Hiwassee River Weddings and Events Reviews
Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
47 Reviews
100% recommend it
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![Ashley]()
Ashley M. Sent on 05/29/2024A Fairytale Dream with an Enchanted Forest!
The team at Hiwassee River Weddings was very communicative and easy to work with. During the planning process I had to reach out to then on a few different occasions to finalize details and they were always responsive. Bill Collins, the owner of the venue is wonderful and truly cares to get to know you as a couple. I had an issue with finding a florist as the one I had been planning to use was unresponsive, I let Bill know what was going on and he personally called florists in the area to see who would be available for my wedding date and had them follow up with me asap. The staff at Hiwassee River Weddings is amazing, you won't regret it. -
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![Jessy]()
Jessy C. Sent on 11/28/2022More than a venue... it's home ♡
Wow. I'm not even sure where to begin. Bill, you are a man of value and love, and you have shown that with your venue. This place instantly drew my husband, Dylan, and I in, even in the dead of winter.. it was breathtaking. The stillness of the water, the trees blowing in the wind and our love being captured here with our families from near and far. We both grew up near some type of water -- met on the Caney Fork River, engaged on the beaches of PCB and were married here this past May. Water has always been a part of our journey and we knew Hiwassee River Weddings and Events was going to be the place we got married. Bill and his staff are truly amazing. He set us up with everything -- caterer, baker, florist, wedding planner, DJ and so much more! There are plenty of places to have pictures on the property. You feel like you're on an island with all of your favorite people. Bill went out of his way for us -- we are big water people so we knew we had to have a canoe on our wedding day and Bill made it happen.
From start to finish, Hiwassee River Weddings and Events made our day amazing. Thank you ALL for the love, laughter, smiles and happy tears that you all help create for us. Go meet Bill and his staff and you'll see why we choose this place and will recommend it over and over again. -
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Kellie G. Sent on 12/31/2021
A dream come true, best day of my LIFE!
Full disclosure: HRW is my parents’ wedding venue, but that does not change just how amazing my experience was here!
I have seen my parents, and especially my dad, Bill, pour his blood sweat and tears into this venue for years. Hiwassee River Weddings and Events is my dad’s passion and and he has made this into a truly MAGICAL wedding venue. Even though I’m his daughter, I have heard from so many brides that he makes them feel like family when they get married here. My dad will go the extra mile for his brides. For example, in the past he has even driven to a local department store and bought an extra shirt for the groom’s dad who forgot his! My dad also has so many connections with all the best local vendors which is very helpful during the planning process!
The entire venue is gorgeous and that is such an understatement. There are SO many picturesque areas on the venue for pictures. The bridal and grooms rooms are immaculate and so fun to get ready in! There are many options for the ceremony including riverside, in the forest (where I got married), and inside the beautiful timber-frame building. The patio with string lighting is so beautiful at night and really makes for a magical feel.
The venue is also all handicapped and “grandparent” assessable, which is really amazing service!
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![Robin]()
Robin Sent on 12/23/2021A beautiful, intimate experience!
Hiwassee River Weddings is a beautiful venue with incredible staff. For me and my husband, the most important thing to us was the venue setting. After searching online and looking at many mountain venues that did not fit our aesthetic (or standard for service), we can across Hiwassee River. I knew immediately from their website that I wanted to have our wedding in their forest site, and I loved the indoor space as well in case of rain (light, bright- no dark wood cabin with taxidermy!).
We visited in person and met Bill (the owner) and made a reservation for May 2020 that day. Well, we had to reschedule twice in 2020, and Bill stuck with us through it all. Bill is a responsive, caring, problem-solver. I never EVER felt like we were just a number or a paycheck- Bill treated us like family, and helped me to feel more excited after having to reschedule due to covid.
We finally got married on 8/21, and Bill & his staff were wonderful and accommodating. They were ready to set up the ceremony wherever we desired, and were ready to prep the inside in case of rain. It did rain, and 5 minutes before the ceremony, it let up, and Bill was outside drying off benches with towels and laying down plastic to keep our guests dry. He even set up a fan at the forest site to keep the humid air moving.
