Great news for brides-to-be in North and South Carolina, there are a substantial number of wedding venues located in each state. However, Southern Living has compiled a list of “the South’s best wedding venues by state.” Below is a sampling of the six best wedding venues in the Carolinas.
The Barn at Valhalla- Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The Barn at Valhalla is located at 1040 Duffy’s Way, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516. When they’re not hosting beautiful weddings, there are a variety of events to attend at this venue. Unfortunately, due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic, details are limited. However, if you’re in the Chapel Hill area of North Carolina, The Barn hopes to host a Botanist and Barrel Cider Tasting, their first annual bridal show, and a Meals on Wheels Community fundraiser in the near future.
According to The Barn at Valhalla’s Facebook page, the venue was once the home and personal party venue of a prominent member of Chapel Hill society. However, in 2014 the property gained new owners and it has since been remodeled/redecorated. Notably, the venue sprawls across 30 acres and houses three structures: The Barn, The Lodge, and The Gazebo. Additionally, the venue has the ability to sleep 26 people. Ultimately making for quite the unique wedding experience.
As far as weddings go, The Barn at Valhalla offers three packages. The first is a weekend overnight rental, then a weekday overnight rental, and finally, a single day rental without the overnight option. Prices are not listed on their website. For more details contact The Barn at Valhalla at (919) 360-4922 or valhallabarn@gmail.com.
Millennium Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
The Millennium Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is host to several top accolades in the wedding industry. Notable, this venue is an inductee to The Knot’s Best of Wedding Hall of Fame. Additionally, it has the honor of being designated one of the top three venues in the Carolinas. If that isn’t exciting enough, Southern Living Magazine names the Millenium Center as a top venue in the South.
Excitingly, the Millennium Center’s Facebook page details the intriguing history of the building. Originally, the building was constructed in 1906 as the City of Winston Post Office. When the cities of Winston and Salem combined, the building became the U.S. Federal Building for the region. After a couple of expansions, the Millennium Center has been a leader in the wedding industry for over 20 years.
One of the many appealing aspects of this venue is the versatility of the space. For example, they have the capability to provide a casual or fine dining experience. There is full bar service, florals and decorations, audio/visual services just to name a few. Additionally, the Millennium Center has three-venue floors, the Speakeasy and Garden Room, the Historic Courtroom and Grand Jury Room, and the Millenium Ballroom and Grand Lobby. These venue floors provide for a variety of accommodations for your wedding and dress rehearsal needs.
For more information about booking your wedding at the Millennium Center email lgcarlyle@gmail.com or request a proposal here. The Millennium Center is located at 101 West 5th Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa- Highlands, North Carolina
Brides.com agrees that the Old Edwards Inn and Spa is one of the best wedding venues in the South. Old Edwards Inn and Spa is located at 445 Main St., Highlands, Franklin, North Carolina. Remarkably, this venue is reasonably located to a number of major Southern cities.
Beautifully located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Old Edwards Inn and Spa has “elegant outdoor spaces.” Their menu is host to farm-to-table cuisine. According to their website, their culinary team “highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, crafted to complement your them and vision.”
Additionally, the Old Edwards Inn and Spa has several venues on location. These venues include The Orchard House, The Barn and Pavillion, Old Edwards Inn, Guest Estates, Half-Mile Farm, Old Edwards Club, and more.
Undoubtedly, a bride’s dream the Old Edwards Inn and Spa has a wedding spa and salon. Packages include hair and makeup, manicures, pedicures and facials. Find more information about the spa services here, call (828) 787-2624 or email spagroupsales@oldedwardsinn.com.
Sanderling Resort- Duck, North Carolina
The Sanderling Resort is located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina at 1461 Duck Road, Duck, North Carolina 27949. Their website details “the intimate beach wedding you have always dreamed of.” Additionally, the resort’s wedding package has the option for a planner. Ultimately, eliminating some of the stress of your important day.
If all the hustle and bustle of a traditional wedding isn’t your style, the Sanderling Resort also offers an elopement option. Catering menus, guidelines, and rental information can be found here.
The Carolina Girl- Charleston, South Carolina
Located at St. John’s Yacht Habor, 2408 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, South Carolina, this wedding venue is host to some unparalleled views. Rightfully so, their website encourages you to “discover why The Carolina Girl is one of Charleston’s top event venues.” This venue also offers an element of uniqueness since it is a yacht.
The yacht comfortably seats 150 guests. Another unique element this venue offers for weddings is narration by a local historian. Throughout the course of your wedding, the yacht can travel the Charleston Historic District, Charleston Harbor, the Arthur Ravenel, and Ashley River Bridges.
The Carolina Girl offers a range for their pricing. For example, they say estimate that a majority of their clients spend $10k-$12K. However, this included everything for the wedding except the photographer, flowers, and cake (if you chose). Ultimately, the final cost of the event is determined by the guest count and food/beverage choices.
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort- Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is located at 4 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928. Their website boasts that, “the resort enjoys a well-earned reputation for creating unforgettable vacation experiences for the entire family.” Rightfully so, as the resort is home to three golf courses, vacation rentals, a full-service marina, and an 11-mile lagoon system.
Given the span of land the resort covers, it is no surprise that the property hosts a variety of wedding locations.
When planning your destination wedding, you can choose from any of the venues below.
The Dunes House
The Dunes House Intimate Reception Room
Centre Court Pavilion
Arthur Hills Golf Course
Historic Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse
Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina Pavilion
Hilton Head Distillery
With all of the options available, it is easy to imagine getting overwhelmed by planning all the details of your perfect day. However, don’t fret. The staff at the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort are there to make sure everything goes smoothly. There’s a reason they’ve won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award for three consecutive years (2018-2020). For more wedding planning details, visit their wedding website here.