Are you thinking of Fontana Dam for your Smoky Mountain Wedding?

Where is Fontana Dam? 

Fontana Dam is a beautiful wedding destination tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountain portion of North Carolina. 

“At 480 ft., Fontana Dam is the tallest concrete dam east of the Rocky Mountains. The dam impounds the Little Tennessee River forming Fontana Lake and produces hydroelectric power. Reservoir size is approximately 11,700 acres. There is a shoreline of about 240 miles.“

      - https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fontanadam.htm

It is located next to Fontana Village, which is a cool little resort that has a pool, restaurant, cabins and more. All of the weddings I have photographed at Fontana Dam have been put on through Fontana Village Resort. 

How’s the Drive to Fontana Dam and Fontana Village?

The drive to Fontana Dam is probably the best and worst part of choosing this venue as your Great Smoky Mountain wedding destination. Haha, I say this lightly! It’s actually a very fun drive, but as a wedding photographer you have to drive it very early in the day when you’re really tired and very late in the day when… well… really tired! The drive takes you through a road they call “The Dragon,” which is over 12 miles of very sharp turns. This doesn’t sound terrible in theory, but there are a lot of race cars and fast bikes that drive the road, which means you’ll be pulling off to let them pass often. 

How’s the Ceremony Location at Fontana Dam?

The ceremony location is damn gorgeous! (see what I did there!? Hah) They have a little spot on the side tucked away from a big parking area for about 50 or so guests. The backdrop is a river with beautiful rolling hills. It's amazing and so gorgeous during the fall! I was only able to experience this location once, the other was inside the reception hall (more on that below.)

The ceremony location is a short 5 minute drive from Fontana Village. There isn’t any cell service, so make sure you remember your way or pre set those directions into your phone while you have wifi!

How is the Reception Hall at Fontana Village?

The reception hall is pretty big and easily changeable. The second wedding that I photographed here had both their ceremony and their reception in the same room. It’s a little dark, but totally doable with extra lights. 

There is a giant deck overlooking the park and a big lodge fireplace within ear shot of the reception hall, so those locations can make for great photos. 

I am not sure if the vendor has a DJ recommendation list, but I’ve seen different ones at each wedding. All were great! I believe one came all the way up from Atlanta, GA and another came over from Knoxville, TN.

How is the Food at Fontana Village?

I like saving these best part for last… THE FOOD! The food is great! I don’t know if Fontana Dam allows for outside vendors or if they take care of the food themselves, but I have not been let down the both times I photographed weddings here. 

Should you choose Fontana Dam and Village for your Wedding?

Do you like gorgeous views, tons of locations and flexibility, and amazing food? If so, you should look into Fontana Dam for your big day! Check them out here at: https://fontanavillage.com/wedding-faq/