Three Romantic Wedding Locations in Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has some of the most spectacular settings for a romantic wedding that you can imagine.

Just forty minutes west of Raleigh the Campus is home to the famous UNC Hospitals, the North Carolina Tarheels and the Morehead Planetarium; just to name a few attractions.

The Campus setting is serene and quiet, particularly on weekends. Nestled within huge ancient trees and large manicured lawns most building are old or designed to look old.

The activity in town is on nearby Franklin Street which is abuzz with the noise of students, restaurants and retailers.

In this beautiful setting there are a number of excellent choices where one can have a fantastic open air wedding.

First there is Coker Arboretum with its long graceful archway. This small corner of the North Carolina Botanical Garden is a superb choice for a small intimate wedding. The Garden arch is covered most of the year with at least two varieties of flowering vines. The adjacent gardens have what seems to be an infinite number of unique flowering plants. Wedding pictures taken here will look like you were joined together in some mythical kingdom. You find yourselves surrounded by many unique trees, vines and shrubs that are native to the state; as well as a few non-native species. This five acre section of arboretum was a gift from a Dr. William Coker the first Professor of Botany at the University. It reflects his botantists interest in unique and unusual plants.

For the Bride and Groom with a small wedding party this is an excellent place and truly unforgettable memories. The archway makes a stunning backdrop for the wedding pictures.

Coker Arboretum
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-0522

For larger parties the Old Well is a favorite choice. Nestled between older campus buildings on three sides it has a broad expanse of green lawn surrounding the well. Built in 1897 by the University president at the time, the Old Well has seen many joyful events. It is an open and convenient location for the larger wedding party and guests.

Most wedding performed in this spacious setting include one of two tents, just in case the weather does not co-operate. A few trees located around the area provide some shade, though the Carolina sun is one reason to include a tent or two.

The setting at the Old Well makes for gorgeous wedding pictures and fantastic memories.

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
250 East Franklin Street
(919) 962-1630

A third excellent choice is the Forest Theatre. The first outdoor drama performed in this location was in 1916 was to celebrate the tercentenary of Shakespeare’s death in the then known Battle Park. The current theatre was built around 1940.

This theatre is an amazing place. It is constructed of stone as an open air amphitheatre. From the street it looks a bit like a small fortress with the gates thrown open. When you enter the theatre you find that you are at the top of the seating section looking down on the stage, far, far below. There is plenty of seating for a rather large number of wedding guests. More than most large churches would afford. Yet you are still out doors.

From the stage you are looking up to row after row of stone seats. You can see everyone clearly and they can see you just as clearly. This is a magical place to have a wedding unless you have a serious case of stage fright. You can easily image yourselves as Romeo and Juliet; with a much better ending!

Trees surround all four sides of the theatre giving one the impression from within that you are far away from humanity and its toils.

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
250 East Franklin Street
(919) 962-1630

Should you or your party need a place to stay you may want to consider the Carolina Inn. It is a four diamond (AAA) inn and on the national historic registry.

The Carolina Inn

211 Pittsboro Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 933-2001 or 1-800-962-8519

Another fine place is the Sienna Hotel on E. Franklin. Designed to look like a Tuscany Villa, it accomplishes this, particularly when you are inside. It is a great and very special place, especially for the rehearsal dinner. This is a four star restaurant and hotel on anyone’s chart. Luxury like this does have a price. It is an experience to be cherished.

Siena Hotel
1505 E. Franklin St
Chapel Hill, NC
(919) 929-4000

If you want to do something a little unusual for your wedding guests you might consider a special showing at the Morehead Planetarium. They can give you a choice of shows specifically to meet you needs.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
UNC-CH
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-1236