Unique Raleigh Wedding Venue Options You Should Consider

No two weddings are the same. That said, if you’re saying “I do” in the Triangle of North Carolina, it’s likely that we have photographed your venue(s) before. In 2022, over 7,000 weddings were held in the City of Oaks. There are approximately 80 wedding venue options in and around Raleigh. For this reason, we are excited to share two unique Raleigh wedding venue options with you on our blog. 

Elisa Christopher and Joseph Hurd held their fall wedding ceremony at All Saints Chapel - a vintage Episcopal chapel in downtown Raleigh’s historic Oakwood neighborhood. All Saints Chapel features heart pine wood beams and 19th-century stained glass windows.‍ After the ceremony, Elisa and Joe’s loved ones were whisked to Whitaker & Atlantic for a fabulous wedding reception. Unlike All Saints Chapel, Whitaker & Atlantic is a more modern event space with contemporary lighting and decor. This unique Raleigh wedding venue can host 150 seated guests or 300 standing. In contrast, All Saints Chapel can seat up to 200 guests for a ceremony and only 120 for a seated dinner. It is not unusual for Raleigh couples to host their ceremony at All Saints Chapel and reception at an alternate wedding venue with a bit more wiggle room. All Saints Chapel and Whitaker & Atlantic are only an 8-minute drive apart and pair perfectly for a North Carolina wedding extravaganza. 

Elisa and Joe’s wedding weekend went off without a hitch thanks to Premier Party Planners. Raleigh-based Premier Party Planners is a full-service wedding and event planning boutique that serves the Triangle area and beyond. Their philosophy is simple: couples should feel like a guest at their own wedding. Fancy This Photography couldn’t agree more! This is why we (your wedding vendor team) spend hours preparing for your event by analyzing timeline details, ceremony and reception locations, and more. Nikki used a Nikon D750 and D850 with support from second shooter Sarah Gillie to capture Elisa and Joe’s special day. Keep scrolling to see more images from this beautiful Raleigh wedding.  

Built in 1875, consider All Saints Chapel one of the most unique Raleigh wedding venue options.

Raleigh wedding hair and makeup by Hello Pretty You and The Pretty Barrette.

Unique Raleigh Wedding Venue Options: All Saints Chapel 

All Saints Chapel is an architectural wonder that has witnessed weddings for over 145 years. There are many reasons why this is one of Fancy This Photography’s favorite unique Raleigh wedding venue options. Sandwiched between live oak trees and wrought iron fences, All Saints Chapel’s iconic entrance is just a taste of the beauty that awaits inside. 

Architecture is everything. First, let us praise the venue’s symmetry and shapes. Curved archways and exposed wooden beams create picturesque frames for wedding day portraits. Natural light filtering through 19th century stained glass windows creates a magical ambiance. Fancy This Photography delights in capturing the light as it casts rainbows upon the betrothed and their loved ones. All Saints Chapel rental includes on-site getting ready suites, a sound system with wireless mics, and parking. 

Elisa and Joe hired Durham-based flower shop Tre Bella to adorn the chapel with ceremonial blooms. Candles encased in glass lanterns and loose greenery decorated each side of the aisle. At the altar, Tre Bella placed two ornate vessels filled with white and green florals on both sides of a magnificent mantel. The classic wedding flowers and decor complimented All Saints Chapel’s natural beauty.

Autumn Brand, member of The One Eighties band, played live violin music as Elisa was escorted down the aisle. The entire wedding ceremony scene dripped with romance. Keep scrolling as we move from All Saints Chapel to Whitaker & Atlantic, another unique Raleigh wedding venue to consider.

These beautiful wedding bouquets were created by Tre Bella in Durham, North Carolina.

“I love the quaintness and color inside All Saints Chapel,” Nikki says. “It is romantic and gives off an old time love feeling.”

Unique Raleigh Wedding Venue Options You Should Consider: Whitaker & Atlantic

If you have ever grabbed drinks at Lynnwood Brewing Concern or sandwiches at Wilson’s Eatery, you were in close proximity to one of Raleigh’s best wedding venues. Whitaker & Atlantic is a local gem hiding in plain sight within Dock 1053. High ceilings, concrete floors, and modern light fixtures are just a few features that attract couples to this warehouse event space. 

Whitaker & Atlantic can seat up to 150 or 300 standing. Elisa and Joe hosted cocktail hour on the venue’s extensive outdoor patio and saved the indoor space for dinner, dessert, and dancing. The covered, open-air patio is spacious and sparkles beneath bistro string lights.

Couples who get married at Whitaker & Atlantic also have the option to work with in-house caterer PoshNosh. Scrumptious cocktail hour appetizers by PoshNosh set the tone for an exquisite evening. 

Fancy This Photography’s Favorite Wedding Moment

One of Nikki’s favorite moments from Elisa and Joe’s wedding happened before the newlyweds joined the reception. Above Whitaker & Atlantic’s grand room is a private suite used for wardrobe changes and quiet moments. The suite’s vibrant pink couch and retro gold decor make it a can’t-miss photo opportunity.  

