The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Cary, NC

The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Cary, NC

How do we sort results, including Sponsored Ads and personalized results?


3 Wedding Venues in Cary, NC

Beaches, waterfront settings
Quick responder
Carnes Lake Banquet Hall 

5.0

  • Up to 250 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,995

Carnes Lake is an 1800 square foot hall that will be perfect for your wedding and/or reception. It's set on a private, fenced and gated, property outside Lancaster SC at 3548 N Rocky River Rd. The 6 acre lakefront venue will make you smile and breathe a little easier as soon as you arrive. The hall will accommodate around 50 - 75 people inside and room to double that with outdoor seating. Both inside and outside areas have a beautiful lakefront view. Another great feature is ample parking for all you guests. Whether you're in Lancaster, Charlotte, Waxhaw, Monroe or Pageland, Carnes Lake Banquet Hall is perfect.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Ms. Melton was awesome with communicating with us throughout the whole process. From touring the venue to day of our wedding. We were on a hunt for an outdoor/indoor combo while also being private and this was the perfect place for us. We held our intimate ceremony and reception there and it held the perfect amount of guests. The lake was the cherry on top for all of our photos! We received lots of compliments from our guests and a few asked for contact details for the venue. So I am certain they will get to host more special events as beautiful as it is!
Adriana B., 3 months ago
Quick responder
Lake Johnson Park 
Raleigh, NC
  • Up to 50 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $1,000

Escape to the natural beauty of Lake Johnson Park, a serene and picturesque setting for your wedding events. With 150 acres of shimmering lake and a variety of greenway trails, our park offers a tranquil backdrop for any celebration. We provide a range of versatile indoor and outdoor venues, from a spacious waterfront conference room with panoramic views to covered outdoor decks and picnic shelters. Whether you envision a lively rehearsal dinner or a serene ceremony by the water, Lake Johnson Park is the perfect location to create a beautiful and memorable day.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor
  • Has an intimate feel for a small guest list
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • Small venue, not ideal for a large guest lists
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • On-site parking not available
Quick responder
Lake Wheeler Park 
Raleigh, NC
  • Up to 75 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $500

Exchange vows surrounded by the serene beauty of the outdoors at Lake Wheeler Park. With 650 acres of tranquil lake and 150 acres of parkland, this scenic venue offers a peaceful escape just outside of Raleigh. Whether you're planning a grand reception or an intimate lakeside ceremony, the natural beauty of the park provides a stunning backdrop for your special day. Our versatile event spaces and scenic outdoor locations ensure a celebration that feels both unique and unforgettable.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Picturesque garden backdrop
  • Allows pets

Venue considerations

  • Dance floor not included
  • Requires outside catering services
  • Better for more intimiate events

Location flexible? Discover venues near Cary, NC

About wedding venues in Cary, NC

Why is Cary Perfect for Your Wedding Day?

Cary boasts an impressive variety of wedding venues from historic mansions like The Matthews House to modern spaces like Chatham Station. Its central location in North Carolina's Triangle region gives your guests easy access to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. You'll appreciate the financial advantage too; venues here typically account for just 16% of your total wedding budget compared to the national average of 25%. November has emerged as the most popular month for venue inquiries and most couples book their dream location about 14 months before the big day.

What Types of Wedding Venues Can You Find in Cary?

Cary's venue selection offers something special for every couple's vision. The Matthews House features a stunning Grand Ballroom complemented by manicured gardens and a spacious terrace, plus you'll get concierge service and an onsite wedding coordinator to help with planning. Chatham Station gives you 4,500 square feet of open space filled with natural light in historic downtown; perfect for celebrations up to 200 guests. If luxury is what you're after, The Umstead Hotel and Spa delivers with art-filled interiors and beautiful lakeside terraces set against wooded grounds. Prestonwood Country Club offers elegant ballrooms with sweeping golf course views while The Mayton combines 44 comfortable guestrooms with direct terrace access to Downtown Cary Park.

How Much Do Cary Wedding Venues Cost?

Venues in Cary cost about $6,805 on average which represents roughly 16% of your total wedding expenses. You'll find this quite reasonable compared to the national benchmark of $6,500-$12,000 that typically eats up 25% of total wedding costs. Total wedding budgets in Cary by guest count:

  • 50 guests: $18,931
  • 100 guests: $31,411
  • 150 guests: $43,146
  • 200 guests: $53,638
  • 250 guests: $64,131
  • 300 guests: $74,623

Which Wedding Services in Cary Cost the Most?

ServiceAverage CostPercentage of Total Budget
Venue$6,80516%
Catering$5,44413%
Florists$5,32412%
Bar Services$4,35510%
Photographers$4,0959%
Planners$3,8639%
Videographers$3,6188%
Bands/DJs$1,3343%
Cakes/Desserts$9212%
Hair & Makeup$6101%

When Should You Book Your Cary Wedding Venue?

Most couples in Cary secure their venues about 14 months (403 days) before their wedding date. November tops the charts as the most popular month for venue inquiries. If you're dreaming of a spring or fall wedding; especially a Saturday celebration at one of the more sought-after venues; you'll want to book early. These prime dates fill up quickly so getting ahead of the game will give you more options to choose from.

