North Carolina Home to Top Destination Wedding Venues in the U.S.

I can hear the bells, can you? The wedding bells that is, of course. So, recently my sister got engaged and has been in her wedding planning mode. Then there is me, just the person obsessed with all things weddings so I am just excited for her. She has been looking at venues like crazy, nonstop and it made me start even looking to just send her places as some help.

Well, while doing some research I learned that North Carolina actually has some great wedding venues. Whether you are looking for a venue in the city, in the mountains, or on the water - North Carolina has got it all. Now, I can and cannot wait until it's my turn for a wedding for sure. I found this site, Here Comes the Guide, and they had a list of some of the best travel destination locations in the U.S. for wedding venues. Maybe you want that destination feel without going too far, well North Carolina has plenty. So, I had to share! I am sure my sister isn't the only one getting married right now, so let's spread the knowledge. Check out the list below of what locations made the list in North Carolina:

If you were contemplating some out of state options. Then you should certainly check out the full list here and see what other spots made the list in other states.

In recent years, a new trend has been making waves in the world of weddings: late-night snacks and meals. Gone are the days when weddings were limited to formal dinner receptions. Couples and wedding planners have embraced the idea of adding a touch of fun and excitement to the celebration by offering a delectable spread of snacks and meals in the late hours of the night.

As a matter of fact, there are some McDonald’s restaurants offering $200 wedding packages that include 100 chicken sandwiches and 100 four-piece packages of chicken McNuggets. According to CNBC, the $230 deal would provide a chicken sandwich and McNuggets for $2 per person at a 100-guest wedding.

The late-night snack and meal trend at weddings has gained traction for several reasons. It allows couples to extend the festivities and keep the party going well into the night. And late-night snacks and meals are very practical. Weddings are often full-day affairs; guests can work up an appetite after hours of dancing and celebrating. By providing a variety of tasty bites and heartier fare, couples ensure that their guests are well-fed and energized throughout the evening.

The trend injects an element of surprise and excitement into the wedding experience. It adds an element of novelty to the event, creating memorable moments for everyone involved.

Choosing the right late-night snack or meal for a casual wedding involves a more relaxed and informal approach. When choosing late-night snacks or meals for a casual wedding, there are several factors to keep in mind. For instance, opting for comfort food favorites that evoke a sense of familiarity and satisfaction, such as sliders, chicken wings, or nachos. You may even consider a food truck also allows guests to interact with the chefs and customize their orders, adding an element of fun and personalization. Another great idea is to set up interactive stations where guests can build their own late-night snacks or meals.

Don't hesitate to incorporate personal touches that reflect your tastes and preferences. By considering these factors, you'll create a memorable late-night food experience that perfectly complements the ambiance of your wedding.

Check out six late-night wedding snacks and meals to serve up on your wedding day.

Create a nostalgic spread featuring marshmallows, graham crackers, and various chocolate options. For an interactive twist, provide small gas canisters typically used for buffet food warmers, allowing guests to roast their own marshmallows to perfection.

Regarding late-night snacks, offering full-sized burgers may not appeal to everyone, especially after a filling dinner. However, you can still satisfy your guests' savory cravings with sliders. Serve up mini burgers, or get creative with pulled pork or brisket sliders for a flavorful bite. Expand the options further by including mini grilled cheese sandwiches or mini biscuit sandwiches, providing a variety of burger or sandwich-like options. If you're short on time or prefer convenience, consider pre-ordering mini burgers from your favorite restaurant to save on wedding day DIY efforts.

Guests can customize their hot dogs with various toppings like mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, and more. Whether you opt for traditional all-beef franks, vegetarian or vegan sausages, or specialty gourmet dogs, the possibilities for customization are endless.

Take it up a notch by offering a variety of fry cuts, each with its own unique appeal. From classic shoestring fries to thick-cut steak fries or crispy waffle fries. To enhance the fry experience, provide an assortment of dipping sauces. Think beyond the traditional ketchup and offer flavorful options like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, tangy barbecue sauce, truffle mayo, or even a spicy sriracha dip. Present the fries and dipping sauces in an attractive display, whether in individual containers or shared platters for guests to enjoy.

Serving pizza as a late-night snack adds a comforting and delicious touch to the festivities. Consider classic favorites like pepperoni, cheese, or Margherita and gourmet options with unique toppings like BBQ chicken, spinach, and feta, or prosciutto and arugula. You can even provide vegetarian or vegan pizza options to accommodate different dietary preferences. To keep things convenient, you can arrange for a local pizzeria to deliver fresh pizzas to your wedding venue. Alternatively, consider setting up a pizza station where guests can customize their slices with a selection of toppings.

These bite-sized treats pack all the flavor of traditional tacos into a compact and easy-to-eat package. Offer a variety of fillings to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. Classic options like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or grilled vegetables are always a hit. Consider adding unique twists like shrimp with spicy aioli, pulled pork with tangy barbecue sauce, or vegetarian options like black bean and corn salsa. To complement the mini tacos, set up a toppings bar with an array of condiments and garnishes. Include traditional favorites like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. You can also provide additional toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime to add a burst of freshness.