Every one has a bucket list right? Things you want to see, places you would like to travel, adventures you want to partake in. Photographers have a bucket list of wedding venues, places that radiate beauty whether it’s the venue itself or the surroundings, places that you just know creatively will make AMAZING PHOTOS.

I have had the good fortune to shoot at some of my favorite venues already places like The Providence Cotton Mill, Vesuvius Vineyards, Taylor Made Farms & this October Winmock at Kinderton!

This blog will have mutliple installments highlighting wedding venues from states nearby Virgina, Tennessee as well as states far away like our beloved Montana. Something that doesn’t fall under a venue per se would be elopements this girl is for sure ready to do a wedding on The Blue Ridge Parkway, IN ANY National Park or beautiful mountain location!

I’m starting off with my home base of beautiful North Carolina Wedding Venues & then will share my bucket list venues in South Carolina as well. Some of these locations I have followed for quite awhile on social media, while some I found just recently while searching online.

 

I will say that you will notice a theme with a lot of the venues that I have chosen outdoors, barns, mountains, nature and rustic elegance are just some of the themes you will see.

North Carolina Wedding Venues

 

The Barn on New River – West Jefferson, NC

First off let me just say LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION this venue has gorgeous scenery tucked in the mountains along the South Fork of the New River, (which also happens to be one of the oldest rivers in the world).  Not only is the location gorgeous, but the barn itself is stunning sitting in the valley surrounded by beautiful mountains, (it’s very picturesque). Not only does it look like a little mountain haven, but it also has many accommodations that are beyond beautiful all on their own. There is  a quaint log cabin for guests to stay in along with a “honeymoon suite” for the wedding couple. As if all that isn’t enough there is a bridal suite that is “shiplap heaven” it’s elegant, bright & has a touch of rustic glamour. We can’t forget the guys there is also a rustic groom’s lounge, many times the guys get forgotten or their accommodations are not nearly as nice as the girls’, but int his case the guys have a fantastic space all their own.  This venue is high country classic & rustic glam! The setting alone will have you in awe. I hope I’m lucky enough to shoot a wedding there someday! Click the above link to visit their website & show them some love!

Summerfield Farms – Summerfield, NC

Where do I begin with Summerfield Farms this venue has been on my list for a very long time, in fact we looked at this venue for our own wedding back in 2016, but decided to go with a mountain venue. In case you didn’t know I am a farm girl & anytime a venue is also a working farm it hits near & dear to my heart (hello cows + photos = my photographer happy place).  I’m a big supporter of local farms & if a farm is also a wedding venue then I’m SOLD!  Summerfield Farms has grass fed beef, organic produce, they have a cute little market at the farm & also hosts community events from time to time.  Let’s talk wedding packages they have A LOT of items included in their packages, it’s very inclusive & contains anything you could possibly want or think of! They offer MULTIPLE  locations The Barn & The Pole Barn both are incredibly stunning & they offer multiple ceremony locations The Little Tree (this oak tree in the middle of the field with sceneic views is a literal dream), The Grove, The Meadow + more! How can you go wrong with so many great options to choose from. They have many amenities & places for guest to stay (they’re also stunning as well). Let’s be honest it should be called Stunning Summerfield Farms. Their website has lots of great info so be sure to click the link above & check it out!

The Vineyards at Betty’s Creek – Sylva, NC

This venue screams “rustic elegance.” I first found this venue on Instagram awhile back & I was immediately awe struck every thing about this venue resonates with me, my brand & I would literally spend a weekend there adventuring & exploring. Nestled in the Nantahala National Forest it has incredible views of The Great Smokey Mountains. The property also has history which I think adds to the charm of the venue, The Lodge was originally a bank barn in Pennsylvania before it found it’s current home in North Carolina. The vineyard has multiple sites to use there are dozens of  gardens that are pristine, there is a creek, trout pond & numerous hiking trails – there is just so much to explore & utilize. There is a honeymoon cottage for the newlyweds above the 1900s wine cellar (how romantic is that?) It makes for a stunning setting to spend your first night as a married couple. I’ve spoke about how the groom tends to get left out well there is an entire Groom’s Barn on the property.  There is an open air pavilion and I only have 1 word to describe it – breathtaking! Something else that I think is totally incredible is that the owners of the property have hundreds of acres of their property in conservation protection, this ensures that this property will be protected & thrive for years to come so that people will be able to continue to enjoy every thing that The Vineyards at Betty’s Creek has to offer. This is a venue that is at the very TOP of my bucket list!  Take a peek at their website & you will see why I’m completely in love with this venue!

