Relaxing, Private, Reunion-Style Mountain Getaway
Rob Scheiwiller
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (2X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Hawkesdene is a Private Mountain Estate located in Andrews, NC in the mountains of Western North Carolina, a part of the region unaffected by Hurricane Helene. Centrally-located between, Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Charlotte, Hawkesdene hosts reunion-style weddings and other personal and corporate special events. This estate spans 70 acres in The Great Smoky Mountains. The team at Hawkesdene warmly invites couples planning for a truly remarkable wedding event. What makes this property unique is its private exclusivity; The entire estate is yours and your guest's alone, with no curfews, for the duration of your stay.
Facilities and Capacity
• Onsite accommodations for as many as 122 guests
• Event facilities for up to 125 guests
• We host just one group at a time, ensuring personal use of the entire estate, elegant accommodations, and beautifully manicured grounds and gardens.
• Our continuous hands-on improvement of, and investment in, this property helps keep Hawkesdene's offerings at the highest level with the nation's best wedding venues.
• Hawkesdene's expansive property is highlighted by a host of spectacular backdrops and outdoor spaces for ceremonies, all of which you can choose from before, and even on, your special day.
• One very popular ceremony location is our covered bridge perched over Phillips Creek, framed by woods that change with the seasons.
• Our open lawn is ideal for larger groups and boasts a beautifully-designed pergola with lush floral gardens and mountain views. Smaller, more intimate ceremonies have taken place with our llama and alpaca stable as a rustic, heartfelt backdrop. You will see our friendly llamas and alpacas grazing in the pasture.
• Receptions are held in our spacious open-air pavilion, which is attached to the main house and overlooks Phillips Creek.
The pavilion includes: *Custom-designed, matching farm tables and dining chairs, plus lounge furniture; *A grand stone fireplace; *A brand-new audio/video sound system with designated WiFi; *Refrigerator storage for your beverages with a commercial icemaker, and food and beverage stations.
Dining typically takes place under the stars in our adjacent pavilion courtyard. If need be, however, romantic clear or white-top tents can be set up attached to the pavilion for additional covered space.
Services Offered
Hawkesdene takes great pride in its bold differentiation from “same-day” venues, where you’re in and you’re out so quickly there's no time to relish in the creation of your lifelong memories. An extended stay here is about bringing all your close friends and family together for a comfortable, relaxing, private getaway in the mountains. Add to all of that, an abundance of chef-created, delicious cuisine, with our professional service staff here just for you.
Take a 360° Virtual Tour and enjoy an exclusive sneak peek today!
Pricing details
Starting prices
Reception
$11,000
Reception
$11,000
Ceremony
Contact for price
Bar services
Contact for price
Catering
Contact for price
- Couples usually spend $30,000
- Starting prices don't include service fees, taxes, gratuity, and rental fees.
- Guest count and seasonality may also affect prices. Peak season for this venue is Apr-Nov.
Are you interested?
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Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Indoor Event Space
On-Site Accommodations
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Commitment Ceremony
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Guest Capacity
Up to 150
Settings
Barn
Estate
Mountain
Tented
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Cupcakes
Other Desserts
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Packages
Destination Wedding Planning
Food & Catering
Planning
Destination Wedding Planning
Rentals & Equipment
Tents
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Rob Scheiwiller
Owner
Upon graduating high school in his home town of Syracuse New York, Rob moved to Tampa Florida where he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida and received a BS degree in Business Management. From there his work briefly took him to Kenosha Wisconsin, back to Syracuse New York and finally to Orlando Florida where he was introduced to Phil Rampy. Together Phil and Rob created successful restaurant and hotel companies located in Thornton Park that quickly gained notoriety and helped to identify the neighborhood. Their education, work experience and passion for real estate, hospitality, interior design and architecture are evident at Hawkesdene.
Hawkesdene first opened its doors to guests as a Bed & Breakfast Inn in 1995. What began as a 14-bedroom estate on 26 acres has blossomed into what it is today. When Phil and Rob purchased Hawkesdene in 2002 they knew they had found something special and it has remained at the center of their lives ever since. Today the estate is spread across 70 acres of beautiful grounds, gardens, pastures with direct access into the Nantahala National Forrest and includes the Main House, Phillips House, 13 cottages and one studio.
Availability
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.058 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Hawkesdene is highly praised by numerous reviewers for its exceptional service, stunning scenery, and delicious food. The staff, including Jami, Ashley, and Elizabeth, are commended for going above and beyond to ensure a seamless and memorable wedding experience. The venue's beautiful grounds, comfortable accommodations, and well-coordinated team contribute to creating a magical and stress-free environment for couples. Despite significant weather challenges, the staff excelled in handling adverse circumstances, showcasing their professionalism and dedication to delivering a top-notch experience for weddings and events.Review photos
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Alvin A
5.0
1/06/2025
I cannot begin to express how happy my wife and I were to have our wedding here at Hawkesdene! Every detail was perfect and all of our guests raved about how much they enjoyed their time here. The housing was clean and comfortable. The food was utterly fantastic. Every meal seemed to have the love and care of a homemade meal.
The staff went above and beyond to ensure our weekend went out without a hitch. Jami and Ashley took no shortcuts in making sure everything matched our vision. The ceremony was perfect, the reception was amazing, and they worked with us to ensure every detail came through successfully. I cannot express my full gratitude for what they did for us to make the weekend so amazing.
Any photos you see of the place, of weddings at the place, and especially of their overlook, do not do justice to the true beauty that is Hawkesdene. I would recommend this venue to anyone and hope you take the chance to work with their amazing team.
Amy O
5.0
12/07/2024
I could write a novel on how wonderful this venue is! I planned a wedding from across the country (Los Angeles) and they made it easy. The food and selection is incredible. Every detail is thought out. They are extremely flexible with last minute changes, for example creating a small kids table and menu after the first day per some of my guests request. The venue is stunning, and offers numerous picturesque areas. The staff is all friendly, and very good at what they do. They take care of lighting the fires at night, and even providing s’mores supplies. I had numerous guests tell me it was the most beautiful wedding they had ever attended.
Any questions?
Amie S
5.0
12/06/2024
The beautiful grounds and amazing team at Hawkesdene were the driving force that made our wedding weekend something special.
I couldn’t imagine a more perfect backdrop for our wedding than Hawkesdene, a large private estate in Andrews, NC, less than 2 hours west of Asheville. My partner and I have often said that we’re people who would roam through the mountains all day, and then get dressed up for a fancy dinner and an evening at the theatre. Between its hiking trails and its art collection, Hawkesdene gave us an opportunity to get married in an environment that was just as eclectic as we are. And it was just as big of a factor that Hawkesdene had space aplenty so that we could host most of our friends and family all together, maximizing the opportunities for people to connect and minimizing time (and risk) moving people from place to place. Not only was Hawkesdene perfect from a location perspective, but the staff were above-and-beyond. Working with Rob (owner) or Jami (manager) in the months leading up to the wedding ensured that we always had all the information we needed to make informed decisions (so…many…decisions) and that we felt prepared when the weekend finally came. Then, when it did, the entire team was an absolute pleasure to connect with. Jami and Ashley seemed to stay three steps ahead of anything that may have even created the potential for an issue, answering questions we didn’t know to ask and taking what sometimes was a nascent picture even to us and making it reality. Special thanks also to Jaylan, who not only was always ready with a smile and a kind word, but also operated as cart pilot for any guest who wanted to join our group at the Hawk’s Nest lookout but was unable to make the hike on their own. No review of Hawkesdene could be remotely complete without comment on the food. From the first vendor we connected with, it was clear Hawkesdene had a reputation for amazing food, and they did not disappoint. Every meal we had was spectacular, and from mouth-watering appetizers through particularly decadent desserts, nothing was left to be desired. Even the special meals for those with allergies or restrictions were top-notch, and I was particularly grateful for the venue’s willingness to alter their general menus to accommodate for my own restrictions. Finally, the kitchen’s willingness to engage on our cocktail and mocktail preferences was a special bonus, even making fresh cucumber juice and strawberry syrup to have on hand. From beginning to end, we truly couldn’t have asked for a better wedding venue than we got with Hawkesdene and we both recommend it without any reservation.
