Getting Married at Lake Lure or Chimney Rock, NC
Quick Answer
- Chimney Rock venues
- 6 outdoor ceremony sites, up to 150 guests
- CR ceremony fee
- $175–$600
- Lake Lure Inn
- Historic 1927 hotel, up to 215 guests
- Inn contact
- 828-625-2525
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The Hickory Nut Gorge offers two distinct wedding experiences: the dramatic outdoor settings of Chimney Rock State Park, and the graceful historic atmosphere of the Lake Lure Inn. They're 3.2 miles apart, and some couples use both — ceremony at the rock or falls, reception at the inn.
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock hosts private wedding ceremonies at six outdoor sites. Each is inside the state park, which means your guests experience one of the most dramatic natural settings in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The venues range from intimate to large: five sites hold 10–15 guests, while the Outdoor Classroom holds up to 70 and the fully accessible Pavilion accommodates up to 150. All guests pay park admission on top of the ceremony permit fee.
The most important number to know before you plan: a 10-guest wedding costs less than a 9-guest wedding. Park admission drops from $17 to $14 per adult when the group reaches 10, which more than offsets the extra admission. Use the calculator on the cost page to see the exact math for your guest count.
Lake Lure Inn & Spa
The Lake Lure Inn opened in 1927 and has hosted guests and events ever since. Roosevelt Hall — the inn's main ballroom — was used as the filming location for the Dirty Dancing (1987) dance scenes. It has eight chandeliers, 11-foot ceilings, and a grand fireplace.
The inn offers multiple spaces for ceremonies and receptions, from the private Powers Room (20 guests) to the full Dining Room, Veranda Terrace, and Poolside combination (215 guests). Horse and carriage for the newlyweds and a 32-passenger historic trolley for guest transport are available to add.
Wedding Planning
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you get married at Chimney Rock State Park?
- Yes. Chimney Rock hosts private wedding ceremonies at six outdoor sites, from the summit rock to a 404-foot waterfall. A ceremony permit is required. Ceremonies are seasonal and not permitted on holidays or holiday weekends at most sites.
- How much does a wedding at Chimney Rock cost?
- The ceremony fee ranges from $175 (up to 5 guests) to $600 (up to 150 guests). All guests also pay park admission — $17/adult standard, or $14/adult when the group reaches 10 or more. Optional reception rentals add $150–$550. Use our cost calculator for an all-in estimate.
- Can you get married at the Lake Lure Inn?
- Yes. The Lake Lure Inn & Spa hosts weddings at several indoor and outdoor spaces, including Roosevelt Hall — the ballroom used for filming Dirty Dancing (1987). The inn accommodates up to 215 guests in its most popular combination.
- What's the most accessible wedding venue in this area?
- The Pavilion at Chimney Rock State Park is the only fully accessible venue — it has vehicle and handicap access. The Lake Lure Inn also provides ground-level access to most of its indoor spaces. Chimney Rock's other five venues all require stairs or hiking.
Last updated: 2026-08-02