Question 1

WHAT TYPES OF COUPLES TEND TO LOVE BIG CHILL MOST?

Accepted Answer

We are a great fit for couples who care deeply about their guests’ experience and want a wedding that feels both beautiful and genuinely fun. If you’re dreaming of a celebration with great music, an easy flow from moment to moment, and a full dance floor by the end of the night, you’ll feel right at home here.

Question 2

CAN WE HOST BOTH OUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION AT BIG CHILL?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer add-on ceremony packages that transition seamlessly into the reception. For ceremonies under 150 guests, we offer the use of our Dilworth Room. This space can accommodate up to 150 seated guests + your wedding party! For ceremonies with 150+ guests, we offer set up in the main reception room. This option includes a seamless room flip that transitions into the reception while your guests are enjoying the cocktail hour!

Question 3

HOW CUSTOMIZABLE IS A WEDDING AT BIG CHILL?

Accepted Answer

Very. While the venue is thoughtfully designed to support a smooth, well-paced celebration, your wedding is never built from a template. From catering and décor to timing, layout, and vendor selection, couples have the freedom to personalize the day in ways that feel authentic to them — without the stress of starting from scratch.

Question 4

WHAT IS THE VENUE'S CAPACITY?

Accepted Answer

Our venue capacity is dependent on the style of the wedding and the wedding's needs. The venue can be configured in multiple ways to accommodate buffet/plated dinners, intimate ceremonies, or a high-energy reception! The capacity ranges below are configured to fit the flow and guest count seamlessly.
 • Seated Reception: up to 250 guests (Certain set up restrictions apply if over 225 guests)​
 • Cocktail-style Reception: up to 575 guests (Minimal to no seating)​
 • Ceremony:
    • Dilworth Room: up to 150 seated guests + wedding party and of course, you two!
    • Main Room: up to 250 guests (typically requires a room flip, seamlessly transformed during cocktail hour)

Question 5

I HAVE OUT OF TOWN GUESTS, ARE THERE HOTELS NEARBY?

Accepted Answer

​Yes! Since we are located less than a mile from center city, there are many hotel options nearby! Check out our list of accommodations!

Question 6

IS PARKING AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have 110 complimentary on-site parking spots in our lot, as well as additional complimentary and pay-to-park options surrounding the venue. Overflow parking availability is dependent on the weddings’s day and time frame. If overflow parking is needed for your wedding, our team will work with you to build a parking plan with information you can provide to your guests prior to the wedding.

Question 7

CAN WE BRING IN OUR OWN VENDORS?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We offer an open-door vendor policy, which allows you to bring in your preferred vendor team. This gives you the freedom to work with professionals you trust while still benefiting from a venue team that can help with logistics.

Question 8

HOW MUCH TIME DO WE HAVE AT THE VENUE ON OUR WEDDING DAY?

Accepted Answer

The venue rental fee includes an 8 hour rental (3 support hours, 4 event hours and 1 hour for breakdown). Additional event hours can be added for $500/hour and support hours can be added for $250/hour. If hosting your ceremony with us, our ceremony package includes additional support & event hours.

Question 9

WHAT IS YOUR END-TIME POLICY?

Accepted Answer

Receptions must end no later than 11:00 PM with breakdown to follow, 1 hour allotted.

Question 10

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE VENUE RENTAL FEE?

Accepted Answer

• Use of Venue for 3 Support Hours, 4 Event Hours & 1 Hour for Breakdown (Total of 8 Hours)
 • 5ft Round Tables (seats up to 8 guests)
 • 6ft & 8ft Banquet Tables (For catering/dessert tables, gifts, favors, etc...)
 • 32" Cocktail Tables
 • Up to 250 Mahogany Wood Padded Chairs
 • Fireside Lounge with Built-in Bar​
 • Pipe/Drape Room Divider​ (creates a grand reveal to the reception room)
 • Dressing Room
 • Built-in Hardwood Dance Floor​ 
 • Lofted Skybox Room
 • Use of Stage for DJ, Band or Sweetheart Table
 • Coat Check Closet (Coat check attendant available for additional fee)
 • Temperature-controlled A/C & Heating ​ ​
 • Access to Wi-Fi for Vendors
 • Dedicated Power Circuits for Band and/or DJ
 • Spacious ADA Restroom Facilities 
 • Accessibility Ramps
 • Access to Complimentary On-site Parking
 • Set Hotel Room Rates with Our Preferred Hotels​ 
 • Venue Manager (on-site during entire event)
 • Vendor Recommendations
 • Customized Floor Plan
 • On-site Vendor Meetings
 • Final Walkthrough Meeting

Question 11

CAN WE BRING IN OUR OWN ALCOHOL?

Accepted Answer

To remain compliant with our North Carolina ABC permits and licenses, all alcohol must be purchased and served through the venue. This allows us to manage licensing, staffing, and responsible service while keeping the experience smooth and stress-free for you and your guests. We offer a variety of bar packages and customization options to fit different tastes and styles of celebration.

