Raleigh Rehearsal Dinner Venues
Your wedding reception checklist is underway – caterer, cake, rentals, favors… Time to relax, right? Not quite – you have another event entirely to think about: The Rehearsal Dinner! But don’t fret; the rehearsal dinner is not nearly as intense to plan as the wedding itself (plus, if you don’t have a wedding planner to plan this bash, you can always task your groom with the heavy lifting here). In fact, dare we say it, for many couples, the rehearsal dinner can be even more FUN than the wedding itself. It’s a chance to relax with your family and closest friends and to get all the wedding jitters (and tears) out ahead of the big day!
When planning your rehearsal dinner in the Raleigh, you’ll want to keep your guests in mind: Will they enjoy the food? Is the atmosphere warm and welcoming? Does it showcase something you love about the local culinary scene? While most of the Heart of NC Wedding Preferred Venues are happy to host rehearsal dinners, it is often the most convenient for size and scale to choose a restaurant.
Go Classic
Photo via 1705 PRIME
1705 East
1705 E. Millbrook Road
Raleigh (map)
919-850-2340
1705 East, a private venue for Rocky Top Catering, is as inviting on the outside as it is on the inside. In a restored Southern home just outside downtown Raleigh, the venue is not only perfect for weddings but also rehearsal dinners. The inside décor provides a contemporary, upscale setting. With a variety of room sizes, they are able to accommodate your ideal dinner!
Go Eclectic
Photo via Gravy
Jiddi Space and Courtyard
Italian-American Kitchen
137 Wilmington Street
Raleigh
919-239-4070
Empire Eats Catering manages Gravy, an Italian-American eatery, there is a charming wine cellar that accommodates groups up to 40 people. In the back lot of these Gravy and Sitti (below) restaurants is Jiddi Space, consisting of an exposed brick and an outdoor patio, as well as a large indoor event room. Either restaurant can cater events in this space, and it is available for rehearsal dinner use, or full scale weddings.
Photo via Sitti
Sitti
Authentic Lebanese Cuisine
137 S. Wilmington Street
Raleigh
919-239-4070
Along with Gravy, the Empire Eats Catering manages Sitti, this downtown Raleigh restaurant with delicious food and enticing atmospheres. Sitti is a Lebanese restaurant that is warm and inviting, with its communal dining table and antique Art Deco bar featuring Lebanese liquors, wines and beers. Sitti has a downstairs area with private dining.
Photo via Mulino Italian Kitchen + Bar
Mulino Italian Kitchen + Bar
309 North Dawson Street
Raleigh
919-838-8595
Above Mulino Italian Kitchen + Bar you will find the Melrose Knitting Mill. It is a renovated space with large windows and exposed bricks that gives brides the option to wed or host the reception and have it catered by the restaurant. This newly opened space has quickly become one of Raleigh’s favorite venues.
Renaissance Raleigh North Hills
4100 Main at North Hills St
Raleigh
919-571-8773
Renaissance Raleigh North Hills has the most incredible inner terrace space that can accommodate your entire rehearsal dinner celebration and give you an amazing view! They will take care of all your needs so you can enjoy your special night before the wedding!
Go Casual
Photo via The Pit Raleigh
The Pit Raleigh
Whole Hog and Pit-Cooked Authentic Barbecue
328 W. Davie Street
Raleigh
919-890-4500
The Pit Raleigh is a famous barbecue restaurant that is located in both downtown Raleigh and Durham. Paired perfectly with authentic Southern hospitality, The Pit’s ode to traditional cuisine presents fare far beyond ordinary barbecue offerings. You will be challenged to find a venue for your rehearsal dinner that can make you feel more at home!
Jimmy V’s Osteria & Bar
420 Fayetteville St
Raleigh
919-256-1451
Located within Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar is an Italian-American eatery that features traditional comfort foods made with locally grown ingredients. The menu emphasizes sharing, so guests can bond. This fun yet beautiful atmosphere makes Jimmy V’s an ideal place to host a party – our favorite option is outside on the patio.
Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen
500 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh
919-833-1120
The handsome private dining room at Rye Bar & Southern Kitchen in the Raleigh Marriott is a newer hotspot in the heart of downtown Raleigh, and is perfect for rehearsal dinners. The warm and welcoming 60-seat space and seasonal menu with a sophisticated twist on traditional Southern cuisine is a certain crowd-pleaser.
Photo by Robin Lin
Vidrio – Mediterranean Restaurant and private dining facility
500 Glenwood Ave, Suite 100
Raleigh
919-803-6033
Vidrio is an upscale restaurant on the Raleigh dining scene. It is a Mediterranean restaurant and event venue on Glenwood South. Vidrio is not just a regular ol’ Mediterranean restaurant. It’s a large two level building with breathtaking decor including a wall covered in a rainbow of blown glass. Vidrio has multiple spaces that are perfect for wedding rehearsals dinners, intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Many large scale event venues also do rehearsal dinners. For example, Merrimon-Wynne House has just rolled out a new package. For a full list of our venues, click here!
