Upscale North Carolina Weddings
Our Luxe Wedding Venue Near Raleigh, NC
Just minutes from downtown Raleigh, The Oaks at Salem tells a story of heritage and romance across our 11 pastoral acres. What began as the last remaining piece of the historic Howell Family farm has blossomed into one of the Triangle’s most cherished wedding settings, where centuries-old oaks stand guard over new beginnings in Apex, NC.
Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Locations at The Oaks at Salem
Historic Courtyard Wedding Ceremony Space
Your wedding story might begin in our cobblestone courtyard, where a long, rustic aisle winds through lush greenery, creating an unforgettable path to “I do.”
Waterfront Wedding Ceremonies at the Pond
Our serene pond-side setting offers the classic backdrop of our homestead, creating a naturally elegant frame for your ceremony and stunning wedding photos.
Oak Tree Wedding Ceremonies
Exchange vows beneath our magnificent oak tree, its ancient branches creating an intimate cathedral of nature, perfect for gathering your closest loved ones.
Tented Reception Area with Market Lighting
As day turns to evening, our reception space transforms under the warm glow of market lights. Our white tent becomes a magical setting for up to 299 guests to dine, dance, and celebrate. This versatile space isn’t just beautiful – it’s thoughtfully designed to ensure your celebration continues rain or shine, making it a favorite among both couples and photographers who love its natural light and timeless elegance.
Green Weddings Near Raleigh NC
Sustainable Wedding Venue in the Triangle Area
The Oaks at Salem was created with intention. Our geothermal heating and cooling system, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable practices reflect our commitment to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us. This year, we expanded our property to over 11 acres, reclaiming more of the original Howell Family farmland. Soon, these grounds will yield fresh produce and flowers for our caterers and florists, bringing the farm-to-table experience right to your celebration.
This Could Be You ♡
“Simply Stunning!”
The Oaks at Salem was the perfect venue to host our wedding. The venue itself is stunning enough to leave as is but simple enough not to fight with your unique vision for the day. The versatility of the entire space is endless. From start to finish, we loved working with The Oaks at Salem to create, plan, and celebrate the best day of our lives!
– Sarah Winter
This Could Be You ♡
“Compliments Galore!”
We’ve received so many compliments on our venue. April was great to work with. We felt like we got our money’s worth as there were items in the base price that other venues would charge extra. There was a lot of room on the premises, I never felt like our guests were overcrowded, and we also had many picture options.
-R. Dross
North GA Weddings
Wedding Venue Amenities & Getting Ready Spaces
Luxury Bridal Suite & Groom’s Retreat
The main house seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort. The bridal suite and groom’s retreat offer peaceful spaces for preparation and reflection, while over 1,000 square feet of veranda provide breathtaking views of the ceremony wall, pond, and our newly acquired rustic barn.
Wedding Photography Locations
Every corner of our property has been thoughtfully designed to create stunning backdrops for your photography, from golden hour portraits by the pond to intimate moments in our landscaped gardens.
Wedding Venue Accessibility & Guest Experience
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, The Oaks at Salem adapts to your vision. Local hotels offer complimentary shuttles for your guests, and our ample on-site parking ensures everyone can arrive with ease. As you explore our grounds, you’ll discover countless vantage points that showcase the natural beauty of our setting – from the tranquil pond to the rolling fields and ancient hardwoods that gave our venue its name.
“We wanted a timeless, elegant, beautiful outdoor venue, and this was IT.”
“The Oaks at Salem is simply gorgeous. We booked it just hours after touring the grounds with April. Our wedding was absolutely the best day of our lives. Their vendor suggestions were incredibly helpful, and being near Raleigh without being downtown was perfect. April was incredibly responsive whenever we needed her, and we were over the moon happy with the entire day. Thank you April and The Oaks at Salem team for making our day so special!”
– Sam R.
