Welcome to the planning hub for events and retreats at Montreat Conference Center. We are dedicated to providing space that allows everyone to encounter God through relationships, renewal, recreation, and rest.
Read the information below, and when you're ready, fill out an online event request form and our dedicated events department will be in touch! Spaces are available mid-August through the end of May.
It takes a team (and sometimes a village) to host successful retreat and you might speak to more than one of our team members as we prepare for your event. Our process is detailed below.
Exploring/ Contracting
Once you fill out an inquiry form, our Event Sales Coordinator will be your first contact with the Events team. Be sure to fill out our inquiry form as completely as possible, the more information the better. The Event Sales Coordinator might ask some more questions in order to help you better. If we determine that we can host you, we will send a cost proposal and contract over for you to review and sign. Please note that your space is not held until you have paid your deposit. This process can be as much as 12 months before your event.
Fill out an event inquiry form.
Planning/Preparing
At approximately 60 days before your event, our Event Manager and AV Coordinator will contact you to get vital information like room set ups, Audio/ Visual requests, dietary restrictions, etc. It is important to get this information sent in as soon as possible so that we can prepare for your arrival.
Before you arrive:
- Please send us a schedule if you have created one for your retreat. It helps our staff plan around multiple groups using our facilities.
- Please send us contact phone number for someone who will be onsite with your group for emergency purposes.
- Paying Your balance: You may pay your balance by calling the front desk staff at Assembly Inn at 828-419-9844 and referencing your group name and event dates, or by mailing a check to C/O Montreat Events, Montreat Conference Center, PO Box 969, Montreat, NC 28757. Please be sure to include either your folio number or your group name and event dates on your check.
- Please review the information on our What to Expect page, https://montreat.org/what-to-expect, for helpful weather, travel, parking, and other general information. Please share this page with your participants
Arrival at Montreat
Once you arrive at Montreat, all your planning will pay off and we should have most things already prepared for your event. If you have an issue or need to make a last-minute change, please contact the front desk, and please note that we might not be able to accommodate your request, but we will do our best.
After your visit
We will contact you after your visit to thank you for your staff and you have 30 days to rebook your stay for next year, if you are interested.
Meeting & Event Spaces
With 40 meeting rooms and spaces, Montreat Conference Center offers flexible setups with a variety of amenities and technological capabilities. We offer typical meeting rooms, which can be set up as classrooms, board rooms, or even theater style. We also are home to several specialty spaces, like a craft center and childcare building.
Whether your group is here for the weekend, or just a day, we can accommodate you!
View All Meeting Spaces
Accommodations
We offer a variety of sizes and types of accommodations so you can choose a space that fits your group needs. Our most popular space is the hotel-style Assembly Inn. Additionally we have ten lodges, which offer groups fewer amenities but more flexibility.
View All Accommodations
Dining
While many of our lodges boast full kitchens, our guests often opt for the flexible meal options provided by the Galax Dining Room in Assembly Inn. The Galax Dining Room prepares meals fresh, using quality, often locally sourced, ingredients.
In addition to traditional meals, our kitchen can prepare snack and beverage breaks to be available in or near your meeting room(s), regardless of whether you've chosen to eat in the Dining Room.
Learn About Dining
Ready to get started?
Event Request Form
More Ways to Make Your Retreat Amazing
We are surrounded by wonderful businesses and professionals in the Black Mountain and Asheville areas. Below is a list of local businesses and professionals you may find relevant for your retreat. We offer these connections as a benefit to our groups and our community members. All scheduling, collaboration, and payment should be handled between the business/professional and your group.
Check out our Business Patrons
Art
Add a creative element to your retreat by adding an art workshop or incorporating art into your worship experience with Art by Lisle.
Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity is an artist, ordained Presbyterian (USA) pastor, retreat leader, and creative entrepreneur... Learn More
Leadership
Looking for assistance leading your retreat? Jeannie DuBose engages a variety of portals when listening and lecturing — all as invitations for people to continue awakening to the mystery of God in all of life.
She works with churches, schools, wellness centers, women's groups, and business associations... Learn More
Recreation
Add a barn dance or an element of play into your retreat with Bannerman Family Celebration Services. Each of the members of the Bannerman family offer their talents for many types of events; they work both as individuals or may be combined to provide leadership for larger or more diverse groups... Learn More
Storytelling
Bobbie Pell is a gifted performer and storyteller. Her expertise includes sacred music, dramatic renditions, original monologues, vivid sensory images, and Celtic blessings.
Bobbie creates performances and programs for both children and adults... Learn More
Music
Montreat has connections with local musicians who can provide services to your event. Send an email to tracyb@montreat.org with details about what type of music you desire (piano/guitar accompaniment for worship, concert (instrumental, bluegrass, piano (jazz/broadway), dulcimer (lap or hammered), or even a Biblical storytelling concert!
Art
The Rev. Dr. Ann Laird Jones is the year-round director of arts ministry at Montreat. She is a teaching elder and member of St. Andrew Presbytery, and splits her time between Greenville, MS, and Montreat, NC. Contact Ann.