Smithmore Castle Reviews
Reviews
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![Isabella Lawrence]()
Isabella L. Sent on 04/07/2025The Only Real Castle in North Carolina– A Dream Wedding Come True
We came from Miami not quite knowing what to expect—but the moment we stepped through the gates of Smithmore Castle for our initial tour, we knew. It was love at first sight. The architecture, the views, the regal charm… nothing else in the States even comes close. We’ve visited other “castles” before, but trust us—this is the only real one.
Six months later, we returned with our closest family and friends for the most magical weekend of our lives. We chose the Royal Package, complete with fireworks, and stayed two unforgettable nights on the property. Every moment felt like a page from a storybook. The hospitality, the attention to detail, the elegance—everything was flawless.
Smithmore Castle isn’t just a venue; it’s an experience. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that truly feels majestic, look no further. This place is the real deal. -
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![Madeleine]()
Madeleine Sent on 04/07/2025A Fairytale Come True at Smithmore Castle
I flew in from New York with 55 of my closest friends and family for a destination wedding at Smithmore Castle—and it was everything I dreamed of and more. The moment we arrived, it felt like we had stepped into a different era. The castle, with its breathtaking views and timeless elegance, reminded me so much of true Victorian etiquette and hospitality.
From the service to the setting, every detail was handled with such grace and care. The team at Smithmore went above and beyond to make our special day unforgettable. Our guests are still raving about the experience—many said it was like being part of a royal affair!
If you’re searching for a venue that feels like a real-life fairytale, steeped in charm and history, look no further. Smithmore Castle is truly a gem, and we are forever grateful for the memories made there. -
![Alisha Clayton]()
Alisha C. Sent on 04/07/2025More than 5 stars
The venue and staff are outstanding and if I could give them more than 5 starts, I would. -
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![Sienna]()
Sienna Sent on 04/06/2025Smithmore Saved Our Wedding
Our wedding at Smithmore Castle was nothing short of magical! After our original venue in Europe had to close due to a weather emergency, we scrambled to find a new location—and somehow, fate led us to this extraordinary place. Smithmore stepped in last minute and made everything work with grace, warmth, and the kind of charm only a true fairytale setting can offer. The service, the hospitality, the beauty—just wow. No wonder they’re known as America’s only five-star castle hotel. We’re forever grateful! -
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![Amelie]()
Amelie Sent on 04/06/2025If You Love The Crown or Downton Abbey… Just Stop Looking!
Okay, fellow period drama lovers — this one’s for you! I’ve been obsessed with castles, gowns, and grand staircases for as long as I can remember. The Crown, Downton Abbey, Bridgerton — you name it, I’ve watched it. So when it came time to plan my wedding, I knew I needed something extraordinary. Something straight out of a storybook.
Naturally, I did what any bride would do — I Googled “wedding castles in the U.S.” and stumbled across Smithmore Castle. I nearly gasped. The photos alone were breathtaking, but what really caught my eye was the vibe — it didn’t just look regal, it felt authentic… like the kind of place Lady Mary would get married.
After a quick call with the team, I decided to take the leap. And oh my goodness, I’m so glad I did.
From start to finish, Smithmore Castle exceeded every dream I had ever dreamed. The grounds are stunning, the interiors are beyond elegant, and the staff? So professional, kind, and genuinely excited to help bring your vision to life. They didn’t just “host” my wedding — they curated it.
It truly felt like stepping into a period drama… only this time, I got to be the leading lady.
If you’re even thinking about having a castle wedding, let me save you some time: Smithmore Castle isn’t just the best option — it’s the only one. Full stop. -
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![Evie]()
Evie Sent on 04/06/2025A Texas Girl Found Her Fairytale in the Mountains!
As a bride from Texas fixin’ to find the perfect wedding venue, I figured the best way to test the waters was to host a small engagement gathering somewhere magical. Well y’all… Smithmore Castle didn’t just pass the test — it downright swept me off my boots!
From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your average venue. The staff? Lord have mercy — polished, gracious, and trained to the nines. Every little detail was thought of before I even had to ask. It was like being transported into a real-life fairytale, but with just the right touch of Southern hospitality to make it feel like home.
Our engagement party had 40 guests, and it was absolutely flawless — intimate, elegant, and bursting with charm. The castle itself is a dream, but it’s the people behind it that make it truly unforgettable.
Let me tell you, I was lookin’ all over the South and beyond for the right spot to say “I do,” but after that evening, I knew: this is it. No more lookin’. We’ll be having our 80-person wedding right here at Smithmore Castle, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. -
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![Victoria]()
Victoria Sent on 03/18/2025An Unforgettable Engagement Party at Smithmore Castle
We recently hosted our engagement party at Smithmore Castle, and I can honestly say it was one of the most magical experiences of our lives. With 75 guests in attendance, it was the perfect setting—intimate, elegant, and unlike anything else we found in our search for castle venues in the U.S.
When we first started looking for castles on Wedding Wire, we were disappointed to find that most lacked the authenticity we were hoping for. Smithmore Castle, however, is the real deal. From the moment we arrived, we were transported into a world of grandeur and refinement. The architecture, the history, and the sheer attention to detail made it feel as though we were in a European estate rather than the mountains of North Carolina.
What truly set Smithmore apart was the exceptional service—the staff anticipated every need, the ambiance was warm and welcoming, and the level of detail in every element of our event was outstanding. The food was absolutely exquisite, and our guests still can’t stop talking about how incredible the evening was.
