Seating chart for outdoor wedding reception

The 1812 Hitching Post Wedding Planning Blog is your trusted source for venue-specific tips. It provides trend insights. You will find real wedding inspiration at our historic North Carolina wedding venue. We’ve been hosting weddings for almost 25 years and have tons of experience to assist YOU!

Whether you’re organizing a micro-wedding, full-scale celebration, or outdoor ceremony, these posts will assist you. They help you plan every detail with confidence. You can do this! We are here to help!


  • September Weddings in North Carolina
    Make it a Fall Getaway The 1812 Hitching Post sits on 26 acres of historic property in Harmony, North Carolina, with gardens, trails, mature trees and our five-acre rustic lake. The property gives couples quite a few places for photographs, and September is especially pretty for outdoor ceremonies and portraits. You’ll find the historic house, the ceremony lawn, the lake, …
  • Turn Your Hitching-Post Wedding into an Ultimate NC Getaway
    Things to Do Near the 1812 Hitching Post One of best things about 1812 Hitching Post is that your wedding isn’t the only reason guests will want to visit this part of North Carolina. There are so many things to do around Statesville. Mooresville (Race City), Lake Norman, and Charlotte lie to the south, with many museums. To the north …
  • Ultimate Wedding Venue Near Charlotte, NC
    Looking for a wedding venue near Charlotte, NC? Discover the 1812 Hitching Post, a historic 26-acre wedding venue about an hour from Charlotte with outdoor ceremonies, elopements, micro weddings and all-inclusive options.
  • Your Free Wedding Website: Modern Planning, Historic Charm
    When you choose the 1812 Hitching Post for your wedding, you’re choosing something a little different. Maybe it’s the old log cabin at the heart of our historic house that pulled you in. Maybe it’s the ancient oaks, the lake at sunset, the trails winding through 26 acres, or just that feeling of stepping away from the ordinary and into …
  • New Partnership: Easily Book Hotel Rooms for Your Wedding Guests with HotelPlanner.com
    Save Money on Accommodations Anywhere! Planning a wedding involves more than just the ceremony and reception. If you have family and friends traveling from out of town, helping them find comfortable, affordable accommodations can make everyone’s experience even better. That’s why we’re excited to announce our partnership with HotelPlanner.com! A Simpler Way to Book Hotel Rooms Whether you’re planning an …
  • Lilac & Lavender Hitching Post Wedding Decorations
    Lilac & Lavender Wedding Style at 1812 Hitching Post near Statesville Dreaming of a wedding filled with soft, romantic shades of purple? A lilac and lavender wedding is the perfect way to create an elegant celebration that’s both timeless and enchanting. At 1812 Hitching Post, we make it easy to bring your vision to life while taking care of the …
  • Black & Red Wedding Décorations Provided For You
    Some couples know exactly what they want the moment they start planning — and for a lot of my black-and-red couples, that certainty is part of what makes their day so much fun to help design. This is a color palette with real presence. It’s romantic without being soft, dramatic without losing elegance, and it photographs beautifully against the greenery …
  • 12 Questions to Ask Before You Book a Charlotte Wedding Venue
    Touring wedding venues is one of the most exciting parts of planning—but after you’ve visited three or four places, the details can start to run together. Which venue included tables and chairs? Which one had a backup plan for rain? Was that the venue with the lake or the one with the garden? It’s a common problem, and it can …
  • Night Owl: The Turnersburg Horse Who Went to the Olympics
    At the 1812 Hitching Post Historic Wedding Venue in Turnersburg, North Carolina (near Harmony and Statesville), our history is not just found in old buildings and family stories. It is found in the people who came before us — the families who lived here, the dreams they chased, and the remarkable stories they left behind. Long before couples gathered here …
  • A House That Witnessed History: Juneteenth, the Turner Family, and 170 Years of Love & Legacy in Iredell County
    Long before the 1812 Hitching Post became a place where couples celebrate love and commitment, this home stood as a witness to America’s changing history. In the 1850s, this home was connected to the Turner family of Turnersburg. Wilfred Turner, an Iredell County businessman and community leader, lived here during a time when the nation was deeply divided. His youngest …
  • Did You Know These Movies Were Filmed in Statesville, NC?
    Did you know that several productions were filmed in and around Statesville, North Carolina? My husband, Patrick Waldron, had the opportunity to work as an extra in a number of them, including Leatherheads (2008), starring George Clooney and Renée Zellweger; The Ryan White Story (1989), starring Judith Light; and A Stoning in Fulham County (1988), which featured a young Brad Pitt in one of his early …
  • Why Couples Are Obsessed With All-Inclusive Weddings
    Planning your North Carolina wedding should feel exciting — not overwhelming. That’s exactly why more couples are choosing all-inclusive wedding venues. Instead of spending months trying to coordinate caterers, rentals, timelines, décor, bartenders, and ten different vendor group chats, couples are looking for one place that can pull everything together smoothly. At 1812 Hitching Post, couples love being able to …
  • Why Mother’s Day Is One of the Sweetest Times to Plan a Wedding in North Carolina
    At 1812 Hitching Post, Mother’s Day weekend always brings a little extra emotion to the venue. Between garden blooms, family gatherings, and the excitement of spring wedding season, it reminds us that weddings are about more than just one day — they’re about the people who helped shape your story. For many couples, wedding planning becomes one of the most …