Let's face it- weddings are expensive, and some venues simply unlock the door for a hefty fee and provide no other services. Hiwassee River Weddings is not like that; they gave personal attention to every aspect, and the cost was absolutely worth it. I wish I could get married there again! -
![Taylor]()
Taylor H. Sent on 12/22/2021Best Day Ever
Hiwassee River Weddings gave us an amazing customer experience. It is obvious the owner takes a lot of pride in the venue and everything was immaculate for our big day. Everything was perfect! -
![Colby]()
Colby H. Sent on 07/14/202120/10. It was above and beyond what my wife and i could have hoped for. Covid withstanding (not the venues fault. Just the world travel retrictions)
Bill, who owns this venue, was amazing. Rescheduled twice due to covid. Was understanding all the way. On top of being a new friend his venue staff and location was above and beyond what my wife and i could have hoped for -
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![Haley]()
Haley B. Sent on 12/22/2021Amazing Venue
Hiwassee River Weddings and Events gave me my dream wedding day! Bill’s venue was the first venue we visited, and I instantly knew this was the place for our wedding, we booked with him the day we toured! The owner is the kindest person and he goes above and beyond to make sure your day is perfect! I HIGHLY recommend this venue, you will not be disappointed! -
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![Catherine]()
Catherine M. Sent on 04/30/2021A Fairytale Venue
Hiwassee has my heart forever. Between the river and forest, this entire venue will take your breath away. We purchased the all inclusive Blueway package and that also includes a massive cabin for the weekend. Liz, the wedding planner is AMAZING!!! The only thing we paid outside of the package was photography and videography. The owner Bill will go above and beyond to make your day everything you ever dreamed of. The venue has a river side ceremony and forest. We chose the forest side and had a fire pit down by the river. I would get married here again in a heart beat! -
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Paul M. Sent on 10/19/2020
Beyond special
Hiawassee River Wedding and Event is such an amazing place, Bill thank you for making our day so special, Christine Scott you are amazing thank you for your hard work that made our day remarkable, the greatness of your staff made our day stress free, from helping us with music ,to photo ,to catering your venue bring a warmth to our heart, a peaceful place of joy that helped celebrate our wedding with family and friends !!!
Thank you! -
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![Caleb]()
Caleb V. Sent on 10/16/2020Incredible
Bill was a joy to work with from the first email. We feel in love with a picture of the forest site and never looked back. The venue feels like home, it's beautiful, spacious, and intimate all at the same time. The combination of river and tall trees is like nothing you can find elsewhere. I've recommended this venue (and owner) to friends and family already, you won't be disappointed! -
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![Megan]()
Megan Q. Sent on 08/04/2020The most beautiful day, with the most beautiful people, at the most beautiful place!
Hiwassee River Weddings and Events gave us the most picture perfect wedding day we could have imagined. The scenery there is incredible, and pictures could never do it justice. It was the first venue we visited and we ended up calling Bill on the road home to book with him because it was just perfect! The team there is even better! Bill, the owner, is truly the kindest person, and he goes above and beyond to make sure couples are getting everything they need and want. He even held up a curtain for me to hide behind to run outside so that no guests would see me as I was preparing to walk down the aisle! The wedding planner Liz also took care of everything so seamlessly that we did not even have to think about anything except seeing each other and saying "I do." In the midst of a global pandemic AND a thunderstorm on our wedding day, we felt so taken care of and safe in the hands of Hiwasseee River Weddings and their team.
You'll also have SO many options for places to take photos! The trees, river, and lighting create an amazing backdrop no matter where you are on the property. Plus, it's about 10 degrees cooler there than anywhere else due to the shade and proximity to the water! (A huge plus for a summer wedding.) It even rained on our wedding day, and everything got moved inside, and it was more beautiful than I think it would have been with our original outdoor plan. With all the madness that 2020 brought us, the team here ensured that we did not lift a finger and our day went off without a hitch! I could sing the praises of this place all day long, but just rest assured you'd be getting the kindest staff, the most efficient team, and the most beautiful setting for your big day. I'm honestly sad that it's over, and I wish I could go back and re-do it every weekend! -
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![Mattea]()
Mattea G. Sent on 11/09/2020Lovely and unique location to complete a dream wedding
In the summer of 2020, I was able to marry the best man I have ever met - and was promoted to his wife. I had the most fun with my bridesmaids and family getting ready for the big day at this venue - the rooms were great for setting the tone for the day. The venue, Hiwassee River Weddings, was in such a charming location and was set-up in a way that made the event so special. From the reception building to the multiple ceremony cites, the entire property was lovely and helped complete the look that my family and I had in mind. The owner was nothing but encouraging, kind, and helped whenever needed. Our wedding went smoothly without the anticipated stress, and I want to give credit to this venue for that as well as making us feel special with their attentiveness and care. We are so glad that we chose such a genuine team and location for our wedding. -
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![Dava]()
Dava Sent on 01/02/2024Worth it!!!