Madison P
5.0
12/06/2024
I cannot say enough good things about Hawkesdene and their staff. From the time we reached the venue until the moment we left we were met with wonderful and friendly staff, AMAZING meals, clean and comfortable rooms and beautiful scenery.
When touring venues, my now husband and I knew we wanted to be in the mountains but wanted to find a venue that combined elegance with the rustic and authentic feel of Western NC. Hawkesdene was the perfect combination and our vision truly came to life through our planning with Jami and Ashley.
We were so spoiled by all the meals we had - I cannot say enough good things about their chef on site. Every meal we had was 10/10 and exceeded all our expectations. (Which were already high after reading such great reviews!!)
Another thing that impressed me was how well all the staff work together - from the team driving us on UTV’s to the bartenders to the housekeeping team and everyone behind the scenes, Hawkesdene is such a well oiled machine where as a guest you relax and things fall into place around you. We were so impressed by how quickly they turned things around and were able to answer our questions and assist us with our requests.
We truly cannot say enough good things about this venue and would recommend it to anyone. We had guests say they want to bring their companies there for corporate retreats and some say that they want to have their weddings there too (and I sure hope so, so i can go back!😊)
Ashlea P
5.0
12/06/2024
When beginning the planning process the only thing we knew was we wanted to get married in North Carolina. We're from Central Florida and we wanted to have a weekend experience with our closest friends and family that felt like a vacation. During the planning, I worked with Jami and Rob primarily but upon arrival, everyone felt like everyone was family. It was the perfect experience. Our guests could not believe we found this location. I know they will be talking about it for years to come. Especially, because the food was the BESTTTTT. Everything was fresh and the croissants, just chef's kiss. One of my favorite parts of this property was the stream behind the house, it travels through the property and just offers a peaceful atmosphere. Hawkesdene has a special spot in my heart and I can't thank them enough for all they did to make our day perfect.
Nick M
5.0
12/05/2024
My wife and I got married at Hawkesdene last March and could not have asked for a better experience. The entire team was absolutely incredible and they made sure that we had everything we needed from opening night to the moment we left. A special thank you to Jami, Elizabeth, and Rob for helping with all the planning and organizing and making sure we had every detail covered, and to Chloe as well. Once Chloe found out one of my groomsmen was stranded an hour away she completely took over the situation and had a shuttle headed his way in under 20 minutes. Everyone made sure that we had nothing to stress about the whole weekend. On top of the incredible staff, the food was absolutely phenomenal and the entire estate is gorgeous. We truly could not have had a better wedding weekend and are already planning on going back with friends and family for our 5 year anniversary.
Amanda d
5.0
12/04/2024
My husband and I could not have wished for a better wedding weekend. We weren't really sure about... anything when it came to planning. We had so many ideas but no cohesive plan. Jami and Ashley were absolute saviors. I was able to dump all of our ideas on them and they turned it into our dream. The scenery is breathtaking and so well cared for. The cabins meet every standard and then some. The staff at Hawkesdene was incredibly accommodating of ALL food related needs from strange allergies to vegan food that wasn't boring or typical. There is not a single thing I wish was different except spending more time there. We loved it so much our families are already discussing events we can do there in the future.
Susan N
5.0
10/05/2024
Hawkesdene is a beautiful mountain venue, and the food is delicious. However, the true test of a wedding venue and planning team is how they deal with adverse circumstances. Last weekend was the test of the century and the Hawkesdene staff excelled with flying colors! There are no words to truly express our appreciation for Jami, Ashley, and the entire team. Our daughter was married in the middle of the most devastating hurricane to pass through western North Carolina in over a century. Although the venue survived unscathed, almost all outdoor activities were cancelled, guests were stranded, vendors and deliveries never made it, and the list goes on and on... We had to continuously pivot and creatively develop alternative plans throughout the 3-day event, as the weather worsened. Jami & team remained calm and in control and worked round the clock to make our event as wonderful as it could possibly be, given the circumstances. Thankfully, the food and alcohol had been delivered before the storm hit, the venue never lost power, and the buffet spreads were magnificent. We have no hesitation at all recommending Hawkesdene for a wedding, retreat, or other event. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Jami, Ashley and the entire Hawkesdene team!!
Kaitlyn S
5.0
11/15/2023
Our wedding experience at the Hawkesdene estate was nothing short of magical and a perfect 3-day stay. There is genuine heart in this place and the team there goes above and beyond to make your experience wonderful.
We felt tremendously supported throughout the entire process. Jami and Elizabeth, the venue coordinators, are experts at what they do. From the beginning, all communication was prompt, thoughtful, clear, and made you feel important. As we got closer to the wedding, we were speaking to them on an immediate text basis, which was such a luxury before we arrived. Once we arrived, we were treated and taken care of like guests, not having to lift a finger and truly able to sit back and relax. Their team was proactive and never looked to us to act, which alleviated all stress and when everything came together like we envisioned, it was magical. The staff works together like a well-oiled machine and it is clear that they are happy to be there and therefore are authentically friendly to you and your guests.
These strong relationships within the team also reflect their strong relationships with local vendors, which meant arranging florals, a photographer, wedding cake, and entertainment so seamless. I highly recommend using their preferred vendors, especially their pastry chef, Deborah, who made a stunning wedding cake for us on-site.
There is a reason why this place is booked out a year and a half in advance and has such an excellent reputation. For instance, we didn’t get to try any of the food before we booked and we have very high standards, but they assured us to just read their reviews…well…they were right. THE FOOD! Guests were constantly coming up to us saying “this is the best (insert any food) I’ve had in my life”. We had their Southern Comfort and Barbeque themed dinners and it was some of the best comfort food (they know cheese and potatoes) and smoked meats we have had. Beyond that, breakfasts and lunches were excellent and felt fresh, thoughtful, and everything was from scratch. The food was catered to our guests including all dietary restrictions and preferences and it never felt like they were the exception, but rather that the menu was thoughtfully curated to include them. Even simple things like explicit labels detailing the dietary considerations (GF, Vegan, Lactose-free), made it clear for our guests what they could eat and that they were being taken care of. We had a friend’s birthday while we were there and the chef even prepared their favorite dessert for them!
None of this is to overstate the natural beauty that exists within and around the Hawkesdene estate. There was plenty of space and the pavilion, wedding site, and main house all served as wonderful places where our guests could cultivate genuine connections. Hawkesdene was decked out with beautiful landscaping, even late into the fall season, making the grounds lovely to walk around. The overlook on the property is well worth the hike and the views are stunning. Cottages were well appointed and EVERYONE talked about how comfortable the beds were. Guests told us that our wedding felt like a vacation.
Even though we chose them for all their amenities of available décor, accommodations, and staff, they offered so much more to us than we initially anticipated. Not for a price, but out of the genuine care and love of what they do. A month out from our special day, and we are still finding ourselves reliving the wonderful experience in our heads.
Rachael H
5.0
3/09/2023
I WAS BLOWN AWAY. For real. This is the first venue I looked at online and I never looked back. The entire staff were the kindest, most accommodating people ever. Jami went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and to communicate. She was so great about making sure I wasn’t spending money on things they already had on site. Elizabeth and Jami were our go-to’s for the weekend of and they truly made my life a breeze. The entire staff were overwhelmingly helpful. THE FOOD WAS OUTSTANDING. They accommodate food allergies so well! They also just blew us away with the quality of the food and the amount provided AND the presentation. Accommodations are just unbelievable, too. Everybody walked away saying it was the best weekend of their lives. And I stand by that, too! Best weekend of my life!
Emmalie W
5.0
8/17/2022
Hawkesdene was the first wedding venue I ever saved (ok, even before we were engaged - I saw it on instagram and pinned it for the future). When the time finally came to pick a wedding venue, I knew deep down my heart was set on Hawkesdene - it just felt so right. And I'm so glad I stuck with my gut because we had the most magical, beautiful, dreamy and fun wedding weekend - it was beyond anything we could have ever imagined. 80 of our closest friends and family spent the weekend celebration with us starting with cocktail hour, dinner, s'mores & music by the fire on Friday. Guests enjoyed the property on Saturday (one of my favorite parts of getting ready was opening the doors to the bridal suite to say hi to my guests ALL DAY as they walked by). Our wedding ceremony and reception were absolutely perfect - everything was seamless and exactly as we imagined it. We absolutely could not have done it without the help of Jami and her team. They all went above and beyond to create the weekend of our dreams. The ONLY downside is that the weekend went by so fast. I wish we could have stayed for a week! Once you settle in, you'll never want to leave!
