Best Adventure Wedding Venues in the Southeast for Outdoor-Loving Couples

If you and your partner crave excitement, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences, an adventure wedding might be the perfect way to say “I do.” Instead of a traditional ballroom reception, imagine exchanging vows with mountain vistas behind you, celebrating with loved ones at a riverside lodge, or even incorporating outdoor activities like whitewater rafting or rock climbing into your wedding weekend.

West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee offer some of the best adventure wedding venues in the southeast, thanks to their rugged mountains, national parks, and scenic waterways. Whether you’re planning an elopement, a micro wedding, or a full-scale celebration, these adventure wedding venues provide stunning backdrops and endless opportunities for fun.

Why Choose an Adventure Wedding Venue?

• Unmatched Scenery: Say your vows in front of mountains, rivers, or waterfalls.
• On-Site Accommodations: Many of these venues offer lodging, making it easy for guests to stay for the weekend and celebrate.
• Exciting Activities: From whitewater rafting to zip-lining, your wedding weekend can be packed with fun experiences.
• Unique and Intimate: Perfect for couples who want something different from a traditional wedding.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s as adventurous as your love story, these epic wedding venues are worth checking out!

Best Adventure Wedding Venues in the Southeast

Adventures on the Gorge – Lansing, WV

Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine breathtaking scenery with adventure sports. Very similar to Ace Adventure Resort (below)

Special features:

• Ceremony site overlook the gorge
• On-site cabins and lodges for guests
• Customizable adventure wedding packages
• Access to rafting, rock climbing, and more
• Easy access to the New River Gorge National Park
  

ACE Adventure Resort – Oak Hill, WV

Perfect for: Couples who want an action-packed wedding weekend.

Special features:

• Ceremony site overlooking the gorge
• On-site cabins and camping options
• Adventure packages for wedding guests
• Private reception spaces with catering
• Easy access to the New River Gorge National Park
  

U.S. National Whitewater Center – Charlotte, NC

Perfect for: Thrill-seeking couples who love water sports and outdoor events.

Special features:

• Wooded ceremony locations
• Indoor and outdoor reception spaces
• Adventure activities for guests before and after the wedding
• Close to a major airport
  

The Sky Retreat – North Wilkesboro, NC

Perfect for: Couples who want a private mountaintop experience.

Special features:

• Scenic ceremony locations with 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
• Luxurious cabins for overnight stays
• Access to a plethora of outdoor activities including tubing, hiking, flyfishing and mountainbiking
• Petting zoo
• Massage and yoga classes
• Miniature donkey and goats
  

Massanutten Resort – McGaheysville, VA

Perfect for: Couples who want a full weekend resort experience.

Special features:

• Multiple ceremony and reception sites
• On-site accommodations for guests
• Four-season adventure activities (skiing, hiking, waterpark, etc.)
• Spa services for pre-wedding relaxation
• Easy access to Shenandoah National Park for photos or adventure
  

Sugar Hollow Retreat – Butler, TN

Perfect for: Couples who want a secluded, nature-immersed wedding weekend.

Special features:

• Private 300-acre mountain retreat
• Multiple lodges and cabins for guests
• Scenic ceremony locations, including mountain overlooks and wooded settings
• Hiking, fishing, and outdoor activities on-site and nearby
  

Nantahala Weddings & Events – Topton, NC

Perfect for: Couples who want a wedding with lake and mountain views.

Special features:

• Gorgeous ceremony sites overlooking Nantahala Lake and mountains
• ADA compliant site 
• Exclusive use of the venue for your wedding weekend
• Close to Nantahala Outdoor Center for whitewater rafting, hiking, and zip-lining
• Perfect mix of adventure and romance
  

Outland Great Smoky Mountains – Whittier, NC

Perfect for: Couples who want a luxurious yet adventurous wedding retreat.

• Stunning ceremony locations with panoramic mountain views
• Private boutique accommodations for wedding parties
• Access to hiking, waterfalls, and national park adventures
• Customizable wedding packages with high-end amenities
  

Ijams Nature Center – Knoxville, TN

Perfect for: Couples who want a wedding immersed in nature with a touch of rustic charm.

• Scenic woodland and waterfront ceremony locations
• Indoor and outdoor reception spaces
• Eco-friendly and conservation-focused venue
• Activities include hiking, biking, paddling and climbing as well as a nature-based playground for the youngest attendees
• No on-site accommodations, but could stay at Ancient Lore Village (below)

Special Mention: Ancient Lore Village – Knoxville, TN

Perfect for: While this doesn’t have the “adventure component” you see in other venues this is an amazing venue for couples who want a wedding straight out of a fairytale. 

Special features: 

• Fantasy-themed accommodations and event spaces
• Waterfall ceremony locations
• Close to Navitat Knoxville for zipline and ropes course activities, Knoxville Outdoor Tours for mountain biking and Knoxville Adventure Collective for water-based rentals.

The Importance of Choosing an Adventure Wedding Photographer

An adventure wedding requires a photographer who understands both the beauty of the landscape and the unique challenges of capturing moments in the great outdoors. 

As a photographer who specializes in adventure weddings, I’m passionate about capturing genuine, unscripted moments in breathtaking locations. Whether you’re hiking to your ceremony site, exchanging vows at sunset, or celebrating with an outdoor reception, I’ll be there to document every meaningful moment.

Ready to plan your epic wedding day? Let’s connect and start creating unforgettable memories!

Sample Adventure Wedding Weekend Timeline

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome Party

• Check-in at venue accommodations
• Optional group activity: sunset hike or stargazing
• Welcome dinner with bonfire and s’mores

Day 2: Adventure & Wedding Celebration

• Morning activity for guests (whitewater rafting, zip-lining, or guided hike)
• Alternative: spa session
• Wedding ceremony in the late afternoon
• Reception with dinner, dancing, and a campfire after-party

Day 3: Farewell Brunch & Departure

• Group brunch with breathtaking views
• Optional farewell adventure (kayaking, horseback riding, or scenic drive)
• Guests depart at leisure

Creating a Wedding Retreat for Your Guests

Choosing an adventure wedding venue isn’t just about having an incredible setting—it’s about crafting an unforgettable experience for everyone attending. Consider adding:

• Guided Adventure Excursions: Arrange group activities like a guided rafting trip or a mountain bike tour.
• Relaxation Options: Offer spa treatments, yoga sessions, or hot tub access for guests who prefer to unwind.
• Personalized Welcome Bags: Include trail maps, snacks, and a schedule of events to make guests feel included.
• Campfire Nights: Create intimate moments with storytelling, live music, and stargazing.

Ready to Plan Your Epic Adventure Wedding?

Choosing an adventure wedding venue ensures your special day is as exciting and unforgettable as your love story. Whether you want a mountaintop elopement, a riverside ceremony, or a destination wedding full of outdoor activities, these venues in WV, VA, NC, and TN offer the perfect setting.

And if you’re looking for a photographer who understands the thrill of adventure weddings, I’d love to capture every breathtaking moment! Contact me today to start planning your unforgettable wedding experience.