6 Enchanted Forest Wedding Venues Across North Carolina

I’m Katie Sautter, a wedding planner based out of Greensboro, North Carolina, and I specialize in nature-inspired wedding aesthetics like Enchanted Forest, Garden Wedding, and Cozy Mountain vibes.

Today, I’m discussing 6 of my top choices for Enchanted Forest wedding venues across NC.

Before diving into the venues, let’s clarify what “Enchanted Forest” means. It is characterized by:

1. Forest ceremony and/or reception with lots of overhanging lights in the trees or on the trees. Natural surroundings are a must.

2. Drapery or a wooden altar (or both) at the ceremony location. Drapery is usually shades of creamy whites/ivories and slightly sheer: the best way to let light shine through draping.

3. Candlelit pathways and old-fashioned bulbs illuminate the way, casting a warm glow on wooden accents and floral arrangements that breathe life into this aesthetic. However: always check with your venue about their candle policies. Many venues do not allow open flames or tapered candles.

4. Wooden details, vines, and moss are often part of the décor. This aesthetic pairs very well with fragrant flowers like gardenia, jasmine, or fragrant roses. It may include edible flowers and spices decorating food and beverages.

5. Rustic yet refined, this aesthetic transcends traditional barn or country motifs, offering a twist on woodland romance. Modern, clean spins on this aesthetic add a unique charm to the venues that incorporate it.

Here is an example of an Enchanted Forest wedding moodboard I created using images from Pinterest:

I kept these aesthetic pillars in mind for my search.

Now that I’ve painted a better picture, let’s go into those venues.

Disclaimers:

1. While many details remain relevant for years to come, please bear in mind that certain specifics, such as prices, are dated to spring 2024 (some 2025). Prices quoted are often based on maximum guest capacities, primarily for Saturday events with full-package offerings. Many of the venues listed here offer intimate and elopement packages for much less than the price mentioned here. For the most accurate pricing tailored to your needs, I encourage reaching out directly to the venues.

2. These venues are not listed in any particular order. They’re all great depending on your needs!

1. Pinehill Pavilion

Nestled amidst twinkling forest lights, Pinehill Pavilion exudes romantic charm with its elegant pavilion and enchanting nature backdrop. The forest ceremony space, set against a lake, offers an idyllic setting for vows. Their impressive gallery called to me: it says “luxury” and “clean” while also maintaining an enchanting nature aesthetic. What sets Pinehill Pavilion apart is its elegant pavilion, which serves both as an air-conditioned reception space as well as an excellent Rainy Day alternative. Adorned with overhead drapery and lighting, the pavilion creates a magical atmosphere perfect for an enchanted forest wedding. It offers two dressing rooms, rentals, event staff, wedding planners (outside planners are welcome), parking staff, and complimentary snacks & beverages for the wedding party. With a generous maximum guest capacity of 400, Pinehill Pavilion ensures no one is left out of the celebration.

A step beyond appearances, I was impressed by their responsiveness (the venue manager, Brooke Hill, got back to me within 1 hour! This was the fastest of the venues I emailed). One of the things I was also impressed by in my communications with them, was their commitment to inclusivity and diversity. They specifically told me:

“Pinehill Pavilion aims to be inclusive and welcoming to a wide range of clients and events. Pinehill strives to have a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Showcasing features such as beautiful landscapes, elegant decor options, and attentive service to make couples feel special on their big day. We are family owned, so we adore seeing friends and family coming together to celebrate at Pinehill. Weddings are a blessing to bind two families together and we are so grateful to be a part of that day.”

Pinehill Pavilion also boasts multiple recent “Best of” awards from The Knot and WeddingWire.

Quick stats:

Max guest count: 400

Price point: $8,600 (includes lots of amenities)

Location: Youngsville, NC (near the Raleigh-Durham Triangle). Click here to see it on Google Maps.

Website: https://www.pinehillpavilion.com/

Instagram: @pinehillpavilion

2. Timberlake Earth Sanctuary

Timberlake Earth Sanctuary’s beautiful wooded ceremony walkway. Photo credit: Natalie E. Photography (Photographer’s IG: @_natalieschram).

Timberlake Earth Sanctuary has a romantic forest ceremony location, with beautiful garden and orchard ceremony site alternatives. All three of their ceremony locations speak to the enchanted forest vibe, especially their woodlands and orchard locations. The centerpiece of Timberlake Earth Sanctuary is a tent draped with lights, nestled amidst the trees, accompanied by a cozy firepit ideal for s’mores on autumn evenings. A notable unique amenity: couples can enjoy a two-night stay in a beautiful treehouse on-site.

I also spoke with Cyndy, the venue manager, and asked her a few questions about the venue and the couples that choose Timberlake Earth Sanctuary. Here is her response:

“Timberlake Earth Sanctuary is a one-of-a-kind place where the main focus is healing the human-earth relationship; the land, 165 acres, is also a protected conservation easement. All couples who choose us love being outside and have some sense of adventure. They want to make their commitment to each other surrounded by the peace and beauty of the Earth. We offer a wonderful blend of the rustic and the elegant with outdoor ceremony sites and a large reception tent and court area for up to 150 guests, all within the convenience of the Triad area!”

