Get ready for a fabulous Winston-Salem wedding weekend

While the Outer Banks beaches and mountains around Asheville are popular destinations for couples planning a North Carolina wedding weekend, the state’s also home to exciting, vibrant cities. Think Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and of course, Winston-Salem, home to Millennium Center. Planning a wedding weekend in Winston-Salem and need some ideas? You’ve come to the right place! 

Here are the top attractions, best downtown accommodations, and how your guests can get around town. And learn why Millennium Center makes a versatile location for your Winston-Salem wedding weekend.

Keep guests entertained with top attractions

Guests from out of town often have some down time during a wedding weekend. Not everything needs to be planned to the minute. But it’s nice to provide your guests with some attraction ideas that don’t take a lot of time. Here are four popular Winston-Salem things to do for your art aficionados, nature lovers, history buffs, and recreation enthusiasts.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art: Housed in the 1917 estate of tobacco heiress Katharine Reynolds, this museum is a rich blend of fine art, architecture, and history. It features a world-class collection of American art, rotating exhibitions, walkable grounds, and gardens. Located adjacent to Reynolda Village shops and cafes.

Tanglewood Park: Just southwest of Winston-Salem your guests will find a picturesque 1,100-acre park with walking trails, gardens, horseback riding, a dog park, and even hot air balloon rides during events. There’s also a public arboretum, golf course, and pedal boat rentals. 

More top Winston-Salem attractions for wedding guests

Old Salem Museums & Gardens: This is one of America’s most comprehensive living history sites, showcasing the Moravian settlement of the 18th and 19th centuries. Explore original buildings, artisan demonstrations, and heirloom gardens. And be sure to grab a bite at the bakery. 

Salem Lake Trail: The scenic lake features a 7-mile multi-use loop for walking, running, biking, and even fishing from the pier. Wide gravel paths and natural beauty are a great way for guests to balance wedding festivities with fresh air and exercise.

Need more guest entertainment ideas? Check out 18 Favorite Annual Winston-Salem Events and The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Winston-Salem.

Top Winston-Salem dining recommendations

Everyone loves breakfast: Midtown Cafe & Dessertery is a family-owned, all-day breakfast/dessert café offering French toast, savory breakfasts, and comfort sandwiches. Miam Breakfast House (828 S Stratford Rd) serves breakfast–lunch classics, including tuna tataki alongside pancakes, and is open until 3 pm daily.

Stay fueled with lunch: Guests on the go? There’s Krankie’s Coffee, a local favorite for their exceptional biscuit sandwiches paired with strong coffee. Another top spot for busy wedding guests is Copain Bakery & Provisions, a French-inspired bakery with grab-and-go pastries and sandwiches.

Casual dining with a twist: For lunch or dinner, The Old Fourth Street Filling Station in Winston-Salem’s West End serves big portions and friendly service. Enjoy the cozy renovated service station. And your guests will find a laid-back vibe and American fusion dishes at Twisted Pine.

Getting around Winston-Salem

Piedmont Triad International Airport is approximately 35 minutes from downtown Winston-Salem. Major carriers include Allegiant, American, Delta, Sprint, and United. Uber/Lyft is your best bet for getting downtown and typically costs around $30. Pickup zones are clearly marked at the airport. 

Wedding guests can also pre-book sedans, SUVs, vans, or minibus transfers tailored to their needs through a private shuttle/car service. And check the hotel where you’ve reserved a room block as many have airport shuttles.

Once your out-of-town guests have checked in, they may want to take in Winston-Salem. The Clark Campbell Transportation Center runs 30 bus routes, including nights and weekends, with economical fares. Downtown is quite walkable, especially between hotels, restaurants and Millennium Center. The streets are pedestrian friendly and there are even bike-share options for getting around.

Plan your wedding weekend timeline

Now it’s time to take a look at your wedding weekend timeline. Here’s the breakdown, from guest welcome to departure, and how Millennium Center can handle so many aspects. Here are the capacities and floorplans of Millennium’s versatile spaces.

Start your wedding weekend with a welcome party

If your guest list includes lots of out-of-towners or even if it’s a diverse gathering of family and friends who need to get (re)acquainted, a welcome party is the ideal ice breaker. 

Depending on your wedding weekend timeline, a Thursday evening cocktail party or a brunch or light lunch on Friday is a gracious guest welcome. And a Friday brunch/lunch will keep you going until your rehearsal ceremony and dinner. Host your welcome on Millennium Center’s upper level in the Historic Courtroom with its fine wood and pressed tin ceiling or the light-filled Jury Room overlooking downtown Winston-Salem.

Ceremony practice makes perfect – or at least better

Most wedding ceremony rehearsals take place early on a Friday evening. This is the key time to practice the processional, ceremony lineup, and recessional. Need help with your ceremony lineup and who needs to attend the rehearsal? Check out this guide.

Many couples host both their ceremony and reception at Millennium Center. The Historic Courtroom is a popular choice for smaller wedding ceremonies while the Millennium Ballroom provides a stunning backdrop for larger affairs.

And whether you’re saying your vows here or elsewhere, Millennium Center’s lower level offers a rehearsal dinner location with a speakeasy, supper club vibe. There’s even a stage for live entertainment. Imagine some smooth jazz to set the tone for a relaxed rehearsal dinner. 

More timeline tips for your wedding weekend

The highlight of your Winston-Salem wedding weekend

It’s your wedding day! And when you host your reception at all-inclusive Millennium Center, you’ll find superior, caring service, stellar food beautifully presented, and a host of enhancements.  

As your guests enter this grand Federal style building, they’ll be simply wowed. While you’re taking pictures, they’ll gather in the Grand Lobby for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Give them a little background music with Millennium’s baby grand piano. You just need to provide the pianist!

The hallmark of this venue is the Millennium Ballroom, accommodating up to 300. The ceiling sparkles with crystals and chandeliers, while the wood flooring and exposed brick give a sophisticated, industrial feeling. There’s never a backup at the bars and with so much space, you can really be creative with room flow, seating arrangement, and serving style.

Select an all-white or black dance floor – or even a checkerboard! There’s a large stage, in-house lighting and sound, and video screens for photo montages. Millennium Center even offers a 360-degree photo booth for reception entertainment.

Send your guests off with a departure brunch

So, everyone has had the time of their lives and they’re now ready to head home. Don’t let them hit the road hungry! Millennium Center has patio space for a casual departure brunch. It’s one last chance to build on a wedding weekend of lifelong memories. 

From your guest “meet and greet” to fond farewells over coffee and waffles, Millennium Center can handle every aspect of your Winston-Salem wedding weekend. Mix and max Millennium’s space and services with your vision and let’s start planning, today!