Now that you and your partner have decided that an intimate wedding is for you, it’s time to start hammering out all of the details. We’re sure you’ve already gotten TONS of questions from friends and family like, “ where is it going to be?” “What type of vibes have you been thinking about, and when is it?”

Well, not to worry! As an intimate wedding planner and intimate wedding photographer, we’ve done all the research for you, and compiled this list of 7 vacation rentals that we know would be perfect for an intimate wedding in North Carolina and beyond!

To make it easy for you, we’ve separated the list of rentals into different regions:

Near Asheville, NC
Near Gatlinburg, TN (Great Smoky Mountains NP)
Near Highlands, NC
Virginia Mountains (Shenandoah NP)
Hidden Gems

These are all properties that I personally as an Elopement and Intimate Wedding Photographer, was considering for my own intimate wedding in the Blue Ridge Mountains. SO, I’m very excited to share these personally vetted properties with you since I couldn’t book them all for myself!

Disclaimer: At the time of publishing all of the listings are vacation rentals that allow events. However, I recommend that you check the listings carefully to find information regarding rules, guest limits, and additional fees and always reach out to the hosts before booking or assuming your event is allowed at the space!

Near Asheville

Pisgah Peaks | Book It
Photos courtesy of VRBO listing.

Pisgah Peaks is a perfect spot near Asheville where you can feel completely secluded for your day. It sleeps a smaller amount of people, but has great indoor/outdoor space to accommodate slightly larger groups for an intimate reception or dinner after an off-site ceremony (Check out our “Best Places to Elope in NC” post if you’re looking for some great spots for an off-site ceremony!) Another benefit of this location is that it’s still close to Asheville so you can venture out into town, or even plan a reception dinner at a spot in the city, maybe even somewhere like Reverie Asheville!

What I love about this space as a photographer: This rental has a lot of versatility, and would be such a cozy hang out space for a smaller group of people! It makes a spectacular spot in the spring/fall, because you can throw open those big french doors (that let in a lot of light) and have both the indoor/outdoor space to explore. There’s also so many options for candid photos here with the hammock, fire pit (cozy first dance by the fire, anyone??), and the game room where we could capture you, your partner & family and friends having an epic game or pool tournament. What could be better than that?!

BirdSong’s Solar Sanctuary | Book It
Photos courtesy of VRBO listing.

The BirdSongs Solar Sanctuary is a beautiful and soothing space with lots of unique features! It has a beautiful main house, decorated with gorgeous wood trimmings that maintain it’s overall rustic charm while still feeling modern. There is space to hold an intimate ceremony on the lawn in front of the home, and then a sentimental reception either inside or outside on the wooden porch. You’re also close to Asheville and Marshall for other local activities while being right by many trails and spots to check out in nature.

What I love about this space as a photographer: If you’re going for rustic, intimate, and beautiful, I think this is an incredible spot for you! There are so many beautiful organic elements to the house that will give your images a mountainous feel. It’s also tucked away in the woods, so would be perfect as an offshoot for adventure, and maximum privacy for you and your guests. I think this is an absolutely stunning place to stay and get married!

Tudor House | Book It
Photos courtesy of VRBO listing.

This Tudor house would be an incredible spot for a wedding during all seasons. It's a hop and skip away from the bustling Asheville area, and yet feels so secluded for you and your guests. It's honestly the best of both worlds, and so charming! The host is familiar with weddings, and is a helpful resource in sharing what works best for the space. The open yard would be perfect for a small reception tent, and the wooded areas on the property would make for an incredible ceremony spot. There are plenty of rooms (and a detached guest cottage) to host a large group of people so you don’t have to worry about limiting your guest list quite as much.

What I love about this space as a photographer: This house has lots of light and historic charm, it’s honestly such a perfect space for a romantic, garden, timeless style wedding and photos here would totally reflect that vibe. I also love the separate cabin that could be used as a getting ready space, away from the rest of your guests and could be an intimate space just for you two to have those quiet moments before or after saying your vows. The property is so versatile, you wouldn’t even have to leave for great portraits, which would allow you to slow down and savor the day as much as possible, BUT if you did want to venture out just the two of you for an adventure, it’s so close to Asheville, you’d have endless opportunities to explore!

Near Gatlinburg, TN

Mountain Sunrise Oasis Spectacular | Book It
Photos courtesy of AirBnb listing.

If you’re having a small wedding in the Blue Ridge mountains, I’m sure this is EXACTLY what you were expecting to find in a venue + MORE. This cabin is the quintessential Great Smoky Mountains vibes, and it does not disappoint on any level. The views from the back deck are absolutely incredible and it would be a fantastic place to host a celebratory meal or even for the ceremony! If you would prefer to do the ceremony out in nature, this cabin is also close to Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains NP, so you would have easy access to materials you need to rent, catering etc…and can also find lots of fun activities to do with your guests. (Check out our Blog Post How to Elope in NC for some extra fun ideas). You really can’t go wrong with this place!

