My favorite wedding venues in Durham, NC.
The venue that you choose for your wedding ceremony & reception plays an incredibly important role in setting the tone of your photographs. To help you find the most picturesque spaces around, I've put together this guide to some of the best wedding venues in the Durham area. If you have any questions or would like more recommendations, I'd be happy to help. Please, be in touch anytime.
1. The Cookery
The Cookery is not just a hub for local food entrepreneurs, but a really great venue to have your wedding ceremony & reception. Highlights of the space include a mezzanine, a glass garage door that opens to their outdoor patio, & a full bar that features local NC beers on tap. The Cookery also has a gorgeous ballroom, bridal suite, and garden for outdoor ceremonies. Altogether, the grounds can accommodate up to 400 guests. The venue does require you to use one of their preferred caterers, but you are welcome to use any other vendors you please (florists, photographers, etc.). Rental on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday ranges from $3,000-$5,500 (plus any applicable bar and catering minimums) & includes seating, tables, and tableware for up to 200 guests.
Website: www.durhamcookery.com
Reviews: The Knot, WeddingWire, Yelp
2. Carolina Grove
Carolina Grove is a gorgeous, modern, and airy venue that is located just 15 minutes from Durham. It’s features include a beautiful courtyard, veranda, string-lit grove, patio, lawn, and dressing suites. Rental of the venue includes some great, elevated amenities for up to 250 guests as well as the option to add on some really special items like an al fresco rehearsal dinner. Rental of Carolina Grove ranges from $7,500-$10,800.
Website: www.carolinagrovenc.com
Reviews: Google+
3. Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Sarah P. Duke Gardens is such a special place and offers a gorgeous, natural setting for your wedding right in downtown Durham. If you are looking to hold your ceremony & reception at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Doris Duke Center has a large hall that accommodates from 80-140 guests. Rental rates for a ceremony & reception at Sarah P. Duke Gardens range from $3,500-$7,000.
Website: gardens.duke.edu
Reviews: The Knot, Yelp
4. Windy Hill Farm
Windy Hill Farm is located just west of downtown Durham in Cedar Grove, NC. If you are looking for an outdoor, farm venue that is not too far outside of the city, then this is an incredible option. Windy Hill Farm can accommodate intimate weddings of 25 guests and larger parties with up to 160 guests. Rental of the venue includes access to two lovely getting ready spaces in a beautiful farmhouse, an al fresco pavilion reception space, and a few different options for ceremony backdrops. Rental rates range from $5,500-$6,500.
Website: www.visitwindyhill.com
Reviews: The Knot, WeddingWire
5. The Durham Hotel
The Durham Hotel makes for a really unique wedding venue right in the heart of downtown Durham. Highlights of the venue include it’s mid-century design & unbeatable location. Their current offerings for weddings include options to buy out their rooftop or restaurant to host your celebration for 50-125 guests. The venue also has a private dining room available for rental, 53 guest rooms (perfect for out-of-town guests), & a penthouse bridal suite with a private balcony.
Website: thedurham.com/weddings
Reviews: Yelp
6. 21C Museum Hotel
The 21C Museum Hotel is the perfect place for a creative couple who favors modern design. Venue spaces at 21C Museum Hotel are available to rent for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, & receptions of various capacities. Amenities at 21C Museum Hotel include multiple art galleries for guests to explore, an in-house catering & event team, a honeymoon suite, & an in-house spa. Another added bonus is that they offer room blocks with special rates to groups of 10 or more, so it's a great place for your out-of-town guests to stay once the party dies down.
Website: www.21cmuseumhotels.com
Reviews: The Knot, WeddingWire
7. The Rickhouse
The Rickhouse has a superb location in the heart of downtown. Highlights of the space include a reclaimed wood & exposed brick interior, a large outdoor balcony that overlooks the original home of the Durham Bulls, a giant dance floor, an 8 x 8 chalkboard, and a lovely bridal suite. The inside space can comfortably accommodate up to 400 seated guests & each rental of the venue includes seating and tables for up to 200 guests. Rental rates for the Rickhouse range from $1500-$4500 depending on the day of the week & if you choose to have your ceremony at the venue in addition to your reception.
Website: www.rickhousedurham.com
Reviews: WeddingWire, Yelp
8. Bay 7
Bay 7 is located in the American Tobacco Campus & was formerly a tobacco warehouse. It is a large, flexible space that can accommodate up to 400 guests. Visual highlights of the space include century-old brick, panoramic windows, and a wrap-around balcony. The catering at Bay 7 is managed by the beloved Angus Barn. Rental rates for the venue begin at $3700 (in addition to their food & beverage minimum which begins at $15,000).
Website: americantobaccocampus.com
Reviews: The Knot, WeddingWire, Yelp
Other great venues in Durham..
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If you have any questions about the venues above or you would like to chat about other possibilities for your celebration, feel free to contact me - I’d love to help.