Choosing the right venue for your wedding is a decision of utmost importance as it can mean the difference between a great and memorable wedding and a so-so one that doesn’t live up to expectations. To be sure, there are a plethora of wedding venues in Raleigh, NC which offer clients the chance to create precisely the type of wedding they want, from a traditional southern affair on the porch of a historical estate to a contemporary party in a trendy banquet hall downtown that has guests dancing into the wee hours of the morning.
The following are among the most popular types of wedding venues in Raleigh, NC:
The Club Wedding: Contemporary style and flair are present in spades at the average Raleigh club wedding. Replete with elegant chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and enormous wooden dance floors that can fit hundreds, these private club rooms are perfect for the wedding ceremony, rehearsal dinner, and reception. Raleigh’s Cardinal Club is a favorite among local couples looking for a fun, stylish wedding.
The Estate Wedding: This one is for the traditionalists in the area who have special feelings for the history of the land in its most positive sense. Southern estates and plantations can host between 50 and 250 guests and are typically outdoor affairs. Guests can have specially made tents constructed to seat all of their guests over thousands of square feet that offer some of the most picturesque views of North Carolina. One of the most popular locations for the estate-style wedding is the Sutherland Estate and Gardens.
Those who opt for the club or the estate style wedding can find a large number of wedding hosting and lodging options in Raleigh, though its many upscale hotels remain the best option for any guest looking to receive that special southern comfort. The Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel provides opulence and elegance in its ballroom famous for recreating fairy-tale like settings where couples exchange their vows. The hotel works with couples to ensure that their wedding is not just a successful event, but a unique celebration.
The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel is a popular choice for hosting weddings as it houses two large banquets that hold up to 350 guests each, in addition to smaller venues more suitable for parties of 100 or less.
These hotels also offer the expertise of professional event planners in their packages, which include a complimentary guestroom for the wedding couples and discounted rates for wedding guests staying at the hotel.
The Farm Wedding: Not especially common among couples tying the knot but no less magical, Raleigh farms offer thousands of square feet of pristine farmland that stretches as far as the eye can see. Many of these farms also double as lodging for guests and can fit up to 50 guests on site. The bride and groom can book the farm for the entire day, completing their ceremony and reception without having to switch venues or worry about transportation. The 17-acre farm at Hidden River offers all of these amenities and more to wedding couples and their guests.