What to Expect when Budgeting for Your Wedding Venue

Deciding where to have your wedding is often the first thing on many couples’ lists. It’s important to get this figured out as soon as possible, for a number of reasons. The earlier you start looking, the more likely you are to get the date you want at the venue that you love. Then you can let your friends and family know to save the date for your upcoming wedding. But also, knowing how much the wedding venue costs will allow you to know how much money you have left in your budget for the other aspects of the wedding. 

A lot of people set an arbitrary savings goal when planning their wedding, and many have heard that $10,000 is the standard cost of today’s weddings. But is $10,000 enough for a wedding? The short answer is that it depends. The cost of a wedding can vary depending on where your venue is located, how many guests you plan to invite, the time of year you’re getting married, whether you opt for a DJ or a full band, and so many other factors. 

How much do wedding venues cost in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the cost of wedding venues typically ranges between $4,000-$12,000, and some can go even higher. There are a few deciding factors that weigh into the pretty wide range of costs when it comes to wedding venues in our state.

  • Location of the Venue. You will most likely pay more for a venue located in a city, such as Charlotte or Raleigh, than you would for a venue in a remote, rural location.
  • Time of Year. Just like beach rentals, many wedding venues have seasonal rates. If cost is a deciding factor, you might consider a date in the winter months. Or think about a Sunday afternoon or weeknight wedding. 
  • Size of the Facility. The cliché “you get what you pay for” holds true with the size of wedding venues. Some smaller, remote wedding barns might be very budget-friendly. But do they have the space to sit everyone you’ve invited? Inside, in case of bad weather? If all you need is a small space, that type of venue would be perfect, but if you’re looking for something larger, you might need to factor that into your budget. 
  • Amenities Provided. Every wedding venue is different in what they include in the rental costs. From chairs to sound systems, the type of “extras” can allow some venues to charge more for renting the space.

 

Do the Research to Get Good Wedding Venue Estimates

When figuring out how much to budget for your wedding venue, the best thing to do is ask. Do some research to find venues that fit your style, and call to talk with the staff to find out what the rental fees are and what’s included.

Be prepared with some information of your own to get a good estimate, including:

  •     How many people do you plan to invite
  •     What dates are you considering
  •     The time of day of the ceremony
  •     What type of reception you’re planning (buffet, plated dinner, etc.)

 

It doesn’t take a lot of time to get costs on wedding venues. Here at Legacy Stables & Events, we gather the information we need from you in a phone call that takes only 5-10 minutes. From that, we gauge the size and scope of what you’re hoping for, and can email that same day with an estimate.

Transparency is our primary goal, because we want everyone to feel comfortable and know exactly what to expect on their wedding day. And that includes the cost of the venue. We provide a breakdown of the costs so you can see where your money is going. And also, the size of our estate and variety of venues allows us to meet many bridal couples where they are with their budget. 

For example, a newly engaged couple might call in with great expectations of their dream wedding. But if the costs come back more than they expected, we can provide other estimates that might fit your budget better. Whether that’s looking at a smaller venue on our property or negotiating the amenities, we are always willing to work with bridal couples to get the best possible experience for your big day.

If you’re looking for the perfect wedding venue, call Legacy Stables & Events to schedule a tour today. 

 

 

Christmas in July at Legacy Stables and Events

It’s Christmas in July at Legacy Stables and Events! Book your holiday celebration before 8/31/26 and receive additional discounts AND receive a $50 Visa gift card!

Learn how we can provide turn-key planning services for your upcoming event by setting up a discovery call or on-site tour!