From a recent bride dealing with the stress of planning a wedding & the big finances that come with it - Hawkesdene is all inclusive with food (you can also order the cake & desserts directly through them as well) (also, the culinary team was so sweet and amazing), is BYOB (a huge cost savings), has a huge decor closet (don't be afraid to ask - there is a ton of stuff to use in there!), has an amazing staff to help with all needs while on-site, and has unlimited snacks and mixers available for guests all weekend. Booking Hawkesdene allowed us to have our dream wedding within our budget. 10/10!!!
Delaney W
5.0
6/27/2022
Lives up to the hype! We booked the Hawkesdene sight-unseen after glowing reviews from another couple we know, I am happy to report that they EXCEEDED expectations. Not only was Rob, Jami and team wonderful to work with during the event, every vendor they recommended was incredible and went above and beyond to make our weekend special. The food is excellent. The service is amazing. It is the perfect venue if you want a beautiful, comfortable, welcoming weekend in the NC mountains.
Paige H
5.0
6/12/2022
BEST...WEEKEND...OF OUR LIVES! Hawkesdene is the hidden gem of Western North Carolina! We were inspired to do a destination-style wedding to bring our closest family and friends together, so we spent 4 nights at Hawkesdene with 80 folks on the property. We can easily say it was the most perfect, care-free mountain weekend we could have imagined. To start, I can't tell you how many guests complemented the venue. The property is a private oasis surrounded by stunning trees, beautiful landscaping, creeks, and hiking trails. It's designed impeccably to bring people together and to enjoy the surroundings. We did everything from yard games, to s'mores, to board games, to hiking, to llama feeding, to rehearsal dinner trivia. The staff of 14 are extremely down-to-earth and pull off every event, dinner, and cleanup like it's nothing. We could not believe how efficient and friendly they were the entire weekend. I was initially skeptical about the quality of the food, given it's an all-inclusive venue and we didn't get to sample it beforehand (it's just too much work on their lean staff), but let me tell you, every single meal was DELICIOUS. We got tons of complements on the food and there are lots of options to choose for each menu. As for drinks, it's BYOB, which saved a ton of money, and Hawkesdene puts the drinks out nightly at a self-service bar station. It was totally care-free for us and for our guests, which was really important to us. One of the biggest perks of all is that Hawkesdene comes with a coordinator, Jami. Jami was an absolute joy (and God-send) to work with. She is so friendly, hard-working, and trustworthy and went well out of her way to ensure our weekend was fabulous. She really is incredible at pulling everything together. Hawkesdene also has an array of decorations and lots of basic items like chargers, linens, napkins, etc. to use. This helped save costs on rehearsal dinner and wedding/reception decor. I could go on and on about how perfect it was, but you should experience it for yourself. We're already considering a reunion there in the next 5 years!!
Corinna M
5.0
1/13/2022
Choosing Hawkesdene was the absolute best choice we could have ever made when planning our wedding. We strongly believe that it was fate that we came across photos of Hawkesdene while looking for venues in the NC mountains. The more we learned, we knew this was our place. We were so confident, that we put down our deposit and signed our contract without even seeing the place in person. Looking back, it was worth every penny. From start to finish, Rob and Jami made the process effortless. Jami was always available for questions and offered plenty of options regarding decorations or ways to include special touches throughout the weekend. As someone who is very “hands on”, I had a hard time trusting that my vision would be carried out without some effort on my part.
From the moment we stepped on site for the weekend, the staff were quick to offer their assistance and Jami swept me away for a final walk-through meeting. After handing off the decorations that we had brought, we did not have to lift a finger or think about anything other than enjoying our weekend. Every. Single. Moment. Was. Perfect. I say this as someone who always worries about the “what if’s”. I kept waiting for something to not go according to plan and that never happened! Everything was everything that we could have dreamed of and more. Every meal was delicious, every event was perfectly decorated with a mix of our decorations and those in the barn, and every moment we kept looking forward to what would be next.
Obviously asking people to travel to stay somewhere on-site for a weekend seems like an out of the box idea. We had not seen a lot of our guests in a long time due to COVID and this was the perfect setting to reconnect. Once they arrived, they knew exactly why this place was so special to us and didn’t ever want to leave. There were so many different activities that appealed to all ages and so many cool spaces to discover. Our friends and family came for a wedding but ended up creating fun memories and making new friends for life. This alone, we are thankful for beyond measure. They are already asking when they can go back.
The food is absolutely to die for. The first night we chose “Southern Comfort” and the buffalo chicken dip was an absolute hit. The pimento cheese mac and cheese was hard to not go back for seconds and thirds. The second night we had “Mountain BBQ”, which smelled wonderful smoking all day long. What guests are still talking about is the blackberry cobbler with fresh lemon whipped cream. OMG it was so good. For the reception, we had guests tell us that the food was the best that they had EVER had and was so impressed. Every breakfast and lunch was wonderful. Our guests complimented how delicious it was, but also versatile for those who had certain preferences (ie. Vegetarian, nut free, etc). We said multiple times that the food could not have been more perfect based on our favorites. We did opt for a Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar on the morning of our wedding, which our guests thought was such a fun addition to the already delicious brunch (the grits were amazing).
We cannot thank the staff enough for all the hard work that went into the weekend. Each person that works at Hawkesdene is a true blessing and some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Rob and Jami – you are such special people and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making this very special moment in our lives a once in a lifetime experience.
Annelise S
5.0
8/08/2021
Hawkesdene perfectly fit our vision for being with all the people we love most for a whole weekend of togetherness and fun to celebrate our wedding. After our first visit - and going in each of the charming cottages - we knew that Hawkesdene was the best place for our destination wedding. Rob (the owner) and Jami (the coordinator) were always pleasant to work with and allowed for us to create the weekend of our dreams. The fact that you rent the entire venue (and that most guests stay on-site) allowed for my mother and I to truly make my dream of a garden wedding weekend possible. We were able to create three different experiences décor wise for the welcome dinner, rehearsal dinner, and the wedding itself. We had ~100 guests for our wedding weeding and the amount of activities and things to do at Hawkesdene kept them busy and excited for all three days. We set up a group hike, scavenger hunt, yard games, and tea ceremony for them to enjoy. There are also many spots to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The fire pit and smores was also a huge hit. The food for the weekend was delicious. We were however, a little anxious having not had a tasting. But the ability to talk through our visions for the dinner menus was nice and was indeed a success - we have nothing but wonderful things to say about all meals, breakfast and lunch included. The staff also deserve a note of praise as they were all so kind and professional.
Financially, Hawkedene is a wonderful choice if you have a decent sized budget and are looking to have a wedding experience rather than just a one night affair. It was truly wonderful to have all the people we love most spend three whole days together with us in the mountains. Hawkesdene made our wedding dreams come true!
Casie S
5.0
11/03/2020
My fiancé and I wanted to find a venue that would allow our dogs to be a part of our big day. When we started to look around we went from venue to venue and every venue was the same! They would tell us we had the location for 8 hours total and our dogs could only stay outside. could not wrap my head around spending thousands of dollars and a place you get for a day! We finally found the Hawkestene and we stopped looking. This venue is not like any other venue I ever seen before. First, it is a 3 day weekend event that can house over 70 friends and family and second our dogs could be with us the entire time. I was sold after we took a trip to the NC mountains and actually saw the gorgeous venue. WE fell in love with this place right away. IT WAS PERFECT. We finally got married in OCT 2020 and from the minute we showed up on property till the second before we left the staff was amazing. I do not think we could have made it through the planning or the day with out Jami. She is an actual miracle worker! The entire staff was incredible. They made us feel like family, everyone was so welcoming and accommodating to everything we asked. The food was absolutely amazing! Everything tasted like a home cooked meal. My family and friends are still talking about it and I cannot tell you how many people told me this was truly the best wedding they have ever attended. It is a vacation, family/friends reunion and wedding spot all wrapped into one! To any bride or groom out there that is looking for a unique and stunning location Hawkesdene is it.
