North Carolina Wedding Venue Quotes: A Side-by-Side Worksheet

Two venue quotes are only comparable when they describe the same kind of celebration. A headline rental price does not tell you the date, access period, included services, or other costs behind it. Use this worksheet to request clear written answers from each venue instead of relying on a statewide average or assumptions about what a package includes.

Compare the same event in each proposal

Before comparing venues, keep your working details consistent: the date or date range, estimated event attendance, schedule, ceremony and reception plans, and any overnight lodging needs. If those details change between proposals, note the difference rather than treating the totals as like-for-like.

Copy these headings into your comparison sheet

1. Date and access: Which date is being quoted? What time can the couple, vendors, and guests enter, and when must setup, celebration, and cleanup be complete?
2. Base package: What spaces and services are included in the quoted venue price? Is the rate tied to a day, a set number of hours, or a multi-day booking?
3. Required additions: Which items or services must be added for this event? Record rental, staffing, security, cleaning, ceremony, or other requirements only after the venue confirms them.
4. Furniture and equipment: Ask what tables, chairs, lighting, sound equipment, or other items are included, how many are available, and what an extra quantity would cost.
5. Food and vendors: Ask how catering, bar service, outside vendors, delivery, and cleanup work at that venue. Record any required providers, fees, or restrictions in writing.
6. Lodging and transport: If overnight rooms are available, record who may stay, how sleeping capacity is counted, what dates are included, and any separate cost. Keep sleeping capacity separate from event attendance.
7. Taxes, fees, and payment terms: Ask whether taxes, service charges, processing fees, or other required costs apply. Record the payment dates, deposit terms, quote expiration, and what happens if you need to reschedule or cancel.

Build a useful estimated total

For each venue, add the quoted venue package, required additions, estimated vendor proposals, applicable taxes or fees, and any lodging or transport cost you need to budget separately. Label estimates as estimates, and do not add optional items as though they were required. Ask the venue to confirm the complete price for your event in writing before paying or signing.

A current Scarborough House reference point

Scarborough House currently lists a $10,500 full-estate wedding weekend from Friday through Sunday on its weekend wedding package page. That is one venue's listed package price, not a statewide average or the total cost of every wedding. Review the current package details and ask which terms apply to your date and plans. Start from the current pricing page, then use our wedding venue question list to structure a tour or inquiry.

A side-by-side worksheet will not choose the venue for you, but it makes the tradeoffs visible. Compare what each written proposal actually provides, then decide which details matter most to your guests and budget.