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About

On WeddingWire since 2016

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
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Frequently asked questions

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

Yes

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

Yes

Which of the following are included in 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)

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

Pricing information

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4.1 out of 5 rating
19 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    4.1 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    3.6 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.2 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.1 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.3 out of 5 rating
78% Recommended by couples
R
Ramsey S. 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!
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!
Charlene
Charlene C. 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.
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Awards

19

Team

Josh Kauffman
Josh Kauffman
Food & Beverage Director

My name is Josh Kauffman and I am the Food & Beverage Director of 21c Durham. Over the years I have sharpened my hospitality in a variety of settings: boutique hotels, chef-inspired restaurants and historic wedding venues. A few things have always remained constant: my dedication to detail and love of planning events of all sizes. 21c has given me the opportunity to combine all my experiences and offer you the perfect setting for your special day!

Tracy  Lindskoog
Tracy Lindskoog
Event Sales Manager

Hello! Thank you for considering 21c Durham for your special wedding celebration!

I would be happy to chat with you regarding our wedding packages, beautiful spaces and delicous catering options! Please let me know if you and your partner would like to schedule a visit...I would love to show you the gorgeous gallery spaces!

Thanks again and Congratulations on your engagement!

Tracy

tracy.lindskoog@21chotels.com | (919) 956-6712

Jon Finnegan
Jon Finnegan
Event Manager

Hiya! My name is Jon and I’m your guy for all things setup, catering, A/V, valet, and any other special requests you might have. Together we will plan your dream wedding here at the historic Hill Building.

For the last 10 years I’ve worked in New York City with dozens of private chefs, catering companies, and global brands to execute anything from large scale events to private luxury dinners. I am thrilled to start a new journey in the Triangle and here at the fabulous 21c Museum Hotel. Come join us!

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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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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