FAQs

Question

When does the wedding start?

Answer

We plan to start the ceremony in Grove 1 at 3:30 p.m.

Question

What is the place like?

Answer

Grandfather Mountain is a little wild and a lot magical. Our wedding is happening just before the games are set up, so you can expect a gorgeous wooded setting… and not-very-fancy facilities suitable for an outdoor festival, because that’s what it is. The Photos of the Location section of this website (on mobile, tap the menu button at the top) provides detailed images. For the wedding ceremony: The ceremony will be short and sweet. Grove 1 has a few rows of bleacher-style seats, but you can bring a camping chair or a picnic blanket for more comfort. For the reception: We’ll walk together to the other side of the athletic field. For the After After Party: This is at the Castle on MacRowdy. If you don’t know where that is, you don’t need to be coming anyway. 😉 Ages 21+ only. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Restrooms: Portable toilets are the only restroom facilities. You might want to bring hand sanitizer, but they should be fully stocked and fairly clean. A note: Please help keep this delicate and wild place that we both love pristine. Leave only footprints and take only photos. Bonus points if you pick up litter from previous years as you’re walking around the site! The Travel Tips section provides more information about how to get to the mountain, where to stay, etc.

Question

How should I dress?

Answer

We want people to feel comfortable above all else. Don’t buy something new just for our wedding! For those who already own Scottish attire, we’d love you to wear it—if the question is between kilt and no kilt, always go with a kilt. Renaissance festival–style garb is also totally appropriate. Expect to see lots of corsets, including on the bride. Plenty of people will wear skirts or slacks too. We don’t want you to wear anything formal like a suit or a cocktail dress. You do you. People have asked if there are any colors they shouldn’t wear. We have no idea what that means. 😉 No stodgy rules here! We’re getting married in the woods—rain or shine—so bring a rain jacket or umbrella. Pop-up thunderstorms are extremely common. Strong wind is also a possibility. The temperature fluctuates drastically on the mountain depending on the sun; wear layers. The ground is rough, uneven, and at times steep, so please consider your comfort when choosing your shoes. The terrain includes gravel paths, grass, hills, and possibly mud. Translation: Stilettos are a bad idea.

Question

Can my kids attend?

Answer

Absolutely. Please just let us know how many people are in your group so we can order the right amount of snacks.

Question

What should I bring?

Answer

Bring rain gear in case of rain—even if it’s not in the forecast. Bring a picnic blanket or a camping chair of your own for maximum comfort during the ceremony. There is not enough bleacher seating to accommodate all guests during the ceremony portion of the day. If you have auditory sensitivity, consider bringing earplugs. Bagpipes are, um, LOUD. Please don’t bring gifts! If you want to give us something, consider our honeymoon and renovation funds instead. 😊 That said, several people have asked if we’re open to consumable gifts, and we are! One gift idea is to bring a bottle of wine or a case of beer to share at the reception. (We cannot serve liquor to guests.) No pets are allowed on the premises. If you plan to attend the After After Party later that night at the Castle on MacRowdy (overnight 21+ campers only), bring your own drinks and a flashlight.

Question

What if I’m not camping at Grandfather Mountain for the games?

Answer

We recommend you book a hotel room nearby in Linville, Newland, Sugar Mountain, Banner Elk, or Boone right away, as that is a very busy week of the year! See the Travel Tips section for more suggestions on places to stay. If you ARE considering registering for GMHG, you can do so here: https://gmhg.org/registrations Tickets are on sale now, and camping has been known to sell out fast. We’ve been told there is a minimum of four nights for camping passes. Call the main office with any questions about that.

Question

Where should I park?

Answer

No public transportation leads to the location of the wedding. You’ll drive through some cellular dead zones, so make sure you download maps to your phone before you start your journey. Before you leave, check www.drivenc.gov for road closures; Interstate 40 between Tennessee and North Carolina was recently closed due to a landslide, and detours are always possible. Enter “MacRae Meadows” into Google Maps to arrive on the premises. Pull over at the white registration tent on the side of the road and tell the attendant that you’re there for the wedding. The attendant will give you a free camp visitors’ pass, which will allow you to park for the entire day. The attendant will direct you across the street to the designated parking area. You’ll park in the grass just outside the gate to the games. The ceremony will be held inside the grounds of the games, so you’ll need to walk through the main upper gate and then down into Grove 1. Ask anyone you see for help pointing the way. If you need assistance getting from your car to the ceremony and reception, let us know at least one week in advance; we’ll arrange help for you. More info: https://gmhg.org/parking/ See the Travel Tips section of this website for more detailed information on how to get there.

Question

Why is every word in this sentence capitalized?

Answer

Because the makers of Zola didn’t hire Jessie as an editor.