Karen-There are plenty of lovely choices suggested here if you can't get the Biltmore. Let us know what you decide. Congratulations!

Karen and Mark, <BR> <BR>An October wedding at The Biltmore will be spectacular. The 12th and 13th or 19th or 20th should be beautiful -- peak leaf season. You'll have to reserve accommodations for your guests in advance because all the leaf-peepers head to the mountains. <BR> <BR>Have fun planning your special day.

Blowing Rock "a foul little tourist town"? You've got to be kidding. It is one of the most quaint towns in the region. As a matter of fact, the locals go to great lengths to discourage commercialism. <BR> <BR>Karen, I think the Biltmore sounds awsome. I had no idea you could have a wedding on the grounds. Good luck with your planning.

Savannah, Georgia, by far,I believe, is one of the most beautiful southern cities. There was an outdoor wedding being held in one of their loveliest parks when we visited in November of 1999.

Thanks for your comments, Sal. I agree with you completely!

There are a couple of places in Atlanta, you might be interested in. Atlanta would be nice because it is so easy to fly into for your guests. We were married at Primrose cottage in Roswell-metro Atlanta area(www.primrosecottage.com). It is house built in the 1830's. They built an enclosed glass ballroom attached, so you can have the ceremony in the ballroom or outside in the courtyard (very beautiful). <BR>Also, Flint Hill is a neat plantation house in Norcross (www.flinthill.com) with an attached ballroom also. Both event facilities handle the catering and chairs, tables, linens (and if you choose cake, flowers, etc). So, that is kinda nice since you are planning from a distance. If you have any questions, email me (take out the xx's in the address). <BR>There is a forum for Metro Atlanta brides...www.delphi.com/atlantabrides. <BR>Good luck!

Got more suggestions: <BR>Anthony's in Buckhead...It is a restaurant, but has private ballrooms. Gorgeous outside (http://www.anthonysfinedining.com/). The prices for this place are excellent...prices better than Flint Hill and Primrose. But, it is closer in to the city. <BR> <BR>Vines Botanical Gardens is supposed to be nice too. (north of the city) <BR> <BR>YOu know...how about you just check: http://www.accessatlanta.com/shoppin...reception.html <BR>It lists all metro Atlanta spots for weddings. Good luck! <BR> <BR>

Karen--great decision! October is spectacular in Asheville! My friend's mom came all the way from CA just to go to Biltmore. The leaves hadn't hit their peak on Oct. 15th(when they went), but should be close and beautiful whatever weekend you picked. I went myself a few years ago, in October. The drive to the house, thru the grounds and the tree-lined road was a memory I cherish. The fields glow like gold in the afternoon, setting sun. Reminded me of the Sting song "among the fields of gold"--corny maybe, but lovely none the less:-) Very romantic atmosphere, and should be a lovely setting for photographs. All your friends will be jealous--the princess and her castle! Heck, I'm jealous and I'm married!

The Belle Meade Plantation is located 7 miles from downtown Nashville. The url is: www.bellemeadeplantation.com or 1-800-270-3991.

Congratulations! My fiance and are doing the same thing. We are both in our mid 40's and this is both our 2nd wedding. We are getting married on 12/7/01 at the House of Broel's Victorian Mansion in New Orleans. http://www.houseofbroel.com/house.html <BR>It's just going to be the 2 of us (not that I wouldn't like to have a small affair but we live in Annapolis, Maryland so it would be a great imposition to invite people) anyway just the 2 of us and I have arranged for a horse drawn carriage to pick us up after the ceremony and will take a short tour of the Garden District before they drop us back at the hotel. We chose a balcony suite at the St. Ann/Marie Antoinette for 6 nights. I am not sure if New Orleans is within your driving distance. I could write you back afterward and let you know if it turns out to be the perfect wedding we hope for. <BR>I just finalized the Mansion and the carriage today and it wasn't a problem with only 30 days notice so I can't imagine it would be a problem for you. <BR>I think the rates are very reasonable as well and the cake, flowers, photographs, music and champagne toast are included. The have other packages for larger parties and receptions. I spoke to Bonnie Broels(the owner)personally by phone today and she sounded absolutley adorable, she is also the Pastor. <BR>Maybe you could give me your opinion on what to wear. I was thinking an antique white victorian style wedding gown...is it inappropriate to wear a wedding gown on your 2nd wedding? Should I even care what's appropriate since it is only the 2 of us anyway? Do you think I should invite close friends and family out of respect even tho I am pretty sure none will be able to make it on such short notice? Originally we planned to elope, so maybe we sould just leave it at that. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Have you tried the new Inn at Biltmore? It is new, right on the Biltmore Estate and lovely.

If the Biltmore House doesn't work out, how about the Fearrington House in Chapel Hill, NC? It may not be within the 5-hour limit to Knoxville; I'm not sure about that. The hotel and its restaurant are both 5 stars--the only "double" 5 star location in North Carolina, and it's lovely. Beautiful grounds--complete with picturesque, friendly Belted Galloway cows, shops, tea, exceptional gardens, gorgeous renovated farmhouse, and new "annex."<BR><BR>Unfortunately, not cheap.<BR><BR>Good luck!

I was recently at the Opryland Hotel and left early because we were so dissapointed. The first room we were given was still under renovation. After complaining, we were given another room. I'd say the rooms were about Holiday Inn quality at Doubletree prices. The food at the restaurants was not what I would have expected for the price either. <BR>The gardens are pretty, but I would imagine that tourists might invade your privacy.<BR>There is a place in Atlanta called The Mansion. It is a restaurant located in what was a large southern mansion. I attended a bridal shower there a couple of years ago that was lovely. They do weddings. Might be pricey?

Karen, I have lived in the South all my life and I agree that your best bets are Ashevill, Charleston, and Savannah - hands down. Good luck, and congratulations!

Karen-<BR>Congrats! Consider the grounds of Cheekwood in Nashville. This old plantation was home to the family who made $$ via Maxwell House Coffee. I attended a wedding there on Saturday, September 15. It is an art museum/gardens and is beautiful. If the weather cooperates, they have a beautiful court yard that makes a wonderful place for reception/dancing. The wedding I attended was of similar size--I think Cheekwood is an ideal setting.

BrookGreen Gardens, Litchfield, SC. (south of Myrtle Beach)See their website.

There are several possibilities in Charleston, SC. My husband and I got married at Lowndes Grove Plantation by the river with the sunset behind us eight years ago. Our family and friends still tell us it was the most beautiful wedding they have ever been to. It is a privately owned B&B. Also, Boone Hall or Middleton Place would be nice.

Hey, good luck! I have a friend who just got married at the Biltmore in Sept. she said they take care of everything and it was amazing!!!

Natchez Mississippi

Agree with other comments, my daughter just honeymooned at the Opreyland Hotel and begged her father to take me when she returned. They said it is wonderful!!!