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Weddings

About

21c Museum Hotel is a full-service hotel wedding venue in Durham, NC. The property has multiple spaces across its 10,500 square feet and features a luxury hotel as well as a contemporary art museum full of exhibits and event spaces. The hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a convenient location in downtown Durham, you and your guests won’t have to go far to find plenty of local activities and dining options.

Facilities and Capacity
The foyer of the 21c Durham has green marble and silver leaf ceilings that have been preserved by the design team, who were also able to maintain the terrazzo floors throughout the facility. The Main Gallery can seat up to 130 guests with a dance floor and can host a standing reception for 200 people, while the art galleries on the 2nd floor can host up to 180 guests for a conversation-starting cocktail hour. There are also several private galleries that are wonderful options for more intimate weddings, including the underground bank vault built as part of the original 1930s building.

The on-site restaurant, Counting House, has a private dining room that can accommodate up to 32 guests. For additional convenience, valet is available.

Wheelchair accessibility is fully available.

Services Offered
Couples who book their wedding at 21c will be encouraged to think green while planning their wedding. 21c is a full-service catering venue with a variety of table styles, Herman Miller chairs, black or white linens, china, glassware and flatware.

Getting-ready rooms are available to be rented for both sides of the bridal party. If you want to have all of your wedding events in one place, you can host your engagement party, bridal shower, and rehearsal dinner at 21c Museum Hotel in addition to your ceremony and reception.

The museum shop is able to arrange welcome gifts for your guests and wedding party if desired.

Cuisine
Counting House provides all catering for our weddings, and all menus are created by Executive Chef Stephanie Klos. As a 21c couple, you will receive a complimentary tasting so you can select the perfect menu for your wedding. Your choices of meal styles include a buffet, stations, or plated entrees, with optional desserts. The catering team can also accommodate a cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres. We have a wide variety of wine, beer, liquor and specialty cocktails available for an open or cash bar.

Accommodations
The 125 guest rooms feature high ceilings, large windows, and customized furniture. The rooms have free WiFi, HD televisions, and coffee machines. You and your guests will feel completely refreshed after using the Malin + Goetz bath amenities and luxury bedding. 21c Museum Hotel also offers several other amenities, including:

Spa (appointments available with 72-hour notice)
24-hour fitness center
Laundry service
Pet-friendly rooms
In-room dining

  • Woman-owned
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$2,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$2,500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$1,500

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Dessert
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$16

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

10

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

12

Describe your venue:

Art Gallery
Ballroom
Banquet Hall
Historic Building
Hotel
Museum
Restaurant

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

March
April
May
September
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
June
July
August

Reviews of 21c Museum Hotel

R
Ramsey Sent on 06/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful Wedding Weekend!

21c Durham hosted a wonderful wedding weekend for my daughter & son-in-law, our family, and friends. Everything from Friday hotel check-ins to Sunday evening's wedding, cocktail hour, and reception was beyond all expectations. Trey at the front desk saved the rainy wedding day by securing a First-Look location, Jon took care of us from day one (a year prior) and Karina made every little detail perfect the day of. Axle, Brian, Amelia, and the rest of the valet crew took great care of all of our guests and helped us load in and load out. Emily took care of the room block and all guests had a seamless check-in. The tables were beautiful, the food was delicious, and the service was impeccable. Even though it rained all weekend, guests were kept warm and cozy in the Counting House and enjoyed touring the 2nd floor Art Gallery. The bridal brunch on the morning of the wedding in Gallery Five, the wedding ceremony and reception in the Main Gallery, and the Cocktail Hour in the 2nd floor Art Galleries were all so elegant and well-serviced by the staff. No little detail was overlooked. This was the first of many destination weddings coming up for our extended family and thanks to everyone at 21c Durham, we set the bar high!
Charlene
Charlene Sent on 01/17/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Great experience all-around

My husband and I looked at venues across NC, from Asheville to the beach. After researching 100+ venues and doing site-visits at almost 20 places, we were ready to postpone because we couldn't find anything we both loved for the price point we needed. Then someone recommended we look at 21c in Durham. I am forever grateful to the friend that suggested it. We had a beautiful wedding! I chose not to hire a wedding planner because it's so costly but I was concerned about all of the potential coordination. As far as the venue, they were so accommodating that I didn't need a coordinator for that piece. Even when other things that happened like last minute guest changes, a change of entertainment requiring more space, etc., Tracy from 21c made it work and took so much stress off of me. It truly was a great experience all-around.
S
Stephanie Sent on 01/05/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Truly unique setting for our rehearsal dinner

