Raleigh, North Carolina is considered not only the best city in the southeast but one of the best places to live across the entire United States!
Aptly named The City of Oaks because of its abundance of oak trees, it is no surprise that Raleigh is a beautiful place to marry in the great outdoors!
An average wedding in this fantastic city costs $32,000, so let’s see what you can get for your money. Here are the 11 best outdoor wedding venues in Raleigh, NC!
The Meadows at Firefly Farm
The Meadows at Firefly Farm is a 150-acre wedding paradise in the heart of Raleigh. Surrounded by rolling hills, meadows, and mature forests, the breathtaking outdoor scenery of this ranch-style retreat is a sure-fire pick for a romantic ceremony.
The amazing glass roll-up doors of Heron Hall allow guests to gaze upon 115 acres of gorgeous prairie land. There is also a covered arbor and a four-season courtyard.
Before the couple says “I do,” the bride will prepare in the Aerie House, complete with an open hearth, Venetian glass chandeliers, a living room, a kitchen, and so much more.
The groom also has his own space called The Rooster Room which includes a ping-pong table and a dedicated beer fridge, among other amenities.
Bonus: The venue has a host of vendors and provides seating accommodations and other necessary amenities.
Price Range: $5,800 and up.
Capacity: Up to 1,000 guests.
Find The Meadows at Firefly Farm at The Meadows Raleigh or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Merrimon Wynne House
The Merrimon Wynne House is an exquisite mansion built in 1876 and rests on the birth site of Dr. Jane McKimmon. The estate is only a few houses down from the governor’s mansion and was restored to its original grandeur in 2014.
There are several ceremony sites to choose from and they are customizable.
You can get married underneath pecan trees on The Lawn. Or, you can say “I do” in front of The Carriage House.
After the ceremony, the guests will go to The Main House, full of southern charm with its sweeping porches, original flooring, and original fireplace mantels.
Bonus: This venue is in the heart of historic downtown which provides great outings for your guests.
Price Range: $3,000-$10,000.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Find The Merrimon Wynne House at Merrimon Wynne or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Jiddi Space & Courtyard
Jiddi Space and Courtyard is Raleigh’s hidden gem. Located in the heart of downtown, the Jiddi ( Lebanese for grandfather), is a quaint and eclectic outdoor wedding venue.
There are two forward-facing restaurants, Sitti Authentic Lebanese and Gravy Italian Kitchen, both of whom are the venue’s private caterers.
The couple prepares in a gorgeous suite overlooking the courtyard which boasts a marble-topped bar, stage, and everything you need for live entertainment.
This gem is small and provides a romantic atmosphere that is hard to beat!
Bonus: There are plenty of dining options and hotels within walking distance.
Price Range: $2,500 and up.
Capacity: 120 guests.
Find Jiddi Space & Courtyard at Jiddi Raleigh or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Pavilion at Carriage Farm
The Pavilion at Carriage Farm is a whopping 10,000-square-foot wedding pavilion in Raleigh that combines rustic elegance with modern amenities.
Set on 112 acres of beautiful North Carolina countryside, the rolling hills and tall Carolina pines set the scene for a truly stunning wedding day.
Say “I do” under a romantic pergola in the rear garden then greet your guests inside the Pavilion with its stunning chandeliers and Tennessee stone fireplace (the mantle is from the original homestead from the 1800s!).
Bonus: Your booking includes a team of wedding planners and there is a 700-square-foot bride and groom’s room.
Price Range: $5,500-$7,500, depending on the season.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Find The Pavilion at Carriage Farm at Pavilion at Carriage Farm or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Upchurch
The Upchurch is a relatively new wedding venue, although the six-acre estate has been there since 1905. The beautiful grounds include magnolia trees, a pond, and well-maintained lawns.
The ceremony is held on the Magnolia Lawn; a 2,000-square-foot circular lawn with a view of the pond and the Main House.
After the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktails on the lawn, in the Main House, or in the conservatory which overlooks the waterfront.
