How to Choose Between the Historic Courtroom and The Speakeasy at Millennium Center

While our iconic downtown Winston-Salem venue hosts some of the largest weddings and events in the Triad, Millennium Center also offers two additional floors of distinctive space. These areas are ideal for daytime wedding ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, after-parties, corporate holiday gatherings, and milestone celebrations. Explore these hidden gems and learn how to choose between the Historic Courtroom and The Speakeasy for your next event.

A Multi-Level, Multi-Purpose Venue

Spanning three floors, Millennium Center occupies downtown Winston-Salem’s historic Post Office building. Details from its past are beautifully preserved throughout. The upper level exudes charm with its rich woodwork and natural light. The lower level still showcases the long-ago jail cells, while the main level features the original brass post office boxes. Even the old vaults have been transformed into being part of the bars.

As always, your guest count, event type, and desired flow will determine the best fit for your occasion.

• Historic Courtroom + Grand Jury Room (upper level): Intimate, formal spaces frequently used for wedding ceremonies or smaller receptions. Capacity: up to 200 guests.

• Lower Level (Speakeasy / Jazz Club / Red Room): Club-style spaces with exposed brick and historic character—perfect for rehearsal dinners, after-parties, and themed events. Capacity: up to 200 guests.

• Main Level Millennium Ballroom: The showpiece space for larger wedding receptions and corporate events, holding up to 400 guests (with additional room available in the Lobby).

Picking the Perfect Millennium Center Space

Choosing the right setting sets the tone for your entire event. At Winston-Salem’s Millennium Center, you’ll find two distinct levels ideal for intimate but unforgettable celebrations. Both are handicap accessible. Here’s how to decide which space best matches your vision and guest list.

Love Classic Elegance? Pick the Historic Courtroom

The upper-level Historic Courtroom offers rich wood tones, a coffered ceiling, and natural light—the kind of architectural drama that makes a daytime wedding ceremony feel cinematic. It’s perfect for couples seeking a timeless, formal celebration and a backdrop that requires little additional décor.

Smaller and mid-sized weddings of up to 200 guests fit beautifully in this iconic room. The space can also be turned for cocktail hour or reconfigured for a seated reception of up to 95 guests.

Just steps away, the Grand Jury Room offers another light-filled space, accommodating up to 125 guests for cocktails or 95 for a seated reception. It’s a popular choice for luncheons, business meetings, and intimate gatherings.

Helpful Hints for Weddings in the Historic Courtroom

• Excellent acoustics for string quartets and spoken ceremonies.

• Natural and ambient lighting ideal for photography.

• Coordinate florals and aisle layout with the fixed architectural details.

• The courtroom’s clean lines and window light create stunning ceremony and first-look photos.

Crave a Party Vibe? Choose Millennium’s Lower Level

Downstairs, the atmosphere shifts to something more relaxed yet electric. The lower level features exposed brick walls, a full bar, and built-in performance space—plus three distinct rooms you can reserve individually or combine for seamless event flow.

The Speakeasy can host a ceremony for up to 100 guests or a cocktail party for up to 200. There’s a built-in dance floor, and everyone loves the novelty of the preserved jail cells.

The Jazz Club provides an intimate setting often used for rehearsal dinners, corporate mixers, and theme parties. Completing the floor is The Red Room, which features an adjoining terrace that adds a touch of fresh air to the festivities.

Millennium Center’s lower level was designed for entertainment, with sound and lighting that support live bands and DJs. It’s ideal for couples who prioritize dancing, cocktails, and a late-night energy that keeps the celebration going.

Looking for an All-Inclusive Triad Event Venue?

Whether you’re planning a gala for hundreds or a more intimate affair, Millennium Center offers customizable, all-inclusive packages. There’s no need to track down outside vendors—our in-house team provides catering, bar service, and event décor to suit your style, theme, and budget.

With our recently completed multi-million-dollar renovation, the Millennium Center shines brighter than ever. Come see this newly refurbished crown jewel for weddings and events in Winston-Salem.

Book a tour today to experience the difference between the stately elegance of the Historic Courtroom and the vibrant, late-night energy of The Speakeasy.