Newly engaged and CANNOT find a venue!!

philandstacie · August 2010

We are up for getting married in Wilmington, Emerald Isle, or the Raleigh area (we live in Raleigh)... but we cannot make a decision. Can anyone give us advice?

We really like a few places in Wilmington but they are so expensive, and I think we would like to do Raleigh if we can, but we really do not know of a lot of places, I've contacted Velvet Cloak Inn and Sisters' Catering but that's all I could really find.
As far as Emerald Isle, we realized it was like Wilmington only cheaper, but we couldn't get the aquarium so we were looking for ideas on other places.

For the first time ever, I'm watching the budget, trying to make sure we don't break the bank, and groom-to-be wants fancy and everything! :-)

Mle2011 · August 2010

when are you getting married? is outdoor a possibility? If so, have you looked at the arboretums? since it's a "public" space it might not be as pricey, and the ones both in wilmington and raleigh are beautiful! How many people are you looking at? is it an evening wedding? with/without children? The Dirty Martini is FREE to rent for a reception, but I think it's no children. plus you'd have to rent the tables etc. Oh and it's in wilmington. which aquarium were you looking at on emerald isle? have you checked out Fort Fisher Aquarium? or try any number of museums, they normally will rent out sections too! GL and congrats!

philandstacie · August 2010

Thanks!!

We have an appointment with the aquarium at Ft. Fisher, Emerald Isle was booked, we are looking for May 2011. Hopefully in the afternoon, so people who traveled two hours away can be home for church the next morning. Yes on children and outdoor is a possibility, I just want to make sure we have a back-up with that in the event it rains.. :-)

ktyd8 · August 2010

Surf Side Center in Surf City, NC (Topsail Island) which is about 30 min from Wilmington. I got married there in May. Very inexpensive but amazing. It's right on the ocean. No permit needed to have your ceremony on the beach.

http://surfcity.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=GALLERY&SEC={50799440-4A1F-4E5F-B260-C62D69B9BC2B}

NcsuPsych · August 2010

Mind if I ask how many people you think will be attending / what your relative budget is?

I know of a few places in the Raleigh area, but they vary in budget prices.
Also, have you tried the search engine here on the Knot to locate some? You can also narrow them down by price

)

Welcome to the board!

hmz819 · August 2010

Do you know how many people yet? There are a couple cool venues in Wilmington but they are smaller.

FutureMrsFraser · August 2010

I'm having my reception at Halyburton Park Events Center in WIlmington, it's very inexpensive, and holds 110 people. There are good places in the Wilmington area that aren't expensive, you just have to look a little outside of the normal wedding venue category to find them.

I searched in Raleigh before Wilmington, and I found Wilmington to be much more inexpensive.

CJ4578 · August 2010

I've been posting about this for weeks (I'll shut up about it sometime, but it was a really fun wedding!)- try the Cape Fear River Deck at Chandler's Wharf in Wilmington. I went to a beautiful wedding there recently and groom said it was pretty reasonable. Catering was really yummy too, but I don't know who they used.

LOVE the aquarium at Ft. Fisher, it would be a great place to have a reception. Hope your meeting goes well!

HTH!

alliegator8 · August 2010

I second the Surf City Center. I am getting married there on Sept 19th. Right on the beach. it's beautiful!

zingaro1000 · August 2010

Check out 128 South Events, they are fairly new but have a really unique venue. Since they are new, their prices are pretty reasonable. Plus, their catering is awesome! I'm doing my own wedding there in September, it can seat about 115.

[Deleted User] · August 2010

Hi Stacie,

Had the same problem as you. We just booked ours in Raleigh at Marbles Kids Museum. They are mid-range price, but think they are booked for May. We mainly chose because it holds 250 and you can bring your own alcohol, which will save money.

You may want to try the N.C. Science Museum or History Museum. I know science is open in May as we went to look at it. Reasonably priced.

This is a good comprehensive site: http://www.southernbrideandgroom.com/banquet.shtml.

My email is hlcrews@gmail if you have any questions. I have a whole spreadsheet of venues and pricing in Raleigh if you want. Glad to share, as I know what a pain it was trying to find a place!

Good luck.

shigaites · August 2010

I'm also using the Surf Side Center in May. It's very inexpensive and they let you bring in all your own vendors. And you don't have to worry about renting tables and chairs if you don't want to.

LBM7189 · August 2010

I had my wedding at The Matthews House in Cary, NC. It was basically a 1 stop shop- all linens, chairs, catering, planning was included. I had to find outside flowers and cake, but that was it! Plus, we got to spend the night there in the brial suite, so that saved money too............i can accomodate up to like 500 people I believe

Newly engaged and CANNOT find a venue!!

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