Question 12

WHAT BAR OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER?

Accepted Answer

We offer several bar options, including open bar, consumption, and cash bar packages. These options are broken down into tiers: 
 • Beer & Wine 
 • Beer Wine, House Liquor
 • Beer, Wine, Call Liquor, 
 • Beer Wine, Premium Liquor

Our experienced bar team focuses on smooth service, thoughtful pacing, and keeping guests happy — without long lines or interruptions to the flow of the night.

Question 13

DO YOU HAVE BAR MINIMUMS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we require a minimum for consumption bar services which is dependent on the rental day and cash bar services require a setup fee.

Question 14

IS BAR SERVICE REQUIRED?

Accepted Answer

No, bar service is not required. If you want to offer non-alcoholic beverages, we do offer soft drink and mocktail packages or these non-alcoholic items can be brought in by your preferred caterer.

Question 15

WHAT TIME CAN VENDORS LOAD IN & BREAK DOWN?

Accepted Answer

You are guaranteed to have access to the venue for load-in and set-up 3 hours prior to the start time. Additional support time can be added for $250/hour. If hosting a ceremony with us, you will receive 1 additional hour for your rehearsal the day before as well as 1 additional support hour on the day-of (total of 4 hours). Vendors are allotted 1 hour for breaking down and cleaning up immediately following the event.

Question 16

DO YOU OFFER DÉCOR OR STYLING SERVICES?

Accepted Answer

We sure do! We offer an assortment of décor rental items or let our team help curate a customized package for you! We also offer venue lighting options as well as linens if you want a more streamlined planning process.

Question 17

DO YOU OFFER COORDINATION SERVICES?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Couples can choose the level of coordination support that best fits their needs with either month-of coordination or partial planning & coordination. We also offer decor setup/breakdown services if you're just looking for some help with set up on the day-of! We offer fully customizable packages that ensure you’re getting the help you need in the areas you want it!

Question 18

DO YOU HAVE A STAGE FOR MY BAND OR DJ?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The venue includes a built-in stage that works well for toasts, speeches, DJs, and live entertainment!

• Live Entertainment: The stage can accommodate both small and large bands! If you’re planning to have a live band, a $100 fee is required for our Stage Manager. Stage manager is responsible for overseeing the setup, performance and breakdown of bands and to answer all questions pertaining to load-in, power and requirements. One less thing for you to handle and so you don’t have to play the “middle man”. 
 • DJs: The DJ keeps the flow of the wedding with announcements and music transitions. Set them center stage and create an inviting atmosphere that will surely have your guests bringing out all their best moves on the dance floor! There is no additional fee for DJs to set up on our stage.

Question 19

WHAT IS THE FEE & GUIDELINES THAT APPLY FOR NON-APPROVED CATERERS?

Accepted Answer

You may choose a caterer from our approved list for no additional fee or bring in your own caterer for a fee of $750. Caterer must be a professionally licensed caterer with the appropriate permits and as well as submit proof of liability insurance naming Big Chill as an additional insured. Due at least one week prior to the event. Additionally, they must provide full-service catering. This means serving staff must be present from start to finish to clean and bus all guests’ tables and clean all food related trash including all food service areas.

To help make this process easy, we offer a complimentary catering concierge service that will help to collect any required information, COI and help with all catering logistics so you can just sit back and enjoy the fun stuff (like picking out your menu)!

Question 20

IS THERE A PREP AREA FOR OUR CATERER?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a designated prep area for caterers to support service during your event. Caterer will have access to our kitchen prep area which includes prep space, 3 compartment wash sinks, walk-in cooler, freezer, and ice machine.

Question 21

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO KNOW IF BIG CHILL IS THE RIGHT FIT FOR US?

Accepted Answer

The best way to decide is with a tour. Seeing the space in person makes it easier to imagine the flow of the day, talk through your ideas, and determine whether Big Chill aligns with your vision.  And to be completely honest, online pictures can give you an idea but cannot recreate the feeling of walking into the venue, it is best appreciated in person!

Question 22

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WEDDING INVESTMENT LOOK LIKE AT BIG CHILL?

Accepted Answer

Every wedding is unique, and investment varies based on date, guest count, and services selected. Most couples spend between $13,000 and $18,000, which typically includes venue rental, bar service, and selected enhancements that elevate you and your guests’ experience. The best way to know what the actual costs will be is to request a proposal! We can walk through the details and provide a customized proposal outlining all of your interests and needs!

Question 23

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO SECURE THE VENUE FOR OUR WEDDING DAY?

Accepted Answer

To secure your date, a signed contract and a 50% non-refundable retainer are required. Once those are in place, your date is officially reserved on our calendar, and planning can begin! Additional details, timelines, and next steps will be clearly outlined so you always know what to expect.

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