We researched (via calling & emailing) over 50 different venues in Charlotte, NC/Concord, NC/Matthew, NC and related areas. We visited about 10 different venues. None of them made the cut.
Most venues wanted us to have THEIR wedding not OURS. They wanted us to use their caterer, pay their ridiculously over-priced prices, play their songs with their musicians, so on and so forth. As awkward as it may seem, we actually wanted to have a wedding that was OURS. We were both raised in the church and could not imagine our wedding not being in a church, but we were very close to giving up on having our wedding in a church. I totally understand why people use random event halls or party rooms or even clubs - they are just more flexible, easier to work with, and less rigid regarding how you have your wedding.
We randomly came across Westford United Methodist Church in Concord, NC and this church is beautiful. Very well-organized, very clean, very adequate parking lot space, beautiful outdoors for outdoor pictures, absolutely gorgeous indoor facility. Their church has a walk-through to their reception hall building. The church seats 350 comfortably and the reception area can seat up to 500.
The price was EXTREMELY low..I mean, if I told you you would actually be upset with us. We received two buildings, the entire parking lot, the whole area rented for the entire day for a price that was about 75% less than the competitors lowest quote.
In terms of their policies, every single policy they had fell right in line with our policies. We had no arguments with anything they said, and it was basic Christian beliefs that all Christians should uphold. But nothing ridiculous that isn't even found in the Bible. No made up rules, no annoying rigid boundaries. We brought in our own minister, we had our own music, we had our own wedding planner/caterer/EVERYTHING was our own people that we hired. I would recommend this church for any wedding in Charlotte, NC - you WILL NOT be dissappointed.
Oh. and I can't believe I forgot to mention - the people at this church were the absolute sweetest/kindest/and most warm-hearted people we have worked with before - the light of Christ's love shined brightly through them and our entire family was ministered to by their Christlike love.
