Many of our clients elect for intimate/outdoor wedding ceremony site and enjoy having both the ceremony and the reception on the same property.  (Making the wedding day flow for their guests and adding extra time to the timeline–which means…adequate time for amazing photography! )  That said– I thought I’d start the new year out by helping our future clients locate a few of the best elegant/outdoor Charlotte wedding venues.  (and nearby, NC destination wedding venues.)
Welcome to our short-list of amazing: (Stay tuned for Part 2 soon…)
 
The VanLandingham Estate Inn and Conference Center
This venue is near and dear to my heart as we live diagonally across the street from VLE!   (and it was one of the main factors in selecting our home! )  This location combines a laid-back, natural setting (think gorgeous garden and a pond) with classic elegance. (like chandeliers and lots of antiques)
The VanLandingham Estate Inn and Conference Center (which is included on the National Register of Historic Places) has five acres of grounds, including the oldest gardens in Mecklenburg County, as well as the Harwood Home, a California bungalow-style estate.
Located at 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC, 28205. Call (704) 334-8909.  Below are a few of our favorite images of the many weddings we photographed at VLE.  (You can also visit them online at VanLandinghamEstate.com)

 
The Morehead Inn
The Morehead Inn, is a sister property to The VanLandingham Estate.  Located in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte, has both indoor areas and an outdoor private courtyard, all of which serve as wedding venues. This is an excellent venue for brides and grooms who want a Southern, Victorian Era feel for their special day. A bit more formal than VanLandingham but equally gorgeous.  Bridal portraits can be taken on site (reservations required) and couples are able to reserve the entire estate for their wedding day.
Located at 1122 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC, 28204. Call (704) 376-3357. Visit them online at MoreheadInn.com.
 


The Duke Mansion
A true southern estate!  Elegant in every sense of the word!  And, even though The Duke Mansion is located just two miles from the city, it feels secluded and serene, nestled on four and a half acres of grounds and blooming gardens. Duke can host weddings of up to 150 guests for 25 weekends out of the year and there are 20 guest rooms available. Built in 1915 and included on the National Register of Historic Places, the estate is not-for-profit and all proceeds go to protecting the mansion and property. Since they have limited availability, make sure to contact them as soon as possible to secure your wedding date!
Located at 400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte, NC, 28207. Call (704) 714-4400. Visit them online at DukeMansion.com.
 

 

Crestwood Resort and Spa
Oh NC mountain weddings –how I love thee!!  Located four miles from historic Blowing Rock, Crestwood Resort and Spa boasts charming mountain views. Brides love indulging in The Spa’s therapeutic services, as well as the steam bath and sauna. Outdoor ceremonies are held on The Lawn, which has access to the terrace, dining room, bar and Library. Alternatively, The Terrace venue overlooks Grandfather Mountain. Additional venue options are available, including the Main Dining Room and Gallery, The Dawg Star Bar, The Library and The Lounge.
Located at 3236 Shulls Mill Road, Boone, NC, 28607. Call (877) 836-5046. Visit them online at CrestwoodNC.com.
 

 
Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery
I adore Italy! (and so incredible excitedly that we may be traveling there again this year for the sweetest little Florence wedding)  Want to come close to the feel of an Italian villa approximately 1 hour from Charlotte, NC?  Villa Raffaldini is a 6,000 square foot tasting room and event venue with traditional Italian art and architecture, balconies and landscaped terraces, not to mention views of the Blue Ridge and Brushy Mountains.  Nearby the villa are a huge piazza with a gorgeous fountain, aromatic Orange Moscato vines, olive trees, roses, lavender, rosemary bushes and fig trees. For a sneak peek, sample Raffaldini’s handcrafted Italian wines in the Tuscan-style tasting room. An especially interesting aspect of the Raffaldini grounds is that they’ve been recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. The garden space is home to birds, butterflies, frogs and other types of wildlife. While there aren’t any on-site accommodations, there are various hotels and B&Bs nearby.
Located at 450 Grace Road, Ronda, NC, 28670. Call (336) 835-9463. Visit them online at Raffaldini.com.
 

Primland Resort, Mountains of Dan Virgina  (ok..so this one is not in NC..but so, so close!)
Looking for the ultimate in luxury and rustic elegance for your wedding day?  Primland resort is approximately 90 minutes from Charlotte and feels worlds away.  “This pristine Blue Ridge Mountain resort offers 12,000 acres of space, sky and shifting moods. Primland is the ultimate retreat for world-class golf, refined dining and outdoor activities in an environment of rare natural beauty.”  I cannot say enough amazing things about Primland. It is truly magical and everything from the grounds to the staff to the food is amazing.
Primalnd is located at 2000 Busted Rock Road, Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 and you can visit them online primland.com.

 
BlueSky is (gratefully!!) on many of the preferred vendor lists of the above the above venues too:-)   Each of these venues are stunning and offer both outdoor and indoor spaces perfect  for your intimate/elegant/outdoor wedding!