The Best Wedding Ceremony Sites in Raleigh
The Best Wedding Ceremony Sites in Raleigh, North Carolina
Planning a wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina, means you have access to an incredible variety of stunning outdoor wedding ceremony locations. From historic landmarks to picturesque outdoor venues, the Raleigh area offers something for every couple.
A few quick notes about your ceremony – even if you’re hiring other musicians, you’ll probably still need a DJ and here’s why: WHY YOU’LL PROBABLY STILL NEED A DJ FOR YOUR CEREMONY
Here are some of the best wedding ceremony locations to consider for your special day in Raleigh:
The NC Museum of Art
The NC Museum of Art offers an extraordinary blend of art and nature, making it a unique venue for a wedding ceremony. With beautifully curated outdoor spaces and stunning sculptures, this venue is perfect for art-loving couples.
Why Choose It? The museum’s sophisticated ambiance and versatile spaces make it ideal for elegant ceremonies.
Highlight: The Art! Plus, you’ve got stunning indoor & outdoor options – and the staff is really easy to work with.
The Matthews House
The Matthews House is a charming and elegant venue located in the heart of Cary. With its historic architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, it’s perfect for couples looking for timeless sophistication.
Why Choose It? The Matthews House provides an intimate setting with both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. The ceremony site beside the main house is really pretty and the couple who run it are top tier!
Highlight: The gorgeous ballroom and private garden spaces make it a versatile choice for weddings of all styles and sizes.
The Maxwell
The Maxwell is a contemporary and luxurious wedding venue located in Raleigh. Known for its striking modern architecture and high-end amenities, it offers both indoor and outdoor spaces designed with elegance in mind.
Why Choose It? The Maxwell is perfect for couples seeking a sophisticated and upscale venue with impeccable service. The outdoor garden can be adapted to fit all sizes and you’d never know how close you are to downtown Raleigh. Truly a hidden gem.
Highlight: The grand ballroom with its high ceilings and crystal chandeliers creates an unforgettable setting for ceremonies and receptions, and that’s just the rain plan! Plus, the staff is a real highlight here.
The Highgrove Estate
The Highgrove Estate is located just outside Raleigh in Fuquay-Varina. This stunning venue is known for its Southern charm and luxurious amenities. It features beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces.
Why Choose It? The combination of elegance and exclusivity makes it a top choice for couples.
Highlight: The outdoor ceremony space overlooking the pond is absolutely stunning. One guest even remarked, “Wow, this is God’s country.” while admiring the view.
The JC Raulston Arboretum
The JC Raulston Arboretum is a dream come true for nature-loving couples. This 10-acre public garden over by the North Carolina State Fairgrounds and Meredith College features a variety of picturesque settings, from the Rose Garden to the White Garden, making it a versatile option for outdoor ceremonies.
Why Choose It? The arboretum offers lush greenery and vibrant blooms, providing a naturally beautiful setting for your vows.
Highlight: The A.E. Finley Rooftop Terrace is perfect for intimate ceremonies with a view. Plus, there are more ceremony options here than almost anywhere else. You can just do your ceremony here too, and your reception down the street at the Royal or downtown at Market Hall (also a great spot for a ceremony) or the Stockroom!
The Sutherland
The Sutherland, located in Wake Forest, is a historic estate that perfectly blends classic elegance with Southern charm. With its manicured gardens and timeless architecture, it’s a wonderful venue for a romantic wedding.
Why Choose It? The Sutherland’s versatility makes it perfect for both large and small gatherings.
Highlight: The outdoor garden ceremony space is a favorite among couples. With added walls, outside noise is minimal, ensuring a peaceful ceremony.
The Upchurch
The Upchurch, located in Cary, is a newer venue that has quickly become a favorite for modern weddings. It offers a mix of contemporary design and natural beauty, with stunning indoor and outdoor spaces.
Why Choose It? The Upchurch is perfect for couples looking for a modern yet warm and inviting venue.
Highlight: The open-air courtyard is a show-stopping spot for ceremonies. Get married by the conservatory or up by the house overlooking the dramatic sweep of the landscape!
Haywood Hall & Gardens
Haywood Hall & Gardens is a historic home surrounded by enchanting gardens in downtown Raleigh. The venue’s charm lies in its blend of history and natural beauty.
Why Choose It? Couples looking for a venue that combines Southern elegance with a touch of history will fall in love with Haywood Hall.
Highlight: The lush garden paths create a storybook-like setting for ceremonies. And you’re right downtown! But you’d never know it unless you step off the property and look.