What truly sets Timberlake Earth Sanctuary apart is their commitment to land stewardship and community. Weddings hosted here directly support their mission of creating a beautiful and safe space for all to enjoy nature. On their website, they feature a quote by Thomas Berry:

“As humans we are born of the Earth, nourished by the Earth, and healed by the Earth.”

I felt this quote captured their essence.

To top it off, this venue has been winning the Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice Award every year since 2017- impressive!

Quick stats:

Max guest count: 150

Price point: $6,750 (complimentary weekend use of the Treehouse) or $8,950 (allows up to 30 additional guests to stay onsite in their retreat area)

Location: Whitsett, NC (near the Piedmont Triad). Click here to see it on Google Maps.

Website: https://www.timberlakeearthsanctuary.com/weddings/

Instagram: @timberlakeearthsanctuary

3. Somos Family Weddings & Events

Somos Family Weddings & Events’ romantic enchanted forest ceremony location. Photo credit: Hint of Blue Collective (Photographer’s IG: @hintofbluecollective).

At Somos Family Weddings & Events, nature’s beauty sets the stage for unforgettable moments of love and joy. A favorite spot at this venue is their Enchanted Forest, a gorgeous forest ceremony location complete with overhanging lights and chandelier. They have several beautiful spaces available for both the ceremony and reception, with exquisite and clean, wooden and floral aesthetics. In case of rain, they offer an open-air pavilion for small weddings; but for larger weddings they advise renting a tent.

The bridal suite is elegant and lovely with ample lighting for your hair and makeup artist. The pavilion is complete with string lights and ceiling fans and is located adjacent to a large catering prep kitchen, firepit, and restrooms. This venue is perfect for a romantic enchanted forest wedding.

I asked the venue owner, Rachel Terry, to describe their couples, and she said:

“Our couples want a beautiful, custom wedding that they can afford with a venue that blends elegance and charm with natural beauty in a space that can range from glam to rustic or anywhere in-between. Our couples are kind and appreciate working with a team that truly cares about them and the dreams they have for their special day.”

I loved this quote from their website, which I think speaks to the warmth I received from Somos Family:

“The name we chose for our wedding venue reflects our blended heritage. Somos in Spanish means ‘we are.’ Somos Family (We Are Family) is the expression of our hearts toward every couple we serve as we work with you to make your wedding day all you dreamed it would be.”

Quick stats:

Max guest count: 75 for Enchanted Forest Ceremony, 175 for other locations

Price point: $1,600-$4,500 typical, up to $8,000 for Bride’s Favorite Package.

Location: Fuquay-Varina, NC (near the Raleigh-Durham Triangle). Click here to see it on Google Maps.

Website: https://www.somosfamilync.com/

Instagram: @somosfamilync

4. Weddings Over Waterfalls

Weddings Over Waterfalls provides an unforgettable natural setting for the ceremony and reception. Photos by J.L.Roberts Photography. (Photographer’s IG: @jlrobertsphotography).

Weddings Over Waterfalls is the perfect spot for a micro wedding or elopement with an enchanted forest aesthetic. True to its name, this venue has gorgeous waterfall features, with the tented reception area rising above a bustling, rocky creek. Privately situated in the heart of Appalachia, it seamlessly blends the symphony of waterfall sounds with both the mountains and forest. The home itself is beautiful and modern, nestled in the woodland wilderness: “postcard perfection,” as one of the reviews writes.

A nighttime display of vibrant colors lighting up the waterfalls, boulders and trees add to the enchanted forest ambiance, with an illuminated wedding tent for an unforgettable celebration under the stars. This intimate venue also includes the following amenities: fire pits, hot tub, extensive patio system over the falls, and a complimentary one-night stay for the couple. Tucked away from society, noise is never a concern (excellent for a dance party), but luckily guest lodging is not far. A hidden treasure, this intimate wedding venue doubles as an Airbnb with an impressive 182 five-star reviews (at the time of writing, boasting a flawless 5-star rating).  Guests rave about this exquisite rarity nestled in the mountains.

I spoke with the owner, Ken Greenwood, who was quick to respond to me and easy to talk to. His passion and dedication to the venue shine through, evident in the meticulously nurtured gardens and mossy nooks he has cultivated over the years. I have a feeling this hidden gem will soon become The Spot To Be for elopements and micro weddings.

Quick stats:

Max guest count: 32

Price point: $3,450 (32 guests), as low as $750 (6-guest elopement)

Location: Hot Springs, NC (near Asheville, by the Tennessee border). Click here to see it on Google Maps.

Website: https://weddingsoverwaterfalls.com

Instagram: @overwaterfalls

5. Carolina Country Weddings

Forested ceremony space at the Carolina Country Weddings Venue. Photo credit: Amore Vita Photography (Photographer’s IG: @amorevitaphotos).

