guests (more than 35).
o    If you want a sit down dinner at your reception, the room will max out at about 35 guests
o    Green areas and lawns for guests to mingle around the inn
o    Budget friendly
5. CAMP CEDAR CLIFF HTTP://CAMPCEDARCLIFF.ORG/WEDDINGS/
o    Mountaintop views from a pavilion that features a high roof, wooden beams and stonework details
(Editors note: no alcohol)
6. BEND OF IVY LODGE
HTTP://BENDOFIVYLODGE.COM
o    Tranquil mountain setting
o    Scenic overlook
o    Accommodations for guests
o    Pastoral setting for intimate weddings
7. ENGADINE INN AND CABINS
HTTPS://WWW.ENGADINEINNANDCABINS.COM/WEDDINGS-EVENTS
o    Intimate B&B 
o    Outdoor venue
o    Two Scenic Overlooks

VALLEYS, MOUNTAIN VIEWS & PASTORAL LANDSCAPES

1. CLAXTON FARM
HTTP://CLAXTONFARM.COM
o    Pastoral landscape, rolling hills with a 360-degree view
o    Classic mountain views for the ceremony and reception, plus an event barn with porch
o    There is a reason this has been a classic venue for so long, it never disappoints 
o    Outside bonfire during cooler weather with smores
2. HIDDEN RIVER HTTP://WWW.HIDDENRIVEREVENTS.COM
o    Located in an open valley, surrounded by mountains
o    Tented Reception
o    Long respected venue in western North Carolina
Editors’s Note: All inclusive-catering, photography, coordinator, lodging, etc.
3. LAVONIA CREST
HTTP://LAVONIACREST.BUSINESS.SITE
o    Located just beneath Roan Mountain, a valley setting with tranquil mountain views
o    New venue, hidden gem so you can currently rent the venue for a great price
o    Reception style: outdoor pavilion and rented tent
o    Outdoor fireplace and fire pit 
o    Budget friendly
4. SHERILL'S INN AT HICKORY NUT GAP FARM
HTTPS://WWW.HICKORYNUTGAPFARM.COM/VENUE-LOCATIONS/
o    Tons of authentic charm and character
o    Historic, 1845 farmhouse setting
o    Views of hills and mountains
o    Boxwood garden pathways
o    Open field above the house for tented or open air reception
5. LAKE EDEN
HTTP://LAKEEDENEVENTS.COM
o    A classic venue in Asheville that offers so much
o    Mountain views, pastoral rolling hills, authentic red barn reception
o    The property has a large footprint with many wonderful features throughout the landscape 
6. IVY CREEK FARM
HTTP://WWW.IVYCREEKFAMILYFARM.COM/EVENT-VENUE
o    Farm themed, rustic venue in the countryside
o    down-to-earth, relaxed vibe
7. YESTERDAY SPACES
HTTPS://YESTERDAYSPACES.COM
o    Farm style setting with so many great features
o    Two residential homes to stay in on the property
o    Dairy barn, a great backup plan for you ceremony if it rains and if frequently used for the rehearsal dinner
o    Open field with mountains in the distance, used for ceremonies
o    Reception barn
o    An amazing tree-lined walkway to your ceremony. Historically this was a portion of the carriage path through the community in the 1800's...it's a fantastic feature!
o    Outside bonfire during cooler weather
8. LADY LUCK FLOWER FARM
HTTPS://LADYLUCKFLOWERFARM.COM
o    FLOWER FARM AND WEDDING VENUE
o    VALLEY SETTING WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS
o    OUTDOOR EVENT PAVILION
9. THE WILLOW HOUSE
HTTPS://WILLOWHOUSEWEDDINGS.COM
o    Maggie Valley Area
o    Waterfalls and mountain views
o    Reception barn

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOR ELOPEMENTS WITH SCENIC OVERLOOKS

