Private Waterfall Ceremonies and Intimate Vows at House Boheme in the Blue Ridge Mountains
We built House Boheme around the idea that nature should be more than just a backdrop. The private waterfall tucked into our 22 acres has become one of the most requested ceremony sites, and for good reason. Couples walk through forested trails to reach it, their guests following the sound of rushing water until they arrive at a spot that feels entirely their own.
The waterfall flows year round, fed by the babbling brook that winds through the property. You can hear it from certain parts of the garden, a quiet reminder that you're surrounded by something wild and untouched. When you stand there with your partner, the water creates a natural soundscape that carries your vows without needing amplification or extra equipment.
Why Couples Choose Our Waterfall for Intimate Ceremonies
The waterfall works because it offers something most venues can't replicate. You're not competing with other events for access, you're not dealing with noise from nearby spaces, and the natural features do the work that would otherwise require significant decor. Couples who visit often say they felt the shift as soon as they walked the trail, that sense of leaving everything else behind. Below are the specific reasons this site continues to be one of our most requested ceremony locations.
A Space That Feels Completely Private
Our forested trails lead to the waterfall, creating a natural separation from the rest of the property. Guests make a short walk through the woods, and the transition feels intentional. By the time everyone arrives, you're standing in a clearing that belongs only to your ceremony. The 22 acres give us room to offer this kind of seclusion while still keeping everything accessible.
We limit the number of events we host, which means you won't hear another wedding happening nearby. The only sounds are the water, the wind through the pines, and the people you invited to witness your marriage.
Natural Beauty Without Added Decor
The waterfall doesn't need much. Some couples bring a simple arch or drape fabric from nearby trees. Others stand with the water behind them and let that be enough. The moss covered rocks and native rhododendron create texture and color without requiring florals or installations.
Our lush gardens connect to the trails, so you can incorporate the fruit trees and blueberry bushes into your planning if you want a garden ceremony before moving to the waterfall for photos. Or you can do the reverse. The Peninsula Garden, a 12,000 square foot grass area surrounded by fruit trees, seats guests comfortably and connects to the rest of the property through walking paths.
Photography That Captures Movement and Light
The waterfall changes throughout the day. Morning light filters through the trees and hits the water at an angle that makes everything look soft. Late afternoon brings contrast, with shadows from the surrounding forest creating depth in photos. Our on site team can walk you through timing options during your site visit so you can plan around the light you want.
We also offer access for private photo sessions, which means you can visit the waterfall before or after the ceremony without coordinating around other events. Couples often spend time there during cocktail hour while guests enjoy the Mountain View Patio or Peninsula Garden.
Small Guest Counts Work Best Here
The waterfall site accommodates intimate gatherings. If your vision includes 30 guests or fewer, this spot gives everyone a clear view and keeps the ceremony feeling personal. For larger weddings, couples typically use the Open Field or Peninsula Garden for the ceremony and visit the waterfall for portraits.
Our property can host over 150 guests across the 22 acres, but the waterfall remains a quieter, more tucked away option. We like it that way. It preserves the feeling of discovery when you walk through the trees and arrive at the water.
What's Included When You Book
We provide two on site vendor liaisons who coordinate the logistics of getting guests to and from the waterfall. They handle timing, direct foot traffic, and make sure everything flows smoothly between ceremony spaces and reception areas.
You'll also have access to our amenities, including ten 4x8 foot poplar wood farmhouse tables, matching benches, brass string lighting, and handmade willow patio furniture. The artist made ceramic dinnerware from Pineapple Studios and hand blown Moroccan glassware are included, along with complete barware and cutlery sets. These pieces work across all our spaces, whether you're setting up dinner on the Mountain View Patio or hosting cocktails near the Peninsula Garden.
The bridal suite and primary suite are available starting at 10 a.m. on your wedding day. The bridal suite has a walk out balcony overlooking the mountains, and both suites include spa bathrooms. We provide complimentary champagne and a Sonos audio system in each.
Moving From Ceremony to Reception
After your waterfall ceremony, guests can walk back through the forested trails to reach the main event spaces. The covered Mountain View Patio overlooks the Blue Ridge and works well for cocktail hour, with integrated wood stove hearth and multiple lounge areas. We have solar ground lighting along the paths and warm patio lighting to guide everyone as the sun sets.
The flagstone patio in the lower level flows from the groom's suite and speakeasy bar, offering another option for cocktails or late night dancing. Some couples use this space to create two distinct atmospheres, one upstairs with mountain views and one downstairs with a more intimate, lounge style vibe. Our catering access includes a garage entrance and concrete pad area, plus multiple power and water hookups. The ADA compliant restroom on the main level patio ensures all guests can move comfortably through the property.
Planning Your Visit
We encourage couples to book a site visit before committing. Walking the property helps you understand how the spaces connect and where you want to spend different parts of your day. The waterfall feels different in person than it does in photos. You'll notice the temperature drop as you get closer, the way sound carries, and how much space exists around the clearing.
Our team can walk you through ceremony options, including the Peninsula Garden and Open Field, so you can compare and decide what fits your vision. Some couples realize they want the waterfall for portraits only. Others know immediately that it's where they want to exchange vows.
We're located at 872 Freemantown Rd in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, about an hour from both Asheville and Charlotte. The two acres of on site parking handle guest arrivals without requiring shuttles or off site lots. You can reach us at 804-314-2812 or fill out the inquiry form on our website to start planning. We'll send over our pricing guide and schedule a time to show you the property, including the walk to the waterfall.
FAQs
Can we have our entire wedding at the waterfall, including reception?
The waterfall works best for ceremonies and portraits. Reception spaces like the Mountain View Patio, Peninsula Garden, and Open Field offer more room for dining and dancing while still connecting to the natural surroundings. Our on site liaisons help coordinate movement between spaces so your day flows smoothly.
How many guests can attend a waterfall ceremony?
Intimate groups of 30 or fewer fit comfortably at the waterfall site. Larger guest counts work better in the Peninsula Garden or Open Field, with the waterfall available for private photos and smaller moments throughout the day.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
The waterfall flows regardless of weather, but rain can make the forested trails slippery. We recommend having a backup ceremony plan using the covered Mountain View Patio or moving indoors. Our team discusses weather contingencies during the planning process so you're prepared with options.
Is the waterfall accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
The waterfall requires a walk through forested trails, which may not be accessible for all guests. We offer ceremony alternatives like the Mountain View Patio that accommodate everyone, and couples can still use the waterfall for private portraits without requiring full guest access.