The barn interior at the Carolina Country Weddings venue. Photo by Simon Anthony Photography (Photographer’s IG: @simonanthonyphoto).

Carolina Country Weddings combines natural beauty with modern-day luxury, offering breathtaking views and picturesque backdrops. Although I avoided barns in this article, their barn is the exception to the rule: it gives romantic, natural, and glowing elegance. Lights and drapery adorn the vaulted ceiling, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. With an extensive rental decor inventory of over 2,000 pieces, the venue offers comprehensive decorating services along with setup, cleanup, and planning assistance for couples (but they still welcome outside planners, decorators, and coordinators). They have on-site getting-ready rooms with tall, vaulted ceilings and ample lighting. One of the unique amenities they offer is access to the site for engagement and portrait shoots before the wedding.

The owner, Melanie Newton, is very quick to respond and passionate about her venue. I asked her to tell me about the couples who book her venue, and she painted a clear picture:

“They want a beautiful, simple wedding in nature. They want gorgeous photo opportunities in our woods as well as our peaceful rolling hills. They like lots of twinkly lights overhead! They also want an excellent inclement weather back up plan that won’t leave them feeling disappointed if they end up needing to move their ceremony inside. In addition to wanting an outdoor ceremony, they also prefer to have either their cocktail/social hour or reception outdoors.”

The venue manager, Rachel Kennedy, also explained to me that they have two forest ceremony sites to choose from: the Wedding in the Woods and the Enchanted Forest sites.

Wedding in the Woods offers a romantic setting surrounded by lush trees and a leafy canopy, accommodating up to 160 guests.

For more intimate gatherings, the Enchanted Forest site caters to micro weddings of up to 40 guests, featuring magical lighting strung throughout the trees, whimsical seating, and an ideal setting for a romantic dusk or evening ceremony.

Carolina Country Weddings has been featured in numerous wedding magazines and blogs, like The Carolinas Magazine, Black Bride, Black Southern Belle, and Boho Weddings. Carolina Country Weddings has garnered acclaim for its timeless elegance and exceptional service.

Quick stats:

Max guest count: 160

Price point: $8,800 (nuanced: please get a quote from them)

Location: Mount Pleasant, NC (halfway between Charlotte and Greensboro). Click here to see it on Google Maps.

Website: https://www.carolinacountryweddings.com/

Instagram: @carolinacountryweddings

6. Castle McCulloch

Photos taken by Bert Reed Photography (Photographer’s IG here: @bertreedphotography⁠). Bert Reed Photography has countless photos of the venue and interior, all divided by season. Check out his extensive portfolio.

Castle McCulloch offers a truly magical experience reminiscent of a Disney fairytale. Unlike any other venue, this castle transports couples into a realm of medieval splendor and fantasy. With its historic stonework, majestic ballroom, picturesque bridge, and grand chandelier, the castle exudes luxury, grandeur, and a hint of magic.

Hugged by a quiet creek and enveloped by deciduous trees, by October the castle transforms into a romantic, vibrant autumn scene. At night, the inside and outside of the venue glow with warm lighting, perfect for photography.

Speaking of photography, it was hard to choose just 1-2 photos, so I indulged and added several from Bert Reed Photography’s extensive portfolio.

As an all-inclusive venue, Castle McCulloch packages may provide many amenities (be sure to check with them for your needs), including rentals, bar services, layout design, and catering options ranging from plated to buffet-style. Couples are treated like true royalty, with each newlywed receiving a grand throne for the reception.

This venue is for couples who want to feel like their Disney dreams are coming to life, who want a grand experience in a natural setting, who love stonework and history or simply desire a venue which truly puts “Enchanted” into the experience.

This venue is so magical and romantic, it’s no surprise that it regularly wins the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards.

Quick stats:

Max guest count: 80-300 depending on space selection.

Price point: Huge variation in pricing, so please get a quote from them. Starts at ~$1,000 for elopement packages.

Location: Jamestown, NC (the heart of the Piedmont Triad). Click here to see it on Google Maps.

Website: https://castlemcculloch.com/

Instagram: @castlemcculloch1832

Whether exchanging vows within tranquil woodlands, beside cascading waterfalls, or inside the grand halls of a medieval castle, these venues provide the ideal setting to bring your enchanted forest wedding dreams to life.

Each of these 6 venues has their own unique charms. Choosing any one of these amazing venues will certainly make for a wedding that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.

It is possible that I’ve missed great venues: if you know one I didn’t include, leave a comment! Myself and other readers would love to check it out.

If you need a wedding planner specialized in enchanted wedding forest aesthetic, click here to contact me.

With love,

Katie Sautter      (she/her)

Owner & Planner at K.S.Otter Events LLC

Wedding planner specialized in enchanted forest, glamorous garden, and cozy mountain weddings, with a deep love of nature and animals.