16 Hands Farm – West Jefferson , NC

West Jefferson is a beautiful area and it’s no surprise that it offers a variety of amazing wedding venues. 16 Hands Farm is a venue that I only recently discovered, but it does not disappoint.  It has a lot of mountain rustic charm offers a waterfront setting, open pastures (all GREAT for photos) and even a creek running through. I also think its pretty amazing that they offer horses available for photo ops (who doesn’t want a horse in their photos or even better it’s a great opportunity for bridal portraits)! They just recently added a new addition to their venue in the form of a covered pavilion and can we take a moment to talk about their beverage trailer! This is one of the absolute COOLEST things I have ever seen a horse trailer that has been converted into a beverage trailer..even better it is the CUTEST accessory to add to your wedding or photo shoot. I’m slightly obsessed with it.  For an additional cost you can even add a horse drawn carriage to your wedding day and that will immediately turn your wedding into  the ultimate fairy tale wedding experience!  Check out this hidden gem in the mountains of West Jefferson!

 

Green Gables Farm – Statesville, NC

Hidden in the outskirts of Statesville, North Carolina is this beauty of a venue! When I found this location so close to my home base I was ecstatic, every one loves when a gorgeous venue is close to home! Makes those late night post wedding day drives home 100% easier! The first thing I noticed about this venue is their STUNNING & I mean STUNNING Oak Tree Lined Driveway with dark wooden fence, it’s the epitome of picturesque and would make any photo pop! It’s the perfect farm setting for a wedding,  huge Oak trees, rolling green pastures & horses. There is a farmhouse to get ready in and a beautiful pavilion for all the wedding festivities. It’s a little slice of heaven hidden away! Head over to their website to find out more!

 

Taylor Ranch – Fletcher, NC

This venue has Texas Longhorn cattle do I even need to continue?!  The Taylor Ranch is rich in history being a 5th generation ranch and all (that’s a long line of ranchers & is sometimes so rare to see)  they’re a working ranch with Texas Longhorns & Quarter Horses nestled in the Cane Creek Valley near Asheville, North Carolina.  If that doesn’t sway you then the mountain views & rolling hills will surely do the trick. There’s a large lake that provides a fabulous back drop for photos & ceremonies. They have several locations that would provide be the perfect setting for any wedding between The Lakehouse & The Waterin’ Hole you will have the best space for your reception!

 

Chestnut Ridge – Canton, NC

This venue is what DREAMS must be made of, this venue is top notch & no detail is out of place or missed. It is seriously jaw dropping & inspiring! If I were to design a venue I think Chestnut Ridge would be very close to what I would design. The first thing that catches your eye is that classic white barn & timber frame beams. The second thing has to be the incredible mountain views that create the most perfect back drop. This venue is elegant & classy with a hint of rustic. Now if all of that hasn’t peaked your interest then the jaw dropping chandeliers on the inside will they are industrial & grand. It’s hard to say what the star of the venue is because they also have a floor to ceiling stone fireplace on the inside AND on the outside patio, so they have not 1, but TWO massive fireplaces. Ever worry about the outdoor space at your wedding or reception well the lounge area & spacious outdoor patio will put those worries to rest. Their bridal suite is easily one the best bridal suites that I have seen it’s bright, classy, white & makes the most beautiful space for getting ready photos (as photographers sometimes the spaces our brides get ready in isn’t naturally lit or bright & airy – this space is a photographers dream)! I can’t forget the guys either – of course their space is also fabulous! I’m sure you’ve got the picture that i think this venue is absolutely amazing & it is the owners clearly put a lot of thought & hard work into this venue & it shows! It’d at the very top of this photographers’ bucket list! Check out their website & see for your self how stunning this venue truly is!

Morning Glory Farm – Charlotte, NC

Nestled in the outskirts of the bustling city of Charlotte is this venue! If you are looking for an intimate wedding space this is your venue. Many words come to me when I saw it whimsical, organic, natural, simple, but elegant. It would make the absolute perfect garden wedding with roses, butterfly bushes & the occasional goat. I can’t think of a better place to have a cozy garden wedding. A garden wedding is also at the top of my bucket list, so check out Morning Glory Farm and see how quaint this little property is!