1. CRAGGY GARDENS
HTTPS://ASHEVILLETRAILS.COM/BLUE-RIDGE-PARKWAY/CRAGGY-GARDENS-TRAIL
o    Well loved option with AMAZING views
o    Appealing because the hike is fairly gentle and it doesn't take long to get to amazing views (1.5 miles roundtrip hike)
o    Rock outcroppings allow for spectacular photos
2. BLACK BALSAM KNOB
HTTPS://ASHEVILLETRAILS.COM/BLUE-RIDGE-PARKWAY/BLACK-BALSAM-KNOB-ART-LOEB-TRAIL-HIKING
o    At 6000 feet, follow a pastoral trail over mountaintops with truly expansive views
o    Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll feel like your in another world, an unforgettable feeling for a ceremony
o    Evergreen forrest is part of the hike, with amazing pools of light breaking through for truly special photographs
3. ROUGH RIDGE
HTTPS://ASHEVILLETRAILS.COM/BLUE-RIDGE-PARKWAY/ROUGH-RIDGE-HIKE
Summit with rock outcroppings and wooden boardwalko    two-mile roundtrip hike
4. HAWKSVILLE MOUNTAIN
HTTPS://ASHEVILLETRAILS.COM/LINVILLE-GORGE/HAWKSBILL-MOUNTAIN-TRAIL
o    1.5 miles roundtrip hike
o    The views are truly breathtaking when you reach the top

URBAN SPACES IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE

1. THE VENUE
HTTP://WWW.ASHEVILLEVENUE.COM
o    Large stylish venue
o    Vintage details through 13,000+ square feet of sectioned room
2. THE RHU
HTTP://RHUBARBASHEVILLE.COM/PRIVATE-EVENTS
  • New, private event space above The Rhu Bakery in downtown
  • Better suited for smaller weddings, less that 100 people
  • Industrial chic interior, beautiful textures throughout the space
3. ON BROADWAY
HTTPS://CELINEANDCOMPANY.COM
o    Classic Asheville venue
o    Large room with hardwood floor
o    Venue also provides the catering
4. ASHEVILLE SOCIAL HALL HTTPS://WWW.ASHEVILLESOCIALHALL.COM
o    New Venue
o    Great location with many large window on two walls
o    A large room that is a blank canvas for your wedding
o    Interior is warm and inviting
5. THE ORANGE PEEL HTTP://THEORANGEPEEL.NET/VENUE-RENTAL
o    Large, downtown music venue can be rented for private events
6. THE CENTURY ROOM HTTPS://PACKSTAVERN.COM/DOWNTOWN-ASHEVILLE-WEDDING-VENUE/
o    Located above Pack's Tavern
o    They provide the catering for their events
o    Warm interior details featuring exposed brick and wood bar
7. LEXINGTON GLASSWORKS HTTPS://WWW.LEXINGTONGLASSWORKS.COM
o    Glassworks gallery in downtown can be rented as an event space
o    Funky, industrial stripped down interior
8. HOMEWOOD HTTPS://WWW.MYBELOVEDHOMEWOOD.COM/WEDDINGS
o    Homewood isn't actually in downtown Asheville. It's in Montford, an historic neighborhood adjacent to downtown
o    It was hard to fit Homewood into any other category; it's a one of a kind venue and no list would be complete without it.
o    Historic stone manor with hardwood floors and a warm interior, the building is reminiscent of a castle
o    Outdoor location for your ceremony, with receptions inside
o    A classic venue I've loved since I moved here in 2004
9. EAST WEST VENUE HTTPS://WWW.EASTWESTVINTAGERENTALS.COM/OUR-VENUE
o  East West Venue is a large open room, a blank canvas, that's made very interesting through the East West Vintage Rental company which adds lots of eclectic personality and vintage details to the space
o  Affordable option suited for smaller wedding of about 50 guests, great for a fun indie wedding
o  Also have to admit this isn't in downtown, but it's very close in west Asheville and I wanted to get it on this list somewhere!
o  Also worth noting, Nikki who runs the event space and vintage rental company also does floral design–so you could work with her to fulfill so many of your event needs.
10.  SNAGGY MOUNTAIN HTTP://WWW.SNAGGYMOUNTAIN.COM
o    Beautiful mountain views
o    Suited to fun, down-to-earth weddings connected to nature

PRIVATE HOME RENTAL FOR PRIVATE EVENTS
I love the trend of renting private homes and having more time to put your wedding together and spend more time with friends and loved ones than you might get at a traditional venue where receptions usually end around 10:00 or 11:00. Here are a few places that have really stood out to me in recent years:

