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Old Lystra Inn
Old Lystra Inn
Snow Postcard
Snow Postcard
FirePit
FirePit
Summer
Summer
Paul Green in Ceremony Area
Paul Green in Ceremony Area
Facing Woods
Facing Woods
Crystal Chandeliers/Tent Liner
Crystal Chandeliers/Tent Liner
Fall Angle
Fall Angle
Rolls with Wedding Party
Rolls with Wedding Party
Whole Tent from Magnolias
Whole Tent from Magnolias
Yard Games
Yard Games
Under the Magnolia
Under the Magnolia
2nd Tier looking to Woods
2nd Tier looking to Woods
Special Forces Sabers
Special Forces Sabers
Moon Rise Front
Moon Rise Front
1960s Magnolia
1960s Magnolia
Mossy Oak
Mossy Oak
OLI Logo
OLI Logo
Beth and Tony
Beth and Tony
Small Ceremony with Lights
Small Ceremony with Lights
Paul Green at Cabin 1973
Paul Green at Cabin 1973
Sparkler Exit Front
Sparkler Exit Front
Tent and Market Lights
Tent and Market Lights
Wedding Party at Cabin Side
Wedding Party at Cabin Side
Clear Umbrellas for the Party
Clear Umbrellas for the Party
Paul Green at Gate
Paul Green at Gate
Front at Night
Front at Night
Rolls Dip Kiss
Rolls Dip Kiss
Dress at Cabin Front
Dress at Cabin Front
Paul Green Cabin Office
Paul Green Cabin Office
Military Men
Military Men
Bamboo Near Parking
Bamboo Near Parking
Throwback Army Uniform
Throwback Army Uniform
Dress on Cabin Door
Dress on Cabin Door
Christmas and Market Lights
Christmas and Market Lights
Christmas Lights
Christmas Lights
Rameses Says We Are No. 1
Rameses Says We Are No. 1
Our View at Daughter's Wedding
Our View at Daughter's Wedding
License To Speed
License To Speed
Old Lystra Inn Sign
Old Lystra Inn Sign
American Yellowwood in Bloom
American Yellowwood in Bloom
Far and Near Front Angle
Far and Near Front Angle
Tent Inside
Tent Inside
Tent Inside at Night
Tent Inside at Night
Ceremony Seating
Ceremony Seating
Inn Front
Inn Front
Old inn
Old inn
Pathway
Pathway
Gate area
Gate area
White inn
White inn
Vintage wedding
Vintage wedding
Sweet
Sweet
Vintage style
Vintage style
Bouquets
Bouquets
Porch Fruit
Porch Fruit
Porch Hors d'oeuvres
Porch Hors d'oeuvres
BoHo Woods Table Wide
BoHo Woods Table Wide
BoHo Woods Table
BoHo Woods Table

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About

FALL 2021 DATES STILL AVAILABLE!

As an unconfined, completely outdoor and tented facility, we are able to host gorgeous and safe events! Please email to discuss how we can accomodate the FALL 2021 event you've been dreaming of!

Old Lystra Inn is a historic wedding venue located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Couples will experience a 1890’s renovated farmhouse nestled under towering oak trees on this 10-acre property. They pride themselves on their flexibility and allowing your unique vision to come to life. Old Lystra Inn promises to let your creativity and innovative ideas flourish.

Facilities and Capacity
Couples can accommodate up to 176 guests at this vintage-style venue. They offer two beautiful outdoor options on their spacious estate. You can say your “I do’s” under gorgeous oak trees, and then dance the night away under the stars. If you prefer some coverage, Old Lystra Inn will provide a 40-foot by 80-foot tent for your ceremony or reception.

