2024 Top Wedding Destinations: From a Destination Wedding Planner - Highlands, NC
Places have power. They delicately hold moments, laughs, and experiences within their parameters. Some grow us into who we are and others show us the possibilities of what could be. They remind us that the world isn't as small as it sometimes seems. Most importantly, they'll be forever stamped with the imprint that we share with them, while acting as a special site vaulted with the memories that have taken place.
The location of your wedding isn't just somewhere you go to become one, it's a destination that will be yours, in some way, forever. Join us as we take you on a trip to our top wedding destinations of 2024, so that you can experience some of our favorite hidden gems that will make you fall in love all over again. First stop: Highlands, North Carolina with photographer Meredith Ryncarz.
Wedding Weekend Venues
Just a short drive from the coast and into the mountains you can stumble upon the most welcoming community in Highlands, North Carolina. We went to visit a few of the top wedding venues in the area and get the scoop on not only where to host your destination wedding weekend, but also what to do while you are there! First, let’s start with the venues – because the Highlands really have so much to offer.
If you’re looking for incredible amenities and outstanding spaces, with a level of service that will have you wanting for absolutely nothing throughout your stay, a venue like Old Edwards Inn and Spa is it. If convenience and ease are most important to you, check out Flat Mountain Farm - a newer venue making its mark in the area, equipped with three houses on property for easy hosting of family and friends. Oh, and did we mention that you get to utilize all that the property has to offer throughout the wedding weekend? Get ready to add mountain top yoga, lakeside falconry, and other unique experiences to your itinerary!
Lastly, and not to be forgotten, is Lonesome Valley - a private community just through the mountains in Cashiers. Not only does it have incredible ambience, but it has also recently opened its doors to Canyon Kitchen restaurant, which doubles as a wedding venue space in the optimal seasons.
Where to Stay
It’s common that not everyone will be able to stay at your host location. However, there are many Airbnb options in the area, along with an incredibly quaint hotel called Skyline Lodge. With just 40 rooms, this private escape gives you the option to book the entire place so that you and your guests can really enjoy being together. It’s also equipped with a restaurant on property, open for dinner to the public or for you to host a private rehearsal dinner and welcome party.
As mentioned, Old Edwards Inn and Spa is an incredible option for your guests to stay with multiple other locations to choose from. The main Old Edwards Inn, 200 Main is located in the heart of downtown and walking distance to all of the shops and Half-Mile Farm. For convenience, shuttle services are offered to help you cover the two and a half mile journey.
Another top venue, Flat Mountain Farm, hosts three incredible, fully renovated houses on their property that require a short walk or golf cart distance to the main venue space. The first, Wren, is a perfect two bedroom. The Kingfisher is the second house, which is best fit for the guys - with three cozy bedrooms nestled in a rustic cabin. Lastly, and perhaps our favorite (and probably every bride and host’s), The Peregrine. With four bedrooms, plenty of natural light, and a couple different sitting and living rooms, everyone is able to comfortably spread out and enjoy the outstanding kitchen and outdoor patios.
Things to Do
The Highlands are far from lacking experiences, activities, and good eats. Although we visited in the off-season, there are incredible shops to hit for our shopaholics. From art and jewelry stores, clothing boutiques, home furniture and cheeky gifting shops – there is truly something for everyone.
If you prefer to embrace the outdoors and connect with nature, head to Dry Falls for an easy walk to the waterfalls and check out Bridal Veil Falls on your way up. (P.S. in the spring you can drive behind the falls!) Now, because we love a touch of history and wedding bells; according to Cherokee lore, a young woman passing behind Bridal Veil Falls’ gentle shower in the spring, would be married before the first snowfall of winter.
If you are looking for something a little more difficult head out to any of the hiking trails along Yellow Mountain or Whiteside Mountain. Or grab an experienced guide to go flyfishing among the one of the most picturesque rivers in the South, the Cullasaja River. It flows from Lake Sequoyah on the northwestern side of town, carves a deep and beautiful gorge on its 23-mile trek to the Little Tennessee River.
Where to Eat
You know you’re in a great location when you can’t go anywhere without running into some great food! We absolutely loved Calders Coffee in the mornings for fresh baked goods or Blue Bike Café, where the staff makes you feel like family instantly as you enjoy a fuller sit-down meal. Four 65Bistro had great pizza and desserts that we snuck to-go so we could savor later. If you’re looking for a MUST-try dish, our favorite was the Short Rib Pasta for dinner at the Hummingbird Lounge – which has the same menu as Old Edward’s Madison’s, but is served in a casual cocktail lounge setting. Lastly, If you’re all about hosting a fun after-party, the locals know that The Ugly Dog and The High Dive are the places to catch a BlueGrass Band playing and a true dive bar experience.
The Perfect Escape
Take it from us - this mountainous, postcard-worthy retreat is an ideal destination for any couple’s big day. From the picturesque waterfall backdrops to a plethora of stunning venues and entertainment to choose from - Highlands, North Carolina is one of our top contenders for romantic event locations in 2024.
Our expert itinerary is sure to help guide your stay, while you take in all of the wondrous features that this east coast gem has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a quaint location to getaway together or to host a seamless wedding weekend experience, this destination will not disappoint.
Want to learn more about planning a destination wedding? Get in touch!