Will A
5.0
8/14/2020
Our wedding at Hawkesdene was the happiest time with friends and family I have ever spent. Their set up is unique in that you rent out the entire estate for a weekend or longer with your guests and spend the weekend with them before the ceremony; It was so much fun because the location and food is absolutely awesome and it gives you more time to enjoy your time with everyone and takes pressure off of you at the reception. The location is gorgeous nestled into the mountains, amazing spots for pictures, fun hiking trails for the guests, and the staff was so flexible and accommodating to every thing we needed or wanted over the weekend. 12/10 DEFINITELY recommend. We want to convince friends to get married here so we can have an excuse to come back.
Alyssa W
5.0
4/02/2020
This is the best venue! They take care of everything and make your day so special!
Kimberly A
5.0
11/23/2019
We could not have picked a better location for our November wedding. Not only is the location perfect, but the staff is spectacular. Jami was the perfect wedding coordinator, and made everything so easy for us. She gave us good advice, answered every email/call we needed and communicated so well with our other vendors. I want to say a special thank you to the Hawkesdene chef as well, who made sure that my guests with allergies always recieved the allergy-free version of what we were eating, no matter what. She was perfect, sweet, and always reached out to make sure everyone was covered - not to mention, her food was AMAZING. Everyone is still talking about all the meals a week later :)
If you want a venue that has everything and truly caters to what you want for your special day or weekend, book your wedding with Hawkesdene, you won't regret it. We're already looking to come back here again for a family reunion!
Arisa P
5.0
10/31/2019
Hawkesdene is a magical place! The estate itself was absolutely beautiful and each cabin was easily found. If you enjoy hiking like we do they have some great hikes you can do! What we were really blown away by was the hospitality and kindness of the staff, they took any stress we had away! The day of the wedding it rained and it was not in the spot we all had practiced but it really did not matter. It was better than what was planned! The wedding was cozy and intimate. The food everyday was spectacular! Never a bad meal. We happened upon this place by accident and were extremely lucky. Even from a distance Jami was always very prompt with my questions. If you are looking for a beautiful venue look no further.
Paige H
5.0
10/23/2019
I can't say enough good thinks about Rob, Jami, and the rest of the Hawkesdene team. From start to finish, they made sure I got the wedding weekend of my dreams. Every request we had was accommodated, every question we had was thoughtfully answered. Not only did I get the wedding of my dreams, but all my guests had a fun-filled, stress-free weekend that they are still raving about. Every member of the staff was kind, helpful, and courteous, every meal was five star. Chef Caroline did an amazing job of accommodating our guests' food allergies and providing delicious food for everyone, not to mention the AMAZING cake and gluten free, dairy free cupcakes! Between the llamas, yard games, hiking trails, peaceful outdoor lounge areas and nearby attractions - there's never a time where we weren't sure what to do with our time. If you're on the fence about Hawkesdene, take the plunge - you won't regret it!
Kristin W
5.0
9/22/2019
Our wedding weekend at Hawkesdene was incredible! We really wanted to have "green" waste-free wedding; this venue is so beautiful on its own that we didnt need to bring any decor which helped us save on waste! They offer a barn full of standard decorations, all the tables, chairs, place settings, etc as included. I really loved that everyone was able to stay on-site (open bar!) and there was no curfew which kept things relaxed. It was downright easy to plan and all my guests were super impressed because it seemed like I had really done a lot - which I hadnt!
Planning wise the venue wasn't great. They advertised that Jami would help with coordination but beyond asking me for a timeline (which I worked out with the much more helpful photographer) they didnt really help plan anything. The weekend of the wedding I know they did a lot of work behind the scenes to keep things flowing and it did! It was perfect and magical from my perspective! Unfortunately, the family and friends who were tasked with interacting with Jami described her as abrasive and unhelpful. I was definitely disappointed to hear that.
All in all, this was definitely a five-star venue! We keep looking back at our wedding and going..."perfect....it. was. perfect!"
Elizabeth B
5.0
8/18/2019
Our wedding at the Hawkesdene estate was even better than I could ever imagine!
Jami (the wedding coodinator) and Rob (the owner) made it incredibly easy to plan the wedding weekend all the way from Michigan. They always were prompt in responding to any and all emails and always had answers for me.
The estate itself was beyond beautiful. It's elegant without being stuffy. So beautiful, in fact, that we didn't feel like we had to do a ton of decorating for the actual wedding, keeping it simple.
The staff was AMAZING. They stayed out of the way, really letting us feel as though the estate was ours to use with no limits. We were able to relax and enjoy our guests! They were also available to answer any questions or any requests we or our guests had.
Chef Caroline is a five star chef! As a food reviewer, the food was an important part of it for me and they did NOT disappoint. Every single meal was incredible! We all joked when we got home that we missed having amazing meals cooked for us for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you are on the fence, BOOK IT! It is worth every dime. They helped create my dream wedding and I honestly feel like I didn't do a ton of work. I wasn't stressed during the whole process and I built a trust with them that the actual wedding weekend was easy and stress free!
Jasmine S
5.0
8/13/2019
My fiance and I wanted a small intimate wedding in the mountains, and we got that and more. The time and efforts of the team was more than we could have ever expected. And the grounds are something that you dream about. I could not recommend this venue enough. The staff make the process easy especially if you are planning from out of state. Best decision we have ever made!
Marc P
5.0
6/18/2019
We could write a book about the amazing experience we had making our son and his fiancé’s wedding at the Hawkesdene Estate in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. When we were searching for the perfect place for a destination wedding, we kept coming across excellent reviews on Hawkesdene. We contacted them and we were invited by one of the owners, Rob, to come stay overnight for a full tour of the property. Jami, the manager, planner, host and simply the “everything”, spent a full day with us giving us a grand tour. It was like a vacation in and of itself. We were SOLD. But the decision belonged to our son and his fiancé. They went for their own visit and that sealed the deal. This was the beginning of a yearlong experience that resulted in the most beautiful wedding we could have ever imagined.
Jami worked tirelessly with us to make sure we gave our kids the fairytale wedding they dreamed of. She was such an absolute pleasure and was like part of our family by the time our adventure was over. The entire staff of Hawkesdene was off the charts. The food was out of this world. The rooms and the property were kept in such immaculate condition. All of our requests were met with a Yes, Yes, Yes!!! No was simply not part of the vocabulary at Hawkesdene.
The culmination of this amazing service came on the day of the wedding, well actually minutes before the wedding. It had been raining all day and we were forced to set up for the ceremony under the pavilion. Even though everything looked beautiful, we really wanted the ceremony outside under the beautiful canopy of trees. The ceremony was set for 5:30 and the weather started clearing at 4:30. Rob and Jami knew how bad we wanted the wedding outside, and at 5:00 they decided to make the change. It was amazing. They jumped into action and literally reset the entire ceremony location out under the trees in about 20 minutes. It was incredible to watch Jami and her staff in action! Suffice it to say, the ceremony was beautiful, the party a huge success, and our son, and now daughter-in-law, had the fantasy wedding they dreamed of for so long.
Needless to say, if you are looking for the wedding of a lifetime, Hawkesdene is your place!!!
Danielle H
5.0
4/04/2019
Hands down the BEST place for a wedding. My Husband and I are still in awe of how amazing our wedding was this past weekend. Our family and friends can’t stop talking about the food, views and accommodations Hawkesdene has to offer. To say our wedding met expectations would be a lie because it truly exceeded every and all of our expectations. Jami, the coordinator on site, was absolutely amazing and we can’t wait to plan a trip again to Hawkesdene. Seriously, don’t even think twice this is the wedding venue for all!!!!