Where Can You Find Fully Accessible Wedding Venues in Cary?

The Matthews House offers excellent wheelchair accessibility with their attentive concierge service ready to accommodate various needs. You'll find Chatham Station particularly welcoming with its open 4,500-square-foot floor plan designed for easy navigation throughout its historic downtown location. The Mayton connects you directly to Downtown Cary Park through terrace access and features comprehensive amenities that meet accessibility standards so all your guests can fully participate in your celebration.

Which Cary Venues Offer Outstanding Food Quality?

The Umstead Hotel & Spa serves up sophisticated gourmet catering that's earned recognition for culinary excellence; your foodie guests will be impressed. The Palm Venue & Catering brings over 20 years of restaurant experience to their freshly renovated 2023 space with menus you can customize to your taste. Prestonwood Country Club delivers upscale dining with the bonus of championship golf course views that create a memorable backdrop for your reception meal.

How Can Remote Guests Participate in Cary Weddings?

The Matthews House excels at including remote participants thanks to their dedicated onsite coordinator who can help you create interactive options beyond basic streaming. You'll appreciate their professional event direction to facilitate engaging experiences for virtual guests throughout their versatile spaces. This means your loved ones who can't attend in person can still feel connected to your special day regardless of where they're located.

Why is Cary Perfect for Your Wedding Day?

Cary boasts an impressive variety of wedding venues from historic mansions like The Matthews House to modern spaces like Chatham Station. Its central location in North Carolina's Triangle region gives your guests easy access to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. You'll appreciate the financial advantage too; venues here typically account for just 16% of your total wedding budget compared to the national average of 25%. November has emerged as the most popular month for venue inquiries and most couples book their dream location about 14 months before the big day.

What Types of Wedding Venues Can You Find in Cary?

Cary's venue selection offers something special for every couple's vision. The Matthews House features a stunning Grand Ballroom complemented by manicured gardens and a spacious terrace, plus you'll get concierge service and an onsite wedding coordinator to help with planning. Chatham Station gives you 4,500 square feet of open space filled with natural light in historic downtown; perfect for celebrations up to 200 guests. If luxury is what you're after, The Umstead Hotel and Spa delivers with art-filled interiors and beautiful lakeside terraces set against wooded grounds. Prestonwood Country Club offers elegant ballrooms with sweeping golf course views while The Mayton combines 44 comfortable guestrooms with direct terrace access to Downtown Cary Park.

How Much Do Cary Wedding Venues Cost?

Venues in Cary cost about $6,805 on average which represents roughly 16% of your total wedding expenses. You'll find this quite reasonable compared to the national benchmark of $6,500-$12,000 that typically eats up 25% of total wedding costs. Total wedding budgets in Cary by guest count:

  • 50 guests: $18,931
  • 100 guests: $31,411
  • 150 guests: $43,146
  • 200 guests: $53,638
  • 250 guests: $64,131
  • 300 guests: $74,623

Which Wedding Services in Cary Cost the Most?

ServiceAverage CostPercentage of Total Budget
Venue$6,80516%
Catering$5,44413%
Florists$5,32412%
Bar Services$4,35510%
Photographers$4,0959%
Planners$3,8639%
Videographers$3,6188%
Bands/DJs$1,3343%
Cakes/Desserts$9212%
Hair & Makeup$6101%

When Should You Book Your Cary Wedding Venue?

Most couples in Cary secure their venues about 14 months (403 days) before their wedding date. November tops the charts as the most popular month for venue inquiries. If you're dreaming of a spring or fall wedding; especially a Saturday celebration at one of the more sought-after venues; you'll want to book early. These prime dates fill up quickly so getting ahead of the game will give you more options to choose from.

Where Can You Find Fully Accessible Wedding Venues in Cary?

The Matthews House offers excellent wheelchair accessibility with their attentive concierge service ready to accommodate various needs. You'll find Chatham Station particularly welcoming with its open 4,500-square-foot floor plan designed for easy navigation throughout its historic downtown location. The Mayton connects you directly to Downtown Cary Park through terrace access and features comprehensive amenities that meet accessibility standards so all your guests can fully participate in your celebration.

Which Cary Venues Offer Outstanding Food Quality?

The Umstead Hotel & Spa serves up sophisticated gourmet catering that's earned recognition for culinary excellence; your foodie guests will be impressed. The Palm Venue & Catering brings over 20 years of restaurant experience to their freshly renovated 2023 space with menus you can customize to your taste. Prestonwood Country Club delivers upscale dining with the bonus of championship golf course views that create a memorable backdrop for your reception meal.

How Can Remote Guests Participate in Cary Weddings?

The Matthews House excels at including remote participants thanks to their dedicated onsite coordinator who can help you create interactive options beyond basic streaming. You'll appreciate their professional event direction to facilitate engaging experiences for virtual guests throughout their versatile spaces. This means your loved ones who can't attend in person can still feel connected to your special day regardless of where they're located.

What types of wedding venues are in Cary, NC?

What other Cary vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?