Magical Moments

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: April 2023

It’s said that little girls dream of their perfect wedding from the time they are small, enchanted by the beautiful dresses, colorful flowers, and romantic scenery, but the lucky ones grow up to discover the beauty and bounty that the Plateau offers for their perfect day. Dreams come true here as our area offers a unique combination of small-town charm, fine dining, stunning natural beauty, incredible venues, and professional vendors.

Couples from across the country have realized that this majestic plateau offers the perfect location for whatever their wedding needs, from elopements to grand occasions.

The Highlands and Cashiers areas abound with venues for every need, many of which will work with you to create your entire wedding from start to finish, ensuring that every detail is perfect, and nothing is overlooked. Additionally, top-notch vendors can provide any needed service including wedding planning, photography, catering, music, flowers, and transportation.

We’ve highlighted just a few of the many venues below that can help create your magical and memorable wedding:

The Greystone Inn

The Greystone Inn, (828) 966-4700, is a majestic historic inn located along the shores of beautiful Lake Toxaway offering several options for your dream wedding, indoors or out. Choose from elegant indoor spaces, picturesque lawns along the shores of the lake, or even a small intimate ceremony on a handcrafted mahogany boat.

Half-Mile Farm

Half-Mile Farm, call (828) 787-2610 to speak with an Event Specialist. Pop the question, say I do, and make Half-Mile Farm the lasting tradition for all life’s romantic occasions. This luxury country inn puts you into a state of pure joy and relaxation. It provides sumptuous amenities like an outdoor heated mineral pool (seasonal) with a poolside Jacuzzi, an on-site massage suite, a lake for paddling, gardens, and a country road for meandering. Nestled among 14 lush acres with panoramic views of rolling hills and sparkling lakes, this Napa-style setting is the perfect place to say “I do” surrounded by family and friends. Half-Mile Farm offers a graceful landscape where love blossoms. An expansive green lawn cascades down the hill to Apple Lake, creating a picture-perfect wedding scene exclusively for you and your guests. The recently lovingly preserved and updated 1870s farmhouse, with its front porch and sweeping view of the private Apple Lake, is a fairytale setting for an intimate ceremony in nature.

High Hampton, (800) 648-4252, situated on 1,400 acres, lends itself to an idyllic mountain wedding destination. Inspiring views of Rock Mountain act as the backdrop to your special celebration. Treat your guests to re-imagined, regional cuisine in The Dining Room at High Hampton or The Tavern; and encourage their exploration of High Hampton’s historic grounds, tennis, croquet, pickle ball, on-property hiking trails, and Dahlia Gardens. The property’s accommodations of 18 Inn rooms, 40 cottage rooms, and three cottages offer wedding guests a haven of refined, yet camp-like comfort with spectacular views of the surrounding property. Full-property wedding experiences are available over select dates September – May.

Lonesome Valley

Lonesome Valley, (828) 743-7696, is a luxurious wedding venue in Cashiers where couples can exchange vows against the backdrop of the largest box canyon east of the Mississippi surrounded by 1,000-foot granite mountain faces of Cow Rock Mountain and Laurel Knob. Afterward in the rustic and elegant Canyon Kitchen, their acclaimed culinary team works alongside each couple to curate a menu that is uniquely yours using fresh produce and organic selections from the community garden and the surrounding area of western North Carolina. Whether you’re planning a wedding or rehearsal dinner Lonesome Valley promises an experience that will be cherished forever.

The Farm at Old Edwards

Old Edwards Hospitality, (828) 787- 2610, is a favorite wedding destination for many couples. With 11 venues to choose from they have options for weddings of every style and size, whether rustic, formal, or outdoor. Consider The Orchard House at The Farm – it enjoys exquisite natural light afforded by massive glass doors that open to the lush English-style gardens beyond; or The Pavilion at The Farm, whose broad doors open into the 4,900-square-foot stone Barn Pavilion, with space to accommodate up to 275 guests. This indoor/outdoor area is bordered by lush perennial gardens and covered arbors, which mirror the rough wood siding and tin roof of The Barn (a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system is available in both the Pavilion and Barn). Old Edwards Club Chimney Terrace and Grand Porch feature rustically elegant architecture and interiors that promote full relaxation and an incomparable air of carefree leisure. There’s also the Old Edwards Club Boardroom and Private Dining Room – a warm, welcoming ambiance will greet your guests in the private dining room at Old Edwards Club.

Skyline Lodge, (828) 526-4008, is a beautifully restored, mid-century motor lodge surrounded by the serenity of mountain views and dense forests with a variety of ceremony locations, including a covered Pavilion and outdoor space. Dreamy mountain-top weddings feature the culinary creations of the nationally-lauded Oak Steakhouse along with expertly selected beverage pairings, exceptional service and unrivaled ambiance. This distinctive destination, pleasantly off the beaten path, is a complete package for guest accommodations, pre-event gatherings, photo-album worthy views, and the ideal place to return for anniversary celebrations through the years.

The Vineyard at High Holly

The Vineyard at High Holly, (828) 482-5573, is an idyllic mountain vineyard with an all-season open-air pavilion, complete with a commercial kitchen and bar, perfect for a ceremony among the vines. Additionally, there are cottages accommodating up to 50 guests.

The Village Green

The Village Green, (828) 743-3434, offers Lewis Hall, a beautiful and versatile venue inside a picturesque park setting known as The Heart of Cashiers. Lewis Hall is a grand 5800-square-foot enclosed venue with a large stage, fireplace, that can accommodate 200 guests. Included with the rental of Lewis Hall are the use of two garden courtyards, The Common’s Outdoor Pavilion, and the two-acre Common’s Lawn. Both the Highlands Chamber of Commerce (highlandschamber.org) and the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce (cashiersareachamber.com) websites are great sources of information on venues and vendors.