About Asheville
With over 90,000 residents, Asheville is the twelfth most populous city in North Carolina. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its natural beauty. However, there’s plenty to do and see even if you don’t love the great outdoors. The city is home to dozens of art galleries, an exciting local music scene, many award-winning craft breweries, and, of course, the world-famous Biltmore House.
If you want to host your wedding reception in a lively city filled with fun activities for all ages, there’s no place quite like Asheville, North Carolina. Even though the city has a modern, cosmopolitan vibe, it’s still rich in history, with much to see, do, and explore. Perhaps this is why Asheville is consistently ranked one of the best places to live and visit. Packed with attractions, hundreds of eclectic event venues, and dozens of vendors, there might not be a better place to plan a wedding reception that’s as unique as the city itself.
Wedding Reception Options in Asheville, North Carolina
There’s no shortage of talented vendors that can help you plan your wedding reception in Asheville. Consider working with a few of these talented professionals!
- Photographers
You can hire a wedding photographer in Asheville to document all of the key moments of your wedding reception. From the first dance and heartfelt toasts to the cake cutting and party on the dance floor, a professional Asheville wedding photographer can capture it all!
- Caterers
The caterers in Asheville offer a wide range of services for your wedding reception, including sit-down dinners, buffets, self-serve stations, and family-style meals. You can choose the cuisine and courses that best reflect you and your palate, or choose from a selection of offerings made for you and your guests.
- Florists
The florists in Asheville can help you set the tone for your wedding reception with the right floral arrangements. Whether you want romantic red roses, elegant lilies, or quirky wildflowers, Asheville florists can bring your vision to life.
- Cake Bakers
You can hire a baker in Asheville to create a custom wedding cake that will satisfy every guest’s sweet tooth. Choose from endless fillings, flavors, toppers, designs, and embellishments to ensure your cake complements your wedding reception’s style, theme, and venue.
- Musicians
You can get your guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor by hiring Asheville musicians to perform at your wedding reception. Whether you want live music or a professional DJ, you’re guaranteed to find a performer that all your guests will enjoy.
Wedding Reception Planning Companies in Asheville, NC
- Carolina Love Events
This Asheville wedding planner offers customizable wedding packages to fit the needs of every couple. Carolina Love Events can help plan the details of an intimate elopement, coordinate vendors in the weeks leading up to your wedding, or plan your wedding (and wedding reception) from start to finish. In the past, these hands-on wedding planners have received The Knot’s Best of Weddings Award and WeddingWire’s Couple’s Choice Award.
- Firefly Event Company
This well-known Asheville wedding planner can help you plan the wedding of your dreams, regardless of its size of your budget. Firefly Event Company takes the time to get to know each couple so they can design an unforgettable event that exceeds their expectations. Perhaps this is why Firefly Event Company has won WeddingWire’s Couple’s Choice Award multiple times.
- Lisa Pleasant Events
Lisa Pleasant is a sought-after wedding planner in Asheville who can assist with the design and coordination of engagement parties, bridal showers, wedding rehearsals, ceremonies, and wedding receptions. She offers full planning, partial planning, or consultation services to her clients, and has been featured in a number of local and national industry publications.
Pros and Cons of Having a Wedding Reception in Asheville
Pros:
- Beautiful scenery
Asheville’s waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and forests can serve as the perfect backdrop for your engagement or wedding photos.
- Mild summers
Because it is located in the mountains, Asheville’s weather is slightly cooler than the rest of the state. This means your guests will be comfortable at an outdoor wedding reception even if it’s the middle of the summer.
- Great restaurants
You can take your wedding guests to one of the many great restaurants in Asheville. The city is also known for its craft beers, so you can stock your wedding bar with some local favorites.
- Welcoming community
The people of Asheville exude Southern charm, so your wedding guests will be welcomed with open arms.
- Great accommodations
From luxurious mountain top resorts to cozy cabins, there are plenty of places for your wedding guests to stay in Asheville.
Cons:
- Tourism
Asheville attracts around 12 million tourists per year. This can make it harder to book certain wedding reception venues or vendors during the busy season.
- High cost of living
Asheville’s cost of living is about 6% higher than the national average. Because everyday items cost more, it could be harder to stick to your wedding budget.
- Not walkable
Your wedding guests may need a car to explore the city of Asheville, which may add to the cost of planning your wedding reception.
- Crime
Your wedding guests may not want to travel alone at night due to Asheville’s high violent crime rate.
- Limited parking
Parking is limited in popular parts of the city, including downtown Asheville. Even if you’re lucky enough to find a spot, the parking fees are steep.
Famous Wedding Reception Locations in Asheville, NC
Find a wedding reception venue nearby one of these Asheville attractions to ensure you and your guests have something to do before the event!
- Blue Ridge Parkway
The days leading up to your wedding can be hectic. You can clear your head by going on a long, leisurely drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountains. It’s not hard to see why this National Parkway - which stretches across 469 miles - is known as “America’s Favorite Scenic Drive.”
- River Arts District
Are you looking for last minute gifts for your wedding party? You can purchase unique art pieces from local artists in Asheville’s River Arts District. This area is also brimming with antique shops so you may be able to find one-of-a-kind pieces to use as decor at your wedding reception.
- McCormick Field
You can entertain your out-of-town wedding guests with a family-friendly trip to McCormick Field. This field is home to the Asheville Tourists, a minor league team in the Colorado Rockies organization. Built in 1924, McCormick Field is also one of the oldest ballparks in the country. In fact, some of the most famous names in baseball have played there, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jackie Robinson.