Outdoor wedding venues in North Carolina are on another level. I’m talking wildflower fields, forest clearings, sunlit meadows, garden nooks, and even waterfront views that’ll make you stop mid-sentence.

This state doesn’t just show up—it shows off. ✨

But it’s not just about the scenery. It’s the little things. The way golden hour light flickers through the trees. The breeze that carries your vows a little softer. The stillness right before the music starts. That’s what turns a beautiful ceremony into an unforgettable wedding experience.

Some couples fall in love with garden wedding venues filled with blooms. Others are pulled toward a quiet mountain wedding venue where time slows down a bit.

Or maybe it’s the idea of an open-air celebration with a waterfront backdrop that speaks to you.

However you picture it, North Carolina probably has the version you’ve been dreaming about. ☁️

So if you’re deep in the scroll looking for the best outdoor wedding venues in North Carolina—you’re in the right place.

Before we dive in, here are two helpful pages to bookmark while you’re planning your Asheville wedding weekend:

Table of Contents

A Glimpse Into The Top Outdoor Wedding Venues in North Carolina

channon and jack wedding at honeysuckle

Honeysuckle Hill Events | Asheville, NC

Type: Private estate with barn, gardens, pond, and chapel

Max Guest Count: 150

Just 7 minutes from downtown Asheville, this 9-acre estate blends rustic charm with natural serenity. You’ll find willow trees over a lily pad pond, a red barn glowing at dusk, and a ceremony loft filled with antique pews.

It’s a peaceful spot with stunning surroundings and an indoor-outdoor reception space that flows effortlessly.

Discover Honeysuckle Hill

Castle Ladyhawke | Tuckasegee, NC

Type: Castle with mountain views and courtyard gardens

Max Guest Count: 125

A fairytale castle with forest views, stone archways, and plenty of drama. Couples love the panoramic ceremony spots and on-site lodging for the whole weekend.

Hidden River Events | Swannanoa, NC

Type: Farm venue with river views and mountain backdrop

Max Guest Count: 225

This full-service farm venue sits along the river with open fields and mountain views. It’s a favorite for destination weddings that still feel relaxed and personal.

The Biltmore Estate | Asheville, NC

Type: Historic mansion wedding venue with formal gardens

Max Guest Count: Varies by venue (20–600)

This iconic estate offers gardens, terraces, and sweeping mountain views. If you’re dreaming big, this mansion wedding venue delivers grandeur in every detail.

The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve | Raleigh, NC

Type: Modern barn with meadows and gardens

Max Guest Count: Up to 350

A clean-lined barn surrounded by fields and blooms. You get sleek indoor space with wild, scenic surroundings—perfect for a modern-meets-natural vibe.

The Mast Farm Inn | Valle Crucis, NC

Type: Historic inn with gardens and farmhouse vibes

Max Guest Count: 250

A quiet mountain inn with cozy charm and blooming gardens. The vibe is intimate, calm, and full of front-porch simplicity.

Planning Tips for Outdoor Wedding Venues in North Carolina

There’s something magical about saying “I do” outside—but outdoor weddings take a little extra thought to make everything feel smooth, comfortable, and authentically you.

Planning a full wedding weekend or a simple elopement? These tips will help you shape a celebration that flows beautifully and feels like home in the great outdoors.

Choose the Right Guest Count

Outdoor spaces are flexible, but they’re not all one-size-fits-all.

Think about how your guest count interacts with your venue’s layout. Will the lawn feel lively or too spread out? Are there natural gathering spots for mingling and toasts? 🥂

At Honeysuckle Hill, we’ve found that 100–150 guests create the perfect energy across our barn, gardens, and open-air reception space.

Consider Ceremony-to-Reception Flow

Picture your guests walking from a willow-lined ceremony to cocktails under café lights—no shuttle needed, no waiting around.

That’s the kind of flow you want to aim for. Some venues, especially farm wedding venues, are naturally designed for this kind of seamless movement.

If your ceremony and reception spots are further apart, build in time (and signage!) to guide guests between moments.

Plan Around North Carolina Weather

Every season here brings its own magic and mood.

Think about the vibe you want and how nature can elevate it. Spring brings blooming dogwoods, summer glows in golden light, fall wraps everything in color, and winter weddings feel cozy and intimate. 🌷

The season you choose will set the backdrop for everything, from florals to photos to guest attire.