Chrissy H
5.0
4/01/2019
I was recently a bridesmaid in a wedding at Hawkesdene, and the entire weekend was truly incredible. Every guest could not stop raving about how amazing the venue, service, food, and experience was. It was truly so special to have all of the guests onsite, and allowed guests to become closer and get to know each other prior to the wedding day. There were plenty of activities both onsite and in the area to do, and there was never a dull moment throughout the 4 days. The wedding day itself was smooth and easy due to the excellent service and planning on the part of the Hawkesdene staff. So thankful for such an amazing weekend, and would definitely recommend this venue to other couples.
Heather V
5.0
8/24/2018
From beginning to end Hawkesdene nailed it! If your looking for a destination wedding or a place where your family can stay for a weekend wedding, look no further. My husband and I picked our venue over a year before the wedding and Jamie and her team were there every step of the way. No matter what we needed they were there to help.
5.0
7/02/2018
Words cannot describe how much I love Hawkesedene after having our wedding there June 2, 2018! It is one of the most special places and made for a one of a kind weekend celebration! Our whole weekend was perfect! Hawkesdene was the perfect place to spend a beautiful weekend with friends and family to celebrate! We felt so lucky that we got to spend so much quality time everyone. Hawkesdene has a unique way of brining people together. It really created a bond among all of our friends and family. People who had never met before, left on Sunday being best friends.
From the beginning, Jami and Rob were so great to work with. They are laid back, but professional and responsive. I always felt like the wedding would be in good hands. They were very easy to communicate and plan with leading up to the weekend.
The wedding weekend could not have been better and I owe all of that to Hawkesdene! The grounds are magical and so beautiful, and it definitely set the tone for the whole weekend! It has a way of relaxing you and calming you. All of the guests could not get over how beautiful it was! The staff is very attentive as well. And the food all weekend was just to die for!! Every meal was delicious.
Jami was our day of coordinator and couldn't have been better at it. She has a way of getting stuff done but without being too bossy or rude...like some coordinators can be. I felt super confident with her running the show.
I still day dream about our wedding day and am still in awe about it. I am so thankful that we chose Hawkesdene. Hawkesdene is truly a magical place!!
Amber C
5.0
6/21/2018
I can't say enough good things about Hawkesdene. All of our guests raved about the food. The cabins are beautiful and clean. The estate and grounds are gorgeous with flowers and greenery. The staff was friendly and helpful. We had the wedding of my dreams and a 3 day celebration that none of us will forget. Highly recommend and worth every penny spent.
Kevin H
5.0
5/15/2018
The location is, of course, gorgeous, with breath-taking views all around. The food was excellent and the cabins were spacious. The best part of the place, though, was the FANTASTIC customer service from everyone. All you had to do was ask, and they seemed to appear out of nowhere to make it happen. They were friendly and made everyone feel welcome.
Brittany C
5.0
5/14/2018
On April 28, 2018 my husband and I had the most perfect wedding that we could have dreamed of. We only visited Hawkesdene one time during the planning process and did almost everything for our wedding from Grand Rapids, MI. Before we arrived at Hawkesdene, Jami had thought of nearly everything. I communicated with her primarily via email (sometimes multiple per day) and she was always incredibly well organized, would respond with what has worked well in the past or suggestions for how to accomplish what I had envisioned, even if it has never been done before.
We chose Hawkesdene because we love the outdoors and spending time with our friends and family and this venue lived up to all of our expectations. From the moment we arrived on Thursday to when we left, Jami and her team made everything so easy that we were able to maximize our time enjoying the things we love with minimal stress. We even had a group hike to a lovely hidden waterfall, had local craft beer on tap 24 hours a day, and had a group yoga class during our time there. Not only did we have a fantastic time, but our guests are still complimenting the kind staff, delicious food, beautiful accommodations, and how much fun they had throughout the entire weekend.
B W
5.0
4/18/2018
As the mother of the bride, when my daughter and her fiancé selected Hawkesdene as their wedding venue, I was more than a bit apprehensive about how it was all going to work. I am in Ohio, the bride is in Georgia. Well it did work – splendidly!
Hawkesdene met and exceeded all expectations. Rob, Phil, Jami and all of the staff were excellent from start to finish. Any questions or concerns throughout the almost one-year process were quickly and professionally answered and/or resolved.
Not enough adjectives in the world to describe the food – Phenomenal, Amazing, Delicious, Fresh, Wow!
The accommodations – clean, comfortable, beautiful, luxurious, well-maintained.
The grounds - gorgeous.
Mother Nature decided to have keep winter alive in April, effectively ending the idea of an outdoor ceremony. Jami, her crew and Andrews Florist created an absolutely beautiful site in the pavilion, all within an hour of the ceremony! Everyone was kind, helpful, and friendly from start to finish. It was a beautiful weekend.
Christina C
5.0
2/26/2018
My husband and I were just married on February 16, 2018 at Hawkesdene. Rob, Jami, and their team were absolutely amazing. Everything from the venue to the food was perfect. Planning a wedding in North Carolina from Miami, FL was smooth and stress free. Rob and Jami were very efficient and always communicated. My family and I had an amazing time and we fell in love with the property. I never imagined getting married could be stress free and this was thanks to Jami and her team.
Hawkesdene's own chef, Caroline, baked our cake and was also able to make my husband's tres leches cake.
Choosing Hawkesdene was the best decision ever!!!!!!
Brie L
5.0
1/04/2018
Jami and Rob were exceptionally accommodating from the moment we expressed interest in Hawkesdene. They worked with our busy schedules to get us in to see the property, to taste their exceptional food, and from the moment we decided their venue was our perfect spot, they tirelessly worked with us to make our time at Hawkesdene the most worry-free and wonderful experience. They are very organized and it is evident they take pride in their work. Their website is VERY organized, their chef is creative and makes really delicious food, and their staff shares their vision 100%. Perfect place.
Bianca H
5.0
12/19/2017
There are no words to describe Hawkesdene! Our wedding was on 12/2/17 and everything was perfect! Working with Rob leading up to the wedding was great, he was prompt in responding to my many emails and calls. Jami and her team made my vision for the wedding come to fruition and I couldn't be more thankful for allowing me to be stress-free on our wedding day! The food was so delicious as well and our guests are already wanting to plan a trip back to Hawkesdene next year! Don't hesitate to book Hawkesdene as your wedding venue immediately!
Lindsey W
5.0
11/13/2017
What can we say about Hawkesdene except perfect, perfect, perfect! Jami, Rob, and the rest of the Hawkesdene team did everything in their power to make our wedding weekend an absolutely perfect dream.
From the minute we stepped foot on the Hawkesdene property, we knew it was the only place we could imagine having our wedding. The estate is absolutely GORGEOUS - even when we visited in the dead of winter, we were still enthralled with the beautiful scenery, the incredible trees and foliage, the stunning cottages and beautiful main house. The estate was even more beautiful when we returned additional times to visit during the summer and fall.
While preparing for our wedding, Jami and Rob were incredibly communicative and available regarding all of the details leading up to our wedding. It was clear from the very beginning that the priority for the Hawkesdene team was not to nickle and dime us but to ensure that we had the most wonderful wedding possible. Jami was quick to offer us ideas on how to cut costs and save money while still retaining our vision.
During our wedding weekend in October, the entire Hawkesdene team was available every minute of the day to make sure everything flowed absolutely smoothly and perfectly. I had a sore throat on the day of the wedding and requested tea just before the ceremony - within five minutes, not only did I receive tea, but a beautiful tray of tea, honey, and crackers delivered by the chef herself. It was this attention to detail and personalization that marked our entire wedding weekend. We didn't have to worry about anything other than having a wonderful time.
I cannot rave enough about Jami, Rob, and the rest of the Hawkesdene team. My family loved Hawkesdene so much that my little sister is going to get married there in May 2018! We cannot WAIT to return to this magical place. I would rate Hawkesdene 100 stars if I could!!
Cathie H
5.0
11/08/2017
We chose Hawkesdene for our daughter's wedding because we were looking for a outdoor venue in the mountains to hold a multi-day celebration!
Venue - BEYOND BEAUTIFUL - We took advantage of the different locations on site to hold numerous events. From the covered bridge to the pergola lawn, all were perfect.
Staff - THE BEST - Rob, Phil, Jami and their hardworking, dedicated staff were so flexible from the initial planning stages through the entire celebration weekend.
