The Bellamy Mansion
Imagine your guests mingling on the grounds of a beautiful, historic mansion, sipping on sweet tea among the magnolias trees. The Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington is about as Southern as you can get, with a variety of spaces to suit your needs. The mansion and its 1,000 square feet of porches can comfortably suit 175 guests. This lovely venue boasts original Victorian carpets. (910) 251-3700; BellamyMansion.org/weddings
The North Carolina Aquarium
For an Outer Banks event your guests won't soon forget, say your "I dos" at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. This venue can accommodate intimate gatherings or grand celebrations up to 1000. Use the colorful aquariums or gather on the spacious lawn and use the sensational sunset as your backdrop. (866) 332-3475, NCAquariums.com/roanoke-island
The Fayetteville Museum of Art
The Fayetteville Museum of Art in Fayetteville boasts 5.8 acres with park-like settings. Inside, the museum's galleries can hold up to 150 guests, or have them mingle on the dramatic rooftop terrace, overlooking the lake, for cocktail hour. This museum has a full kitchen for all of your catering needs. (910) 485-5121, FayettevilleMuseumArt.org/rent
The Mint Museum of Art
Once Charlotte's first branch of the United States Mint, the Mint Museum of Art now houses some of the most noted collections of art, while providing beautiful spaces for your wedding. Dine under a tent on the terrace or have an elegant meal in the glass-enclosed Atrium. You can choose from a list of pre-approved caterers. (704) 337-2006, MintMuseum.org
The Currituck Beach House
Want to shine on your wedding day? Why not host your ceremony at one of the Outer Banks' oldest beacons of light? The Currituck Beach House in Corolla can hold up to 150 guests, but rents out space for ceremonies only. (252) 453-8152, CurrituckBeachLight.com
The Museum of Life + Science
The Museum of Life + Science in Durham has a variety of spaces for you and your loved ones to celebrate, including the tropical setting of the Magic Wings Butterfly House. Expecting a bigger crowd? The Nature Center wing can hold up to 400 for a cocktail reception and features lots of hands-on exhibits. (919) 220-5429, NCMLS.org
The Carriage House at Blandwood Mansion
The Carriage House at Blandwood Mansion in Greensboro is perfect for parties of 175 or less. Dance the night away beneath the high-ceilinged ballroom with a patio view of Blandwood gardens. This two-story facility is distinctively charming and comes with a list of great caterers with Southern flair. (336) 272-5003, Blandwood.org/carriagehouse.html
The Horrace Williams House
For a backdrop that needs little decor, check out The Horrace Williams House near Chapel Hill. Outside, towering oaks and fragrant magnolias surround it; inside you'll be enclosed by grand 1840s Greek Revival style architecture and beautiful parquet ceilings. Couples inviting fewer than 75 are allowed to bring their own refreshments, otherwise, choose one of their pre-approved caterers. (919) 942-7818, ChapelHillPreservation.com
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
If you've got a soft spot for science and are looking for a unique backdrop for your occasion, look no further than the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. Up to 1, 450 guests will have access to a dramatic two-story waterfall, a scenic mountain cove, and a variety of animals from the past and present! (919) 733-7450, NaturalSciences.org
The North Carolina Museum of History
Kick-off your future together surrounded by relics of the past! Whether you're hosting a big celebration or an intimate affair, Raleigh's North Carolina Museum of History has the space for you. Fit 500 guests (or 200 for a sit-down dinner) in the spacious lobby that even has room for a band and dance floor. Or host a bridesmaid luncheon inside the Demonstration Gallery, encased by two glass walls, overlooking Bicentennial Plaza and the Legislative Building. Choose from a list of pre-approved caterers and you're all set! (919) 807-7875, NCMuseumofHistory.org
-- Carrie Chambers