The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Raleigh, NC

The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Raleigh, NC

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3 Wedding Venues in Raleigh, 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
My husband and I just got married here on September 13, 2025 but I’ve attended several weddings at this venue and I LOVE it every single time I arrive. Our wedding was the most perfect day! Carnes Lake has an intimate, at home feel! The out door space is amazing with multiple options for how you can set up for an outdoor event. The inside venue space is the intimate part, it’s small but MIGHTY! We had about 150 guests at our wedding and had plenty of room out on the patio area AND inside. They have a full kitchen with an island that’s perfect for serving space and preparation for making food! Ugh, everything about Carnes Lake helped make our day SO magical! Mrs. Fran, the owner, is so helpful and sweet & has answers to all of your questions and quickly! She was a delight to work with through our planning! Carnes Lake is just the most precious spot for your event/ wedding! We LOVED every thing about it!
Kelsey M., 2 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 Raleigh, NC

About wedding venues in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh offers incredible wedding backdrops with its historic cobblestone streets, revitalized industrial districts and acclaimed museum corridors. You'll find venues that beautifully blend Southern architectural heritage with modern design elements throughout the city. Whether you're drawn to renovated textile mills or dramatic museum settings complete with live animal exhibits and indoor waterfalls, Raleigh has something that matches your vision.

What's the Average Cost of a Wedding Venue in Raleigh?

Raleigh venues typically cost around $7,656 which makes up about 16% of your total wedding budget. This is actually a pretty good deal compared to the national average of $6,500-$12,000 (or 25% of total costs). You can expect to pay anywhere from $6,900 on the lower end to $8,400 for more premium venues in the area.

Wedding budgets scale with guest count:

  • 50 guests: $21,260
  • 100 guests: $35,263
  • 150 guests: $48,427
  • 200 guests: $60,193
  • 250 guests: $71,959
  • 300 guests: $83,725

Which Raleigh Venues Are Most Accessible?

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences features wheelchair-accessible pathways and elevators connecting all floors so everyone in your party can enjoy the dramatic waterfall and animal exhibits regardless of mobility needs.

You'll find the Historic Market Hall provides excellent accessibility with wheelchair-accessible ramps and facilities while still accommodating up to 700 guests in downtown's largest venue.

For wedding parties needing accessible accommodations the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley offers wheelchair-accessible rooms corridors and amenities for both guests and the wedding party.

Can You Find Venues in Raleigh NC with Remote Participation Options?

The Orpheum at Oxford takes its historic theater infrastructure and transforms it into interactive virtual experiences. They use existing sound systems for high-quality streaming and provide dedicated technical staff to ensure your remote guests feel included.

Walnut Hill gives you a picturesque setting that streams beautifully in high quality with enough versatility to incorporate interactive elements for guests who can't attend in person.

Where Are the Best Culinary Experiences in Raleigh Wedding Venues?

The Pavilion at the Angus Barn lets you showcase Iron Chef America winner Walter Royal's culinary expertise through station plated or cocktail-style service options. Your guests will enjoy exceptional food while taking in panoramic views of the Angus Barn lake.

Bay 7 provides exclusive catering services through The Angus Barn in an urban chic venue featuring panoramic windows and exposed brick walls that create a distinctive atmosphere.

The Cannon Room partners with Rocky Top Catering for events in its bright airy space with large windows and natural light hosting up to 130 guests comfortably.

How Should You Budget for a Raleigh Wedding?

For a 150-guest wedding averaging $48,427 you can expect to allocate your budget something like this:

  • Venue: 16% ($7,656)
  • Catering: 13% ($6,125)
  • Florists: 12% ($5,990)
  • Bar Services: 10% ($4,900)
  • Photographers: 10% ($4,607)
  • Planners: 9% ($4,346)
  • Videographers: 8% ($4,070)
  • Bands/DJs: A surprisingly low 3% ($1,501)
  • Cakes/Desserts: 2% ($1,037)
  • Hair & Makeup: 1% ($686)

October remains the most popular month for venue inquiries in Raleigh so you might want to book early if you're planning a fall wedding.

Raleigh offers incredible wedding backdrops with its historic cobblestone streets, revitalized industrial districts and acclaimed museum corridors. You'll find venues that beautifully blend Southern architectural heritage with modern design elements throughout the city. Whether you're drawn to renovated textile mills or dramatic museum settings complete with live animal exhibits and indoor waterfalls, Raleigh has something that matches your vision.

What's the Average Cost of a Wedding Venue in Raleigh?

Raleigh venues typically cost around $7,656 which makes up about 16% of your total wedding budget. This is actually a pretty good deal compared to the national average of $6,500-$12,000 (or 25% of total costs). You can expect to pay anywhere from $6,900 on the lower end to $8,400 for more premium venues in the area.

Wedding budgets scale with guest count:

  • 50 guests: $21,260
  • 100 guests: $35,263
  • 150 guests: $48,427
  • 200 guests: $60,193
  • 250 guests: $71,959
  • 300 guests: $83,725

Which Raleigh Venues Are Most Accessible?

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences features wheelchair-accessible pathways and elevators connecting all floors so everyone in your party can enjoy the dramatic waterfall and animal exhibits regardless of mobility needs.

You'll find the Historic Market Hall provides excellent accessibility with wheelchair-accessible ramps and facilities while still accommodating up to 700 guests in downtown's largest venue.

For wedding parties needing accessible accommodations the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley offers wheelchair-accessible rooms corridors and amenities for both guests and the wedding party.

Can You Find Venues in Raleigh NC with Remote Participation Options?

The Orpheum at Oxford takes its historic theater infrastructure and transforms it into interactive virtual experiences. They use existing sound systems for high-quality streaming and provide dedicated technical staff to ensure your remote guests feel included.

Walnut Hill gives you a picturesque setting that streams beautifully in high quality with enough versatility to incorporate interactive elements for guests who can't attend in person.

Where Are the Best Culinary Experiences in Raleigh Wedding Venues?

The Pavilion at the Angus Barn lets you showcase Iron Chef America winner Walter Royal's culinary expertise through station plated or cocktail-style service options. Your guests will enjoy exceptional food while taking in panoramic views of the Angus Barn lake.

Bay 7 provides exclusive catering services through The Angus Barn in an urban chic venue featuring panoramic windows and exposed brick walls that create a distinctive atmosphere.

The Cannon Room partners with Rocky Top Catering for events in its bright airy space with large windows and natural light hosting up to 130 guests comfortably.

How Should You Budget for a Raleigh Wedding?

For a 150-guest wedding averaging $48,427 you can expect to allocate your budget something like this:

  • Venue: 16% ($7,656)
  • Catering: 13% ($6,125)
  • Florists: 12% ($5,990)
  • Bar Services: 10% ($4,900)
  • Photographers: 10% ($4,607)
  • Planners: 9% ($4,346)
  • Videographers: 8% ($4,070)
  • Bands/DJs: A surprisingly low 3% ($1,501)
  • Cakes/Desserts: 2% ($1,037)
  • Hair & Makeup: 1% ($686)

October remains the most popular month for venue inquiries in Raleigh so you might want to book early if you're planning a fall wedding.

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