Outland Great Smoky Mountains

Outland Great Smoky Mountains is a private 22-acre retreat on a mountain ridge near Whittier in western North Carolina, about an hour west of Asheville. The property looks straight out toward Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, and has lawns, gardens, a pond, a stream and seven hiking trails. It hosts elopements and small weddings, with room for your guests to stay on site.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

With a full buyout, the whole estate is yours for the weekend, so you can celebrate with your people and no one else around. The scale suits couples planning an elopement or a wedding of up to around 50 guests who want the day and the stay in one place. It is a strong fit if you want a relaxed mountain weekend shaped around your own plans rather than a set formula.

Ceremonies

There are three outdoor ceremony spots: an overlook facing the Smokies, a terraced garden, and the lawns beside the pond. Outdoor ceremonies can seat around 50 guests. For a very small gathering, or if the weather turns, the clubroom lounge with its fireplace can seat around 15.

Receptions and food

Receptions take place on the event lawn, with a firepit garden and picnic area close by. You can choose a caterer from the preferred vendor list or bring your own, and alcohol can be provided in-house or brought in. The clubroom, with its fireplace and games, gives guests somewhere to gather indoors in the evening.

Staying

There are 13 bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, sleeping up to 26 guests. The Chalet Lodge has seven bedrooms, each with its own outdoor space. A short walk away, the Spa Suites have private entrances, balconies, gas fireplaces and, in most, a freestanding soaking tub. Stays are unhosted, with staff on hand for bookings, recommendations and emergencies.

Getting there and the area

The retreat is a short drive from Cherokee, Bryson City and Sylva, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Asheville is around an hour away by car, and its regional airport is the nearest for most guests flying in. The area is good for hiking and scenic drives if you want to make a long weekend of it.

Good to know

• Weekend packages give you the whole property for two days, or three in peak season.
• On weekdays, full privacy is only guaranteed with a full buyout.
• Bookings are taken up to 12 months ahead.