The Historic Wakefield Barn – Wake Forest, NC

I love history & this venue certainly has a lot of it especially considering it is actually historical and is on The National Register List, built in the 1930s it’s an Old Dairy Farm (check out their website to dive into their history in depth).  The property & barn are both stunning. The classic white interior & chandeliers make a statement. Two words that come to mind when I see this venue are Classic & Timeless, it has unique architecture and design that would make your wedding day stand out! Let’s also take a moment to talk about the 2 Grand Staircases that this venue has.. it’s GRAND & the photo opportunities that these provide is ENDLESS. It really is quite something.

Cedar Creek Ranch – Waxhaw, NC

This venue is a little piece of rustic heaven near the big city! They have a beautiful cedar barn that is the star of the show! They have several great spots for ceremonies including a pond, meadow, & a stunning paved patio with those gorgeous sliding doors int he background! Between their large wedding tent, barn patio, covered porch & large pergola the party will never stop at the reception! It’s a great little spot for any wedding!

 

Honorable Mentions:

Gambill Estate – This was our wedding venue & we CAN NOT say enough great things about Eric & his venue! It is a little piece of heaven in the mountains near Roaring River, NC.  The barn is absolutely stunning and you will not be disappointed if you book here! I’ve been lucky enough to have my wedding there, attend a wedding there & even assist with a wedding, but I have yet to shoot as a lead photographer there so of course it’s on my bucket list!

Check out these amazing venues that are also on my long list of venues that I hope to shoot at one day!

Brown Mountain Beach Resort,The Willow House, Omni Grove  & The Ridge

 

 

 

 

 

SOUTH CAROLINA WEDDING VENUES

 

Chattooga Belle Farm- Long Creek, SC

The mountain views at this working farm are just one of my favorite things.  This farm has a lot to offer from grass fed beef, disc golf, a distillery, vineyards & much more!! The pavilion & mountain views would make for a stunning ceremony site, there are large stone fireplaces and a 270 degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that is hard to beat! Head over to their website to see for yourself!

The Red Horse Inn -Landrum, SC

This  inn in the foothills of The Blue Ridge Mountains is a thing of beauty! A country inn with breathtaking views is refreshing & quaint! It would make the best spot for an elopement!

The Millstone at Adams Pond – Columbia, SC

This venue makes you feel like you are in Charleston without actually being in Charleston! The landscape is a beautiful natural setting it screams “Southern Garden Wedding”! The house on the property is a classic brick home! The pond on the property gives you a waterfront ceremony site, I’m in love with how cute this venue is!

A Whitehouse Wedding – Wadmalaw Island, SC

This is what SOUTHERN Dream weddings are made of! Waterfront views, southern moss trees, and surrounded by nature! It’s an absolute jaw dropping property for a wedding! They also have a firework send off, how many other venues have that for their couples?! Take a look at their website and start planning your dream southern wedding, I’m literally dying at all the amazing photos that this venue would allow me to create!

Glassy Mountain Chapel – Landrum, SC

I feel like this venue needs no introduction if you are a photographer or in the wedding industry you already know this venue! This has to be one of the most beautiful chapels I have ever seen in my life. If you are looking for a church wedding, but still want mountain views then this is IT! One Word- Breathtaking! The stone work on the chapel & the beams give this church a rustic feel. It’s awe inspiring and all you have to do is take one look at it & you will see why it’s on my bucket list!

Greenbrier Farms – Easley, SC

Greenbrier Farms is another great farm venue that is at the top of my list! It’s a working cattle farm, produce and has a CSA program. Once again you know I love my working cattle farms! One of my favorite things about this venue is that they offer farm to table catering for your event! You can be knowing where your food comes from & it’s even better when you apply that to the catering for your wedding! This is literally a one stop shop! They offer multiple ceremony locations and their oak tree location is SWOON WORTHY, and provides all the feels! They also have a pond site that’s not too shabby! This is a venue with a rustic sophistication, take a look at their website & see all that they have to offer!

Wildberry Farm – Marion, SC

Another favorite venue is South Carolina has to be this one! It screams SOUTHERN WEDDING! The beautiful white fence & tall oaks will make a huge impression on you! There is a pond for ceremonies and barn that is so charming with it’s Restoration Hardware chandeliers! The loft is a southern bride’s dream- so beautiful, clean & classic! This is a MUST see so please do yourself a favor & visit their website!

 

Honorable Mentions:

Windy Hill & Arabella Farm