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15 of the Best Wedding Venues in North Carolina

North Carolina is undoubtedly a haven for breathtaking wedding venues that embody elegance and luxury. From the picturesque coastline and serene lakes to the lush gardens and majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, these exceptional venues shine as the ultimate choice for an unforgettable wedding celebration. Asheville-based photographer, Light Shifter Studios, has curated a list of the top 15 wedding venues in North Carolina that epitomize sophisticated and dreamy ceremonial spaces, inspiring couples to bring their vision to life.

1.   Airlie Gardens,  Wilmington, NC
Airlie Gardens, situated in Wilmington, NC, spans 67 acres and serves as a historic garden ideal for your special occasion. It boasts four distinct ceremony locations: The Oak Lawn, the Bradley Creek Lawn, the Pergola Garden, and the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel, ensuring an ideal backdrop for your celebration. Located conveniently close to Wrightsville Beach, Airlie Gardens presents a tranquil retreat with exquisite formal gardens, colorful seasonal flowers, grand live oaks, and historic buildings that create an unforgettable experience.

2.  The Biltmore Estate,   Asheville, NC
The Biltmore stands as the most luxurious wedding venue in Asheville, showcasing an exceptional combination of natural splendor and sophistication. Its stunning gardens and grand estate create a remarkable setting for couples to celebrate their union. With 12 unique indoor and outdoor spaces available, including 8 close to the Biltmore house and 4 spread across the estate, this renowned venue allows couples to design a personalized and unforgettable wedding experience.

3.  The Umstead Hotel and Spa,  Cary, NC
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is a  serene oasis near Raleigh, North Carolina, where elegant spaces, luxurious suites, and exquisite cuisine converge to create unforgettable wedding celebrations. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand affair, the picturesque grounds, lakeside terrace, and stately lawn offer endless possibilities for meaningful connections and joyous festivities.

4.  The Graham Mill,  Graham, NC
The Graham Mill, nestled in the heart of downtown Graham, NC, masterfully blends historic elegance with modern sophistication, offering a truly unique and inspiring setting for life's most meaningful celebrations. Since its rebirth in 2020, this iconic 1934 landmark has emerged as one of North Carolina's premier wedding venues, boasting beautifully landscaped spaces that ignite joy, connection, and limitless possibility.

5.  The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill, NC
Transformative, inspiring, and forever memorable, The Carolina Inn stands as Chapel Hill's most revered event destination. Every gathering is elevated by its unmistakable charm and meticulous attention to detail. The Carolina Inn is a Venue that your guests will remember forever. 

6.  The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa,  Lake Lure, NC
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa in Lake Lure, NC, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for a truly unforgettable wedding celebration. This enchanting retreat is perfect for couples seeking a tranquil and romantic setting, with its array of event spaces and guest rooms designed to bring every moment of their special day to life. At this North Carolina gem, natural beauty, romance, and relaxation come together to create an unparalleled experience.

7.  Old Edwards Inn, Highlands, NC
Elevate your wedding celebration amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Old Edwards, where rustic charm blends seamlessly with elegant sophistication. Imagine exchanging vows in picturesque Highlands, NC, surrounded by lush landscapes and majestic mountain vistas.  Prepare for your special day in the serene wedding spa and salon designed to pamper you and your guests. As you embark on your new journey together, the stunning grounds, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, provide a flawless backdrop for creating unforgettable memories.

8. The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
The Omni Grove Park Inn shines as a beacon of excellence among Asheville's hotels, offering a transformative experience that combines historic charm, cozy rooms, and innovative amenities. Perched atop the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, this iconic resort features five exceptional event spaces perfect for crafting an unforgettable Asheville wedding. The Grove Park Inn's spa serves as a serene oasis, renowned as one of the nation's finest, providing an ultimate retreat for bridal parties to rejuvenate and prepare for a celebration that will leave a lasting impact

9.  Alexander Homestead, Charlotte, NC
Imagine exchanging vows in a historic 1903 Charlotte wedding venue, where attention is given to every detail.  The Alexander Homestead offers an all-inclusive experience, from intimate garden weddings to elegant barn receptions, ensuring your special day is nothing short of unforgettable. This romantic Queen Anne Victorian venue is the perfect setting for your Charlotte wedding, where dreams come alive in an stress-free celebration.

10.  Tryon Palace, New Bern, NC
Located in the charming town of New bern, North Carolina, the Tryon Palace is a historic museum- wedding venue that allows couples to create unforgettable celebrations in a beautiful, serene setting.. With its stunning natural surroundings and elegant facilities, Tryon Palace  has established itself as a premier wedding venue in the area, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, beautiful gardens, and meticulous attention to detail. By providing the perfect backdrop for couples to bring their dream wedding to life, Tryon Palace inspires unforgettable experiences, from intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations.

11. Britton Manor, La Grange, NC
The Britton Manor is North Carolina's newest luxury event venue, boasting 80 acres of immaculately manicured gardens and English-inspired architecture in LaGrange. This stunning setting offers endless possibilities for elegant outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions, with access to all outdoor spaces.  

12. Duke Mansion, Charlotte, NC
Built in 1915 and expanded by its renowned owner James Buchanan Duke in 1919, The Duke Mansion has evolved into a 20-room boutique bed and breakfast and event venue, offering a transformative experience. This iconic estate embodies the perfect blend of vintage Southern allure and modern luxury, complemented by exceptional personalized service. Today, The Duke Mansion is committed to delivering outstanding culinary experiences, elegant amenities, and a serene atmosphere, all anchored by remarkable hospitality.

13. Wrightsville Manor, Wilmington, NC
Wrightsville Manor is a elegant indoor/outdoor event venue in Wilmington,  providing couples to craft unforgettable experiences. Located near the gateway to Wrightsville Beach, this enchanting venue is situated in a historic and charming area, radiating warmth and hospitality. As one of North Carolina's top wedding venues, Wrightsville Manor's stunning 12.5-acre property offers effortless access to exceptional amenities, unlocking endless possibilities for joyous celebrations.

14. The Graylyn Estate, Winston Salem, NC
Imagine exchanging vows at the Graylyn Estate, a sumptuous wedding haven in Winston Salem, NC, nestled within 85-acres of resplendent gardens, mature trees, and lush parklands that will elevate your celebration to new heights. This captivating boutique hotel, with its stone-clad exterior, slanted rooftops, and turret-style walls, exudes architectural brilliance, promising an extraordinary and awe-inspiring celebration that will leave you and your loved ones in wonder.

15. The Chateau du Coeur, Shelby, NC
The Chateau du Coeur in Shelby, North Carolina, is a captivating wedding venue that masterfully merges classic European sophistication with contemporary flair, creating an atmosphere that inspires hope and joy. As you enter its stunning grounds, the Chateau's elegant architecture whisks you away to a world where love and possibility thrive. Beautifully crafted French-inspired details, including arched windows, intricate ironwork, and grand stone facades,  gives forth a sense of limitless possibility, inviting guests to revel in the magic.




We're thrilled to have shared North Carolina's top 15 wedding venues with you. As a state with countless breathtaking venues, narrowing down our list was a challenge. As a seasoned North Carolina photographer with over 13 years of experience, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work at many of these extraordinary venues. At Light Shifter Studios, we'd be honored to be your photographer in North Carolina or beyond. Let's connect and start planning your dream wedding today!

Tying the Knot in the Tar Heel State: Top 15 Wedding Venues in North Carolina