The Bradford
The Bradford, nestled just outside Raleigh in New Hill, is a European-inspired venue that exudes charm and romance. With its sprawling grounds and beautifully designed indoor spaces, it’s perfect for larger ceremonies and receptions.
Why Choose It? The Bradford’s luxurious atmosphere is ideal for couples seeking a refined yet welcoming venue.
Highlight: The outdoor terrace offers a breathtaking setting for exchanging vows. Plus, there’s plenty of parking!
Dorothea Dix Park
Dorothea Dix Park provides a relaxed and open space with plenty of options for a customizable ceremony. With its expansive fields and scenic views, it’s a blank canvas for creative couples.
Why Choose It? This park is perfect for couples wanting a laid-back outdoor vibe.
Highlight: The skyline view of downtown Raleigh adds a modern touch to your ceremony photos.
The Glass Box
The Glass Box is a modern and intimate venue in downtown Raleigh. This light-filled space features floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, minimalist design.
Why Choose It? The Glass Box is perfect for smaller ceremonies (think 50 or less) with an urban flair.
Highlight: Its rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the Raleigh skyline. Bigger crowds can head right downstairs to the stockroom. Or maybe you’ll want to head over to All Saint’s Chapel which is owned by the same company and staffed by the same amazing team!
The Merrimon-Wynne House
The Merrimon-Wynne House is a historic gem located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. This beautifully restored 19th-century mansion offers elegant indoor spaces and a stunning outdoor lawn perfect for ceremonies.
Why Choose It? The venue’s timeless charm and central location make it ideal for couples looking for sophistication and convenience.
Highlight: The Carriage House provides a romantic backdrop for ceremonies, especially when over-adorned with florals. Like – a LOT of flowers.
The Barn at Wakefield
The Barn at Wakefield offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, making it an excellent choice for couples seeking a countryside vibe. Located just outside of Raleigh, this venue features a beautifully restored barn, lush outdoor spaces, and sophisticated interiors.
Why Choose It? The Barn at Wakefield is perfect for couples looking for a rustic yet polished setting for their wedding.
Highlight: The spacious barn provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for both ceremonies and receptions, complemented by scenic outdoor views.
Walnut Hill
Walnut Hill is a family-owned venue located just minutes from downtown Raleigh. Set on 10 acres, this charming property offers a serene pond, a barn, and open fields for outdoor ceremonies.
Why Choose It? Walnut Hill is a versatile venue that’s great for rustic, boho, or classic wedding styles.
Highlight: The pond-side ceremony area is a picturesque spot for saying “I do.” However, keep in mind that the upstairs DJ setup might not be ideal for lively receptions.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Location in Raleigh
- Consider Your Guest Count: Ensure the venue’s capacity aligns with your guest list. I can’t stress this enough – don’t book a huge spot for a small crowd, and don’t book a small or medium spot if you’ve got a huge guest list (looking at you East Carolina University Alumni!)
- Think About the Season: Outdoor venues are stunning in spring and fall, while indoor venues are better for summer or winter weddings. This list is mostly focused on the Spring/Summer/Fall weddings. Winter venues are a different thing entirely
- Match the Venue to Your Theme: Whether you’re envisioning rustic, elegant, or modern, Raleigh has venues to suit every aesthetic. However, you can do a lot with lighting and decor in any venue to make it work. We just did a Final Fantasy 14 themed wedding in a post-industrial space in near-north raleigh.
- Visit in Person: Photos are helpful, but an in-person visit will give you a better sense of the venue’s vibe and layout. Sometimes the pictures don’t do it justice, othertimes there might be something that drives you crazy that’s right out of frame.
Raleigh’s got a lot to offer and its diverse wedding venues ensure there’s a perfect spot for every couple. Whether you’re drawn to historic homes, lush gardens, postindustrial chic, or sleek modern spaces, the city has it all. We hope these recommendations inspire you as you plan your unforgettable day in the heart of North Carolina!
Side note – this list isn’t comprehensive, there are doubtless several wedding venues and locations that we forgot to add. If you’ve got a spot you think we need to add to this list, just let us know! Also, there’s a ton of beautiful spots outside of the city proper that we aren’t including but we’ll be doing another post with more options later!
If you’re looking for some stellar wedding ceremony music ideas, here’s a currently list of some of our Favorite 2025 Wedding Ceremony Songs.
Also – Don’t forget to CONTACT US if you’ve got any questions – we love to help!