Here’s a quick look at what to expect:

Season	Temp.	Natural Elements
Spring (Mar–May)	60–75°F	Wildflowers, fresh greenery
Summer (Jun–Aug)	75–85°F	Lush foliage, warm evenings
Fall (Sep–Nov)	55–70°F	Brilliant leaves, crisp air
Winter (Dec–Feb)	45–55°F	Bare trees, cozy lighting

Even in summer, bring a wrap for those cooler mountain evenings!

Find Your Season

Think About Guest Comfort

Outdoor weddings are dreamy, but they come with moving parts—literally. Offer thoughtful touches like heel protectors, parasols, mini fans, or hot cocoa depending on the season.

Provide clear instructions in your invitation or on your wedding website, and check in with your vendors about any extra rentals or setup needs to keep guests comfy all day.

Build in Time for Photos

The natural surroundings at North Carolina venues are unmatched, so be sure not to rush through them. 🌿

Work with your planner and photographer to schedule intentional time for portraits, especially during golden hour.

At Honeysuckle Hill, some couples even schedule sneak-away moments during the reception to catch that late-summer sunset over the fields.

Don’t Forget the Activities

One of the biggest perks of choosing an outdoor wedding venue in North Carolina? You’re not just booking a ceremony—you’re creating a whole weekend experience.

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Carolina coast, this state is full of outdoor adventures that turn your wedding into a mini-vacation for everyone involved.

Planning an Asheville-area celebration at a venue like Honeysuckle Hill? You’ve got mountain magic right at your doorstep. Guests can:

Hike Craggy Gardens for panoramic views (and unbeatable wildflowers in spring)

Float the French Broad River on a lazy tube or guided kayak tour

Explore the Biltmore Estate’s gardens and trails

Catch sunset at The Omni Grove Park Inn’s mountain-view terrace

Wander the River Arts District with its studios, breweries, and riverside paths

Visit the North Carolina Arboretum for a peaceful afternoon in blooming gardens

Looking to build out your itinerary even more? Consider adding a vineyard tour or wine tasting at one of the nearby mountain wineries—an ideal pre-wedding gathering or relaxed day-after activity.

Further afield, guests can extend their stay to explore:

Pisgah National Forest or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Lake Lure’s beach and boat rentals

Chimney Rock State Park, home to epic views and short hikes

A coastal escape to Wilmington, where riverwalks, historic sites, and sandy shores offer a whole different North Carolina vibe

From rustic cabins to cool downtown Airbnbs, there’s a stay (and a trail) for every kind of guest.

If you’re curating your weekend itinerary, our 25 Must-Do Activities in Asheville blog has even more recs—like rooftop bars, brunch spots, scenic drives, and hidden-gem waterfalls.

Begin Your Adventure

Work with Vendors Who Know the Terrain

Outdoor weddings require a different kind of vendor team—people who know how to power up a tent, navigate a timeline around weather, and set up a ceremony space that looks amazing and sounds clear.

When you’re choosing vendors, ask if they’ve worked at your venue before or handled outdoor setups. Keep in mind that many venue rental packages come with a preferred vendor list to help you get started.

Start Planning

Outdoor Wedding Trends We’re Loving

Outdoor weddings in North Carolina have always had timeless appeal—but lately, couples are leveling up the experience with fresh, thoughtful details that blend natural beauty with intentional design.

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor wedding trends:

Blurred Indoor-Outdoor Spaces | Think open barn doors, flowy tent draping, and cocktail lounges under the stars. Couples are choosing venues that make outdoor transitions feel seamless (like Honeysuckle Hill’s barn + garden combo).

Elevated Picnic Receptions | Swap the traditional seating chart for cozy lounge pods, low tables, and picnic-style bites. Bonus: It feels relaxed but still totally chic.

Wildflower-Inspired Florals | Loose, foraged-style arrangements using native blooms (bonus points if they match the surrounding landscape).

Statement Lighting | Bistro lights will never go out of style—but now we’re seeing more lantern clusters, suspended floral chandeliers, and moody uplighting to enhance the evening glow.

Custom Audio Guestbooks | Instead of a written sign-in, guests leave voice messages on a vintage phone—a creative keepsake you’ll actually want to revisit.

Rain Plans that Don’t Feel Like Backups | Tented or covered spaces are being styled with just as much intention as the main ceremony site, so a little weather doesn’t steal the magic.

Whatever trend you lean into, the key to an unforgettable outdoor wedding is building a space that feels like you.