Services Offered
This full-service wedding venue allows each couple's exclusive use of their property for 14 hours the day of their celebration. There are private bridal and groom’s suites where you can start your day, complete with refreshing beverages. A hair and makeup studio is also available for you and your bridal party, and they'll provide light snacks for the ladies. For your ceremony, they'll provide white wooden chairs, and for your reception your guests can sit on cross-back oak wooden chairs. Round tables are also included, along with assistance setting up and cleaning up. Additional services include:

  • All-inclusive packages
  • Parking with attendant
  • Outside vendors
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Outside alcohol
  • Rehearsal time
  • Bridal portrait time


History
This one-of-a-kind inn was owned by Pulitzer prize winner, Paul Green. Now, it’s run by Beth and Tony Pendola, who have been married for over 30 years. They felt that they had to compromise on their wedding day, because they couldn't find a venue that let them do exactly what they wanted. Since then, they’ve vowed to be a location where couples can make their special day everything they dreamed it to be.


  • Woman-owned
illustration popular

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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 the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Clean Up
Parking
Set Up
Tables

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Inn/B&B

What kind of settings are available?

Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

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
Clean Up
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

Reviews of Old Lystra Inn

Write a review
Write a review
Old Lystra Inn - 1
Old Lystra Inn - 2
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+66 User photos
Old Lystra Inn - 4
Sam
Sam Sent on 02/02/2021
5 out of 5 rating

An Absolute Dream Come True

If you're looking for southern charm, unmatched hospitality, and venue owners that immediately feel like family - look no further. Beth, Tony, and their family members went above and beyond to give us a wedding that was a magical dream come true. The historic venue was the backbone to our simple southern style- complete with a gorgeous fire pit that kept our guests warm and a romantic garden-party style ceremony setting with gorgeous magnolia and bamboo trees as far as the eye can see. The groomsmen enjoyed their classy and comfortable suite upstairs while the bridesmaids got ready in the sunlit hair & makeup room. Not to mention the luxury we experienced in the gorgeous bridal suite that gave us lots of room to relax, dress, take photos, etc. From planning to execution, this venue delivered above and beyond what we ever could of hoped for! So take the leap, give them a call, and schedule a visit. Starting our lives here as husband and wife was the greatest choice we have ever made and we have no doubt you will love it too!
  • Old Lystra Inn - 5
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  • +4 photos
    Old Lystra Inn - 7
Lea
Lea Sent on 05/15/2025
5 out of 5 rating

The authenticity of this venue and of its owners is unmatched

Old Lystra Inn was the best decision we ever made! If you are a nature lover and are looking for that fairy tale tranquil wedding day ambience, this is your venue. Not only is the property gorgeous, spacious, and versatile, but it is owned by the most incredible hosts. They were quick to respond to any questions during our planning and made every effort to be flexible when needed. They are some of the friendliest people and genuinely care to make your wedding day special and perfect. I cannot recommend this venue enough!
Ashley
Ashley Sent on 02/03/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Feels like the mountains 10 min outside of Chapel Hill

Beth and Tony were wonderful to work with! We were absolutely in love with the landscape, fireplace and tent. Felt very much like who we are as a couple and we luckily had stunning (if not cold) weather! Highly recommend. Great facilities for getting ready and plenty of room!
  • Old Lystra Inn - 8
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  • Old Lystra Inn - 10
Nicole
Nicole Sent on 04/18/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Timeless Venue, Genuine Hosts!

Our wedding experience was very unique due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, my husband and I got married at Old Lystra in an intimate wedding ceremony. A year later, we would finally have our wedding celebration with all our friends and family together. During those two years, we were able to get to know Beth & Tony, and quickly discovered what genuine and caring people they were. From being so flexible with rescheduling multiple times because of gathering restrictions, giving us fair pricing when booking, being available to help answer any questions or concerns we had, to making our special day(s) personalized right down to the very last detail. Throughout our entire experience with Beth & Tony, they treated us like family and helped in any possible way they could. For instance, on our wedding day, we wanted to live stream our event so our friends and family members could watch from home. Beth & Tony went as far as helping setup the computer and figuring out all the connections and wiring in order to make it work. They even stood by during the ceremony to monitor the live stream and ensure it continued working. NO OTHER venue would have gone above and beyond the way Beth & Tony did! My husband and I are forever grateful for our experience with them and for their gracious hospitality. For any future couples searching for the perfect place to get married, Old Lystra will not disappoint! We promise you'll get more love, happiness, and priceless memories than you could ever bargain for!
A
Alice Sent on 11/08/2021
5 out of 5 rating

The Absolute Best Venue!