We originally considered Smithmore for our wedding as well, but with a guest list of 300, we knew it wouldn’t be possible since the Castle only allows up to 100 guests. If our wedding had been more intimate, I wouldn’t have hesitated for a second—Smithmore is truly in a league of its own.
During my research, I discovered that Smithmore is America’s only 5-star castle hotel, and it absolutely showed in every aspect of our experience. If you are looking for a castle venue that delivers authenticity, luxury, and impeccable service, look no further. I only wish our guest list had been smaller, because I would have loved nothing more than to have my wedding here, too.
I highly, highly recommend Smithmore Castle for any bride looking for a venue that is both breathtaking and unforgettable. -
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![Jennifer]()
Jennifer Sent on 03/18/2025A Fairytale Wedding at Smithmore Castle
I recently had the absolute joy of hosting my destination wedding at Smithmore Castle, and I cannot put into words just how magical the entire experience was. As someone who married into a German family well-versed in the grandeur of European castles, I was initially nervous about whether an American venue could live up to their expectations. Smithmore Castle not only met but exceeded every one of them.
From the moment we arrived, the staff's professionalism, attention to detail, and impeccable etiquette made us feel like royalty. The planning process was seamless, with the team going above and beyond to accommodate our vision, coordinate logistics, and ensure that every detail was executed flawlessly. My husband’s family was in awe—not just of the breathtaking architecture and grounds, but of the level of refinement and hospitality that made them feel as though they had stepped into a stately manor in Bavaria or the Black Forest.
And the food—oh my goodness, the food! Every course was exquisitely prepared, blending gourmet flavors with impeccable presentation, making our reception feel like a Michelin-starred experience. My in-laws, who have dined in some of the finest European establishments, could not stop raving about how exceptional every dish was.
To any bride dreaming of a truly regal, once-in-a-lifetime wedding experience, I cannot recommend Smithmore Castle enough. It is a hidden gem that rivals even the grandest estates in Europe, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have celebrated our love in such an extraordinary place. -
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![Lara]()
Lara Sent on 03/12/2025A Hidden Gem Right in Our Backyard – The Perfect Wedding Venue!
Y’all, I still can’t believe we have Smithmore Castle right here in Western North Carolina! When we started looking for wedding venues, we wanted something elegant, timeless, and unforgettable—Smithmore was all that and more. Being local, I feel so lucky to have had this incredible castle just a short drive away. It was a no-brainer for our wedding, and let me tell you, it was the best decision we ever made.
We had about 60 guests, and 18 of our closest family and friends actually stayed at the castle with us. The whole experience was beyond magical—from the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty. Every detail was perfect, and I mean every single one. The 3-course dinners and gourmet breakfasts made by their renowned in-house chef were next level. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how delicious everything was and how they’d never experienced anything quite like it before.
I’ve seen a few castles in the U.S., but let me tell you—this is the real deal. The moment you step onto the estate, you feel like you’ve been transported straight into a European fairytale. The elegance, the hospitality, the sheer beauty of it all—it just doesn’t compare to anything else in America.
If you're lucky enough to be close to Smithmore Castle, do yourself a favor and book it for your wedding. I can’t imagine a more perfect place to say “I do.” -
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![Emma]()
Emma Sent on 03/12/2025Absolutely Magical – The Winter Wonderland Wedding of My Dreams!
I cannot begin to express how incredible our wedding at Smithmore Castle was! We got married in February, and I had always dreamed of a Winter Wonderland wedding, and let me tell you—this venue made it beyond perfect. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the stunning views, the elegant décor, and the fairytale-like atmosphere.
We spent around $23,000, and yet, every detail made it look and feel like a $50,000+ wedding. The level of luxury, attention to detail, and seamless execution was unmatched. The castle itself is breathtaking, and the staff was incredibly professional, attentive, and truly made us feel like royalty.
The food was absolutely incredible—our guests are still raving about it! Every dish was prepared to perfection, and the presentation was just as impressive as the taste. From the cocktail hour to the plated dinner, everything was flawless.
The entire experience at Smithmore Castle was beyond what we ever could have hoped for. If you're looking for a venue that combines elegance, exclusivity, and pure magic, this is it. Best decision we made, hands down! -
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Haley Sent on 07/28/2021
Terrific, beautiful, and magical wedding venue!
I’d highly recommend using Smithmore castle for your wedding venue. The venue was as fairytale and magical as they come. I am so pleased to have chosen this venue for both my ceremony and reception! The day could not have been anymore beautiful, and the location added to it! -
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![Catherine]()
Catherine Sent on 11/18/2020A Magical Place to Get Married!
My husband and I toured a couple of different venues. There was no question that we were choosing Smithmore Castle to have our dream wedding. From the very get go, Rob the owner, was very friendly! It felt like he truly cared about making our dream wedding come true! He made his Castle feel like our home. Rob made the whole process easy and enjoyable. He always responded fast to my texts and emails! We stayed the weekend of our wedding. When we arrived Friday night, he had a welcome basket with all kinds of goodies for us! He helped with the set up and breakdown of the wedding. The best memory is when he got out on the floor and started dancing with us!!
The venue itself is stunning! We were able to capture beautiful pictures!
We even had his chef cook us breakfast, and that was the best breakfast ever!!
I highly recommend Smithmore Castle for anyone who is wanting a magical wedding! -
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