Business ProfileforNantahala Weddings & Events LLC

This review refers to the wedding venue business that is physically located at ******************** Topton, NC. The business owner withheld part of a venue security deposit for a wedding event that I hosted. The owner claimed a dog stayed in an AirBNB cabin on the property where dogs are not allowed. The only dog that was on the entire property was our dog who stayed with us, which we paid for and is allowed. When I contacted the owner explaining this and requesting more information regarding the accusation, such as evidence of a dog being in the Airbnb or what the actual cost was, she refused to answer by phone or email. She ultimately withheld an AirBNB penalty charge against the Venue Security Deposit for a false claim. She also refused to respond to concerns regarding faulty electrical in the building. She did offer half a refund for the cost of transporting vendors during cocktail hour due to an unrelated issue. During this issue, her manager enforced a mid-wedding policy change and refused to allow liquor and champagne during "cocktail" hour, despite having a licensed bartender who transported the beverages himself. She ultimately agreed to a full refund but then withheld the AirBNB penalty from the Venue Security Deposit/Refund and then refused to communicate after. For all the discounts and refunds she offers, she will makeup with add-ons and surprise penalties. This business is a classic bait and switch! Buyer and bride beware.

Although it saddens us to receive our first 1-star review, we are proud to have been actively operating as a wedding venue since 2014 with elated guests that leave glowing reviews. We pride ourselves (and warn our guests) that Nantahala is remote with terrible WiFi (we are working on getting Starlink), but our prices are lower than similar venues in other parts of the state and country. In fact, we often hear from couples touring our property that our price for 3 days (including lodging for 6 and many amenities) is similar to what other venues they looked at charge for 8 hours.

The vendors and I tried very hard to help this bride be happy on her wedding day, but she was determined to find many things to be unhappy about, asked for refunds - and even refused to pay for some services - that had already been provided.

Please allow me to address her concerns publicly.

VENDORS: We have a significant vendor list that we constantly vet. We have truly amazing vendors that do everything possible to bring to life the bride’s vision. I encourage you to read some other reviews for proof. True, some vendors from Asheville or Atlanta that are on our list decide not to come to our location due to the distance, but we take them off the list as soon as we learn that. Our goal is to give couples the most variety possible. For most couples, that is a positive.

NEW CONSTRUCTION: Yes, there is a new house being built adjacent to the property above our ceremony area, which will be finished by summer, but it’s barely visible from the ceremony area, and there’s never construction going on during a ceremony. It’s not visible for photos. A new co-owner of the venue, our daughter, will be living there a few months per year, and renting the home out to wedding guests when she’s not there. Like the tiny houses on our property, guests will be able to walk to the home from the venue. Nantahala is like any other community. We have new construction, too.

BREAKER: We were very disturbed to hear that this guest allowed the food truck to plug into a 20Amp outlet. No wonder it kept breaking! We do not hover over people during rehearsal dinner, so we had no idea this happened until reading it in the review. We live just two miles from the venue and are on standby for all events. If someone had called us, we could have remedied the problem.

EXTRA SERVICES: One of the ways we keep our prices low is to include everything that is essential to hosting a wedding (including lodging and many amenities), but excluding some optional services, such as chair set up and transportation to the ceremony site with our 4X4. We allow DIY options for many things for people who are budget conscious, but there’s always the option to opt in for services.

COCKTAIL HOUR: Here is a description of Cocktail Hour from the page where our couples select this option: “This service entails set up and tear down of a mobile bar, a banquet table with a black linen for appetizers (no chafers), and five tree slice cocktail tables at Chapel in the Sky, plus transportation of food and beverages. Beer, wine, champagne, bottled or canned beverages, and a pre-mixed signature cocktail are permitted (plastic cups only - no glass).” Unfortunately, this bride thought she could bring several full bottles of liquor to the ceremony area and offer a full bar there. She was so upset that we decided to refund her the full fee for Cocktail Hour.

PET PENALTY: Housekeeping informed us that there was a dog in a pet-free tiny house. They found a water bowl on the floor and pet hair under the bed. The penalty for that (clearly stated on the rental listing) is $200 because we must make the space safe and comfortable for future guests with allergies. We do not know for sure which dog was in the tiny house, but the rental was in the bride’s name.

LINK TO MAP NOT WORKING: The link is working just fine.