We cannot recommend the Old Lystra Inn enough; they are the perfect venue run by the best people! After a series of COVID-related venue disasters, we were desperate to find a venue only a few months before our wedding. Beth and Tony at the Old Lystra Inn were there for us. They were helpful, kind, and supportive through the entire process. The house and grounds could not be more beautiful and getting to spend time there with our wedding party the day of was so relaxing and fun. Our guests loved the space and Tony and Beth were the most accommodating, generous hosts we could have asked for. We can never thank them enough. Everyone should get married at the Old Lystra Inn!
R
Riann Sent on 10/20/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Highly recommend!

Such a pretty venue and extremely flexible with multiple reschedules during COVID! Couldn’t recommend enough!
Deborah
Deborah Sent on 09/27/2021
5 out of 5 rating

An absolutely amazing and beautiful place!

The Old Lystra Inn is so elegant! If you like the outdoors and are looking for a classic place for your wedding, look no further. There are so many aspects of the Inn you will fall in love with. Beth and Tony are great hosts and very supportive throughout the planning process. They allow you to select your own vendors but provide recommendations on those who have been great to work with. You will have access to the Inn on your special day with very spacious bridal and groom suites. We were so ecstatic to be able to make our lifetime memories at the Old Lystra Inn! Thank you Beth and Tony for everything! Deborah and Dave Miller
  • Old Lystra Inn - 11
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  • +3 photos
    Old Lystra Inn - 13
Becca
Becca Sent on 09/26/2021
5 out of 5 rating

We love Old Lystra Inn!

Our wedding at Old Lystra Inn was an absolute dream come true! It checked all our boxes and then some-- a beautiful, intimate gathering space, flexibility in choosing our vendors, and a delightful team to work with us throughout. The scenery provided by the venue is gorgeous in photos, and allows a huge amount of space for guests to enjoy. We loved the opportunity to spread out, play lawn games, and have a camp fire for marshmallow roasting.

Tony & Beth are accommodating, easy-going, and there to make sure your day is exactly as you hope it to be. They made the entire planning process (even amidst COVID) stress-free.
Kelsey
Kelsey Sent on 04/30/2021
5 out of 5 rating

The Most Magical Place!!

The Old Lystra Inn, Ashley, and the Pendola family are just lovely! Not only was the venue breathtaking, but it provided the best space for us and our guests to play and celebrate — HUGE cathedral tent, outdoor restrooms, double lawn space, patio, and bonfire area. We had the time of our lives and so did our guests! We would 100% recommend this place and people to help host your most special day!
  • Old Lystra Inn - 14
E
Emily Sent on 09/12/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Prom under the stars

Old Lystra in is absolutely amazing! Its a beautiful rustic chic venue. They have multiple amazing places for photos so everyone is unique. It ended up raining at my event but they supplied the cutest clear umbrellas. They really thought of everything! The owners of Old Lystra Inn are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. I’m so thankful that they opened up there land and home for others to enjoy. If prom was this amazing I can only imagine how wonderful weddings must be! I hope to come to more events here
  • Old Lystra Inn - 15
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Awards

24
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner

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Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Emily Katherine Events Emily Katherine Events Wedding Planners

Old Lystra Inn is easily one of my favorite wedding venues! Beth and Tony are terribly nice, helpful, and genuinely passionate about weddings. Planning weddings here is an enjoyable process, and I look forward to many more Old Lystra Weddings!

Map

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Wedding Venues Chapel Hill Historic Venues Chapel Hill

Old Lystra Inn frequently asked questions

Old Lystra Inn includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The space offered by Old Lystra Inn for wedding events is known for:
  • Historic Building
  • Inn/B&B
Old Lystra Inn offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Old Lystra Inn offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Old Lystra Inn offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Clean Up
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
Old Lystra Inn is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
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