Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in the Carolinas (With Pro Tips)
There is simply nothing more romantic than exchanging vows beneath ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss or against the backdrop of rolling North Carolina hills. The Carolinas are a paradise for natural beauty, offering an abundance of spectacular spaces for an outdoor wedding. However, planning an event outdoors requires different considerations, from tenting and weather contingencies to ensuring seamless vendor logistics. In this guide, Love, Evermore Events highlights the best outdoor wedding venues in the Carolinas, providing expert planning tips and insights to help you choose a unique location that perfectly matches your vision while guaranteeing a stress-free day.
The Carolinas: A Planner's Dream for Outdoor Spaces
Whether you dream of Lowcountry elegance or mountain resort luxury, the Carolinas deliver:
Charleston, SC: Famous for historic estates and plantations (like Magnolia Plantation) where ceremonies happen under live oak trees.
Charlotte, NC Area: Offers beautiful vineyards, farms, and elegant gardens, providing a sophisticated suburban escape.
North Carolina Mountains: Perfect for destination weddings seeking dramatic views and cool weather.
Top Outdoor Venue Archetypes
Historic Plantations/Estates: Offer mature landscaping, inherent beauty, and multiple ceremony options (riverfront, garden, oak alley).
Vineyards/Farms: Ideal for a romantic, rustic-chic vibe with beautiful open fields and dedicated event barns (often with an indoor Plan B space).
Rooftops/Terraces: Found in Charlotte and Raleigh, providing stunning city skyline views for modern, urban ceremonies.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Outdoor Wedding
Tenting is an Investment, Not an Option: Always budget for a tent large enough to cover the reception and a possible ceremony flip. Tenting isn't just for rain, it also protects against intense sun and heat.
Power and Restrooms: Confirm the venue's electrical capacity. For private estates or non-traditional sites, you must factor in the cost of generators and luxury restroom trailers. This is a logistical detail your full-service planner manages entirely.
Climate Control: Be mindful of the season. For summer weddings, plan for hydration stations, fans, or cooled lounge areas to maintain guest comfort during the ceremony and cocktail hour.
#outdoorweddingvenues #southcarolina #northcarolina #carolinaweddingvenues #planningoutdoorweddings