Food - AMAZING - we are a family of foodies and Caroline and her crew made every bite of every meal delicious.
Accommodations - ELEGANTLY RUSTIC - we had family and friends staying in every cottage and the main house and all were very pleased and comfortable.
Hawkesdene provide the vehicle for our daughter and son in-law to have a wedding that exceeded their expectations and all our quests are still raving about this perfect location!!
Lauren M
5.0
10/22/2017
THE BEST PLACE YOU COULD EVER GET MARRIED!!! We are so unbelievably happy we stumbled across this place for our wedding! All our guests had the time of their life and continue to tell us "Your wedding was the BEST wedding we have EVER been to". The staff is top notch. Jami the wedding coordinator is the best ever and is included in the wedding package. She is the nicest, most incredible, laid back, easy going wedding coordinator we have ever met! All the staff including the owners are very responsive to any emails or calls. We had a destination wedding from Florida, we only saw the property once and everything went flawless the wedding weekend. Jami and her crew decorated and made the entire scenery absolutely gorgeous! We could not have asked for anything better. The mountains are beautiful, guests can hike up to the top or hitch a ride by staff with a Kawasaki Mule. I can not say enough about the staff- they make you feel like family and treat you that way too. Our wedding weekend was absolutely perfect, and everyone (including us) agreed that we picked the perfect location possible! You will love Hawkesdene, the staff, the property and everything associated with your wedding! INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE, we can't wait to go back and visit this property again!
I could go on and on about this place because it is so unbelievable! A wedding weekend here will stay in your mind and hearts forever and you will be so happy with your decision.
We are forever grateful to hawkesdene, Jami, and the staff for the best weekend of our lives. WE LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!! :)
Claire T
5.0
9/25/2017
Hawkesdene is the perfect venue if you are looking for a place to have your family and friends stay and enjoy your wedding weekend with you. All of our guests loved the entire weekend, from the comfortable accommodations to enjoying the outdoors on the property and in the area to the meals and the general ease of the weekend. The talent of the chef, Caroline, and her entire team went beyond our expectations! Every meal was delicious. Our wedding guests could not stop raving about the charcuterie board during the cocktail hour as well as the meal at the reception. The manager, Jami, was a pleasure to work with throughout the planning process. We were under the impression that the owners would be present throughout the weekend; however, they were not. Despite that, Jami and her team handled the coordination of the wedding and reception amazingly well. We had planned to have our ceremony outdoors, but in the last hour due to heavy rain, she came up with an alternate option that was beautiful and our guests were mostly unaware of the last minute change. All though Hawkesdene may recommend a wedding coordinator/director is not needed, I would highly recommend one.
Julie K
5.0
8/15/2017
We just had our multicultural wedding here (Indian + Caucasian) from Thursday-Sunday. We could not have picked a better venue for our special day. The grounds are absolutely magnificent, and this is a hidden gem in the blue ridge mountains. Our photographers and videographers were excited to be able to shoot here given the beautiful options and scenes. After going to countless city weddings in hotels, all of our friends and family were amazed by this unique experience Hawkesdene offered. The cottages for accommodations are very cozy and cute. The details put into each of the cottages and the main house did not go unnoticed. Given the semi-rural location and all of the food and activities offered on-site, our guests had no reason to leave the property, and both sets of families and friends were able to spend quality time with each other. The food was phenomenal. We had a fully customized Mexican menu the first night with Margheritas, a fully customized Indian menu the second night (they picked up exactly what ingredients and groceries we requested from an Indian store in Atlanta), and a traditional American menu with customized vegetarian option (stuffed summer squash) and individual lava cakes (cheaper than catering in a large cake) for dessert. Caroline nailed each of these dinners. We have never seen this level of customization at a wedding venue. Many of our Indian family members stated the Indian food she made was better than that of their favorite restaurants. We had many additional dietary restrictions and needed separation for some meals due to religious reasons, and Hawkesdene still executed everything perfectly. On the second day, we went for a group hike to the mountain top (Hawkesdene gave rides to all guests who couldn't make it on a four wheeler) where we had our Mendhi (henna) ceremony. This was another incredible experience only possible at Hawkesdene. Our guests absolutely loved it and said they had never experienced something so neat. Rob, Jami, and Caroline were attentive, friendly, and incredibly helpful throughout the process but especially during the actual wedding festivities. We spent a lot of money on outside vendors including outside planners and decorators but probably would have been just fine had we saved some money and let Jami and Hawkesdene handle more of it. They have done this countless times and work tirelessly to make sure our experience is perfect. Finally, given that the estate rental includes all the accommodations and food and it is essentially BYOB, Hawkesdene is an absolute steal when it comes to value. If you are ok with having your guests drive or fly to come here, it will be 100% worth it. We are already looking forward to trying to plan a future reunion so all of our friends and family can return to this magical place. If you have any questions about our experience, feel free to contact us! I am sure Rob or Jami can give you our email addresses.
Danielle H
5.0
6/08/2017
The best decision we made when planning our wedding was to have it at Hawkesdene. We are from Chicago and decided to throw a destination wedding and thankfully came across Hawkesdene which fit our needs perfectly. It is a gorgeous setting that is undeniably beautiful and then on top of the gorgeous scenery, the accommodations are impeccable. They treat each cottage and room as though it was the most important one on the property. The food provided is top notch and comparable to some of the nicest restaurants I've ever been too. Our amazing wedding weekend was really made by the amazing staff at Hawkesdene(Jami, Rob, Caroline, John, Tim, Becky and several more). Not only did they pay to attention to every little detail but they were all so personable and friendly. All of our family and friends are already trying to plan a trip back so that we can experience our stay at Hawkesdene again...and we've only been home three days. I truly can say without hesitation that I could not have found a better venue!
Lindsay S
5.0
3/22/2017
Planning a destination wedding at Hawkesdene is so easy!! That was the key for me. I wanted a stress free wedding & that is exactly what I got. The property is even better in person, if you can imagine that. The staff is so nice! I knew Jami for a few days, but felt like I could talk to her like a friend by the time I left! And the FOOD!!!! Omgsh, I'm still dreaming about every. single. thing. I ate there. The cabins are gorgeous & the beds might be the most comfortable I've ever laid in. I did not want the weekend to end.
Jessica B
5.0
11/21/2016
The Hawkesdene House is where wedding dreams come true!! Planning a wedding in North Carolina from Florida was intimidating at first but once we arrived, everything fell into place! We chose Hawkesdene because our families are from all over the country and we needed a place in the mountains that could accommodate everyone! Hawkesdene was above and beyond our vision of the ultimate wedding weekend!
This is an absolutely perfect place to spend quality time with your family! It is cozy and inviting yet, the spacious cabins scattered all across the property allows for privacy, if needed. This was important for us because we had 69 people (some of which had never met) together for four days and it was INCREDIBLE!! The property is so gorgeous; pictures really don’t do it the justice it deserves. Every inch of the property is manicured to perfection!
The food was 5 star all the way around! From breakfast, to lunch, and every delicious dinner. I have guests still talking about how amazing the food was!
The staff at Hawkesdene were so attentive to every detail and exceeded every expectation that we had. If we could get married here every weekend, we would! We didn’t want it to end. My recommendation to anyone is don’t settle for 3 or 4 days at Hawkesdene, make your wedding weekend a 5 to 6-day event because it goes by so fast and you’ll want every second to last forever! Trust me, getting your guest to leave is difficult because they want to take "just one last hike"! We can’t wait to visit Hawkesdene again!!!!
Jessica & Ryan
October 22, 2016
Lindsey H
5.0
11/09/2016
From the moment we first drove into Hawkesdene Resort, we knew it was the place to create the wedding of our dreams. Rob, Phil, and their entire staff are the most gracious, caring hosts we’ve ever experienced. Hawkesdene’s food is exceptional; their service is unparalleled; their 34 acre property is beautiful and has more than enough space to congregate with our entire family for meals. Hawkesdene provided a stress-free environment and included the ceremony chairs, reception tables, chairs, linens, place settings and other table décor. Those things made it so easy for us to arrive and not worry about working with offsite vendors.
We were able to experience the solitude and comfort of the smoky mountains, while also gathering with everyone that we hold dear to enjoy a weekend of love, laughter and fun.