I had the wedding of my dreams at Hiwassee River Weddings on November 4th, 2023! The venue is absolutely breathtaking year round and provides so much natural beauty to complement any flowers/decor. The owners and their staff went above and beyond. They were so encouraging, communicative, and accommodating! I couldn’t imagine having had my wedding anywhere else. - Dava (and Alex) Emelianov -
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Elizabeth H. Sent on 10/27/2020
AMAZING!! Would recommend to everyone!
This venue is absolutely breathtaking! It has a little bit of everything from the river to the forrest. The reception hall is stunning and needs no decor, it completely speaks for it self. I couldn’t have imagined getting married anywhere else! -
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Alexsis H. Sent on 04/09/2020
Beauty in January
My wedding we absolutely beautiful! Bill is an amazing person to work with and will take special care of his clients. Hiwassee River Weddings is one of the most beautiful places to have your wedding. -
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![Madison]()
Madison R. Sent on 12/30/2019The best day ever, at the best place ever.
I honestly couldn’t imagine our wedding at another place in the world. Bill’s venue brought our vision to life and was the most perfect venue for us to say “We do” with our family and friends. Bill was beyond accommodating from the day we toured his venue till our final exit. I am forever thankful our paths crossed with his to make our day so perfect. Sweet Bill felt more like family by our wedding day then just the owner of the venue. -
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![Cayla]()
Cayla M. Sent on 07/11/2019Mom of the Bride
My daughter’ wedding was everything she had dreamed of. Bill and his staff were very hands on and made sure nothing was overlooked. The venue is breathtaking and made for the perfect backdrop for my daughter’s special day. -
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![Mattea]()
Mattea Sent on 04/20/2019Such a Blessing to work with!
Bill and his team are helpful and caring. They are working hard to make sure our big day is everything we want. -
Dayton S. Sent on 06/01/2019
Spectacular
We had our wedding on Memorial Day weekend and Bill Collins was a blessing to work with. We had the ceremony inside as well as the reception for the air conditioning and it was absolutely beautiful. There is no need in digging for Djs and Vendors, Bill has a list of the best for working with him and will help you every step of the way! Highly recommend! -
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Karen V. Sent on 05/20/2019
Jessica & Tate Wedding, May 18, 2019
My daughter wanted a fairy tale wedding in a forest setting. This venue provides that and much more. The river views, forest ceremony site, event hall, etc. are absolutely gorgeous. I heard my guests gasped and whisper how beautiful when the staff opened the door during the reception to show the river view as the sun was going down. The owners and staff are amazing to work with. They were always by my side to answer questions, retrieve items needed, and were very flexible with last minute changes/requests. Despite the long hours and hard work, they always had a smile on their face. The owner, Bill Collins and his wife, took care of our every need, including ensuring our comfort during a temporary loss of power earlier in the day. Their onsite coordinator, Christine Scott, was absolutely amazing. This was my first wedding to plan and was it very overwhelming. Her guidance to the wedding party, my daughter and myself throughout the day was immeasurable. She even did little things such as pinning the men's boutonnieres on their suits. She regularly reminded us to eat, rest, wear comfortable shoes when not doing pics, and above all, have fun and enjoy the day. She ensured all of my missteps went unnoticed by the guests. She was a calming influence and a steady hand the entire process. She regularly asked me throughout the day if I was having fun. Starting out, I was a nervous wreck; however, I must say by reception time, with Christine's, Bill's, his wife and staff's hard work and help, I saw the fruition of hard work pay off and began to truly enjoy the beautiful wedding they provided my daughter! It was very obvious their main goal and passion is to ensure every event at their venue is done to the maximum satisfaction of each client and visitor. If you are planning an event (wedding or otherwise), you really should check this venue out! You definitely won't regret it! -