Nature sets the stage—your personal style is what makes it a celebration. 🌸

Want to see how real couples are designing their outdoor weddings at Honeysuckle Hill? Browse our real wedding albums for ideas you can steal (and totally make your own).

Get Inspired

Why Couples Love Honeysuckle Hill

Outdoor Wedding Spaces That Feel Like Home

With so many incredible outdoor venues across North Carolina, what makes Honeysuckle Hill stand out?

For starters, it’s not just about the setting—it’s about how you feel in it.

Just seven minutes from downtown Asheville, our 9-acre estate was designed to offer the best of both worlds: natural beauty and thoughtful flow.

Envisioning a quiet elopement in the garden or a 150-person celebration that moves from ceremony to reception under the stars? Our spaces give you the flexibility to make it your own.

Address: 2 Country Spring Dr, Asheville, NC 28804 →

From willow trees and water features to candlelit barn receptions, Honeysuckle Hill captures everything couples love about an outdoor wedding—plus the peace of mind that comes from a venue built with intention.

Our Story

Here’s a closer look at the outdoor ceremony and reception spaces couples love most:

Ceremony Hayloft | A historic red barn chapel with vintage pews, warm wood beams, and chandeliers that give every “I do” a golden glow.

Garden Grounds | Willow trees, open lawns, and tucked-away floral paths set the scene for photos, ceremonies, and garden mingling.

Lily Pad Pond + Gazebo | A peaceful setting with a draped gazebo, a stone waterfall, and dreamy water views for portraits or quiet moments.

Reception Barn | Rustic charm meets modern comfort with string lights, wide open doors, and a seamless flow to the surrounding lawn.

Firepit & Lounge Area | End the night with cocktails and conversation by the fire under bistro lights, surrounded by soft vintage seating.

Each space at Honeysuckle Hill was designed to flow naturally from one moment to the next—creating a wedding day that feels effortless, heartfelt, and uniquely yours. ♡

Explore Our Spaces

Packages Designed for Your Peace of Mind

From intimate weddings to grand affairs, Honeysuckle Hill offers flexible packages that reflect your unique style.

Want full control or prefer to let a trusted team guide the way? We’ve got you covered.

hayloft ceremony at the barn at honeysuckle hill | best places to get married in asheville nc

All-Inclusive Package

Our signature package brings together Asheville’s top-tier vendors—hair and makeup, desserts, catering, music, florals, photography, and more—at discounted rates.

What makes us different? Flexibility. You can still choose your favorite creatives from our curated list and customize your day without getting locked into a cookie-cutter setup.

“The venue is a beautiful and peaceful place and on top of that Candace (the owner) was so fabulous to work with!

She was able to help us get things done while wearing many hats for our big day! We chose to go with the all inclusive package and we were very very happy with recommended vendors (photography, catering, etc) as well.

We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful experience!” —Crista B., The Knot

With Mingle Events included for planning and coordination, you get to be fully present while someone else handles the behind-the-scenes magic.

This package covers everything from linens to unlimited beer and wine, with clear pricing and no surprise add-ons. Explore our preferred vendors page for more. ✨

All-Inclusive Details

Venue-Only Package

Love a good checklist? Our Venue Package gives you the freedom to design your own wedding from the ground up.

You’ll get access to our property, prep kitchen, chapel, reception barn, firepit, vintage furniture, and more—all with support from our venue manager and a stunning natural canvas to build your vision on.

Venue Only Details

Rehearsal Dinner Package

Kick off your weekend with a relaxed rehearsal dinner for up to 50 guests. Includes access to the property, tables, chairs, firepit, and optional bar + planning add-ons.

It’s a charming space to gather, toast, and ease into celebration mode.

Whether you’re going all in or keeping it simple, Honeysuckle Hill offers the serenity, support, and surroundings to make your wedding feel like you.

Rehearsal Dinner Details

jessica and eric at honeysuckle hill in asheville nc

Ready to See It All in Person?

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re picturing your own outdoor wedding in North Carolina—and maybe even imagining it here at Honeysuckle Hill.

Whether it’s the quiet charm of the lily pad pond, the open-air garden ceremony, or the glow of the barn at night, our space was made to hold meaningful moments.

We’d love to show you around, hear about your vision, and help you figure out if we’re the right fit. Schedule a tour today and let’s start planning the wedding you’ve been dreaming of. ✨

Book Your Dream Wedding

Honeysuckle Hill Property Photos