1. HART HOUSE
HTTPS://WWW.VRBO.COM/355839
o    Beautiful private home with a great yard for your ceremony and reception
o    Some views of the mountains from the front yard
o    Easy location to get to in the Fairview area
2. LAUGHING WATERS RETREAT
HTTPS://HICKORYNUTFOREST.COM/LAUGHING-WATERS-RETREAT-CENTER
o    Beautiful, wooded landscape that includes a creek and orchard
o    Large home and an area with an open, flat lawn that could easily accommodate a ten
o    Curving drive through a gorge about 30 minutes from Asheville
3. PINE HOLLOW
HTTPS://WWW.VRBO.COM/298951
o    Lovely home, ceremony and reception are usually held in the yard adjacent to the house
o    Also features a pond which is a nice background for photos
Editor’s note: In a private community. No parking
4. RIVER'S RIDGE LODGE 
HTTPS://WWW.RRLODGE.COM
5. HAWKS LANDING
HTTPS://WWW.VRBO.COM/967461
o    Beautiful estate setting with lots of green space and shade (a must have for spring and summer weddings)
6. MOUNTAIN JOY CABINS HTTP://MOUNTAINJOYCOTTAGES.COM
7. SCENIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT HTTPS://WWW.VRBO.COM/552737
o    A curving drive into the mountains, but fairly close to Asheville
o    A cool home with lots of windows and a large deck
o    From the large deck you have a great view of the mountains and Asheville in the distance
o    The main feature of the property for a private event is the deck 
o    The house would be great for a relaxed reception with guests mingling back and forth between the large deck and inside the house.
o    It's on a mountainside, so there's no yard or lawn for event activities
o    Also has a fantastic pool on the deck
6. BIG BUTTE RETREAT
HTTPS://WWW.AIRBNB.COM/ROOMS/22032328?LOCATION=ASHEVILLE&ADULTS=16&CHECKIN&CHECKOUT&CHILDREN=0
·  90 acres
·  Mountain views
·  Pond for swimming
·  Multiple cabins (14 bedrooms)

SUMMER CAMP WEDDINGS
Summer camps weddings are perfect for people who want to have a fun and communal experience at their wedding and there are several places in Western North Carolina that provide that experience:

1. DEERFIELDS
HTTP://WWW.DEERFIELDS.COM/WEDDINGS/
2. CAMP PINNACLE
HTTPS://WWW.CAMPPINNACLE.COM/EVENTS-FACILITY-RENTAL/WEDDINGS-AT-CAMP/
3. CAMP KANUGA
HTTPS://WWW.KANUGA.ORG/PLAN-YOUR-EVENT/WEDDINGS/
o    When you research Camp Kanuga, please note everything they include in their wedding packages. It's an amazing deal when you compare the cost of their catering to cost of catering in the general WNC area. 
o    They're affiliated with the Episcopal church, but they host every variety of wedding and or faith
o    Kanuga has a beautiful wooded campus with amazing evergreens
o    The property has a large footprint with many locations options for your event 
o    Guest can rent rustic cabins or stay in their newly renovated hotel 
4. CAMP HIGHLANDER HTTPS://WWW.CAMPHIGHLANDER.COM/WEDDINGS-EVENTS-RETREATS
5. CAMP WAYFARER HTTPS://WWW.CAMPWAYFARER.COM/ABOUT-CAMP/WEDDINGS-AND-RETREATS/
 
AFFORDABLE ASHEVILLE WEDDING VENUES
Some of these venues appear in other places on this list; I've added them here because they could potentially be more affordable options. When researching venues, you want to consider the cost of rentals you'll need that aren't provided by the venue. When you look at the cost of the venue in the bigger picture of your entire wedding, a place like Camp Kanuga is an amazing deal because of everything they include, plus their onsite catering is a remarkable deal in comparison to other options. Another option not on the list would be to have your ceremony at a stunning location on the blue ridge parkway (like Max's Patch) and then have a larger party at a home in the afternoon. You might also consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday, as rates could be lower for those non-peak days.

