Top 12 Raleigh Wedding Venues

You’re looking for the perfect venue…

What’s unique about our top picks? I’m an experienced local wedding photographer, so instead of pulling random venues from a list for this blog, I’ve actually been to most of these and love them for their visual aesthetic and wow factor.

Here are some of my TOP favorite Raleigh wedding venues and more about them listed below.

Your wedding venue is the heart of your big day, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs as well as your style. Whether you’re on a budget or want a specific atmosphere, finding your perfect wedding venue in Raleigh is possible as there are so many wonderful choices!

Raleigh is a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and weddings are no exception. I’ve chosen these venues based on their reliability as well as the visual appeal for you to find a visually stunning venue for photos and to impress your guests. They are not listed in any particular order, so I hope you enjoy.

1. Merrimon-Wynne

The Merrimon-Wynne House in Raleigh offers a stunning backdrop for a wedding day, blending historic charm with modern elegance. The venue features beautifully restored interiors adorned with original hardwood floors, high ceilings, and intricate moldings. Couples can exchange vows on the wraparound porch or in the lush outdoor space, surrounded by blooming flowers.

The venue’s ballroom provide a perfect setting for both intimate receptions and grand celebrations. With its timeless beauty and versatile spaces, the Merrimon-Wynne House creates an unforgettable atmosphere for a romantic and memorable wedding day!

2. Wakefield Barn

One of my favorite venues in the Raleigh area is the stunning Wakefield Barn. It’s a gorgeous background for your wedding day, offering a perfect blend of rustic charm and historical significance.

The barn’s rich history, once serving as a gathering place for the local community and a shelter for farm animals, adds an authentic touch to your special day. If you love horses, there’s also some on site that you could request photos with and can be visible for your guests as well.

With its spacious interior and beautiful surrounding landscape, the Wakefield barn provides multiple options for ceremony spaces, and a jaw dropping open indoor space to wow your guests.

3. The Bradford

~~The Bradford~~ is pretty incredible when it comes to checking every box a couple could wish for. This stunning white building is a historic venue with a modern twist. The venue is located atop a quiet 12-acre estate in New Hill, and it combines the architecture of Europe with the serenity of home.

The Bradford has a unique rooftop terrace that overlooks and is perfect for outdoor ceremonies or cocktail hours. This popular choice for weddings also offers a ballroom, which has vaulted ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers–perfect for an elegant affair! There are indoor and outdoor options for ceremony that would be beautiful either way, as well as plenty of space for getting ready and reception.

4. Donovan Manor

Donovan Manor is newly opened and a charming and elegant wedding venue that exudes timeless sophistication. Nestled amidst beautifully landscaped grounds, it offers both indoor and outdoor options for ceremonies and receptions. The stately manor features stunning architectural details, including grand staircases and spacious, light-filled rooms that create a romantic atmosphere. Couples can say their vows in the lush gardens or on the manicured lawns, followed by a celebration in the beautifully appointed reception spaces.

With its warm ambiance and picturesque setting, Donovan Manor provides a perfect backdrop for couples looking to create lasting memories on their special day.

5. Oaks at Salem

Oaks at Salem was originally established as a family homestead in the late 1800s, and is now a stunning wedding venue for the Raleigh area. It includes getting ready, ceremony and reception location for an easy all inclusive spot.

It preserves its historic charm while offering modern amenities and impeccable services. The property boasts lots of nature meticulously designed to complement the natural beauty of the oak trees. The lovingly restored main house, adorned with vintage accents, adds a touch of old-world elegance to the occasion, making it a photographer’s dream and a bride’s fantasy come true. The pond is one of its unique features, serving as a stunning backdrop for your wedding day.

6. The Heights House

~~The Heights House~~ is the ultimate wedding venue for those who want to get married in Raleigh and have an outdoor ceremony. The house itself is beautiful, with antique furniture throughout the rooms and a large front porch, and countless vintage details – perfect for any wedding style.

It’s also extremely close to downtown Raleigh–just about a mile away from Moore Square Park. This vintage charmer can host up to 149 guests, with most weddings held here ranging in the 50-80 guest range.

7. Barn of Chapel Hill

~~The Barn of Chapel Hill~~ is a historic barn located about 12 miles from downtown Chapel Hill. It hosts weddings, parties, and other events year-round. The space can accommodate up to 250 guests in its restored barn, where you can bring your visions to life.

As a working farm, this venue also provides a floral design studio for every couple to customize their wedding look even further. If you’re looking for something different than your typical wedding venue, then this could be right up your alley!

8. The Parlour at Manns Chapel

The Parlour at Manns Chapel wedding venue in Chapel Hill was thoughtfully crafted for the couple who wants a more intimate wedding day, without a huge crowd and is more focused on closeness and design.

It’s best for 100 guests or less, and has a European style feel that makes my heart sing. There’s a getting ready suite, ceremony space, cocktail hour and reception space, so that you don’t have to head anywhere else during the day.

9. The Maxwell

The Maxwell is another venue that has so many all inclusive locations for you to have a smooth and gorgeous wedding day. There’s an indoor and outdoor area for ceremony and cocktail hour options, and a getting ready space as well.

The modern clean white building is a great backdrop for photographs and is a minimal elegance. It’s family owned and welcoming, and a beautiful choice for your day.

10. The Distillery

I was blown away by the beautiful simplicity of The Distillery, especially from an editorial photographer perspective. It’s owned by the fantastic wedding planner Chad Biggs, so you know that your wedding there is going to be organized and cared for. It has that amazing white aesthetic that really shines when it comes to luxurious weddings and photographs, but also has a touch of industrial. I love this because it adds something unique and edgy in a sea of barn options.

It was really made with the visual wow factor in mind for a beautiful in person experience and results for your images later on.

11. Carolina Grove

Carolina Grove is a private estate located in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The venue is perfect for weddings with its large outdoor space with tree-filled groves, a modern barn, an oversized porch for al-fresco activities, and a beautiful garden, as well as its large indoor space for receptions.

This unique venue can accommodate up to 220 guests for a formal sit-down wedding and 275 for a cocktail-style reception.

12. Walnut Hill

Walnut Hill has really thought of everything when it comes to weddings. I love the nature surrounding this venue for amazing indoor and outdoor spots for your wedding day setups.

I’m not sure which is my favorite feature, the square sidewalks that are so iconic to the Walnut Hill portrait, or the lake option for ceremony that is just breath taking for guests when you say your I dos.

What did you think?

There are so many amazing wedding venues in the Raleigh, North Carolina area and I know that you’ll find one that is perfect for what you’re looking for! Don’t forget to keep in mind the size that you actually need according to your guest count, and then schedule some venue tours. But if you select one of these venues, you can’t go wrong!

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