So I figure discussion of my wedding plans have already been public here. Between interning for a campaign for an openly gay chapel hill businessman who ran for senate, between my commentaries on wchl, and my discussions of local protests & vigils around the triangle area in response to prop 8. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone knew of a decent, and relatively inexpensive, place for a wedding reception. While I am getting married in Boston (instead of the orignal location San Franiscio where I had originally planned because I have some family out there), I am going to have a wedding reception back at home in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area so all my family and friends that can't afford to fly up to Boston can still take some part.
I saw the Horace Williams House and that place looks interesting, but it is after business hours so I couldn't call and ask for more info. Has anyone experienced anything with them before? I saw the Rigmor House was already booked. Since most hotels require you to use their catering it puts most of them a little out of my price range. But I am open to any suggestions, and to hear about anyones experience at any reception location place in Orange County (hotels included).
Issues:
Comments
Prefer inside Chapel Hill/Carrboro
It isn't absolute that it needs to be there, just symbolically I like the idea of having the reception officially in my hometown since I have to fly out of state for the marriage. This is not to rule out other locations around Orange County, as price is definitely a factor, but just a symbolic preference.
Not enough info
Jake, how many guests? Century Hall in Carrboro has a sliding rate not very well described and someimes tricky ... but it's a marvelous room with a gorgeous piano on the stage. The number there is 918-7365.
Support People with Disabilities
There is a very nice meeting space on Elliot Road across the street from Whole Foods Market called Extrodinary Ventures. It is run by an organization that provides activities for people with disabilities and rents out its space at a low cost.
75 to 125
guests, not sure yet
Visitors Bureau
Jake,Here's the link to the Visitors Bureau http://www.visitchapelhill.org/. Better yet, call them. They know ALL the spaces and what suits for different occasions. Trust me, we had a board meeting at PHE in Hillsborough, so they can match your budget and imagination to the right place. I think they are closed today though. Linda Convissor
Celebrity Dairy
You can probably tell that I love weddings and thinking about them. I think Celebrity Dairy is over the line into Chatham County, but I've heard of (but not been myself) lovely receptions there and they have indoor and outdoor spaces. Plus the goats will take your heart away - well, maybe you don't want that at your wedding celebration. It's nice that they have indoor and outdoor space - did you say when the celebration will take place?Linda C. Linda Convissor
great place
My campaign manager, Brooks had her wedding at Celebrity Dairy this past May and it was a great time. Your guests can roam around the farm and play with the goats and see the new babies if you do it in the spring. There was also a very loud rooster who was looking for some action and every time the minister spoke, so did the rooster. All in all the wedding was beautiful and the setting could not be more perfect.
Venues
I have a lot of opinions about his, having just gotten married two and a half years ago. Unfortunately, the Horace Williams House is very expensive (~$1,000), only holds up to 150 people, and limits the activities allowed there. The Century Center is a reasonable price and good size at an amazing location. It would have been my first choice, but we couldn't get a date there, even looking 8 - 9 months in advance. (The Carrboro staff was not very helpful with finding dates.) The Forest Theater can be a great setting at the right time of year, but you can't serve alcohol since it's on campus (which admittedly might not be an issue for everyone).BrianR and I ended up having our ceremony and reception at the Durham Armory. Although I had really wanted to do it in Chapel Hill since I have lived herefor nearly 30 years, we were very happy with the facilities as well as the price (it's managed by the city of Durham), and was big enough to hold a LOT of guests. ;-)It's probably overkill for your needs, Jake.Another neat place to check out is Spence's Farm out near Calvander, which is set-up for just this sort of thing. Cat mentions Celebrity Dairy which is lovely but more of a haul - nearly an hour from Chapel Hill. They have great food (featuring fresh goat cheese, natch), but will also let you bring your own.And for people with a lot more money than me, the Carolina Inn and the Barn at Fearrington are very nice. But probably also don't allow you to use your own caterer. I wonder if the Franklin Hotel has any banquet facilities? By the way, my friend (and community activist) Vimala Rajendran catered our wedding and the food got rave reviews from everyone. If you like Indian food, there's no better chef for your money. We served Loco Pops instead of cake since it was the middle of summer.
Duffy Gilligan has a lovely
Duffy Gilligan has a lovely space out highway 54--the Barn at Valhalla.
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!
This certainly gives me a lot to research combined with the other idea I have received from elsewhere.
Maple View Diary is building
Maple View Diary is building an "educational" building that I understand will be available for social events. It is almost done from what I see when driving by.
Marriage Discrimination Amendment Bill
(First let me say thanks for all the advice everyone!!!!! I ended up going with the Rigmor House which some of my coworkers have used for events before, and a friend of mine who teaches in Carrboro said was a nice place where the school has held teacher workshop events before) http://eqfed.org/campaign/amendment09_2/Most of my family and friends can't afford to come to my wedding next week, because despite being a North Carolinian who was born & raised & pays my taxes here, I can't have my wedding here. And over the next 48 hours it is really important that our legislators hear & are reminded that their constituents oppose the government wasting any time & money on adding extra layers of discrimination onto the books. http://eqfed.org/campaign/amendment09_2/ This link lets you send a pre-typed message, or modify it, or write a message all in your own words. Please consider it. Here is the Pam's House Blend coverage of the Bill for anyone who is interested:http://pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=9623
Vote AGAINST marriage discrimination in this online Poll
Vote AGAINST the marriage discrimination amendment in this online poll!http://www.wral.com/news/local/poll/4604514/
Got Married Yesterday
The reception isn't until later in the month, but I thought I'd share a few pictures if anyone is interested since everyone was helping me out on finding a place for the reception.Some pics can be seen here (I still have a lot to go through)http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=2275513&id=11813503
Congratulations!
n/t
I know the Mebane Arts
I know the Mebane Arts Center is always good for stuff like that. I don't know the cost but I'm sure it's not too bad. Good luck!:)