Our wedding ceremony and reception was Saturday. We were able to have breakfast with guests on Saturday morning and spend time with family and friends prior to the ceremony. On Sunday after breakfast - we took a group hike up to the top of the mountain and that Sunday afternoon- the remaining 60 guests congregated in the courtyard to play yard games; Badmitten, Croquet, Volleyball and Corn Hole. Hawkesdene made some great burgers for dinner to close out the weekend and guests traveled home Monday morning after having breakfast together.
Reserving Hawkesdene on Sunday night was a perfect way to relax after our wedding and spend extra time with guests that stayed until Monday morning. Hawkesdene was the perfect place for us!
Sarah D
5.0
10/07/2016
Attention to detail!
I don't even know where to start when reviewing Hawkesdene. From the beautiful scenery, to the out of the world food and friendly staff, to the world class accommodations, everything is absolutely perfect. I'm so glad I found Hawkesdene when my wedding search began; and really, they took care of the rest. All I had to do was enjoy my 3 days of wedding bliss with my friends and family. I didn't want to leave. Hawkesdene is truly a gem in the heart of the Smokey Mountains.
Jen M
5.0
8/22/2016
Hawkesdene provided the most amazing weekend of our lives! My husband and I picked Hawkesdene for our wedding because it was a gorgeous venue in the North Carolina mountains that also provided the opportunity to have our family and friends together in an intimate setting for several days. It was the absolute best thing we could have decided on for our wedding, so much so, that we were sad to leave.
I cannot say enough great things about Rob, the owner, and Jami, the Manager. Both worked with us throughout the year leading up to the wedding to ensure that our vision for the "perfect wedding" came to fruition. Even when we ran into some hiccups with some outside vendors, Jami came to the rescue, and took care of everything. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, she spent hours on the phone with me making sure she got every detail right and it paid off. Our wedding and reception looked as if they were straight off of Pinterest. It was breathtaking!
From the moment we arrived at Hawkesdene, Jami, Rob and the entire staff were so friendly and accommodating. Each staff member went out of their way to make you feel like Hawkesdene was your home while you were there. In addition to the hospitality, the accommodations and grounds were fantastic!
Another huge reason we picked Hawkesdene is because food quality is very important to us and they knocked it out of the park. All the meals are made from scratch, on-site, with local ingredients when possible and it was evident! Chef Caroline worked with us ahead of time to plan out the meals and every single meal she and her staff prepared was phenomenal! Guests were continually looking forward to the next meal, despite barely being done with the one they were eating :)
We truly cannot say enough great things about Hawkesdene and would do it all over again in a heartbeat! In fact, we are already planning a five-year reunion there ;-)
Megan B
5.0
6/28/2016
I could write a book about how much my husband and I loved Hawkesdene. I spent months searching for the perfect wedding venue…yes, and I started before I was even engaged! I knew exactly what we wanted to create an unforgettable wedding weekend for our guests. We were in search of a venue that would be exclusively ours and would completely catered to us the entire weekend. When we stumbled upon Hawkesdene, we immediately knew we had found our diamond in the ruff. If I was not such a control freak, I would have totally booked this venue without doing a site visit. My fiancé and I did, however, do a site visit and booked immediately thereafter. We live in Chicago and always planned on getting married in Chicago or Michigan. Never would we have imagined we would get married in North Carolina!
Now that we are happily married and our weekend celebration at Hawkesdene has passed, we can wholeheartedly say we could have NEVER imagined getting married anywhere else. The entire weekend was absolutely perfect for us and each one of our guests. Hawkesdene provides a warm, cozy, comfortable, elegant and romantic environment which lends itself beautifully for hosting a celebratory gathering of your loved ones. Hawkesdene will feel like your home and you will not want to leave…trust me! Rob, Phil, Jami and the entire Hawksdene staff are extremely attentive and accommodating. We felt like they were part of our family! The food…yowza, it’s delicious! Every bit of it. We had a lot of foodie guests from Chicago, NYC and L.A. and all of them had rave reviews about the cuisine.
If you are looking for a special place to create a memorable, relaxing and fun weekend with your nearest and dearest, we HIGHLY recommend Hawkesdene. You will not be disappointed. All of our guests have said our wedding was the best wedding they had ever been to. Hawkesdene really has it all!
5.0
3/29/2016
You know you've chosen the right wedding venue when your guests make plans to visit it again, before they've even left! My husband and I brought a group of approximately 40 guests to this gorgeous mountain retreat for a four-day getaway. From the first inquiry email to the last tearful goodbye, Hawkesdene and everyone associated with the property exceeded all expectations. I am a detail-oriented, organized worry wart; but I had absolutely no vision whatsoever for what my wedding should look like. The only concept I had in mind was that I wanted my friends and family to gather for an extended weekend - to enjoy a vacation together. Hawkesdene embodied that concept to a T, and they helped me uncover the rest of my vision by asking all the right questions, putting me in touch with top-notch vendors, and supplying ideas and pictures. Rob and Phil, the owners, were helpful and candid about what I did and did not need to spend our money on. [Do: hire a ceremony musician (we were thrilled with Tim West); hire a great photographer (can't say enough good things about Vesic Photography). Don't: for our small group, we didn't need a DJ, and we didn't need a coordinator (Jami runs the site operations, and acted as our coordinator.)] With Chef Matthew and the incredible kitchen staff on site, not only did we not have to worry about a separate catering contract, but our guests were delighted by the delicious food! Hawkesdene just recently got a fancy new smoker, and we were the lucky party that got to experience their first ever pig roast. I HIGHLY recommend it - there may have been more pictures taken of that meal than of the wedding itself! If renting this venue is in your budget, don't hesitate for one second to reserve your date. This team of kind, thoughtful professionals will knock it out of the park every time.
Michelle P
5.0
11/29/2015
The Hawkesdene Estate allowed us to have 90 of our family and closest friends in one place to enjoy and celebrate our rustic romantic wilderness wedding weekend. The incredible estate offered many amenities to entertain our guests. The attention to detail is second to none! Hawkesdene is incredible and we cannot thank Rob & Phil and the entire Hawkesdene staff enough. Their event coordinator Jami was a pleasure and so easy to work with. We received compliments on how our wedding was the best wedding they have ever been to. Hawkesdene is truly a magical place that leaves everyone wanting to come back.
5.0
11/10/2015
Selecting Hawkesdene as our wedding venue was the single best decision we made during our planning process. We found the venue online and upon visiting, were astounded that it was more beautiful in person than we could have ever imagined. From the moment our planning began, Rob and the staff at Hawkesdene were incredibly attentive and helpful. They responded quickly to our e-mails and answered all of our questions.
Once we arrived, the staff did whatever they could to help us a perfect weekend. We had our bulk flowers shipped to Hawkesdene and converted the Focus Room into a flower shop (thanks for letting us make a mess!) while we made arrangements. Anita and Jamie helped coordinate the decorations and set-up for the Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony, and Reception, and it all was all executed flawlessly. Anita and Jamie anticipated our needs (making us plates of food and saving cake for us!) and made sure everything ran smoothly and on schedule. We honestly did not worry about anything the entire time we were there as we knew they would help us take care of any unanticipated challenges. We heard from multiple guests that it was the "most perfect" wedding they had ever been to.
The food was exceptional and our guests are still telling us they wish they could have another Hawkesdene meal! Matthew is an incredibly talented chef and worked with us to create a menu with some of the best vegetarian dishes I have ever eaten.
The best part of Hawkesdene was getting to spend a long weekend with some of our closest friends and family. We are so glad we stayed for 3 nights. We kept saying we felt spoiled as it allowed us to share a Welcome Dinner, Rehearsal Dinner, afternoon of lawn games, evening roasting s'mores, and time hiking in addition to our wedding! I could write so much more and will be eternally to the Hawkesdene staff for helping us have a wedding that was more amazing than we ever could have dreamed.
Meghan & Joe
Kichak S
5.0
10/13/2015
Hawkesdene House is amazing! Your guests will absolutely be blown away by how beautiful the property is and how professional the staff are! They really create a relaxed environment so that you can really enjoy your family, and your groom, and not feel rushed on your day.