My wife and I used 21c / The Counting House for our rehearsal dinner before our wedding. The food and service were both great, and the staff was very accommodating with the space, letting us play our own music and a slideshow during the dinner. Bar staff were fun and made some great drinks. The art on display was kept our guests talking and entertained throughout the night. Definitely check out the old vault in the basement too, it’s a really cool and unique area. Thank you 21c!
J
Jessica Sent on 04/26/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Our wedding at the 21C Durham was beyond everything we had hoped and planned for! The staff was professional, accommodating, and helpful at every turn. There were so many venues in the area with hidden costs and piles of rentals necessary and we were blown away by the straight forward and easy process with the 21C. Many of our guests were out of town and the ease of the venue was perfect - guest room block was managed incredibly, ceremony in the main gallery, cocktail hour in the curated museum, and back to the main gallery for dinner and dancing. They managed a bridal breakfast, special touches for my husband and I throughout the day, and courteous and professional staff at every corner of our event! Not the mention the incredible food from The Counting House. My husband and I visited in the summer for a birthday dinner where they recognized us as booking an event, we spoke to the chef, and he remembered not only meeting us when our tasting time came - but he recalled my food allergies as well. Top notch service! Thank you to the 21C for making our wedding so memorable!
Claire
Claire Sent on 12/08/2017
5 out of 5 rating
This venue is EVERYTHING! I held my wedding there and I got so many compliments on it. The reception hall was breath taking and required very little decorating. The art gallery where we held cocktail hour was held made it easy for guests to mingle and talk about the art. Everyone thought the bathrooms were a hoot. My pictures are going to forever reflect our relations unique style because our backdrop of the venue was amazing. The food was unreal good and we got the cheapest buffet option available. They even made up a special dish just for the wedding. We rented the penthouse suite as the bridal suite and it was perfectly sized to get 9 bridesmaids and me in makeup and hair done. I really can’t enough about how much we enjoyed our wedding here!!
C
Cecily Sent on 03/11/2017
5 out of 5 rating
I NEVER give 5 Stars across the board, but the staff and facilities @ 21C were over the TOP! Listen to their advice about wedding vendors - they have terrific local partnerships. The food is farm to table and our guests couldn't stop raving about it. The modern art is everywhere you turn, so your photography will be beyond special. Outstanding service from the planning all the way through the event/reception was stellar - top notch.
U
User2737208 Sent on 08/22/2016
5 out of 5 rating
21c is many steps above all the rest. Eclectic, modern artsy fun captivating. If you want a very different type of venue to impress your guests and have them leave wanting to come back for more THEN 21c is the venue for you. Chef prepared meals, farm to table, flexibility and amazing great culinary dishes that leave you wanting a doggie bag to bring home to saviour the taste for the next day. The staff is super attentive and made our guests feel extra special. Our event surpassed our biggest expectations and is still being talked about by our guests that were blown away by the whole romantic intimate ambience (vault for drinks, Museum for canapes, ballroom for dinner). Can't say enough because the staff is just as great as the food and as the intimate atmosphere that surrounds. Thanks 21c for making our day so AMAZING
Roscoe
Roscoe Sent on 06/09/2019
4.8 out of 5 rating

Linea is a Boss!

None of it would have been possible without Linea, the event manager, at 21C. When we first met her we knew we were in good hands. She stayed in touch regularly while designing the menu and table layout in the space. She took care of everything perfectly during the pre-ceremony, cocktail hour, and room flip. She addressed any issues without needing to add more stress to our busy day.
B
Bill Sent on 03/09/2017
4.8 out of 5 rating
If you event is int he 80 - 120 number of wedding guests, the 21c team are just great pros at what they do. Great venue. Food and drink were raved about by our guests. Every question or service need we had was quickly and expertly responded to by the 21c team.
P
Angie Sent on 11/13/2016
4.6 out of 5 rating
We loved having our wedding at 21C Museum Hotel. While the initial booking, etc. was a little difficult due to changing staff, once things got set and we began working with Eli (room blocks) and Celia (event manager), everything went very smoothly. Communication was a little slow, but we always received answers to all of our many questions within a week or two. Our guests LOVED the venue. It is so unique to the Durham area and it was so fun to be surrounded by art (and pink penguins!). The food was DELICIOUS and the day went off without a hitch. Our guests were so impressed with the venue and how unique it was. Truly the best day and I am so happy with our decision to hold this important day here.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

19

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Poppy Belle Event & Floral Design Poppy Belle Event & Floral Design Wedding Florists

21C is the perfect venue for the alternative bride! I love this place so much. It inspires such unique designs, my heart skips beats! And the staff is wonderful to work with. Your wedding is only as good as your vendors, so choose this venue team for the best wedding possible!

All Around Raleigh DJ Company All Around Raleigh DJ Company Wedding DJs

21c is a phenomenal wedding venue! We have DJ'ed there many times and it absolutely beautiful and eclectic in all the right ways! The service is amazing in every way. We highly recommend!

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Map

21c Museum Hotel frequently asked questions

21c Museum Hotel includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Linens
  • Set Up
  • Tables
21c Museum Hotel includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Dessert
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at 21c Museum Hotel includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • Champagne Toast
  • House Beer
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
The space offered by 21c Museum Hotel for wedding events is known for:
  • Art Gallery
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet Hall
  • Historic Building
  • Hotel
  • Museum
  • Restaurant
21c Museum Hotel offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
21c Museum Hotel offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
21c Museum Hotel offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Liability Insurance
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
21c Museum Hotel offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Lighting
  • Tables
21c Museum Hotel is recommended by 81% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.1 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.3 in flexibility, 4.2 in professionalism, 4.1 in quality of service, 4.1 in value and 3.6 in average response time.
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