The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Fontana Dam, NC

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7 Wedding Venues in Fontana Dam, NC

Beaches, waterfront settings
Quick responder
Nantahala Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)
Topton, NC
  • Up to 118 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor

Fall Special: $1000 Off Mutli-Day Packages. --- More than a wedding day—a mountain wedding weekend! Availability and pricing listed on our website! A venue overlooking Lake Nantahala in the Smoky Mountains. Our multi-day packages give you exclusive use of the property for your entire stay—no curfew and no limit on how many gatherings you host. Welcome dinner, rehearsal, wedding, late-night fire pit, farewell brunch—it all happens here, at your pace. Pets are welcome and we’re proudly LGBTQ+ friendly. And we have lodging for up to 20 (the house for 10 is included!) 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. Our multi-day weekend package includes lodging for 10 for $13,750. Our multi-day weekday packages includes the same for $9,750 (microwedding) or $11,750 (full wedding. We also offer one-day packages starting at $6,750.

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
Y’all… when I say this is the most beautiful and perfect wedding venue, I am not exaggerating. I am a yapper. I have absolutely zero issue sitting here and writing a THESIS on how perfect this venue is, but I also understand that nobody wants to read my 47 page dissertation, so I’ll summarize it with this: There is NOTHING I would have wanted different from this venue. The venue itself is stunning. Literally breathtaking. Every single space is gorgeous and thoughtfully designed, and I am still in awe that we got to have our wedding in a place this beautiful. The accommodations are incredible. Whether it’s the plethora of amazing Airbnb and lodging options nearby, the information provided by the venue, or the decor and items available onsite, everything they offer is genuinely invaluable. They have thought of SO many things that make planning and actually enjoying your wedding day easier. And the owners, Jess and Jody… literal saints. They are wonderful, beautiful humans who have curated such a special space. They have laid everything out in such a clear and direct way that you always know exactly what to expect, what is included, and what they bring to the table. There were never any mystery fees or confusing surprises. They are transparent, organized, and genuinely want you to have the best day possible. Y’all… and the BANG FOR YOUR BUCK. I was genuinely flabbergasted at how affordable this venue is considering EVERYTHING it offers. You get an absolutely gorgeous mountain venue, accommodations, decor, resources, incredible accessibility, vendor coordination, and so much more. It is an insane value. And the accessibility still astounds me. We got married on the top of a LITERAL MOUNTAIN, and my grandmothers were able to enjoy our entire wedding day without having mobility issues. That is something that meant so much to us, and it is entirely thanks to the way Jess and Jody designed and maintained this venue. The onsite accommodations are splendid. The way the venue coordinates with vendors is absolutely impeccable. Everything just WORKS. And then there’s the fact that Jess PARTIED WITH US. She stayed late into the night, was right there celebrating with us, and helped make our reception feel less like we were at a venue and more like we were celebrating with friends. The fact that there is NO END TIME meant our party kept going until 4 AM, and our guests are STILL talking about how late into the night the celebration lasted. Our wedding day was beyond perfect, and Nantahala Weddings played such a huge part in making it that way. We could not be more grateful that we chose this venue, and we genuinely cannot wait to continue using it as our go to spot for family portraits and special occasions in the future. So, if you’ve made it to the end of this and you’re STILL wondering whether you should consider Nantahala Weddings for your wedding, let me make the decision easier: TAKE A GANDER AT OUR PICTURES. That should probably tell you everything you need to know. ️
Rachel S., 10 days ago
Quick responder
Riverview Weddings at Circle T Farms 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Strawberry Plains, TN
  • Up to 50 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $1,500

Riverview Weddings at Circle T Farms offers affordable micro weddings starting at $1500. Enjoy a stunning riverfront experience on 40 acres along the Holston River, just outside Knoxville, TN. Our venue includes two charming tiny homes, picturesque open land for a ceremony by the water, breathtaking sunsets, and friendly farm animals that make for unforgettable wedding photos. Your rental includes access to both tiny homes, a beautiful ceremony arbor, ambient string lighting, and seating for up to 50 guests. Plus outdoor reception area under the pavilion. Your vision becomes reality with our versatile blank-canvas setting. As an owner-operated venue with a designer at heart, we’re here to help bring every detail of your dream wedding to life.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor for celebration
  • Creates a sense of togetherness
  • Rustic-chic setting

