The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Franklin, NC

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1 Wedding Venues in Franklin, NC

Beaches, waterfront settings
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Nantahala Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (15 reviews)
Topton, NC
  • Up to 118 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor

Not just a wedding day—your own private mountain wedding weekend. Nantahala Weddings is a 6.5-acre destination venue overlooking Lake Nantahala and the Smoky Mountains, designed for couples who want time to actually enjoy their celebration. Our multi-day packages give you exclusive use of the property for your entire stay—no other weddings or events, no curfew, and no limit on how many gatherings you host. Welcome dinner, lake day, rehearsal, wedding, late-night fire pit, farewell brunch—it all happens here, at your pace. Host up to 118 guests, with onsite lodging for up to 20 and many vacation rentals within walking distance. Pets are welcome and we’re proudly LGBTQ+ friendly. Think luxurious summer camp meets mountain wedding weekend: lake, mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls, with the people you love gathered together for more than just a few hours.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Venue is completely outdoors
  • Allows pets

Venue considerations

  • Does not provide event staff
  • Requires outside catering services
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Awarded Best of Zola
“My wife and I got married at Nantahala Weddings in September 2023, and we honestly can’t say enough good things about the experience. From the moment we arrived, the setting took our breath away—Lake Nantahala and the mountains surrounding it provided the perfect, peaceful backdrop for our day. The venue itself is magical. We used the Chapel in the Sky for our ceremony, and it felt like something out of a dream. The entire property is beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable experience, not just for us as the couple, but for our guests as well. The team behind the venue made everything run smoothly and truly cared about making our day special. Every detail felt personalized and intentional. We also want to give a special shout-out to our caterer, Tracey, who stepped in later in the planning process and delivered an outstanding meal. Literally every guest raved about the food, especially the appetizers and bisque, and she even went out of her way to prepare a special late-night meal for a child in our family who wasn’t feeling well. That kind of thoughtfulness speaks volumes. Looking back, we feel incredibly lucky that we found this place. It’s not just a venue—it’s a destination that brings people together in the most beautiful way. We’ll forever be grateful we got to start our married life in such an amazing place.”
John I., a year ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Franklin, NC

GemHidden gem
Chene Rouge
Rating: 2.5 (2 reviews)
Hiram, GA
Stone Creek Inn
Rating: 4.3 (3 reviews)
Rockmart, GA
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Events at Judson Mill
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Greenville, SC
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Agape Acres
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Dawsonville, GA
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The Fields of Blackberry Cove
Rating: 4.9 (13 reviews)
Weaverville, NC
Mountain View Acres
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Flat Rock, NC
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Timber Hall Events
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Leicester, NC
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CeNita Venue at CeNita Vineyards and Winery
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Cleveland, GA
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Ridge Rose
Chickamauga, GA
Proctor Farm
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Rome, GA
TrendlineTrending
Mulberry Chapel at Crockett Creek Crossing
Carnesville, GA
Offer
RiverStone Resort and Spa
Pigeon Forge, TN

Event types for wedding venues in Franklin, NC

About wedding venues in Franklin, NC

North Carolina offers an impressive wedding venue landscape with everything from historic plantations to rustic barns, elegant urban spaces and coastal retreats. You'll find architectural diversity throughout the state; from colonial-era mansions in Charlotte to converted textile mills in the Triangle region. Mountain venues give you breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that your guests won't forget.

What's the Average Cost for North Carolina Wedding Venues?

Wedding venues in North Carolina typically run between $6,400 and $7,800, making up about 16% of your total wedding budget. That's actually quite reasonable compared to the national average of $6,500-$12,000 or 25% of total costs. For a complete North Carolina wedding you can expect these total costs based on your guest count: A small wedding with 50 guests averages $19,707. With 100 guests you're looking at $32,695. For 150 guests the typical cost reaches $44,906. Larger celebrations with 200 guests average $55,823 while 250 guests pushes to $66,740. A large wedding with 300 guests typically costs $77,657.

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in North Carolina?

Alexander Homestead in Charlotte offers ADA-accessible parking and restrooms in a beautiful historic setting with a rustic barn and gorgeous gardens. You'll appreciate the inclusivity without sacrificing style. The Mint Museum features various rooms and terraces that can accommodate different needs, making it a solid choice for accessible events with an artistic backdrop. Nantahala Weddings & Events is fully ADA-compliant while giving you stunning mountain views on a secluded estate. They even have nearby lodging options for your guests.

Which North Carolina Venues Support Remote Participation?

The Barn on New River in West Jefferson gives you a picturesque setting with modern amenities that can be customized for interactive remote elements. Your virtual guests won't miss a thing. River Landing near Wilmington features elegant spaces and grand ballrooms that support technical capabilities for streaming and live Q&A sessions. The Maxwell in Raleigh, with its contemporary design and abundant natural light, adapts beautifully to technology integration for virtual wedding experiences that feel intimate even from afar.

How Much Should I Budget for Wedding Services in North Carolina?

ServiceAverage CostPercentage of Total Budget (150 guests)
Venue$7,08916%
Catering$5,67113%
Flowers$5,54612%
Bar Services$4,53710%
Photographers$4,2669%
Planners$4,0249%
Videographers$3,7688%
Bands/DJs$1,3903%
Cakes/Desserts$9602%
Hair & Makeup$6351%

Where Can Foodies Find Outstanding Wedding Cuisine in North Carolina?

The Farm - A Gathering Place in Candler offers amazing farm-to-table dining with customized menus just west of Asheville. You'll love having multiple ceremony sites to choose from and the convenience of on-site lodging for your guests. The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill is known for classic Southern cuisine with elegant event spaces right on UNC's campus. Their beautiful outdoor courtyards create a magical setting for your special day. Polanco Venue by Chef Carrasco in Asheville specializes in mixed cuisine with excellent service from experienced staff who can help create your perfect culinary experience.

When Should I Book My North Carolina Wedding Venue?

September is North Carolina's most popular inquiry month for weddings, so you'll need to book earlier if you're planning a fall celebration. Don't wait too long or your dream venue might be taken. Focus your venue tours on spaces that specifically accommodate your guest count to save time and avoid falling in love with locations that won't work for your party size. This targeted approach helps you find the perfect match faster.

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