1. TIMBER HALL EVENTS HTTPS://WWW.TIMBERHALLEVENTS.COM
o    Rustic outdoor mountain setting with an event barn
2. WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
HTTPS://WWW.WARREN-WILSON.EDU
o    Hidden treasure featuring a garden, pavilion, some mountain views, and they also have a church if you want to choose that for your ceremony
o    There are lawns where you can rent and add a tent if you need one
3. PISGAH INN (HTTP://WWW.PISGAHINN.COM)
o    Blue Ridge Parkway hotel when amazing scenic overlooks
4. UNCA BOTANICAL GARDENS HTTP://ASHEVILLEBOTANICALGARDENS.ORG/WORDPRESS_3/FACILITY-RENTAL/RENTING-OUR-FACILITIES
o    Best suited for small, daytime weddings 
o    Amazing price
Editor’s Note: Strict rules regarding use of this public venue
5. YMI CULTURAL CENTER, RAY AUDITORIUM HTTP://WWW.YMICULTURALCENTER.ORG/FACILITIES
o    Historic building in downtown Asheville
o    Beautiful large room
o    This venue works a blank canvas for you to create your wedding
6. PEACEFUL HOLLOW HTTPS://WWW.PEACEFULHOLLOW.COM
o    Private home setting with a beautiful landscape
7. FRANNY'S FARM HTTP://FRANNYSFARM.COM
o    Farm themed, rustic venue in the countryside
o    Down-to-earth, relaxed vibe
o    Laid-back atmosphere
8. CLOUD NINE FARM HTTP://WWW.CLOUD9RELAXATION.COM/WEDDINGS
o    Farm themed, rustic venue in the countryside
o    Down-to-earth, relaxed vibe
o    Laid-back atmosphere
9. CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK
HTTPS://WWW.CHIMNEYROCKPARK.COM/SCHOOLS-AND-GROUPS/WEDDINGS-2
o    Affordable, sate park option
o    Venue has many years of experience doing weddings
10.  CAMP KANUGA
HTTPS://WWW.KANUGA.ORG/PLAN-YOUR-EVENT/WEDDINGS
o    When you look at everything they offer, including catering pricing, plus it a beautiful landscape you'll start to see what a great option this is
o    I HIGHLY recommend you research Camp Kanuga while looking for your venue
o    Endless opportunities for amazing photographs on your wedding day
11.  THE MASONIC TEMPLE IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE HTTP://ASHEVILLEMASONICTEMPLE.COM
o    Historic building in downtown Asheville, the space is a blank canvas for you to style your wedding
o    Shay Brown Events, established and respected event planners/designers in Asheville, manage this venue
12.  ASHEVILLE SOCIAL HALL HTTPS://WWW.ASHEVILLESOCIALHALL.COM
o    Downtown venue, open room with great views
o    I'm imagining rates will go up as this becomes a more established place, now it's quite an amazing deal!
13.  LAUGHING WATERS RETREAT
HTTPS://HICKORYNUTFOREST.COM/LAUGHING-WATERS-RETREAT-CENTER/
o    Private home in a beautiful wooded setting
14.  TRICKLE CREEK FARM
HTTPS://WWW.TRICKLECREEKFARMNC.COM
o    Farm themed, rustic venue in the countryside
o    Down-to-earth, relaxed vibe
15.  WEAVER HOUSE
HTTP://WEAVERHOUSENC.COM
o    New venue which I'm guessing will open in 2018
o    Great location in downtown Weaverville, at the same time it is a private, garden setting with a beautiful new timber pavilion
o    I can't say how excited I'm am to see this venue and I highly recommend you check it out
o    I photographed this venue years ago and it's perfect from a photography perspective
16.  EAST WEST VENUE HTTPS://WWW.EASTWESTVINTAGERENTALS.COM/OUR-VENUE
o    Very affordable venue for 50 or less guests
17.  SNAGGY MOUNTAIN HTTP://WWW.SNAGGYMOUNTAIN.COM
o    Countryside venue with mountain views
o    Suited for a down-to-earth, fun weddings
o    Laid-back atmosphere

WATERSIDE VENUES
1. OLIVETTE
HTTP://WWW.OLIVETTENC.COM/EVENTS
Located along the side on a river, you feel like you're in a new world, though your just 15 minutes from Asheville
Truly amazing river setting with a gorgeous sunset in the evening
​Outdoor ceremony location with a pavilion for the reception
2. HIGHLAND LAKE INN
HTTP://HLINN.COM/WEDDINGS
o    Classic Asheville venue located on a lake
o    Lodging for you and your guests
o    Beautiful outdoor landscape with several options for the ceremony
o    Lodge, style building for the reception
o    The venue provides the catering
3. THE LODGE ON LAKE LURE HTTP://WWW.LODGEONLAKELURE.COM
Editor’s note: not currently available for weddings
4. LAKE LURE INN AND SPA
HTTPS://WWW.LAKELURE.COM/EVENTS/WEDDINGS
5. LAKE EDEN EVENTS HTTP://LAKEEDENEVENTS.COM/WEDDINGS
 
