If you are trying to choose between the many beautiful Raleigh wedding venues, this article will help steer you in the right direction. We will discuss some of the traditional chapels, as well as some outdoor venues. Whether you are shooting for the moon or need to stick to a budget, the triangle area has plenty of places to suit your needs.
Duke Chapel (pictured below) is one of the more extravagant venues in the area. The chapel was constructed from 1930-1932 and is a very impressive and ornate structure. It is one of the tallest buildings in Durham County, standing at 210 feet tall. It is a large venue with a seating capacity of 1800. Unfortunately you must be a student or employee of Duke (or your parents or grandparents must be Duke alumnus) to have your ceremony at Duke Chapel. If you meet the qualifications, make sure to register early as there is great demand for this location.
Barclay Village is another popular wedding venue. It has been called a modern day castle and it surely fits the bill. Located in Angier, NC this spacious structure has an outdoor pool, fountains, gardens, a spacious interior including a bar and pool table upstairs for the groom and his groomsmen. There is a nice sized bar downstairs to keep the guests content during “happy hour” while the bride and groom are busy with the after ceremony photos.
You can’t go wrong choosing one of the many country clubs in the area. Briar creek, Prestonwood, Wakefield Plantation, MacGregor Downs, Carolina Country Club, the Governor’s Club, North Hills Country Club…the list goes on. Although these are private clubs, typically non-members can rent these spaces for weddings and other events.
If you are looking for an outdoor venue, the J C Raulston Arboretum (across from NC State) is a scenic location with an abundance of beautiful flowers and foliage, especially in the spring. Another popular outdoor location is Lake Wheeler in Raleigh. There is a nice deck for your ceremony and has a nice view of the lake. It is part of the Raleigh state park system and is one of the more affordable options. The Rand-Bryan House is a historic home location on the outskirts of Raleigh. It was built in 1871 and was beautifully restored in 2009 and has lovely interiors and porches surrounded by lush gardens.
Equally (if not, more) important is your choice of photographers. There are many qualified photogs in the area but the top choice is Scala Photography. Scott Scala is one of the area’s leading photographers. With a keen eye for creative composition, Scott has become an area favorite. He puts forth great effort and attention to detail, creating amazing images that brides cherish. Scala Photography has a variety of photo packages ( an all-inclusive package with DJ and photo booth is also available) to accommodate your needs and budget. Visit Scala Photography to learn more: https://scalaphotography.com/galleries/weddings-bridals/
Hopefully this article has provided you with a good starting point to help you decide on the perfect venue and photographer for your special day. May love and happiness be with you and your partner for now and forever!