Tucked within Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village, this luxurious boutique hotel perfectly captures eclectic artistry and early Bohemian’s style and flavor. Clearly a European-inspired original and modern hunting lodge, the extravagant hotel introduces tantalizing flavors of the region through handcrafted libations and locally farmed cuisine. Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville gives Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine readers an insider's look into planning your dream wedding at North Carolina's modern lodge hotel.
GOWS: If you had to describe the property in three words, what would they be?
A: Distinctive, Luxuriant, Inspiring
GOWS: How far in advance does a couple need to reserve a wedding date?
A: It really depends on the time of year and personal preference. Asheville is an extremely popular destination in the fall, during what is referred to as “leaf season.” Couples looking to book during the months of September, October and November are encouraged to book 12 – 16 months in advance. The mountains are quite beautiful in the spring as well, and so it is also wise to plan 12-16 months in advance for the months of April, May and June. Otherwise, we would recommend booking 9 – 12 months in advance to ensure you can obtain your ideal date.
GOWS: Are onsite wedding planners available for the wedding process?
A: We are responsible for providing success for every wedding-related detail within the hotel - set up, tear down, food & beverage, service, etc. However, we are not full service wedding planners. Asheville has a great network of vendors and if a bride is looking for a full service planner we are more than happy to provide great references for local wedding planners.
GOWS: Are accommodations and buyouts available? What is the capacity limit?
A: When a couple is looking to have a wedding with more than 50 guests, they essentially have a buyout of our entire fourth floor exceptional event space! There will be no other wedding going on in the hotel at the same time and the couple will be the only couple on site to be married that day! We can work on accommodations and are happy to discuss an option of a buyout for rooms as well. Whether your special day is a grand affair with a long guest list or one that is more intimate, we have several packages to suit your style and budget. No matter which package you choose, it will be customized to include your specific desires and will be flawlessly executed by our exceptional Event Managers and staff. Then, live happily ever after.
GOWS: What spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions?
A: We have several spaces available for ceremonies and receptions. Our beautifully tented Tyrolean Terrace can accommodate up to 120 people for ceremony. We also have our Bösendorfer Salon, which is perfect for ceremonies or cocktail receptions. Our Kessler Ballroom is perfect for dinner receptions of up to 120 people seated with dance floor. All three of these spaces can be used together to host a roaming reception of up to 250 people. We also have our Black Forest Wine Room which is ideal for an intimate ceremony, reception or dinner of around 20 people.
GOWS: What are some of the amenities, incentives and activities that the property offers a couple?
A: We have many amenities and activities available to our couples and their guests. Our Poseidon Spa is a great spot to relax and unwind, while our Red Stag Grill provides a welcoming environment for guests to meet for drinks in the lounge, or dine together in the restaurant. Our Grand Bohemian Art Gallery, which is located adjacent the lobby, is the perfect place to wander and explore the works of local, regional, and international art on display. Additionally, the location of our hotel is right in the heart of Biltmore Village, which provides many opportunities for shopping and dining within walking distance. We are happy to assist couples with references and information for local attractions and services.
GOWS: Food is such an important element at a wedding; tell me about your menu customization?
A: Our Chef, Scott Ostrander, brings a lot to the table in this department, he graduated at the top of his class in the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) and has years of experience in different culinary aspects. In true farm-to-table Asheville style, he works with his culinary team to source and provide local and scratch-made menus both for the restaurant and catered events. We have an array of packaged menus that are great inspiration, but we truly love to meet with each couple to learn more about their tastes and interests so that we can customize a menu that epitomizes their style, and wows their guests.
GOWS: What does the property offer couples and their guests that set you apart?
A: From the guests arrival into our drive in porte-cochere to being waited on hand and foot in the restaurant or at a catering event our guests are transfixed into an era unlike today. Our concierge staff is happy to help to make reservations, and our banquet staff works with couples every step of the way to ensure their special event and weekend is everything they have ever envisioned.
“The flowers were my favorite,” the bride adds. “I knew we were in good hands with Eddie, so during our meetings I really felt so comfortable with any direction he wanted to go in. He is a true artist! I saw my flowers for the first time when the doors opened to the church and I began walking down the aisle. My dad and I just looked around in amazement at how stunning the arrangements were. It was like sunshine. One of our favorite moments was having Super Sako, a popular Armenian rapper, perform. It was so cool to see everyone’s reactions when he got up on stage. It was like being at a concert.”