“I loved photographing Elisa and Joe on that pink couch at Whitaker & Atlantic,” Nikki says. “They were so at ease with one another, joking and having fun. The playfulness came out in them, because the hard part was done. This was just a sweet time to witness.” 

Rad Reception at Whitaker & Atlantic Raleigh Wedding Venue 

Elisa and Joe’s wedding reception at Whitaker & Atlantic was warm, bright, and full of joy. A head table anchored the room with candles and an asymmetrical floral backdrop by Tre Bella. Timeless linens and party rentals from Party Reflections decorated each table. Mid-century modern chairs with warm wood finishes were the cherry on top of this wedding reception design. 

“Whitaker & Atlantic is dark inside, but that is where the magic of light comes in,” Nikki says. “I love the exposed brick and rolling garage doors.”

Photos in Motion 

You need to know that a photographer can take high-quality photos of people in motion when selecting the person to capture your wedding. Dances, toasts, and cake cutting are just a few of the action-packed moments you’ll want to remember forever in film. Request to see a full real wedding gallery from a photographer before booking. That way, you can see how the photographer captures people in motion from walking down the aisle to sparkler exits.

Cake // Once in a Blue Moon Bakery

DJ // Just Drew

Want to see more Fancy This Photography real wedding galleries at All Saints Chapel and Whitaker & Atlantic? Click on the links below. 

Zach Durham and Jessie Nash’s All Saints Chapel Wedding 

Chenoa Hill and Ricky Saltzer’s Whitaker & Atlantic Wedding

Photographer //  Fancy This Photography
Ceremony // All Saints Chapel 
Reception // Whitaker & Atlantic 
Planning // Premier Party Planners
Violinist // Autumn Rose Brand
Catering // PoshNosh Raleigh
Beauty // Hello Pretty You & The Pretty Barrette 
Flowers // Tre Bella
DJ // Just Drew
Cake // Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Party Rentals // Party Reflections

Kendall & Alex’s NCMA Raleigh, NC Wedding

Are you looking for a wedding venue that's truly unique and memorable? Consider a museum. Kendall & Alex did just that, choosing the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh as the backdrop for their big day. And it's not hard to see why: hosting your wedding at a museum offers access to stunning works of art and architecture, as well as the freedom to personalize your event in a way that reflects your values and interests. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of hosting your wedding at a museum, including the stunning art and architecture, unique customizable spaces, expert event planning services, and the memorable and unique experience it provides. So if you're looking for a wedding venue that's more than just a backdrop, read on to find out why a museum might be the perfect choice for you.

Stunning Art and Architecture

In addition to the beautiful art and architecture, museums also offer unique and customizable event spaces that can truly make your wedding stand out. Whether it's a grand ballroom or an intimate gallery, museums have a variety of spaces that can be tailored to fit your vision. Kendall & Alex, for example, hosted their ceremony in front of the iconic Ellsworth Kelly sculpture at NCMA before moving to the sleek and modern East Building for their reception. The museum's event planners worked closely with the couple to ensure that every detail was perfect. So, if you're looking for a venue that offers something truly special and personalized, a museum may be just the ticket.

Unique and Customizable Spaces

In addition to the stunning artwork and architecture that museums offer, they also provide unique and customizable event spaces that can make your wedding unforgettable. Museums have a range of spaces available for weddings, from grand ballrooms to intimate galleries, that can be tailored to fit your vision. With the help of an experienced event planner, like the one at NCMA, you can create a wedding that truly stands out.

Whether you're looking for a traditional ceremony space or something more unique, museums have it all. Kendall & Alex took advantage of NCMA's impressive outdoor sculpture garden, using the iconic Ellsworth Kelly sculpture as a backdrop for their wedding ceremony. They then moved inside to the East Building for their reception, which offered a sleek and modern atmosphere that perfectly suited their tastes.

With a museum as your wedding venue, you'll have the opportunity to work with event planners who understand the intricacies of hosting a wedding in such a unique location. They can help you choose the perfect event space, coordinate with vendors, and ensure that every detail is perfect. So if you're looking for a venue that offers a truly special and personalized experience, a museum may be the perfect choice.

Expert event planning services are essential when hosting a wedding at a museum, and NCMA's event planners are some of the best in the business. They have years of experience working with couples to create unforgettable weddings in the museum's unique spaces. So, whether you're looking to host a grand affair or an intimate gathering, the team at NCMA can help you create a wedding that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Expert Event Planning Services

Expert event planning services are essential when it comes to hosting a memorable and stress-free wedding at a museum. Fortunately, the NCMA offers some of the best event planners in the business, who have years of experience working with couples to create unforgettable weddings in the museum's unique spaces. From helping you choose the perfect location within the museum to coordinating with vendors and ensuring every detail is perfect, the team at NCMA can help you create a wedding that is truly one-of-a-kind.

With the help of these expert planners, your wedding can be transformed into a memorable and unique experience for you and your guests. The museum's breathtaking architecture and stunning exhibits provide the perfect backdrop for your special day, which is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend. So if you want to make your wedding day truly unforgettable, consider hosting it at a museum and taking advantage of the expert event planning services provided by the NCMA.

