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Weddings

About

The Durham Exchange is a historic wedding venue located in Durham, NC. The beautiful red brick buildings have become a pivotal place of connection in the community, carrying with it a message of hope and inclusion.

We provide two on-site managers to help you keep your event on track. You and your partner are more than welcome to bring in vendors of your choice, or you can select from our list of preferred vendors. Get-ready suites are available so you can prepare for your big moment, while the prep kitchen offers a space for your caterers to do the same. Chairs, tables, linens, and even a wedding arch can be provided by the venue to streamline the event. Speakers, microphones, and a projector are at your disposal. The sites boast ample parking and are wheelchair accessible to accommodate all your loved ones.

The Durham Exchange is a 1,650 square foot event space and the ability to host up to 90 guests, this gorgeous venue can provide the ideal space for weddings, big and small. The building began its life as a cotton mill in 1917. Its name today celebrates the life and legacy of emancipated leader and the first African-American landowner in Durham, John O’Daniel, who managed the mill. In the 1930s, The Farmer’s Exchange took place in the old mill building; a farmers market run exclusively by Durham women. The modern Exchange continues this tradition of collaboration, communication, and hope by providing workspaces for nonprofits and minority businesses. The goal of The Durham Exchange is to affect change for those in systemic poverty. When you book your wedding at this extraordinary location, you too will become a part of its historic mission.

  • 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?

$2,000

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

$1,250

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?

$2,000

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

$1,250

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

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Clean Up
Lighting/Sound
Parking
Set Up
Tables

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

1

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Banquet Hall
Historic Building
Loft

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
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?

Clean Up
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What event items are available?

Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Lighting
Tables

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
December

Reviews of The Durham Exchange

Veronica
Veronica Sent on 12/17/2019
5 out of 5 rating

The Wedding Exchange

I needed a venue to host a writing workshop. This location provided ample s[ace, electrical outlets for laptop connections, projector for my power point presentation, etc. This space has such an inviting atmosphere and privacy not only to host the event, but to serve brunch all in one place. The staff is very responsive and excellent to work with. The quality of service is superb !
L
Lillian Sent on 12/16/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Top Notch Customer Service

Ellory and her team were nothing short of amazing throughout the wedding planning process for my October 5th couple, Moriah and Adam. If we had any questions about the space, she was quick to respond with an answer and any needed suggestions.
S
Sabrina Sent on 08/07/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Bailey wedding

I loved my wedding experience at the wedding exchange they were very helpful and attentive they helped me stay out if bridezilla mode i live amy and lisa the vintage look of my venue portrayed in my pictures very beautiful and my family enjoyed themselves
C
Classiqcreations Sent on 02/09/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Great Space for a Holiday Gathering!

I absolutely enjoyed hosting my husbands Holiday Party at the Wedding Exchange! Amy was so great communicating with me throughout the process and Amanda was AWESOME on the day of!
M
Markeeda Sent on 10/23/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing!!! Durham’s gem....

Amy & Lisa were AMAZING! So helpful, super organized and communication was top notch. The venue was amazing and we are STILL getting compliments on such an awesome event! Thanks so much!,
P
Patricia Sent on 08/27/2018
5 out of 5 rating
We had such a great time, it’s a great place. It is small but very cozy and comforting, just updated.
D
Deanna Sent on 08/21/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Amy was so helpful, informative, and was always upbeat! I will definitely let everyone know that this place is a go to.
E
Erika Sent on 06/19/2018
5 out of 5 rating
All the staff was amazing. Lisa is the greatest. My mom really enjoyed her 60th birthday party. Thanks so much ladies.
L
Lisa Sent on 03/06/2018
5 out of 5 rating
The Wedding Exchange was the perfect spot for our intimate renewal ceremony. It has that inviting feeling from the moment you enter the building. I couldn't have had a better experience, the staff was so kind and made sure everything was perfect.
A
Amanda Sent on 08/17/2017
5 out of 5 rating
I am absolutely in love with me entire experience. The team here with The Wedding Exchange did everything to help ease my stress and make decision-making as easy as possible. I am so grateful for them. The wedding was beautiful, they truly transformed the space and we had everything we needed in one place. Plus, the energy in the building is absolutely beautiful and the hallways are adorned with gorgeous artwork. This is a really trendy spot to have a unique wedding that every guest will remember for all the right reasons.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

11
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Events in a Box, Inc Events in a Box, Inc Wedding Planners

I have worked past events with this venue and, as Planner, I was delighted and beyond pleased at their services. They worked very hard to make sure that my clients needs were met. I would definitely recommend them for your wedding!!

Preferred Vendors
Timmester Photography
5.0 out of 5 rating , 105 reviews
· Wedding Photographers
Southern Harvest Catering Company
4.8 out of 5 rating , 50 reviews
· Wedding Caterers
Sassool
5.0 out of 5 rating , 43 reviews
· Restaurant Weddings
Poppy Belle Event & Floral Design
4.9 out of 5 rating , 99 reviews
· Wedding Florists
JD Silverthorne
5.0 out of 5 rating , 48 reviews
· Wedding DJs
Royal Lewis Music Services
5.0 out of 5 rating , 36 reviews
· Wedding DJs

Map

The Durham Exchange frequently asked questions

The Durham Exchange includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The space offered by The Durham Exchange for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet Hall
  • Historic Building
  • Loft
The Durham Exchange offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
The Durham Exchange offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The Durham Exchange offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Clean Up
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Wifi
The Durham Exchange offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Altar/Arch
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Lighting
  • Tables
The Durham Exchange is recommended by 96% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 5 in average response time, 4.9 in value, 4.6 in quality of service, 4.6 in flexibility and 4.6 in professionalism.

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