Our wedding was so wonderful, and it simply wouldn't have been possible in any other setting. My only hope is that we have an opportunity to return at some point!
Alisa F
5.0
9/29/2015
We got married at Hawkesdene September 1st, 2015 and I can't say enough good things about the entire experience at Hawkesdene.
It was absolutely perfect for us.
It's a unique place as you and other guests (that you invite) all stay on site, they cater all meals for everyone staying onsite (& will accommodate off-site guests too if you wish).
You have the entire property to yourselves, so your event is the only priority at that time.
The entire staff was amazing and everyone was super friendly. They handle everything on site before, on and after your big day. They set-up all our wedding decor and even helped brain-storm new ideas when my centerpieces had an issue. Everything turned out perfectly and the entire place runs so smoothly you hardly realize the staff is there.
All our guests loved it, as did we. We're already trying to figure out what family vacation or excuse we can use to go back! :)
It may seem expensive at first, but you can have guests pay for part or all of the cost to have them stay there and when you consider the ease and quality of everything there, it is SO worth it!
We chose to be there over 4 days total, but at the end didn't want to leave and wish we had booked it longer!
5 stars all around!!!!
ELIZABETH K
5.0
8/30/2015
One week ago, we held our wedding weekend at Hawkesdene. The experience was beyond my wildest expectations, and there is nothing I would change about the weekend. We had guests come and stay for three nights, and the hospitality, ambiance, food and support was phenomenal from start to finish If you are looking for a rustic chic experience, Hawkesdene is the place to go -- even without your own personal touches or wedding flair, the estate is stunning and manages to be natural yet upscale. More importantly, the staff and owners are beyond compare. On our site visit, the owners made us a tray of homemade chicken soup and chili with a bottle of wine. During our wedding weekend, each staff member was more courteous than the next, casually but professionally addressing our needs. The staff made everyone feel comfortable, relaxed and at home. The food was delicious at every meal, and the rates for group dining are beyond compare. We had BBQ at our rehearsal dinner, and it was both tasty and tasteful. We had a more formal dinner the wedding night, with salmon, shrimp and grits and steak -- all were delicious, and nobody left hungry! The breakfasts were probably my favorite, with great fresh berries and savory egg dishes every morning. Best of all, all of the guests had a fun and relaxed experience. The accommodations are incredibly comfortable, and the hiking, bonfires, game room, llamas and alpacas made for great entertainment all on-site. We had late nights, but early mornings thanks to great nights of sleep and excitement for time with friends and family in the great outdoors. We hiked several times, which was a great way to find a spiritual connection and grounding before our ceremony. I can't say enough about how fabulous our weekend was at Hawkesdene, and I'm in withdrawal from the experience already! I'm certain that we'll go back - for a weekend, a family reunion, a renewal of vows - any excuse to get back to a true gem in the mountains of North Carolina.
Blake W
5.0
8/05/2015
All we can say is HAWKESDENE, WOOOOOOOOOOOO! From a Bride and Groom's stand point, the Hawkesdene staff was everything we asked for and more. From start to finish the professionalism and flexibility exuded by every Hawkesdene staff member was nothing short of amazing. If there was something we wanted done or needed for our weekend that was out of the ordinary from what Hawkesdene typically provides or does, Rob (the property manager and co-owner) was quick to make it happen for us. From our wedding guests point of view, every single person that attended said it was the "best wedding ever" --- to include their own. I know most people think there wedding is the "best ever," but when friends and family are saying that yours was the best they've ever been a part of, including their own; now that is saying something. All in all, the property speaks for itself; just an absolutely pristine mountain getaway with gorgeous accommodations. Combine the location and setting with the staff (which I can't say enough great things about) and you have the makings of your own perfect day. If you are even the slightest bit hesitant to rent this venue for your wedding, I recommend paying Hawkesdene a visit... you won't be disappointed! --- Many thanks to the Hawkesdene Staff and best wishes to any engaged couples reading this review. --- The Walls, Blake & Elise 5.30.2015
5.0
7/18/2015
My wife Sofia and I had the wedding of our dreams at Hawkesdene. We found the venue on VRBO.com and thought there was no way it could be this beautiful -- upon visiting, we found that the pictures in fact did not do justice to just how outstanding it is. Beyond the five-star quality facilities (and large natural estate with river, mountain, and animals), the hotel-grade staff and service greatly exceeded our expectations. We had the fortune that the owners Rob and Phil were on-site during our wedding. They are smart, supportive, and incredibly kind.
Before the wedding, we spent a few days at the Hawkesview cottages, located just off the main site. This was brilliant because the cottages are luxurious (as are all other Hawkesdene accommodations) and we had wonderful family time. For the wedding itself, we had two ceremonies (American and Pakistani), both of which were fairytale-like. Our wedding ceremony itself was by the covered bridge with the soothing sound of the river. Incredible venue.
We were blown away by the food. Hawkesdene has a chef on-site, Matthew, who is excellent. They worked with us to design a menu for every meal that took account of the many activities we had planned every day (whitewater rafting, hiking on the estate, dance practice). The dinners were outstanding, including the Indian food. We also had signature cocktails made by the bartenders and they turned out excellent.
There were two suggestions that we thought could improve the experience further. First, it surprised us that recycling was not available in the area. We believe that Hawkesdene is capable of making recycling happen for the Andrews community. Second, internet connectivity could use improvement (i.e. coverage and bandwidth).
Overall, we are humbled and grateful to have gathered our loved ones at Hawkesdene for this very special weekend. Thank you Phil and Rob for creating such a wonderful venue. We are already talking about coming back for a reunion in the future.
kristin d
5.0
6/01/2015
I am so incredibly thankful that we chose to celebrate our wedding weekend at Hawkesdene! This little gem is the perfect venue to celebrate an enjoyable and relaxing wedding weekend with those you love!
We stumbled across this venue on wedding wire late one evening. I was so impressed with everything from the first contact I made on their website. Prices were exposed and their availability calendar was up to date and easy to access. Rob, called me back the next day, was friendly and outgoing and answered all of my questions openly and in entirety. We took a trip up to Andrews the next weekend and were immediately sold! Planning a wedding with the staff at Hawkesdene (even though we were four hours away) was totally enjoyable and stress-free. It seemed like Rob was always there to pick up the phone and consistently returned emails in less than a day. Pricing was transparent and there were no hidden or extra costs - that we had experienced when pricing other venues. The staff at Hawkesdene executed our wedding weekend brilliantly. Every single staff member was so friendly and accommodating. They really allow you -as the bride and groom- the option to make the weekend yours and are so accommodating to different ideas and personalized touches (ie: sending the groom PB & J on wedding day for lunch, shuttling guests up to a mountain top lunch at the Hawkesnest) The food was absolutely spectacular- and was raved about by all! All of the grounds are meticulously maintained and cared -for and there is so much fun to be had! Our guests loved smores by the bonfires, pool in the gameroom and nearly everyone hiked to the waterfall at some point during the weekend.
I could go on forever - but believe the 5 star reviews! We are so grateful that Hawkesdene allowed us to spend 4 nights surrounded by our friends and family. The intimacy, beauty and quality of service were simply outstanding! Thank you so much Hawkesdene! love, the leitch's married 4.25.15
Arlene C
5.0
1/11/2015
Booked Hawkesdene for a wedding/vacation for 3 nights. All of the cabins and main house rooms are well done and have full amenities. We wanted the event to be laid back, which is exactly what the venue is. The owners run a tight ship and all needs are met quickly. Plans also are quickly changed if needed-- it ended up snowing on the actual wedding day, and we had to quickly move the wedding from an outdoor pergola to a the covered pavillion-- all went smoothly in spite of the short notice. The food catered by the site was excellent as well! Considering I did not have the time to manage several vendors or the money to hire a planner to do everything, working with Rob and the few extra vendors we did need was remarkably painless and the wedding went better than I could've imagined (even with the freezing temps and snow!). Most aspects of the wedding were covered by Hawkesdene and L7 events (also highly recommended). Overall, I would recommend the site for a wedding or reunion or whatever.
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Hawkesdene
Rob Scheiwiller
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