A Summer Wedding at The Carolina Inn | Chapel Hill Wedding Photography

Photographing Kristen and Tom’s wedding at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, North Carolina was an absolute dream. The Carolina Inn is one of those rare venues that blends timeless Southern charm with modern elegance — and every corner feels like it’s made for wedding photos.

Photos by Jeffery and Christina Minnish, Minnish Wedding Photography

The Carolina Inn: A Chapel Hill Landmark

Located right in the heart of the University of North Carolina campus, The Carolina Inn has been a Chapel Hill icon for nearly a century. With its stately architecture, warm hospitality, and a setting rich with history, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most beloved wedding venues in North Carolina. The Inn’s classic style and lush courtyards make it an unforgettable place to celebrate love.

Getting Ready Moments

Kristen and Tom both got ready at The Carolina Inn in separate suites. Kristen’s room was full of personality — deep red and gold wallpaper, elegant décor, and gorgeous natural window light that made for stunning portraits as she slipped into her wedding gown and veil. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and happy anticipation as her bridesmaids and loved ones helped her prepare.

Meanwhile, Tom and his groomsmen shared a quiet and heartfelt moment together as they prayed over him before the ceremony. One of the sweetest moments of the morning was when Kristen and Tom held hands around a doorway, sharing a few private words without actually seeing one another — a beautiful pause before the celebration began.

The Bryan Courtyard Ceremony

The couple exchanged vows in the Bryan Courtyard, one of our favorite ceremony spaces at The Carolina Inn. Hidden away from the nearby campus, this lush garden courtyard feels intimate and serene. Surrounded by vibrant greenery and classic Southern landscaping, Kristen and Tom’s ceremony felt like something out of a storybook.

The moment Tom lifted Kristen’s veil for their first kiss as husband and wife was pure magic.

Portraits Around The Carolina Inn

After the ceremony, we explored some of The Carolina Inn’s most iconic spots for portraits. The Annie Watts Courtyard offered a romantic setting framed by the Inn’s signature magnolia tree and elegant pillars — a scene that captures the spirit of the property perfectly.

We also took portraits on the Front Porch, a hallmark of The Carolina Inn and one of the most recognizable locations in Chapel Hill. With its expansive design and Southern charm, it provided a classic backdrop for timeless wedding portraits.

The Old Well Room Reception

The celebration continued in the Old Well Room, a breathtaking ballroom with soaring ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and the Inn’s signature black-and-white tiled floor. It’s a space that radiates elegance and sophistication — the perfect place for Kristen and Tom’s joyful reception.

After a romantic first dance, Kristen shared an emotional moment with her father, and Tom danced with his mother before the dance floor filled up for the rest of the evening. Guests celebrated late into the night, and the joy in the room was contagious.

As the evening came to an end, Kristen and Tom made their grand exit under a shower of confetti at the front entrance of The Carolina Inn — a picture-perfect ending to a day full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Why The Carolina Inn Is a Dream Wedding Venue

The Carolina Inn truly has it all — historic charm, stunning architecture, and warm Southern hospitality. From the Bryan Courtyard’s serene greenery to the elegance of the Old Well Room, it’s one of the most versatile and photogenic wedding venues in Chapel Hill.

Capturing love stories in such an iconic location is always an honor — and Kristen and Tom’s day was one to remember.

Ready to plan your Chapel Hill wedding photography? Let’s connect.