Find Wedding venues for rent in Raleigh, NC

About Raleigh

Raleigh always features on lists ranking the best places to live in terms of the livability factor and quality of life. With a population of about 500,000 people, the North Carolina city isn't exactly a small locale but it provides the charms of a small town.

Southern Living Magazine included Raleigh in their "10 tastiest towns'' list for a good reason. The city has selections of spots where every foodie at heart can get their fix. The Fiction Kitchen is where you'll find a delectable vegetarian menu while Bida Manda is the go-to place for pork belly soup.

Raleigh experiences all four seasons and being just a few hours away from the mountains, snowboarding and skiing are some winter favorite pass-time activities, so you can't go wrong booking a Raleigh wedding venue for your upcoming nuptials.

Be it a historic wedding venue with exposed brick walls in Chapel Hill or a modern wedding venue resembling a glass box with panoramic views of downtown Raleigh, the variety is endless. Whether you're looking for a tranquil and elegant backdrop for outdoor ceremonies or a grand ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows for your wedding reception, Raleigh wedding venues have it all.

Wedding Options in Raleigh

Securing your dream wedding venue is a huge relief, and booking an event venue in Raleigh must feel fantastic. Many wedding venues in Raleigh offer comprehensive services like in-house catering and bar services, as well as lounge seating to make your wedding guests enjoy every moment from cocktail hour to the last dance. But still, there's more to do before your wedding day, and working with Raleigh's wedding vendors can make wedding planning a breeze.

Decorations
Most brides have dreamt about the moment they'll walk down the aisle in great detail. That includes the floral arrangements decking the pews at the wedding ceremony space down to the table runners that will adorn the reception area. Bringing your wedding venue vision to life is quite possible with the expert assistance of event stylists and florists in Raleigh.

Wedding Dress
Next to securing a beautiful wedding venue in Raleigh is the search for an ideal gown. With bridal stores accessible virtually these days, it makes the search convenient. Most bridal stores in Raleigh are accessible online—it's wise to start shopping at least 10 months away from the wedding celebration day.

Wedding Rings
The wedding rings are equally an important part of the entire ceremony, and they should be bought three to four months before the big day. The time frame allows your chosen Raleigh jeweler to get the correct ring sizing and make customizations as well as adjustments if necessary.

Catering
Food is an important part of any celebration, and your guests will undoubtedly enjoy digging into the special wedding menu you serve at your function. Rehearsal dinners present a great opportunity to test dishes and make necessary changes so that the main course on your wedding day is impeccable.

Photography
The perfect day is best captured with lots of photos to remember the occasion. Professional photographers in Raleigh can make use of natural light in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Experienced wedding photographers can capture all important moments, from the bride's walking down the aisle to the bride and groom’s first glance.

Wedding Companies in Raleigh

Bailey's Fine Jewelry
Having been in the business since 1948, Bailey's Fine Jewelry knows that wedding rings signify a beautiful story about the love shared between two people. Now in the hands of the family's third generation, the business still stands as a premier go-to store for wedding bands and selections of other jewelry.

A Southern Soiree Wedding & Event Planners
Driven by the passion to plan special events, A Southern Soiree Wedding & Event Planners go above and beyond to create unique experiences. This event team delights in surprising guests at the reception and seeing the joy a couple has as they walk down the aisle. Their role is to make sure that you end up with a tailored and stress-free occasion.

Gilded Bridal
The recipe for a perfect ceremony is love and a stunning dress. That's according to Gilded Bridal who are ready to help you find the perfect wedding gown for your upcoming nuptials. Their selections of handpicked gowns can result in various looks, such as Bohemian chic, glamorous goddess, or romantic dreamer.

Pros and Cons of Weddings in Raleigh

Over the years, Raleigh has transitioned from being a quaint town predominantly driven by agriculture to one that embraces technology. Needless to say, the city isn't without fault like anywhere else, and some of its shortcomings could affect your wedding venue choice.

Advantages

It's exceptionally beautiful
Dubbed the "City of Oaks," the oak-lined streets of Raleigh add elegant charm to wedding receptions and make it a perfect backdrop for intimate gatherings.

There's plenty to do outside
Whether you are a beach person or a mountain lover, you won't be short of activities to do outside. Make use of the lush green lawn in one of Raleigh's parks to offer your guests a much-deserved scenic view during your wedding.

The city provides a culinary journey
You'll find over 1,200 restaurants within the city limits offering exceptional service and a range of culinary options. Taking a culinary journey around Raleigh should inspire your wedding menu.

It's home to the largest beer garden
The world's largest beer garden is a hidden gem found in Raleigh, and it serves as a worthy treat for your guests. Plan a trip to the Raleigh Beer Garden as a wedding weekend activity.

Disadvantages

Lacks a diverse night scene
If you are planning an after-party that involves raiding different night spots, Raleigh will disappoint you. The city's nightlight is lacking, and there are limited entertainment options. However, it is ideal for small weddings or private events.

The weather
Newcomers often need time to acclimatize to the weather. The temperatures soar to the 90s around July and August and the coldest months are January and February. Have this in mind when selecting a wedding venue in Raleigh during the different seasons.

The beach is quite far
If you want to head down to the beach, brace yourself for quite a long drive. It takes an average of two hours on a good day to get to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, therefore, keep this in mind when planning beach-centric activities for your wedding day.

Pollen cycles
If you or your guests suffer from allergies, then you should know that the city experiences the heaviest pollen cycles early in March.

Famous Locations in Raleigh

North Carolina Museum of Sciences (NCMNS)
Largest of its kind in the nation's Southeastern area, the NCMNS is also the oldest established museum in the state of North Carolina. The museum welcomes an estimated 1.2 million visitors each year, making it the state's most popular historic destination. Its proximity to Fayetteville Street means that visitors can easily explore one of Raleigh’s vibrant areas after their museum visit, perfect for entertaining guests over an entire weekend with a mix of science and local culture.

JC Raulston Arboretum
This beautiful garden space is nationally acclaimed for its diversity of plant species, particularly landscape plants. From the wisteria display in April to the day lily blooms in June, be ready for a spectacle of color. Even the winter season has something to show; pink and white magnolias are highlights.

North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA)
Raleigh is home to the North Carolina Museum of Art which opened its doors in 1956. It houses a collection of over 5,000 artistic works featured in more than 40 galleries. The NCMA also has an amphitheater where various outdoor performances are frequently staged. Additionally, the museum's outdoor sculpture gardens provide a tranquil setting that can be enjoyed by visitors.