8 Raleigh Outdoor Wedding Venues for an Epic Backdrop
Couples planning an al fresco wedding in the Triangle area should definitely check out these outdoor wedding venues in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Outdoor wedding venues in Raleigh, North Carolina provide couples with an ethereal setting for any type of celebration. The Southern metropolis is filled with historic buildings, picturesque golf courses, and even swoon-worthy gardens that all evoke a unique aesthetic. So, if you’ve been browsing Raleigh wedding venues and need help narrowing down your favorites, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the best outdoor settings in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas for you and your S.O. to peruse. Whether you opt for the well-known Merrimon-Wynne House or you prefer something out in the country, these outdoor wedding venues near Raleigh, North Carolina ooze romance and Southern charm.
Here are our favorite outdoor wedding venues in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Fearrington Village
Couples hoping to find a picturesque ranch setting for their outdoor nuptials will fall in love with Fearrington Village. Located about 30 minutes away from Raleigh on a historic dairy farm, Fearrington evokes a romantic aesthetic that’s totally fit for an al fresco wedding. Featuring five different garden ceremony locations, a vintage 1927 barn, and a stunning open-air terrace, Fearrington provides couples with several spaces to host an unforgettable celebration. Along with its outdoor settings, the venue includes an exceptional on-site wedding and culinary team to ensure that your wedding day is not only stress-free, but also exceeds expectations. Planning an intimate reception? The Fearrington offers couples with a smaller guest count the option to rent out a few private dining rooms at their award-winning Fearrington House Restaurant, too. Whether you're hoping to exchange “I dos” surrounded by lush florals and greenery or want to dance the night away underneath twinkling string lights, this historic ranch is definitely one of our favorite Raleigh wedding venues.
Learn more about Fearrington Village here »
The Merrimon-Wynne House
Nestled right in the heart of Raleigh, The Merrimon-Wynne House is the perfect choice for couples looking for a charming setting for “I dos.” This historic mansion has a beautiful (and spacious!) lawn that couples can use for their outdoor ceremony. It can host up to 250 guests and also includes an indoor location. Inside the Carriage House, guests will be greeted with hanging crystal chandeliers, hardwood floors, and cozy fireplaces—so couples will need little décor if they opt for this Raleigh wedding venue.
Learn more about The Merrimon-Wynne House here »
Haywood Hall Museum House & Gardens
Also known as the Treasurer John Haywood House, this historic home and museum is a great choice for hosting an al fresco wedding. The Haywood Hall Museum House & Gardens, which is conveniently located in downtown Raleigh, easily evokes a classic setting with the help of its outdoor patio and gazebo ceremony site. Couples can host both their ceremony and reception at the Haywood Hall Museum House & Gardens, since the property can hold up to 150 guests. From enchanting ceremonies surrounded by abundant gardens, to formal seated dinners in the backyard patio, Haywood Hall is a wonderful venue in the Triangle area.
Learn more about Haywood Hall Museum House & Gardens here »
Villa de l’Amour
Known as the “House of Love”, Villa de l’Amour is a Mediterranean-style wedding venue that has a gorgeous space for outdoor soirées. The open courtyard includes red brick, whimsical water fountains, and majestic trees to create a one-of-a-kind setting for vows and receptions. Couples can easily dress up the courtyard with greenery, various reception seating, and other wedding details to create the look and feel they’ve always envisioned for their big day. The Villa also includes an indoor option that can comfortably hold up to 300 guests for couples who hope to have both an indoor and outdoor venue.
Learn more about Villa de l’Amour here »
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
If you’re looking for a classic country or golf club setting for your outdoor wedding, then definitely check out Washington Duke Inn & Country Club. Located just outside of Raleigh in Durham, North Carolina, this golf course provides a breathtaking backdrop of gardens and fairways for couples to utilize for their big day. Choose between two different outdoor settings, The Presidential Terrace or the Terrace on the Green to host any type of wedding, big or small. With a maximum capacity of 400 guests and also several indoor ballroom options, you definitely won’t be disappointed with this all-inclusive wedding venue.
Learn more about Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club here »
The Little Herb House
Calling all rustic-loving couples! The Little Herb House is fab locale for throwing a gorge outdoor bash. This outdoor wedding venue in Raleigh includes use of a charming 40-year-old-barn that’s surrounded by open pasture and tranquil herb gardens (hence the name!). It’s also a hotspot for hosting all sorts of wedding-related events, since the farm can accommodate up to 300 guests. From its wow-worthy sunsets and rolling pastures to its three-acre pond, The Little Herb House is a beautiful wedding venue for North Carolina couples.
Learn more about The Little Herb House here »
Solas
Couples looking for a swanky place to exchange vows that also includes an outdoor location should add Solas to their venue list. Solas is a unique wedding venue in Raleigh that offers five different event spaces. Out of the five event spaces, two of the rooms offer couples an outdoor space for ceremonies and reception. The Rooftop Level is the most popular for ceremonies, since it overlooks Glenwood South and includes use of the venue’s private cabanas for lounge areas and more. Along with having a killer rooftop space, Solas also offers several other amenities, like customized menus bar services and more.
Old Lystra Inn
Old Lystra Inn is another one of our favorite outdoor wedding venues that’s near Raleigh because it is filled with Southern charm. Nestled in Chapel Hill, Old Lystra Inn is a renovated 19th century farmhouse that features towering oak trees and 10 acres of private property for couples to throw a killer party. The vintage estate is family-owned and includes two uncovered outdoor spaces that can be used for ceremonies and receptions. Couples can opt for a tented reception or to have an open-air reception where they can spend the evening celebrating underneath the North Carolina stars. No matter the wedding style or type of event, Old Lystra Inn is guaranteed to provide an aesthetic that you and your guests will be talking about for years to come.
