From the trellised walkways covered in vines to the sprawling fields surrounded by flowers, Airlie Gardens is a space unlike any other in Raleigh. While the views might make this one of the most coveted wedding spots in the city, it’s their attention to detail that makes them my favorite! As a Raleigh wedding photographer, I get to go all across the area, finding the best venues. Here is what you can expect from an Airlie Gardens wedding.
About The Airlie Gardens Wedding Venue
300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
The roots of the Airlie Gardens wedding venue date back to the early years of the 18th century, when the land was first granted by King George II. Amidst the original 640 acres was an oak tree that had already been growing for two centuries. Over time, the Airlie Oak became the pride of the grounds, and when Sarah and Pembroke Jones purchased the property in 1884, the pair kept it as the cornerstone of their rapidly growing gardens. Today, the garden is owned by the county and sees over 120,000 annual visitors. The carefully maintained grounds and the storied Oak will be some of the countless backdrops you can enjoy throughout your wedding day!
Details of the Grounds
Airlie Gardens primarily offers outdoor spaces for your wedding and reception. For those who want to incorporate the Airlie Oak, the Oak Lawn is the spot for your ceremony. This space offers a flat field where your guests can watch as you exchange your vows beneath the Spanish moss drapery of the 500-year-old Oak. If you want something secluded and romantic, you can exchange your vows in the Pergola Garden. This is the most popular ceremony location with the vine-covered pergola serving as a dreamy altar. The meadow is surrounded by seasonal blooms that add natural color to the atmosphere.
The venue has two spaces that can be used for both your wedding and your reception. For those who are hosting a larger wedding, you can set up a tent in the Bradley Creek Lawn, where you will have a waterfront view throughout your celebration. This area is able to hold up to 300 guests. Smaller weddings will love the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel, where a structure made of colorful bottles gives you an artistic altar. You can fit up to 150 guests in this space.
Photography Opportunities
In Airlie Gardens, nearly every corner features lush foliage that will shine throughout your wedding portraits. I love using the pergolas for both couples portraits and first look photos. Meanwhile, the Oak Lawn is ideal for group shots with all your friends and family. We can also incorporate all the colorful landscaping throughout the portrait session of your celebration!
Wedding Details
Airlie offers several different packages that can accommodate weddings of all sizes. Their event team is exceptional at helping you find all the vendors who will help you put together the perfect day! You will also have their staff throughout your wedding to ensure your celebration is positively seamless!
Don’t Sleep On The Beauty Of A Magical Airlie Gardens Wedding
If you are looking for the perfect outdoor space for your Raleigh wedding, I just know you are about to fall in love with the Airlie Gardens wedding venue. Now, it’s time to make sure you have the right photographer there to capture every moment. I can help with that! As a Raleigh wedding photographer, I love working with couples to document those organic and romantic moments you’ll want to carry with you for the rest of your life. If you want to see if I am the one for you, fill out an inquiry form so we can connect!
