How to Get Married in Charlotte, NC
Don't plan your Queen City nuptials without consulting this guide, including our list of must-see wedding venues in Charlotte, NC!
If you live in the Tar Heel State (or even if you’re just looking for a fun city to host a destination wedding), Charlotte is a fabulous place to get married. You can find wedding venues in Charlotte, NC for every style and budget, whether you want a modern loft space, a classic Southern estate, or something totally unexpected. As the state’s main commercial hub, Charlotte also offers a ton of perks for your big day, from the best selection of hotels to top-rated wedding vendors and more. We’re breaking down all of the essentials for your Charlotte wedding in this comprehensive guide.
Here are the best wedding venues in Charlotte, NC, plus everything else you need to know about getting married in the Queen City.
The Basics
If you’re looking for wedding venues in Charlotte, NC, you'll need to finalize your wedding budget first. According to a WeddingWire survey, the average cost of a wedding in Charlotte is $27,000, which is less than the national average of $38,700. On average, couples spend around $9,000 on their wedding venue alone.
Charlotte is home to a lot of incredible wedding venues, but as the most populous city in North Carolina, it’s also host to a number of annual events that could impact your big day (think increased traffic or higher hotel room costs). Because of this, we suggest factoring in Charlotte's event calendar when choosing your wedding date. In January, annual events include the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction and the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament and Charlotte Jazz Festival are popular spring events, while the Coca-Cola 600 race and Charlotte Pride take place each summer.
Getting There and Around
Charlotte is easily accessible for out-of-town guests, whether by air or car. The main airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), is the sixth-busiest airport in the country and is a major hub for American Airlines. JetBlue, Delta, Frontier, and Southwest are some of the other main carriers that service CLT. Once you’re in town, the LYNX light rail, Charlotte bus service, ride sharing, and bicycles make it fairly easy to get around without a car.
Weather
Charlotte’s climate is mostly enjoyable throughout the year, making it an ideal place to get married no matter the season. Springtime highs reach the 70s throughout April and May, although couples getting married in March are more likely to see rain on their wedding days. If you’re having a summer wedding, expect temperatures to reach the upper 80s or 90s in July and August, with higher humidity levels posing a risk for hazy, muggy days. In the fall, temperatures cool down to the low 70s — the perfect conditions for an outdoor wedding. During the winter months, snow is possible but unlikely, with only about half of the days reaching freezing temperatures.
Wedding Venues
- Outdoor
Thanks to the mild winters, you’ll have an extended period of time — earlier in the spring and later in the fall — to take advantage of outdoor wedding venues in Charlotte, NC. Whether it’s high-end country clubs, historic estates, intimate gardens, or rustic barns that spark your interest, there are plenty of outdoor spaces to choose from.
See outdoor wedding venues in Charlotte, NC »
- Unique
If unconventional wedding venues are more your speed, we’ve got you covered. Charlotte's Southern-meets-urban vibe has inspired a range of unique wedding venues throughout the city, including art galleries, renovated warehouses, and funky craft breweries.
See unique wedding venues in Charlotte, NC »
- Uptown
Couples who want to be close to the city’s best attractions on the big day are in luck. You’ll find Uptown wedding venues in Charlotte, NC for every style and budget, from boutique hotels and modern rooftop spaces to historic ballrooms and intimate chapels.
See uptown wedding venues in Charlotte, NC »
- Rustic
We can’t talk about the South without a bit of country. Whether you want a traditional barn or are looking for something that’s more elegant with a hint of rustic, you'll find dozens of options in the greater Charlotte area.
See rustic wedding venues in Charlotte, NC »
Marriage Requirements
While you’re looking at wedding venues in Charlotte, NC, it’s also a good idea to brush up on the state’s marriage laws. In order to get married in North Carolina, both parties must provide a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license) and a social security card or tax form. You don’t need to be a state residence and there’s no waiting period once your marriage license is issued, but it will expire after 60 days. Two witnesses are required at all wedding ceremonies.
Things to Do in Charlotte
If you’re inviting a lot of out-of-town guests to your wedding, there are endless activities in Charlotte to keep them busy (and having fun!) during their stay. Providing your guests with a short list of Charlotte’s best attractions will allow everyone to easily make the most of their time.
- Family-friendly
Charlotte's three Discovery Place museums (Science, Nature, and Kids) provide hands-on experiences for little ones, with interactive exhibits and live shows that are actually fun for parents, too. Older kids and teens will enjoy attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Topgolf, or a game at the Bank of America Stadium, BB&T Ballpark, or Spectrum Center. For families who want overnight accommodation and entertainment in one place, Great Wolf Lodge is located just 20 minutes from Charlotte.
- Brewery tours
Craft breweries (there are more than 40 of them!) are perfect for guests who want to keep the festive vibes going throughout their stay. Trolley Pub Charlotte gives guests the chance to experience a pub crawl on wheels through NoDa, Uptown, or the South End.
- Outdoor activities
Adventure junkies and outdoor enthusiasts definitely won’t be bored in Charlotte. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a unique way for guests to get their blood pumping, with zip lines, rope courses, rock climbing, and a man-made whitewater river all on site. Those who want something a little less intense can head to Freedom Park, McDowell Nature Preserve, or try their hand at disc golf at the free courses around town.
- Treat yourself
Whether it’s a relaxing appointment at the spa or a marathon day of shopping, Charlotte has plenty of options for the self-indulgent guest. Snag designer deals at the Charlotte Premium Outlets, or visit Atherton Mill and Market for hip retailers like Warby Parker, Anthropologie, and West Elm. For a total zen experience, The Ritz-Carlton in Uptown has a spa offering holistic treatments and services.
- Arts & entertainment
The Queen City has museums for every type of art lover, whether it’s unique sculptures at the Betchler Museum of Modern Art, or historical exhibits at the Levine Museum of the New South. For live performances, head to NarroWay Theater or the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, where you can catch Broadway shows.
