How to get married at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte
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Photo: Courtesy of the Whitewater Center
The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a popular destination for whitewater rafting, its massive dog park, huge treehouse village and tons of other outdoor activities. It also hosts weddings.
Why it matters: The Whitewater Center is best known for its outdoor activities and its role as an Olympic training site, drawing 1.4 million people in 2024. But it is also one of the city's more relatively affordable wedding venues.
Context: The Whitewater Center has been hosting weddings for more than a decade, including more than 50 over the last five years. They also host rehearsal dinners and bachelor and bachelorette dinners.
- Here's a breakdown of pricing.
State of play: The Whitewater Center has a no outside food or beverage policy, meaning the couple must use Whitewater's in-house catering and beverage services.
- Catering options range from $31-$35 per person for one of the center's six different buffet options. The Italian buffet, for instance, is $32 per person. Appetizers range from $5-$8 per person. A charcuterie board, for example, is $8 per person.
- Bar options include beer and wine and range from $8-$10 per glass.
- The couple may, however, bring in their own dessert. There is a $50 cake-cutting fee, but the dessert doesn't have to be a cake. It could be cannolis or cupcakes, for instance. The Whitewater Center's catering menu also has several desserts, including cookies, Ghirardelli brownies and orange and olive oil cake.
Zoom out: Parking and Whitewater Center day passes are included for the couple. It's also included for guests as long as you're booking through the Whitewater wedding package.
- Tables and chairs are included in the wedding package, but you may also rent your own.
Between the lines: Outside vendors, such as a DJ or photographer, must be approved by Whitewater and provide a certificate of insurance.
Keep in mind, the Whitewater Center will not completely shut down for a wedding. Think of it like having a private event at any other large space, whether that's a restaurant or a park.
Wedding venues at the Whitewater Center include:
Overlook Barn
What to expect: This rustic indoor and outdoor space can serve as a ceremony location, reception location or both. The back terrace is tucked in the trees overlooking the Whitewater Center's manmade river.
Max guests: 200 people
Cost: $10,000 for a full-day rental
South Ridge
What to expect: If you've practiced yoga at the Whitewater Center, you're already familiar with the South Ridge. The outdoor ceremony space is surrounded by trees and has amphitheater-style seating along the hillside.
Max guests: 200 people
Cost: $2,500 for a full-day rental
Ridge Pavilion
What to expect: Close to the South Ridge, the covered outdoor pavilion includes a stone fireplace and handmade farm tables. It's picturesque for a reception.
Max guests: 200 people
Cost: $5,000 for a full-day rental
The Wharf
What to expect: The 150-year-old barn includes a stone fireplace and three large barn doors to make the space feel as open or as intimate as you'd like.
Max guests: 110 people
Cost: $5,000 for a full-day rental
Zoom out: Whitewater also has wedding options at its other locations:
- Windfall in Lansing, N.C.
- Middleburg in Charleston, S.C.
- Big Creek Lodge in Mills River, N.C.