Even though I'm not a Carolina native, when I moved here it didn't take me long to get caught up in the collegiate hype. North Carolina is known for its many renowned Universities, not only because they are strong scholastically, but because of their strengths in athletics as well.

For some, school pride runs in the blood; for others, your university may be the site where you and your groom-to-be met. Either way, a college campus may be the perfect setting for your dream wedding. While many campuses have at the very least a modest chapel, many offer gorgeous and elaborate wedding venues.
 
Duke University in Durham, NC offers two prominent options – the Duke Chapel and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. The Duke Chapel is recognized for its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture and music, making it a desired location for brides of all collegiate backgrounds. Unfortunately for some, in order to have a ceremony in the infamous Duke Chapel, the bride, groom or their parents must be directly affiliated with the private University. Additionally, slots are limited, as the Chapel hosts only 100 weddings annually.

So if you aren’t able to claim a reservation for the Chapel, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens are another renowned option. Within the Sarah P. Duke Gardens are a number of specific venues that can be rented for your wedding festivities. Bridges, terraces and ponds are just a few of the settings for vow exchanges and photo opportunities. The Gardens also offer an amphitheater, as well as a pergola and tented lawns. Certain locations provide for a more intimate setting, allowing a maximum of 10 guests; others are more suitable for larger guest lists, permitting up to 150 standing attendants.

NC State University, located in the state’s capital of Raleigh, NC offers a variety of facilities within its JC Raulston Arboretum. An auditorium, a rooftop terrace and a rose garden are just a few of the choices. The Klein-Pringle White Garden – boasting a Victorian gazebo, surrounded by white, silver and grey flowers and foliage – is the favorite among brides.

Peace College, also in Raleigh, NC, offers its current students, alumnae and relatives of alumnae venues for wedding ceremonies, receptions and rehearsal dinners. For the ceremony, Dinwiddie Chapel can host up to 250 guests and is adorned with an organ, 10 windows and a 66-foot-long aisle. For the reception, the Main Parlor can be reserved for celebrations with up to 75 guests. Peace College also offers its President’s Dining Room for rehearsal dinners with a maximum of 45 guests.

The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, also a prestigious University, is home to several wedding venues from which brides can choose. These include the serene Coker Arboretum and the stone amphitheater, known as Forest Theatre. Additionally, Display Gardens, Piedmont Nature Trails, the Totten Center, the Paul Green Cabin and the Herb House can all be found at UNC Chapel Hill. Unfortunately, rental of these venues has currently been suspended for the 2009 year. However, if you’ve planned for a longer engagement and won’t be saying your vows for a while, you may have these options again in the future.

Head west to Winston-Salem, home of Wake Forest University, for three more outstanding wedding venues. Inviting hundreds, even thousands, to your ceremony? Wait Chapel hosts over 2,200 seated guests! Additionally, the Chapel features an organ, a 48 cast bronze bell carillon and a gardened entrance. WFU’s second venue is the Davis Chapel, which provides a more intimate ceremony with candlelight and stained glass windows.  Lastly, Wake Forest University’s Reynolda Gardens is an option for brides seeking a tranquil setting.

So, whether you’re still in school or far from your college days, your campus can present stunning venues for your big day. Marrying in one of the state’s educational institutions is also a great way to utilize North Carolina’s prestigious resources and give your wedding a hometown feel.

If you’re planning to wed (or have attended a wedding) in a Carolina college, please share it with us at MyCarolinaWedding.com. Let us know if a particular campus receives an A+…we’d love to hear from you!

Also, if you’re considering a University wedding be sure to check out your college’s Web site for photos, additional rental requirements and fee information. Many colleges limit their facility reservations to alumnae and/or their close relatives. Below is a list of sites for the venues referenced in this article.

Duke
Wedding Information
Garden Etiquette

UNC
Facilites Rental

NCSU
Reserve A Garden

Peace College
Alumnae Weddings

Wake Forest University
Wedding Information