A Memorable and Unique Experience

With its soaring ceilings, unique architectural details, and stunning art collections, hosting your wedding at a museum can provide a truly memorable and unique experience for you and your guests. Not only will your wedding be held in a breathtaking space, but it will also be surrounded by some of the world's greatest works of art.

But planning a wedding at a museum can be daunting, which is why expert event planning services are essential. Fortunately, the NCMA offers some of the best event planners in the industry, who have years of experience creating unforgettable weddings in the museum's unique spaces.

With the help of these expert planners, your wedding can be transformed into a truly one-of-a-kind experience. They will work with you to choose the perfect location within the museum, coordinate with vendors, and ensure every detail is perfect. From the lighting to the floral arrangements, they will ensure that your wedding is a reflection of your personal style and tastes.

The museum's stunning architecture and art collections provide the perfect backdrop for your special day, which is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend. Your guests will have the opportunity to explore the exhibits and enjoy cocktails in the museum's galleries, making your wedding a truly unforgettable experience.

So if you want to make your wedding day a memorable and unique experience, consider hosting it at a museum and taking advantage of the expert event planning services provided by the NCMA. Your wedding will be a one-of-a-kind celebration that you and your guests will never forget.

Hosting your wedding at a museum like NCMA provides many benefits that other venues simply can't match. The stunning art and architecture, unique customizable spaces, and expert event planning services make for an unforgettable and personalized experience that reflects your values and interests. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and choosing a museum as your venue will ensure that it is truly special and unique. So why settle for an ordinary wedding when you can have an extraordinary one? Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable museum wedding experience! Remember, "Marriage is a work of art, and your wedding should reflect that."

Special thanks to all of the vendors who made this wedding possible!

Photography by Courtney with Fancy This Photography
Venue North Carolina Museum of Art
Planning & Florals Dogwood Gatherings
Hair and makeup Wink Hair and Makeup
Catering Catering Works
Rentals Curated Events Raleigh
Officiant - Oak City Ceremonies
Band Adrian Duke Project Band
Harpist Eryn Fuson Music
Cake Publix
Ice cream Two Roosters

If you're planning a wedding and want to incorporate a touch of magic and whimsy, a fairy garden theme may be just what you're looking for. In this post, we'll share some inspiration for creating a beautiful and enchanting and colorful fairy garden wedding. Joy and Patrick are as whimsical and colorful as their wedding ended up being. They were involved in every detail of planning and this, absolutely came through when we saw it all come together the day of.

I think it is possible to create this fun whimsical theme at many different venues, but The Borden building at Fletcher Park might have been as close to perfect as you can get. Take a look, even the front garden is filled with colorful blooms just in time for this springtime fairytale day.

Add Some Fairy Magic

Joy is such a kind and colorful person, there is no other option than pink hair on her special day. She also shared that she ordered her shoes online, but customized them with ribbons from her mother in law. Such a special touch and they were definitely a talking point because of Joy’s short dress! The bride’s bouquet was made by her maid of honor, using mostly flowers from her garden, a few from the bride and grooms, and a couple of roses from their niece. It is truly stunning! The bride and groomed shared that Patrick wore cuff links that belonged to his late grandfather and a favorite detail of theirs was including all of their “flower children” nieces and nephews.

a ceremony change of plans

Joy’s word of advice for your wedding day, don’t plan on it raining, plan on a downpour. But above all else, remember you are marring your love and the rest is extra. It rained. It was a downpour. The Borden building at Fletcher Park has indoor and outdoor space, which is such an awesome option. The space holds up to 150 guests and utilizing the covered porch was perfect for Joy and Patrick’s day. Joy’s dad is a retired pastor and married the two on their special day, something Joy has thought of since she was a little girl.

“Walking down the isle- for me was so emotional and overwhelming in the best way. I hadn’t seen the set up at all and everything was so beautiful! Seeing our many loved ones and especially my Patrick waiting there to marry me with tears in his eyes was just the absolute best most intense feeling.” - Joy

Time to have a magic party

Another favorite part of the couple’s day was sneaking away after dinner to have a moment together. They danced all night long, it was so fun to watch and be a part of. When you know how to have fun and relax, the night will be flawless, no matter what.

Why Fancy This photography

“I knew I wanted Fancy This to shoot my wedding before I met my husband! Having had the privilege of going to photo school with Nikki, posing for her in the past, and being her friend I knew exactly how fun, professional, kind, and SKILLED she is! The wedding was our first time meeting Courtney and she really blew us away with her know how, great attitude and resolve. I’ve been admiring the work of fancy this for almost a decade now (woah!) and We’re so lucky we were able to have such an incredible team there for us on our big day. The photos were even more beautiful than we could have anticipated and Nikki and Courtney both went above and beyond all day to make everything work around changing schedules and crazy weather. It was also great to have a trusted friend in my bridal suite to help keep me calm (ish) while I got ready. We are so grateful!” — Joy, the bride

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Photographer // Nikki Owner of Fancy This Photography

Venue // Gordon Building at Fletcher Park

Catering // City BBQ

Cake // Walmart