Bonus: Rocky Top Catering is the exclusive culinary vendor at The Upchurch, with 20 years of custom menu design experience.
Price Range: $3,000-$9,000.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Find The Upchurch at The Upchurch Venue or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Oaks at Salem
The Oaks at Salem is an elegant venue located a short 15 miles from Raleigh. The venue combines old-world charm with modern amenities and is designed to capture the best of the views from every vantage point.
The manor rests on 11 acres of pastoral land and is surrounded by mature oaks. The main house is 1,000 square feet and has a stunning veranda overlooking the ceremony wall and pond.
Bonus: A rustic barn has recently been added to the premises!
Price Range: $6,800 and up.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
Find The Oaks at Salem at The Oaks at Salem or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Rand-Bryan House
The Rand-Bryan House is a classic 19th-century estate that is nestled on a 135-acre farm. The venue is on the outskirts of Raleigh and offers picturesque views.
The outdoor ceremony can be held in a cozy garden setting or a bigger side yard. The main house has a wrap-around porch, which is ideal for cocktail hour.
The venue also offers two reception areas. One is indoors, with floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, and a sunroom. Or, to keep with the outdoor theme, you and your guests can dance the night away under the stars on the spacious front lawn.
Bonus: Rand-Bryan offers multiple vendor services, which makes planning easier
Typical cost: $2,750-$5,950.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests.
Find Rand-Bryan House at Rand-Bryan House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
North Ridge Country Club
For an upscale wedding with a ton of ceremony options, this venue has you covered. This exquisite private space has a beautiful grand ballroom with 14 suspended crystal chandeliers, a top-notch culinary team, and a terrace that overlooks manicured gardens.
There are six ceremony sites to choose from including The Oaks, The Lakes, the Garden Room with a patio, or a combination of these sites.
This venue is perfect for the couple looking for an upscale and intimate ceremony.
Bonus: The venue offers several wedding packages.
Price Range: $150-$10,000.
Capacity: Up to 80 guests.
Find North Ridge Country Club at North Ridge Country Club or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Haywood Hall
For a classy southern charm-styled venue, Haywood Hall is your place. It is a member of the Distinctive Destination Properties and is located in the heart of downtown Raleigh.
The outdoor ceremony can host up to 150 guests for the ceremony and 300 guests for the reception in the beautiful gardens.
The reservation includes access to the grounds and the historic home, and you can host your bridal shower, luncheon, and photography sessions on site. There is also a private bridal dressing room available and on-site amenities.
Bonus: This venue is within walking distance of downtown Raleigh, which leaves plenty of hotel and restaurant options.
Price Range: $2,500 and up.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests for the ceremony and up to 300 guests for the reception.
Find Haywood Hall at Haywood Hall or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Maxwell
The Maxwell is a banquet hall that offers elegant wedding ceremonies. The venue setting is both sophisticated and customizable so your special day can be truly unique.
The spacious outdoor patio provides a romantic ceremony site and is ideal for photo opportunities. There is also a lounge area, which is perfect for intimate ceremonies or cocktail hour.
Bonus: The Maxwell is a family business and the dedicated staff ensures that every little detail is taken care of for you and your guests
Price Range: $3,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
Find The Maxwell at The Maxwell or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Bennett Bunn Plantation
Bennett Bunn Plantation is a classic and charming venue 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh. It is perfect for a couple looking for a rustic, yet modern, event space.
This 165-acre estate is on the National Register of Historic Places and is full of quaint, country appeal. White fences, horse pastures, wooded trails, and tranquil ponds create a truly charming outdoor wedding setting.
This amazing homestead is also affordable and should top your list for the perfect country farm wedding venue.
Bonus: This farm is stunning with its natural, yet simple scenery, which gives plenty of photo opportunities.
Price Range: $4,500 and up.
Capacity: 300+ guests.
Find Bennett Bunn Plantation at Bennett Bunn or check out Facebook or Instagram.