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not allow pets
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Absolutely amazing wedding venue. The riverfront ceremony was goregous and so peaceful. Along with the view of the farmland. We added photos with the miniature donkey "Chino", which made our day perfect. The tiny homes were a great added bonus for our bridal party and restroom access.
Alice J., 10 months ago
Whitestone Inn 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Kingston, TN
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,500

Surrounded by rolling hills and the Tennessee River, The Chapel at Whitestone offers a stunning setting for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. Located in Kingston, TN, Whitestone is convenient for anyone in the Knoxville and Chattanooga area. Our venue comfortably hosts up to 150 guests, making it ideal for celebrating with your loved ones! Schedule a tour today to experience the peace Whitestone has to offer!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Private area for the wedding party

Venue considerations

  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • On-site parking not available
The Whitestone Inn was an excellent choice for our wedding venue. Their communication throughout the planning process was timely and responsive, which was greatly appreciated as we coordinated all the details. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful, with multiple ceremony and reception locations to choose from. The Whitestone team assisted us with any questions we had, allowed us to visit the site twice, and accommodated multiple changes along the way. The only potential drawback is that if you use an external caterer, the limited kitchen access can be challenging. However, if you opt for their in-house catering service, this would not be an issue. Overall, we highly recommend the Whitestone Inn for its stunning settings, excellent service, and ability to make your wedding day special.
Megan Faulknor C., a year ago
The Lake at Willow Oaks 
Maryville, TN
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $4,800

Nestled among 150 acres of peaceful rolling acres in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Willow Oaks is the perfect place for your wedding or event! Our post-and-beam Granary offers warm elegance with ample indoor entertaining space to accommodate your guests. Rain plan? We have you covered. The large covered veranda overlooks our scenic lake with sweeping mountain views. In the evening, guests can relax in Adirondack chairs by our hand-forged kettle-style fire pit. We are conveniently located minutes from Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Knoxville, and Maryville.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Provides setup and cleanup
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No in-house catering options
  • Does not provide event staff
Tennessee Riverboat Company 
Knoxville, TN
  • Up to 225 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $600

Experience the Star of Knoxville. This authentic paddlewheeler is United States Coast Guard approved for 235 passengers. The main deck seats 144 passengers and is fully enclosed, air conditioned, and heated for year round comfort. The vessel is equipped with two (2) beer bars, a dance floor, band stage, and is exquisitely decorated for the most elegant dinner and entertainment available. From black tie events like weddings and receptions, a casual event like a football charter or one of our weekly public dinner cruises, the atmosphere is right for any occasion. The Tennessee River is one of the most beautiful rivers you will ever cruise. While cruising, you will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in Knoxville. Not only will you see some of the history of the river, you will most certainly be relaxed by the river’s beauty. Let us show you Knoxville like no one else can!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Does not allow pets
  • No on-premises lodging options
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Volunteer Princess Cruises 
Knoxville, TN
  • Up to 132 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $4,000

The Volunteer Princess is the only modern and luxurious dining cruise vessel on the upper Tennessee River. This 96-foot state-of-the-art yacht is built specifically for experiencing all that the Knoxville waterfront has to offer. The breathtaking views, comfortable dining atmosphere, and the friendly crew all help to make Volunteer Princess Cruises a wonderful celebration destination.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Classic seating dinner
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Bridal suite on site

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • No on-site guest accommodations
Quick responder
Secret Treasure Venue 
Kodak, TN
  • Up to 70 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $1,500

Secret Treasure Venue Concierge & Events is an all-inclusive, blank canvas, fully customizable wedding venue located in the Sevierville, TN area. Less than an hour from Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, and Gatlinburg; we are a prime location for any event. Whether you have all of your vendors and are just looking for a beautiful venue or are starting from scratch and need all of the bells and whistles, we are here and excited to assist you in creating a one-of-a-kind event that is perfect for you!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Raw space for complete customization

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Does not provide event staff
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup

About wedding venues in Fontana Dam, 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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