The Basics & Logistics

Q: How many hours does the Pavilion wedding rental fee include, and is there an overtime fee if I stay longer?

A: The rental fee includes 12 hours on the day of your wedding, plus one hour of rehearsal time on another day, booked in advance. Your time on the lovely Pavilion property also includes engagement or bridal portraits by appointment. Additional time is $500 per hour.

Q: How do you structure the payment schedule?

A: Half of the rental fee is due as a deposit to reserve the date. The balance is due 90 days before your wedding or event.

Q: What are the Pavilion’s deposit, cancellation, and refund policies?

A: At the time of booking, half of the wedding venue rental fee is due to secure the date. That portion of the fee is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due 90 days before the event. Events canceled before those 90 days will not owe the second half of the fee. Events canceled within 90 days of the event will not be refunded.

Q: What are the weather contingencies/backup plans in case of weather for Pavilion’s outdoor spaces?

A: In the event of rain, snow, or other inclement weather, your event may be moved inside the Bryleigh Rose Chapel. Read: Tips for Rain on Your Wedding Day.

Q: Are cabs or rideshare options (e.g., Uber, Lyft) easily accessible from the Pavilion at Carriage Farm wedding venue?

A: Yes. We also have contacts for group shuttles if you prefer to offer that for your guests.

Q: Are there any extra fees we should be aware of, such as service charges, gratuity, and cleaning fees?

A: Fees for setup of up to 200 guests and cleanup are included in the venue rental.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?

A: Yes, there are parking spaces marked for those with disabilities and a path into the venue and onto the back patio.

Q: When is my final wedding guest count due?

A: The Pavilion team needs your final wedding guest count three weeks prior to the event so we can finalize details.

Q: Will our wedding be the only one hosted at your venue that day?

A: Yes. Your rental time is reserved just for your Raleigh wedding. There will be no other weddings at the Pavilion on the same day.

Q: Please share some examples of past wedding itineraries that have been successful at Pavilion.

A: We have seen success with many different itineraries. The most important way to have a smooth wedding day is to hire a coordinator/planner who sets a realistic timeline for your day, and to have solid communication among the couple, the coordinator, and the parents. Of course, we are here to help you all along the way!

Q: How often can I visit the venue before the event?

A: You can make an appointment with us any time you need to visit. Your time with us always includes a 30-day walkthrough meeting with you and your coordinator, so we are all on the same page during those last few weeks.

Q: How many guests can your venue hold?

A: The Pavilion holds 275 seated with room for dancing. Our Chapel holds 250. View our ceremony spaces and reception areas.

Food & Drinks

Q: Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of “preferred” caterers, or do I need to provide my own?

A: You may choose from our list of exclusive caterers.

Q: How is alcohol priced, and is there a bar minimum?

A: There is no bar minimum. The Pavilion has an ABC license, and we provide all alcohol and your trained bartender team. See our Bar Packages page for more details.

• Beer and wine only are $24 per person.
• Beer, wine, and house liquor are $30 per person.
• Beer, wine, and premium liquor are $40 per person.

Q: Can we bring our own wine, beer, or champagne? What about liquor?

A: No. The Pavilion purchases and serves all alcohol. Due to North Carolina’s ABC regulations, no outside alcohol may be brought onto the property.

Q: Can we serve signature cocktails and/or mocktails at our wedding?

A: Yes! We love serving your favorite drinks! We have a list of choices that can be added to your liquor package.

Decor & Rentals

Q: Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, and glassware provided, or will I have to rent them myself or get them through my caterer?

A: We provide tables and chairs for up to 200 guests. We use white chairs for our outside ceremonies, and mahogany chiavari chairs for inside the Pavilion. If you have over 200 guests, you can rent additional matching chairs for the Pavilion and Pergoa, plus linens, plates, silverware, and glassware from Curated Events.

Q: Are we allowed to bring in our own wedding decorations?

A: Yes! You may bring anything other than prohibited items (see below). Just keep in mind that only insured florists are allowed to utilize a ladder.

Q: Are there any prohibited decor items (fog machines, candles, confetti, etc.)?

A: All flower petals must be real. Flower petals in the chapel must be white. No confetti is permitted. Candles are allowed as long as they are surrounded by glass. Sparkler exits are accepted. Fog machines are not allowed inside the buildings.

Q: Can we hang things on the wall or from the ceiling?

A: We do not allow things to be attached to the walls or ceiling. If you’d like lights or greenery in the rafters, a vendor like Themeworks or your insured florist can help with those fun elements.

Q: Do you provide heaters/umbrellas as needed for the outdoor spaces?

A: We provide patio heaters in addition to our outdoor fire pit. Garden umbrellas may be rented from Curated Events.

Q: What type of tables do you offer (shape, size, top table)? Are there different options?

A: All of our tables require linens. Here are the options:

• 25 – 60” round tables
• 5 – 6’ rectangular tables
• 4 – 8’ rectangular tables
• 10 – cocktail tables (cocktail height or bistro height)
• 2 – 48” round tables – typically used for a sweetheart and cake table

Q: What does a typical layout of the room on the wedding day look like?

A: The layout is totally up to you! You and your coordinator will have access to our online floor plan where you can design your unique layout. Be sure to follow us on social media to see what other brides are doing; you are sure to see things you like! 

Q: Does the Pavilion have sound equipment and speakers, or will those need to be rented or provided by the entertainment?

A: No. Please rent/provide your own equipment or work with your DJ or band to ensure proper sound for both the wedding ceremony and the reception. 

Q: Can I connect Spotify or a laptop to your sound system?

A: We do not have a sound system.

Q: Can we use fireworks?

A: Fireworks are permitted at your Pavilion wedding if they are set up by an approved professional company. Here is a Pavilion at Carriage Farm wedding that used fireworks when they got married on New Year’s Eve. Before signing a contract with a fireworks company, please contact us for approval.

Vendors & Staffing

Q: Do you offer on-site wedding coordination? What services are included?

A: Yes! We have an amazing team of coordinators who offer packages depending on what level of service you would like for your big day. Contact us for our coordinating package.

Q: Can I select my own vendors, or is there a preferred vendor list we must use?

A: For most aspects, you are welcome to hire your vendors. We have a list of preferred vendors to help you get started. We require you to use Curated Events for rentals and one of our exclusive caterers.

Our in-house wedding coordinators have the most experience with our venue, but as long as you have one and we have contacted and approved them, you may use your chosen coordinator. There is a fee of $500 to bring in an outside planner. We have an exclusive list of catering companies.

Q: What Pavilion staff will be there on my wedding day? Is there an in-house wedding coordinator?

A: The Pavilion will have a venue manager on site with you all day. We offer coordination packages through our in-house coordinating team. If you decide to hire an outside coordinator, they will be on-site that date as well for a minimum of 12 hours.

Q: Will your staff be involved in setting up and breaking down the décor? In what capacity?

A: Our staff will set up all tables and chairs according to the floor plan you and your coordinator choose. We will also be here to help cleanup. Your coordinator will help with decor setup and will also help break down and pack things up for you at the end of the night. Between your venue manager and coordinator, we handle all the setup and breakdown so you and your family can enjoy the day!

Q: What time can my vendors start setting up on the day of the wedding?

A: They can arrive when your 12-hour rental time begins. If you or your vendors require additional time, you may add on for $500/hour.

Q: Can we visit the venue a few days early with our vendors so they can see the layout?

A: If you have a vendor that wants to visit in person, we are happy to set up a time to meet with them.