VINEYARD VENUES NEAR ASHEVILLE

1. ADDISON FARM VINEYARDS
HTTP://WWW.ADDISONFARMS.NET/WEDDINGS
o    Beautiful rolling hillsides
2. THE VINEYARDS AT BETTY'S CREEK HTTP://WWW.THEVINEYARDSATBETTYSCREEK.COM
o    Luxury venue with an amazing landscape and unmatched, rustic buildings, it's hard to do justice to the venue with words
3. POINT LOOKOUT VINEYARDS HTTP://POINTLOOKOUTVINEYARDS.COM/#BOOK-EVENT
o    New venue opening soon
4. BURNTSHIRT VINEYARD HTTPS://WWW.BURNTSHIRTVINEYARDS.COM
 
GLAMPING VENUES

1. BRAHMA RIDGE (HTTP://BRAHMARIDGEEVENTCENTER.COM)
o    Beautiful valley and mountain landscape
o    Onsite, permanent tent for recption
o    Glamping and cabin options
2. PAINT ROCK FARM HTTP://WWW.PAINTROCKFARM.COM
o    Located in the Pisgah National Forest along the French Broad River
o    Offers a variety of rustic camping and glamping options
o    Large, vintage barn restore with character for your reception
o    Pastoral landscape with large fields
3. JUNEBUG RETRO RESORT HTTPS://WWW.JUNEBUGRETRORESORT.COM/INDEX.PHP/WEDDING-EVENT-CENTER-ASHEVILLE-NC
o    Flat open field surrounded by mountian
o    Retro, vintage campers from the 1950's
4. ASHEVILLE GLAMPING HTTPS://WWW.ASHEVILLEGLAMPING.COM
o    A glamping venue that accommodates elopements and micro weddings

GARDEN SETTING

1. NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM
HTTP://WWW.NCARBORETUM.ORG/WEDDINGS-RENTALS
o    Amazing garden setting for small or large weddings
2. BULLINGTON GARDENS HTTPS://BULLINGTONGARDENS.ORG
o    An intimate botanical garden suited for smaller weddings, 60 or less guests
3. WEAVER HOUSE
HTTP://WEAVERHOUSENC.COM
o    In the heart of downtown Weaverville
o    An intimate garden setting with a beautiful timber pavilion
o    A new venue I highly recommend looking at
4. WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
HTTPS://WWW.WARREN-WILSON.EDU 
o    Best way to contact Liz Brace through email: [email protected]
o    A hidden gem to say the least!
o    Formal garden in the center of campus, beautiful
o    Some views of the mountains
o    Outdoor pavilion
o    Chapel on campus for a ceremony option
o    You can rent and use a tent on some of the open lawn spaces if you need to
o    Limited dates that often book quickly
o    Budget friendly
5. MOUNTAIN MAGNOLIA INN HTTP://WWW.MOUNTAINMAGNOLIAINN.COM/WEDDING.HTML
o    A great venue in Hot Springs that was hard for me to categorize
o    It's a charming B&B with gourmet dinning
o    They doing the catering for events
o    AMAZING old tree for your ceremony site
o    manicured gardens incorporated into the front lawn
o    Mountain view from the front lawn
o    Wooded pathway at the entrance to the venue with a charming stone wall
o    Unique, vintage red bride is a great background for photos
o    Receptions are tented on the side lawn

BREWERY WEDDINGS IN ASHEVILLE

1. HIGHLAND BREWING HTTPS://HIGHLANDBREWING.COM/ASHEVILLEEVENTCENTER
o    Most established and experienced brewery to accommodate weddings in Asheville
2. CATAWBA BREWING COMPANY HTTP://CATAWBABREWING.COM/CONTACT/BOOK-EVENT
o    Offers a rustic but refined room at the back of the brewery
o    Accommodates 75 to 120 people, depending on the style of event
o    I've always thought it would be great to have your ceremony at UNCA botanical gardens followed with a reception in this space, so much fun!
3. ARCHETYPE BREWERY HTTPS://WWW.ARCHETYPEBREWING.COM
o    Hip, industrial vibe in west Asheville
o    A great location for a reception and would pair well with a local food truck to do your catering 
4. GREEN MAN BREWERY HTTP://WWW.GREENMANBREWERY.COM/CONTACT/EVENTS
o    Several rental options at their large downtown Asheville location on the south slope
5. HIGH-WIRE BREWERY HTTPS://HIWIREBREWING.COM/RENT-OUR-SPACE
o    Industrial and rustic space
6. HABITAT BREWING HTTP://WWW.HABITATBREWING.COM
1.   Downtown Asheville

