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

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 

5.0

Topton, NC
  • Up to 118 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $7,750

Nantahala Weddings is a destination wedding venue in the mountains of Western NC with exclusive access to lake and mountain view property for multi-day events. Onsite lodging for 21. Beautiful backdrops for photos: lake, river mountains, waterfalls, forest. • No other weddings or any other events will take place on our property for the duration of your stay! • Pets are welcome. • LGBTQ-friendly. • NO MANDATORY END TIME and NO NOISE RESTRICTIONS. • Destination vibes – no passports required. Surrounded by the pristine natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, our venue is intimate, magical, and elegant with lake and mountain views that will make your guests swoon. • A wedding on Nantahala Lake is ideal for couples who want to unplug from the hustle of urban life to embrace the peace and quiet of the mountains. Our multi-day packages are designed to help you chill out during your wedding weekend. • A luxurious summer camp feel with onsite lodging and outdoor activities at your doorstep.

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., 2 months ago
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The Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm 

5.0

Knoxville, TN
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

We are a family built and run business that has been in operation for over 12 years! The Pavilion was designed and built by our owner, Nancy Barger, and her dad. It's situated on her family farm and overlooks Bluegrass Lake, which is right in the heart of Knoxville! While you may only be 15 minutes from downtown, and just right off of Northshore Dr, The Pavilion offers a quiet escape on the water. Our ceremony site is surrounded by trees and looks out onto the lake, giving our ceremonies a private, natural, feeling. We are well known for our beach, which expands a large part of our front yard! The beach is amazing for elopements, cocktail hours, cookouts and photos!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Bridal suite on site

Venue considerations

  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Dance floor not included
The site is LOVELY, and the staff are also. They treated us as special (impossible as that sounds) and helped us to have the sort of wedding reception that we could only dream about. It's a fairly expensive venue, but TOTALLY worth it if you can manage it! (P.S.: We probably are the oldest bride and groom they have ever had, but that didn't seem to matter to them one bit. Don't worry if you are non-traditional.)
Suzanne M., a year ago
The Lake at Willow Oaks 
Maryville, TN
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • 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
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • 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
Volunteer Princess Cruises 
Knoxville, TN
  • Up to 132 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

The Volunteer Princess is the only modern and luxurious dining cruise vessel on the upper Tennessee River. This 100-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
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Whitestone Inn 
Kingston, TN
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,500

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

Location flexible? Discover venues near Fontana Dam, NC

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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