North Carolina Wedding Venues

North Carolina Wedding Venues

North Carolina is an appealing choice for many people who are planning their wedding. One of the reasons North Carolina is so popular is the large array of wedding venues to choose from. The diverse North Carolina areas allow you to plan a wedding that represents your personality and lifestyle.

The possibilities are endless in North Carolina, and the season will help dictate what the perfect location could be. You can choose a venue that will host your event, indoors or outdoors. You can opt for a beach wedding, an extremely popular choice in North Carolina. Prefer the atmosphere and energy of a bustling city? Or a relaxed reception on a winery terrace with a stunning vineyard view? Whether you are looking for ballrooms, glorious mansions, or scenic shores, North Carolina does not disappoint with its endless list of wedding venue choices.

With so many cities to host your event, some of the more popular neighborhoods are the Raleigh/Triangle area, Charlotte (a favorite of many), Wilmington and Greensboro/Triad. Each one of these areas has something special and unique to offer as a wedding destination.

The Raleigh/Triangle area encompasses the cities of Raleigh and Durham along with the towns of Chapel Hill and Carey, anchored by major universities and numerous high tech companies. Here you will find quaint chapels and churches to host a more intimate affair. Large manors and other outdoor venues are commonly used for a more traditional Southern style affair.

Charlotte is known to be a popular area if you are looking for Southern hospitality and big city style. With its abundance of scenery, your guests can also enjoy the city’s nightlife, many attractions and unique culture. With over 30,000 hotel rooms to offer, Charlotte is a good location for a hotel wedding with a larger guest count.

The Greensboro/Triad area, also known as The Triad, includes the cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. People choose to get married here due to the many different types of venues it has to offer. Country chic farms, vineyards, estates and even a castle are just some of the many options in this unique North Carolina region.

Wilmington is best known for its beach weddings. People are drawn to the seaside atmosphere here, with Cape Fear being one of the most popular spots. Wilmington is a good choice for weddings due to its many options and affordability. Aside from the beautiful shoreline there are endless restaurants as well as riverboats, gardens, manors and an Aquarium one can choose from for their big day.

Wedding Venue Prices in North Carolina

The weather will dictate off-peak season for wedding venues in North Carolina. If you’re planning a beach wedding, the warmer summer months will obviously be in high demand and venues will be less likely to negotiate or decrease in pricing. Typically the cold winter months of January, February and March will be off-peak and the best months get a great price, given you will hold your event indoors. If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, try to avoid the May/June, September/October months as these will be most in demand and prices will be their highest.

With so many different types of venues, cost per person can range widely. For a traditional banquet location prices per plate can range from $75 - $175 per plate. Many venues cater food in, which is typically a lower cost, where prices can range $30 - $75pp. In these instances don’t forget you need to add on any rental equipment, chairs, tables, tablecloths, etc. Hotels will always be on the more expensive end for receptions, along with higher service charges. Service charges can range anywhere from 18% to 22%. Sales tax in North Carolina is 6.75% and you do not pay sales tax on the service charge.

Information and Resources for Weddings in North Carolina

Before getting married in North Carolina you will have to obtain a North Carolina marriage license. To do so, you can usually go to any clerk’s office in the county you plan to have your wedding. There is no waiting period after receiving your marriage license, so you can get married right away if you so please. Your license will expire 60 days after the issue date on your marriage license.

The fee for a marriage license fee is $60. You do not have to be a current resident and the license is valid throughout the state. Blood tests and physical exams are not required. You must be 18 or older to get married without parental consent. All applicants must present a Social Security Card or legal document with their full Social Security number on it.

If you or your partner have been previously married and are now divorced or widowed, the date of divorce or death will be needed. And if the divorce or death of the spouse took place within the past 60 days, it is necessary for you to bring the death certificate or divorce decree. You can order a copy of the death certificate or divorce decree online.