House Mountain Inn made our list of potential venues because it offered similar pricing to other venues we were looking at, but included so much more for that price. It became our ...dream venue upon our first visit and tour. Words don't do the views justice, nor do online pictures (but look at them anyway). The staff was welcoming, friendly and helpful that first visit, but we were only getting a taste of the abundant hospitality they would show us throughout this process.
The clincher, though, was what the inn offered in terms of accommodations. We were able to comfortably sleep THIRTY of our family members and closest friends in just the 10 rooms in the inn itself (we could have had 15 rooms plus a large cabin had we booked sooner!) We loved this idea from the start - bringing together the most important people from different periods of each of our lives together, not just for the ceremony and reception, but for the whole weekend! Food, beverages, snacks, and huge, comfortable rooms were all provided, meaning there was no need to leave the expansive campus either day. This maximized our time with each person who had traveled so far to be there, and allowed us to explore our sunny, green surroundings!
Then there's their annual tasting event. Yes, they can cater your rehearsal dinner and reception too, and take it from us - you won't regret choosing to let them! The event includes all couples who have booked the venue for the next year, plus two guests per couple. They lay out every mouth-watering dish they offer for you to wonder around and sample to your hearts content, including a wonderful wine selection. Vendors are set up around the room as well, meaning you get face-to-face interactions with potential djs, bakeries, photographers and more. It's a fun event and really shows you just how capable and experienced the staff are.
Our wedding was this past Sunday, the day before memorial day. My Facebook is blowing up, and everyone I've talked to since the reception dinner began has raved about how this was the most fun and most beautiful wedding they had ever been to. Folks, very little of that was anything we or our family did. The decorations we brought were minimal, and they helped us every step of the way with planning. The weekend of the event, they were there, prepared for anything, answering every question, fixing every speedbump, and always keeping things flowing smoothly while somehow not pestering, hovering or being overly controlling. The grace, humility, skill level and hospitality of the people here in truly world-class. Oh, and did I mention that when I say "staff", I'm mostly referring to the family that owns the place? Are they off taking crazy vacations or managing other properties while delegating tasks to their employees? Nope! They're reinvesting their revenue and time right back into their craft. They're the secret sauce that makes this venue perfect. They're your wedding planners, your cooks, your serving staff, your bartenders and your day-of crisis managers, all rolled up into a couple of incredibly lovely humans.
I could go on for pages, but I can't imagine many even read this far! Here's the bottom line - if this place isn't on your list, add it. If it is on your list, make it a point to visit and take a tour. I'm not saying it's the perfect venue for everyone, but it was definitely ours, and it is more than worth your consideration.