Should we do a KID FREE wedding?

Raleigh Wedding Venue asks the question.. Are you Thinking About a Kid Free Wedding? Let’s Talk About the Pros and Cons 💍

Hi there! It’s Mary from The Scarborough House, your local destination Raleigh wedding venue. Every time someone calls, I can’t help but smile when I ask, “Are you getting married?” Because honestly—this is one of the biggest, most exciting seasons of your life. Whether you’re just starting to plan or deep in the details, there are always a few questions that spark strong opinions. One of the biggest? Should you invite kids to your wedding—or make it an adults-only celebration?

Let’s walk through it together, the same way we do with couples here at the house.

Set Expectations Early

The best way to avoid confusion is to set expectations early—starting with your save-the-dates or invitations. If you’re leaning toward a kid-free wedding, kindness and clarity go hand-in-hand:

“We kindly request that our special day be an adult-only celebration.”

If you’re welcoming children but want them supervised, you could include:

“Children are welcome, but must be supervised at all times. Please note there is a pool on the property, and we ask that the gate remain closed for everyone’s safety.”

At The Scarborough House, we sit on three private acres surrounded by hundreds of acres of open farmland. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for photos—but because of our pool and open outdoor spaces, we kindly ask that all children remain under adult supervision at all times. We want everyone to enjoy the day safely and stress-free.

Use Your Wedding Website to Communicate Details 💻

Your wedding website is one of the best tools for sharing important information. A dedicated section for venue guidelines or guest expectations can help guests understand your decision. Whether you prefer an adults-only celebration or are simply emphasizing safety and supervision, being transparent allows everyone to plan ahead and keeps your day smooth.

Remember—clarity creates comfort, and parents will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Consider Your Venue’s Policies

📸🌾

Every venue has its own rhythm and rules. At The Scarborough House, we’re family-owned and deeply value community. We’ve hosted weddings filled with children’s laughter and others that were elegant, candlelit, and adults-only. What matters most is that your day feels true to your vision.

Our only standing rule? Safety first. Because we have a pool, we require that children remain supervised at all times and that the gate is kept closed. Beyond that, we’re here to help you create the kind of celebration that feels like you.

Communicate with Your Close Circle 📞💬

Sometimes it helps to pick up the phone and have a personal chat with close friends or family who might be affected by your decision. A quick, warm conversation can go a long way toward preventing misunderstandings.

Josh and Meika always remind couples: clear communication is a form of kindness.

Offer Helpful Alternatives 🧸🕊️

If you know guests who may struggle with childcare, consider sharing resources or nearby recommendations. While The Scarborough House doesn’t provide childcare, we’ve seen couples partner with local babysitters, family members, or even rent a cozy Airbnb nearby for a “kids’ hangout house.”

Little touches like that help parents relax and enjoy your big day—and that joy always shows up in your photos.

Be Ready for Mixed Reactions

Not everyone will agree with your decision, and that’s okay. Some guests may decline the invitation, but remember—it’s your day, and your wedding should reflect your values, your vision, and your comfort. Most people will understand and respect your boundaries, especially when they see the thought and love behind them.

A Final Thought from Mary

Every couple that walks through our doors brings their own unique vision. Whether you picture children running barefoot through the grass at sunset 🌅 or a relaxed adults-only evening under the stars ✨, our goal is the same—to help you create a day filled with meaning, beauty, and connection.

At The Scarborough House, your local destination Raleigh wedding venue, we’re here to make that vision come to life, one beautiful detail at a time.

We’re Local. Support Local. 🤝

The Scarborough House is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue and vendors. With locally owned venues, you’ll often find a higher level of hospitality, better communication, and a genuine desire to make your wedding exceed expectations.

We’re thrilled to support other venue owners across the country who share that same heart for hospitality. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map:

📍 Sparks Museum & Event Center
📍 Lonestar Oaks
📍 Adler Ranch
📍 617 Palofax Wharf
📍 Chateau Joli Venue
📍 Cornerstone Ranch
📍 The Ma Maison
📍 Emerald Acres Events
📍 Round Barn Farm
📍 SpringHaus Farm