COUNTRY CLUB VENUES
1. BILTMORE FOREST COUNTRY CLUB HTTP://WWW.BILTMOREFORESTCC.COM
Editor’s note: Members ONLY
2. COUNTRY CLUB OF ASHEVILLE HTTPS://WWW.CCOFASHEVILLE.COM
3. HENDERSONVILLE COUNTRY CLUB HTTP://WWW.HENDERSONVILLECC.COM
 
LUXURY VENUES
  1. BILTMORE ESTATE
    HTTP://WWW.BILTMORE.COM
  • A venue that is unparalleled in Western North Carolina
  • It's an historic estate, it has a beautiful garden with pastoral rolling hillsides and views of the mountain, really providing everything you could imagine wanting for every style of wedding
2. GROVE PARK INN HTTPS://WWW.OMNIHOTELS.COM/HOTELS/ASHEVILLE-GROVE-PARK/WEDDINGS
o    Luxury, historic hotel overlooking downtown Asheville and the blue ridge mountains
3. THE FARM IN CANDLER HTTPS://THEFARMEVENTS.COM
o    Convenient location not far from Asheville and easy to drive to
o    Rolling hillside lead up to private cabins and event barn
o    Ceremonies held at an intimate gazebo in the lawn adjacent to the event barn
4. THE VINEYARD AT BETTY'S CREEK HTTP://WWW.THEVINEYARDSATBETTYSCREEK.COM
o    Also in the vineyard category, I had to include it here
o    Amazing landscape and views, but what I love about it as a photographer is it takes the rustic aesthetic and makes it so refined and visually rich
o    Accomodations for the wedding party

LODGE VENUES NEAR ASHEVILLE

1. THE LODGE AT BEAR RIVER HTTP://WWW.THELODGEATBEARRIVER.COM
o    Classic lodge structure
2. BEND OF IVY LODGE
HTTP://BENDOFIVYLODGE.COM
o    Very connected to the natural landscape
3. HAWKS LANDING
HTTPS://WWW.VRBO.COM/967461
o    Also a private home rental
4. THE LODGE ON LAKE LURE HTTP://WWW.LODGEONLAKELURE.COM
Editor’s Note: Not currently available for weddings
 
RANCH VENUES

1. TAYLOR RANCH
HTTPS://WWW.TAYLORRANCH.COM
2. CATALOOCHEE RANCH HTTP://WWW.CATALOOCHEERANCH.COM
 
B&B OR INN VENUES
​

1. THE YELLOW HOUSE ON PLOTT CREEK ROAD HTTP://WWW.THEYELLOWHOUSE.COM/BED-BREAKFAST-RATES.HTM
2. THE BUNN HOUSE
HTTPS://BUNNHOUSE.COM/EVENTS
3. THE INN AT GLENN ALPINE HTTP://WWW.INNATGLENALPINE.COM/DREAM-WEDDING.PHP
4. ENGADINE INN AND CABINS HTTPS://WWW.ENGADINEINNANDCABINS.COM
5. MOUNTAIN MAGNOLIA INN HTTP://WWW.MOUNTAINMAGNOLIAINN.COM
6. ALBEMARLE INN HTTPS://WWW.ALBEMARLEINN.COM/WEDDINGS-EVENTS#OVERVIEW
7. THE ORCHARD INN HTTPS://ORCHARDINN.COM/NORTH-CAROLINA-MOUNTAIN-WEDDING-VENUE
8.   Historic Echo Mountain Inn (http://www.echomountaininn.com/wedding-receptions-special-events)
 
Published with permission of:
© 2017 JENNIFER CALLAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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    Miss Ellie is the perfectly proper wedding planner to whom we all turn for wedding planning advice.  To ask a question, just click the email button at the top of the page, or leave a comment and she will respond.

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