Your love story is a one-of-a-kind romance that you’ve spent years writing. So, when you’re planning your wedding, why settle for a venue that’s anything less than extraordinary? As a Greensboro wedding photographer, I’ve gotten the unique chance to have a backstage look at all the best venues in the area. If you’re on the search for an absolutely magical spot for your special day, I would love to tell you what you can expect from a Providence Cotton Mill wedding!
About The Providence Cotton Mill Wedding Venue
4137 Providence Mill Rd, Maiden, North Carolina 28650
Providence Cotton Mill is truly a venue unlike any other. The open-air space combines historic architecture with industrial accents, creating a building that’s nothing short of romantic! The story of the mill dates back over 200 years when the area was being used as an iron forge during the War of 1812. Once the war had ended, the forge was all but forgotten until the Carpenter family came in. They decided to transform the space into a cotton mill, where it began operation in 1888. The mill was so successful that it sustained the blossoming town, with other mills opening up around it. In the 1920s, the world transformed, and the town of Maiden followed suit. Mills gave way to sewer systems while electricity illuminated the streets. The mill was destined to be destroyed until it was purchased and transformed into an event space. Today, the historic building combines nature with industry to provide you with a wedding venue unlike any other.
Details of the Grounds
Providence Cotton Mill is an open-air wedding facility with glassless windows that look out into the surrounding forests. With plenty of unobstructed space, you are going to have the dreamiest spot for every second of your wedding day! Your celebration will start the morning of your wedding, and you will have your own private space to prepare for your day. The get-ready suites stay true to the style of the venue. Antique furniture gives you a space to spread out and get cozy. Meanwhile, the large windows will let in plenty of lighting as you put on all those finishing touches.
The interior will be there for your entire celebration. Many couples choose to split up the space by setting up their reception tables in the back of their room and putting their aisles in the front. With this option, you can use the side doorway of the building to make your grand and dramatic entrance. With 10,000 square feet, you will be able to create the layout perfect for your day!
The actual interior of the mill is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The walls are 30 feet high with two rows of windows that let in fresh air as well as premium views of the surrounding woodlands. The exposed brick is partially covered by plaster that has been chipped away throughout the years. Meanwhile, the wooden beams of the ceiling give you a rustic touch, while the concrete floors are perfect for hours and hours of dancing. You can dress the space up with blush roses or moody dark bouquets so you can match your vibe.
Outdoor Options At The Providence Cotton Mill Wedding Venue
Throughout your wedding day, you will be able to use the exterior however you’d like. The flat lawn and the woodsy backdrop make it a favorite for outdoor weddings. Many couples prefer to set up their altar in front of the iconic brick building. The walkway leading to the interior works well for your aisle! Then, once your wedding is over, you can reserve the terrace for a cocktail hour where your guests can enjoy signature drinks. Your guests will love exploring the historic grounds as you take pictures with your partner.
Once it’s time for your reception, your guests can enjoy a party that goes late into the night. With plenty of open space, you will have the ability to accommodate either a DJ or a live band. And if an indoor party isn’t really your vibe, don’t worry about it! Some nature-loving couples have chosen to have an outdoor reception beneath the sparkling bistro lights of the terrace.
No matter your party size, the venue is ready to host you! While you can host up to 1000 guests, they have specialized packages for intimate elopements.
Photography Opportunities
As a photographer, I can assure you the Providence Cotton Mill is full of spaces that are perfect for your wedding portraits. As you get ready for your wedding day, you will have a picture-perfect spot for candid snapshots with your bridal party. I love how the open windows let the light stream in to illuminate your portraits! Once you are completely ready, you can tour the grounds and find different backdrops for group portraits.
The exterior is always a great spot for both individual and couple portraits. The venue lets you explore the woods around the area to find the best backdrops. I am also partial to the outside of the building itself. The ivy-draped brick is positively romantic, giving you garden vibes.
If you plan on doing first look portraits, I would recommend using the open-air walkways around the building. You will have an intimate space where you can share this magical moment together. And because the venue has plenty of expansive windows, you can count on sun-soaked pictures through every moment of your wedding.
Wedding Details
The Providence Cotton Mill wedding venue knows how to help you plan your perfect wedding day! They have several packages that let you decide what you want throughout your celebration. For those planning a smaller wedding, the mill offers private elopements with budget-friendly pricing. You will be able to pay by the hour with a 5-hour minimum. They reserve these options for Monday-Thursday ceremonies.
If you are looking for a package for a larger ceremony, you will be able to choose from their standard packages. Throughout your wedding day, they will provide you with all the tables and chairs you could need for your ceremony. They also give you tons of freedom, welcoming you to bring in your own caterer to create the perfect menu for your celebration. They allow amplified music both inside and outside for your reception. The entirety of the venue is fully wheelchair accessible, and they have parking on the site. The venue will take care of both set-up and clean-up. Additionally, they have a planning service to ensure you can work through the details of your day.
Together, Let’s Capture Your Dream Photos At Your Providence Cotton Mill Wedding
With the Providence Cotton Mill wedding venue, you will have a dreamy space for your special day. As far as capturing all those details, that’s where I come in! I adore working with couples to document every part of their weddings. I take the time to get to know my clients so I can give you pictures that feel completely authentic to you. Interested in learning more? Then let’s meet over some coffee so you can decide whether I’m the photographer for you. I hope to hear from you soon!
