Highlands, NC offers breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain vistas at elevations of 4,118 feet for your wedding day. You'll fall in love with the unique blend of mountain terrain and Southern hospitality that creates a special microclimate here; summer evenings stay comfortably cool rarely going above 80°F and if you're planning a fall wedding, you'll be treated to spectacular foliage with colors peaking around mid-October.

The Nantahala National Forest surrounds Highlands, giving your ceremony access to stunning natural features like waterfalls and intimate forest clearings. You'll find venues like Fire Mountain Lodge capitalize on panoramic mountain views that will take your guests' breath away. Photographers love working here too; the natural diffused lighting that filters through tree canopies creates perfect portrait conditions without those harsh shadows you'd get in direct sunlight.

Wedding costs in Highlands scale with your guest count and venue choice:

• 50 guests (small wedding): $19,707
• 100 guests: $32,695
• 150 guests: $44,906
• 200 guests: $55,823
• 250 guests: $66,740
• 300 guests (large wedding): $77,657

Venues in Highlands typically run about $7,088 which is roughly 16% of your total wedding budget for a 150-guest celebration. That's actually pretty good value compared to the national average of $6,500-$12,000 or 25% of total costs. You're getting premium mountain elegance without the premium price tag you might expect for such stunning locations.

This venue tops many couples' lists with its gorgeous gardens restored barn and glass-enclosed pavilion that lets you enjoy mountain views regardless of weather. You'll appreciate their exceptional culinary program that uses fresh ingredients harvested from their own organic garden; talk about farm-to-table at its finest.

Connected to The Farm this venue gives you elegant outdoor spaces with that perfect touch of rustic charm. Your guests will rave about the top-notch culinary experiences that come standard with this beautiful location.

Perched at the mountaintop this venue combines truly breathtaking scenery with catering by a nationally recognized steakhouse. Your foodie friends will be impressed while everyone enjoys the spectacular views.

If accessibility matters for your celebration consider these excellent options:

• The Bascom: This stunning visual arts center offers beautiful mountain views and typically adheres to accessibility standards so all your guests can enjoy your special day.
• Old Edwards Inn & Spa: You'll love their elegant outdoor and indoor options that come with thoughtful accessibility features.
• Fire Mountain Lodge: This boutique resort in nearby Nantahala National Forest can work with you to accommodate accessibility requirements ensuring everyone feels welcome.

Most couples secure their Highlands venue about 15 months before their wedding date with October being the busiest month for inquiries. You'll want to plan ahead especially for the peak wedding seasons of May-June and September-October when mountain rhododendrons or fall foliage create naturally stunning backdrops that practically eliminate the need for additional decorations.

For a typical 150-guest Highlands wedding your budget will likely break down like this:

• Venue: $7,088 (16%)
• Catering: $5,671 (13%)
• Florists: $5,545 (12%)
• Bar Services: $4,536 (10%)
• Photographers: $4,266 (9%)
• Wedding Planners: $4,024 (9%)
• Videographers: $3,768 (8%)
• Bands and DJs: $1,390 (3%)
• Cakes and Desserts: $959 (2%)
• Hair & Makeup: $635 (1%)

Highlands, NC offers breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain vistas at elevations of 4,118 feet for your wedding day. You'll fall in love with the unique blend of mountain terrain and Southern hospitality that creates a special microclimate here; summer evenings stay comfortably cool rarely going above 80°F and if you're planning a fall wedding, you'll be treated to spectacular foliage with colors peaking around mid-October.

The Nantahala National Forest surrounds Highlands, giving your ceremony access to stunning natural features like waterfalls and intimate forest clearings. You'll find venues like Fire Mountain Lodge capitalize on panoramic mountain views that will take your guests' breath away. Photographers love working here too; the natural diffused lighting that filters through tree canopies creates perfect portrait conditions without those harsh shadows you'd get in direct sunlight.

Wedding costs in Highlands scale with your guest count and venue choice:

• 50 guests (small wedding): $19,707
• 100 guests: $32,695
• 150 guests: $44,906
• 200 guests: $55,823
• 250 guests: $66,740
• 300 guests (large wedding): $77,657

Venues in Highlands typically run about $7,088 which is roughly 16% of your total wedding budget for a 150-guest celebration. That's actually pretty good value compared to the national average of $6,500-$12,000 or 25% of total costs. You're getting premium mountain elegance without the premium price tag you might expect for such stunning locations.

This venue tops many couples' lists with its gorgeous gardens restored barn and glass-enclosed pavilion that lets you enjoy mountain views regardless of weather. You'll appreciate their exceptional culinary program that uses fresh ingredients harvested from their own organic garden; talk about farm-to-table at its finest.

Connected to The Farm this venue gives you elegant outdoor spaces with that perfect touch of rustic charm. Your guests will rave about the top-notch culinary experiences that come standard with this beautiful location.

Perched at the mountaintop this venue combines truly breathtaking scenery with catering by a nationally recognized steakhouse. Your foodie friends will be impressed while everyone enjoys the spectacular views.

If accessibility matters for your celebration consider these excellent options:

• The Bascom: This stunning visual arts center offers beautiful mountain views and typically adheres to accessibility standards so all your guests can enjoy your special day.
• Old Edwards Inn & Spa: You'll love their elegant outdoor and indoor options that come with thoughtful accessibility features.
• Fire Mountain Lodge: This boutique resort in nearby Nantahala National Forest can work with you to accommodate accessibility requirements ensuring everyone feels welcome.

Most couples secure their Highlands venue about 15 months before their wedding date with October being the busiest month for inquiries. You'll want to plan ahead especially for the peak wedding seasons of May-June and September-October when mountain rhododendrons or fall foliage create naturally stunning backdrops that practically eliminate the need for additional decorations.

For a typical 150-guest Highlands wedding your budget will likely break down like this:

• Venue: $7,088 (16%)
• Catering: $5,671 (13%)
• Florists: $5,545 (12%)
• Bar Services: $4,536 (10%)
• Photographers: $4,266 (9%)
• Wedding Planners: $4,024 (9%)
• Videographers: $3,768 (8%)
• Bands and DJs: $1,390 (3%)
• Cakes and Desserts: $959 (2%)
• Hair & Makeup: $635 (1%)