• What makes Raleigh a great wedding destination?
    • Aptly nicknamed as the “City of Oaks,” Raleigh offers a variety of beautiful venues for weddings, receptions, ceremonies, and other special celebrations.
  • What types of wedding venues are available in Raleigh?
    • The oak-lined streets of this green city boast an array of places to say “I do” and share your special day with family and friends, ranging from the historic site of the All Saints Chapel or the dynamic architecture and modern white galleries of the North Carolina Museum of Art to the tranquil oasis of the Haywood Hall & Gardens.
  • What are some popular wedding venues in Raleigh?
    • Here are some of Raleigh’s most popular venues for getting married.

Best Time to Plan a Wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina

  • April to June – Best time for weddings with blooming flowers, mild temps, and beautiful outdoor settings.
  • September to October – Crisp air, colorful foliage, and ideal weather for garden or rustic venues.
  • May & October – Peak months with pleasant conditions and vibrant seasonal scenery.
  • July & August – Hot and humid; indoor venues or shaded outdoor spaces recommended.
  • November to March – Off-season with cooler weather; great for cozy indoor weddings and lower costs.

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1. The North Carolina Museum of History


Host unique, historic weddings surrounded by fascinating exhibits.

The North Carolina Museum of History

© The North Carolina Museum of History

The North Carolina Museum of History hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including wedding receptions, cocktail receptions, and holiday parties. Three spaces are available within the museum to use for celebrations, including the Museum Lobby, which can accommodate up to 300 guests for a reception and up to 250 for a sit-down dinner and features a dance floor and a band. The Demonstration Gallery is surrounded by three glass walls and is ideal for intimate gatherings, while the Daniels Auditorium has a seating capacity of 307 guests and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment for special presentations and performances. Arrangements can even be made for guests to have access to the exhibits and galleries to explore the works, and the museum provides a list of preferred vendors for services such as catering, décor, flowers, and photography, and décor.

5 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, Phone: 919-807-7900

2. The Merrimon-Wynne House


Celebrate elegant, Southern weddings in a restored historic mansion.

The Merrimon-Wynne House

© The Merrimon-Wynne House

Exuding timeless grace, elegance, and charm, The Merrimon-Wynne House is a premier wedding and special events venue in downtown Raleigh. Built in 1876 on the birth site of Dr. Jane McKimmon and beautifully restored to its former glory, The Merrimon-Wynne House is a picturesque building surrounded by expansive, exquisitely maintained grounds. It is an idyllic venue for weddings, receptions, intimate ceremonies, and other special celebrations. Rental of The Merrimon-Wynne House includes the use of the house and grounds for the whole day, two bridal preparation suites and a groom’s preparation suite, an on-site ceremony rehearsal a few days prior to the actual wedding, separate ceremony and reception spaces, and 150 ceremony and/or reception chairs and 20 high-top cocktail tables.

500 North Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27604, Phone: 919-906-1026

3. Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar


Plan romantic, intimate weddings with authentic Italian cuisine and charm.

Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar

© Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar

Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar is an award-winning Italian restaurant that can be used as a venue for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. Offering an unforgettable gastronomic journey across the Italian culinary landscape with sumptuous cuisine and fine wines, Mulino also provides a splendid setting for a theme or outdoor weddings and special rehearsal dinners. The warm and welcoming restaurant boasts Moroccan décor that exudes an ambiance of a bygone era and provides gourmet Italian cuisine accompanied by fine wines from around the world. In addition to an attractive venue, acclaimed cuisine and wine, and a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar also provide professional wait staff and an events manager to ensure every function runs smoothly.

309 N. Dawson Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, Phone: 919-838-8595

4. Borden Building


Exchange vows in a historic venue with scenic park views.

Borden Building

© Borden Building

Located in Fred Fletcher Park, the Borden Building and Fred Fletcher Amphitheater are beautiful venues that can be rented for weddings, parties, and other special events. The Borden Building has several indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated dinner and features a bride's room and groom's room on the upper level of the house. The Stone Circle to the west of the Borden Building can also be used for intimate outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The Fred Fletcher Amphitheater accommodates up to 300 people for a lavish outdoor event with or without tented cover. Note that no alcohol is allowed in the amphitheater.

820 Clay St, Raleigh, NC 27605, Phone: 919-996-4363

5. Haywood Hall & Gardens


Enjoy timeless garden weddings with Southern elegance and charm.

Haywood Hall & Gardens

© Haywood Hall & Gardens

A tranquil oasis in the heart of downtown Raleigh, the historic Haywood Hall & Gardens is a popular venue for weddings and private events. Nestled among ancient oak trees in a picturesque garden, the former residence of John Haywood, one of Raleigh’s most prestigious residents, Haywood Hall is now one of the city’s most popular venues for romantic weddings and special celebrations. The elegant house and appealing gardens offer a selection of places to celebrate your special day with family and friends, from the elegant rooms of the house to the pristine gardens and grounds for outdoor gatherings. The Haywood Hall & Gardens provides a list of preferred vendors for catering and other services, as well as knowledgeable and professional staff who are on hand to help run the event seamlessly.

211 New Bern Place, Raleigh, NC 27601, Phone: 919-832-8357

6. North Carolina Museum of Art


Host artistic, modern weddings surrounded by inspiring masterpieces.

North Carolina Museum of Art

© Courtesy of dalequedale - Fotolia.com

Boasting dynamic architecture, modern white galleries filled with extensive collections of modern art, beautiful outdoor sculpture gardens, and innovative cuisine, the North Carolina Museum of Art presents an ideal location for destination weddings, receptions, or other important events. In addition to providing artistic and unique venues for large or small receptions and elegant dinners, the museum also provides gourmet catering services with customized menus from the on-site Iris restaurant, along with a variety of premium services such as musician or entertainment booking, audiovisual coordination, and rental and floral services.

2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, Phone: 919-839-6262

7. Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel


Celebrate stylish, upscale weddings with luxurious amenities and city views.

Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel

© Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel

Situated in the heart of midtown Raleigh, the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel presents an array of creative catering for special occasions such as weddings, receptions, ceremonies, and more. The hotel boasts over 11,000 square feet of flexible and stylish event spaces across nine rooms that can be customized to suit a range of events for up to 550 guests. You’ll have access to a variety of specialist event services such as skilled Marriott Certified Wedding Planners to coordinate every event from start to finish, including catering and tailor-made menus, floral arrangements, table settings, music and entertainment, and photography.

4100 Main at North Hills Street, Raleigh, NC 27609

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