What I love about this space as a photographer: If you’re aiming for a cozy, mountain feel with epic views for dinner OR a ceremony, this is such a great spot for that. I love the high ceilings of the main room, and the windows let in so much light, all of the images will be bright, timeless, and incredible. The back deck has such an incredible view for sharing your vows, and even has space for a gathering of friends and families to witness, while still giving you space to spread out. The amenities at this cabin also allow for so many candid opportunities, and the hot tub? I mean, can you imagine getting married and then soaking in a hot tub with your beau and some champagne all night? Anyone up for some star photos? Sign me up!!

Luxury Oasis | Book It
Photos courtesy of AirBnb listing.
**This was Hannah’s fiancé’s favorite choice when they were intimate wedding planning!

Luxury Oasis has all that you need and more. It’s close to Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, but also far enough away that you still have space and a lawn for an event tent or reception area. The house itself is stunning with beautiful modern features and decor that would make any event here feel luxurious. You get the feel and beauty of the mountains while still allowing more room for your guests, and lots of outdoor activities like the playground for young (or old, no judgment here!) guests, the outdoor fire pit, inside the game room, and lots of indoor space for eating and hosting. It’s a great canvas for you to plan the event of your dreams, especially if you’re looking for something very laid back and casual with your closest people.

What I love about this space as a photographer: The windows!!! Need I say more?? Finding natural light in this house is an absolute breeze, but the way it’s paired with classy decor and still having that modern, cabin feel, just completely suits the mountain wedding vibe. You could even have a small dinner gathering inside with the vaulted ceilings, that would have such an intimate, charming feel to it getting to sit with all of your loved ones at a long table celebrating your love! And there’s so much that this house offers outdoors, you will have endless opportunities for candid images with all of your loved ones interacting, zip lining, sliding, roasting marshmallows, it’s just…*chefs kiss*

Highlands, NC

Lakefront | Book It
Photos courtesy of the VRBO listing

This lakefront rental near Highlands, NC feels like the best parts of home and summer camp all rolled into one, and if that is the vibe you are wanting for your intimate wedding, look no further! It has all the coziness of a cabin, but also has the backyard space to host an intimate ceremony near the lake dock and a party under the twinkle lights. One of the most unique parts of this rental is also its access to the water, you and your partner, or guests can access the water with the property’s kayaks or even bring your own hand-operated boats. What a romantic and adventurous way to celebrate your wedding, all from the backyard of your venue!

What I love about this space as a photographer: What really makes this place shine from an elopement photographer perspective is its versatility for adventure and outdoor activities! This place would be amazing in the early fall. You could set up the ceremony and reception area in the backyard under the twinkle lights (swoon!!) and have a campfire. AND you two could take the kayaks for a morning or sunset paddle for a “just us' ' experience, without having to go anywhere. It’s such a great space to get the best of both an elopement and an intimate wedding with family because there is space for adventure and cozy family time. I just love it!

Virginia (a bonus)

Peaceful 5-Bedroom Cabin | Book It
Photos Courtesy of the VRBO Listing

Although farther north than the other properties on this list, I couldn’t leave out this Virginia cabin because it is simply too epic. The views are incredible, and the house has a completely secluded feel for you and your guests. It’s an amazing way to experience the mountains while still having beds, simple comforts, etc available for yourself and guests. You could have the ceremony and reception on the lawn overlooking the mountains, or plan a ceremony or do portraits in Shenandoah National Park nearby. The opportunities with this space are endless, and would make for everlasting memories with your loved ones on your special day!

What I love about this space as a photographer: This place has total log cabin vibes, but it also feels BIG. You won’t be on top of all of your guests in this place, but will still have that warm, comforting tone to your images from the decor and wood trimmings. But can we talk about the VIEW?! Can you imagine being secluded in your own place with your closest family and friends committing your life to your favorite person while looking at that view? Just, incredible. There are so many options for adventure nearby (Shenandoah NP too!), but you also get that private, “just us” experience out there on a mountain top. (I almost picked this place for my intimate wedding too, so I may be a bit biased!)

Hidden Gems

This post has some amazing properties that we highly recommend, BUT as an intimate wedding Planner and Photographer team, we love providing our clients with even more recommendations, including our favorite local hidden gem spots! If you’re interested in learning more, contact us here!

Conclusion

I hope this post was helpful in jump-starting your research for your intimate wedding vacation rental! Here at Trail Magic Elopements & Micro Weddings, we love vacation rental weddings, because they provide such a great canvas for intimacy and creativity. Your vision doesn’t have to be limited by a traditional venue, but you can still accommodate guest’s accessibility levels and maintain privacy. They are truly the best of both worlds, and we’re so excited for you!

Start planning your intimate wedding todoay!