  • 2026 Wedding Cake Trends: Single-Tier Cakes & Cupcakes Are Taking Over
    2026 Wedding Cake Trends at the 1812 Hitching Post Wedding Venue (near Statesville, NC) Planning your wedding at a beautiful outdoor venue like 1812 Hitching Post? Let’s talk dessert—because 2026 couples are keeping it simple, stylish, and guest-friendly. The two biggest trends we’re seeing: And honestly? They’re the perfect fit for a charming, historic setting. Smaller & Stunning: The Single-Tier …
  • Why Outdoor Historic Estate Weddings Are Trending in North Carolina
    From Charlotte to Virginia, couples are trading cookie-cutter venues for places with character, history, and wide-open outdoor wedding space. And venues like 1812 Hitching Post near Statesville, North Carolina, are right at the center of that movement. Couples want a wedding that feels like an experience, not an event. At the 1812 Hitching Post, that experience unfolds across the entire property—not just one room.
  • Do You Need Speeches at Your Wedding? A Romantic Perspective
    Do you need speeches or toasts at your wedding? Short answer—no. Your wedding should reflect you, not a checklist. But here’s what most couples don’t realize… Speeches aren’t just a tradition.They’re one of the only moments your entire wedding day pauses—and everyone leans in. Why Wedding Speeches Feel Different at 1812 Hitching Post At 1812 Hitching Post near Statesville, North …
  • An Affordable Statesville MicroWedding Venue
    Your wedding should be this beautiful! This couple received all these beautiful photos (and 100 more!) with the Microwedding package “highlights” photography option. View our Microwedding pricing here, starting at just $2500! Professional Photography by Wendy Waldron of the 1812 Hitching Post
  • Bold & Beautiful Navy Weddings – Statesville Wedding Venue
    Love navy? So do we. It’s classic, bold, and photographs beautifully against the natural backdrop at 1812 Hitching Post near Statesville. Here’s what we do to make it easy for you: We provide your tablecloths and runners, so adding navy to your reception setup is simple and cohesive. Want navy throughout the space? Add coordinating napkins and we’ll help it …
  • Burgundy Wedding Style with Classic Historic Charm — We Handle the Details
    Burgundy wedding décor brings timeless romance to any celebration, especially at the 1812 Hitching Post historic wedding venue near Statesville, NC. At 1812 Hitching Post, we provide everything you need and handle the setup. From draping on ceremony arbors to full-length burgundy tablecloths, coordinating runners, and lush high-quality silk florals, your wedding will feel cohesive, elegant, and completely stress-free. Couples …
  • Statesville Wedding Venue Romantic Blush Wedding Décor
    If you love weddings that feel romantic, joyful, and just a little bit magical, blush décor might be your perfect match. This soft pink shade adds warmth and sweetness without overpowering your space, creating a celebration that feels light, happy, and totally photo-ready. At 1812 Hitching Post, blush tones pair beautifully with the venue’s historic charm and peaceful outdoor views. …
  • Statesville Winter Weddings Full of Cosy Charm
    Winter wedding brings a special kind of magic. Couples love how the season naturally creates a warm, romantic atmosphere for their big day. At 1812 Hitching Post Historic Wedding Venue, December celebrations feel especially cozy. It’s a beautiful choice for couples planning a winter wedding near Statesville. Inside, the venue glows with twinkle lights, candlelight, and historic charm, creating an …
  • Free Wedding Website | Statesville NC Wedding Venue
    Give Your Guests One Easy Place for Everything: Free Wedding Website for 1812 Hitching Post Couples Planning a wedding comes with a lot of moving parts — invitations, directions, registries, schedules, lodging details, and answering the same questions over and over. That’s why couples getting married at 1812 Hitching Post Wedding Venue in Statesville, North Carolina can now enjoy a …
  • Want a Meaningful Date for Your Wedding? Choose Loving Day
    Every year on June 12, couples across the country celebrate Loving Day, marking the 1967 Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage in the United States. The ruling affirmed that the freedom to marry the person you love — regardless of race — is a fundamental right. Today, Loving Day celebrates love across …
  • The Magic of a Whimsical Wedding | Statesville, North Carolina
    Whimsical weddings adapt beautifully to every size of celebration. The 1812 Hitching Post offers a romantic Elopement Package, a thoughtfully scaled Intimate Micro Wedding Package, and our full-size Classic Wedding Package. At a historic wedding venue layered with vintage décor, this style feels effortless and personal. It brings romance and charm to celebrations of any size. What Are the Features …
  • The Timeless Beauty of White Wedding Decorations
    White wedding decorations have long been a symbol of elegance, romance, and tradition—and for good reason. Whether a couple is planning a classic celebration or a modern, non-traditional affair, white décor provides a versatile foundation that can be styled to reflect virtually any wedding vision. Why Couples Choose White White represents purity, new beginnings, and simplicity, making it a natural …
  • Dusty Blue Wedding Options – Statesville Wedding Venue
    Effortlessly elegant, dusty blue and slate blue enhance the timeless character of this Statesville wedding venue. These soft, muted blues blend beautifully with outdoor spaces, original wood details, and the relaxed historic atmosphere of 1812 Hitching Post. Inspired by sky, stone, and quiet sophistication, dusty and slate blue create a wedding palette that feels romantic, refined, and enduring. Also included …
  • Classic Outdoor Wedding – Statesville Wedding Venue
    Some wedding days feel timeless the moment you step into them—and Amanda and Christian’s garden wedding was exactly that. Set against the charm of a historic outdoor wedding venue in Statesville, NC, their celebration blended classic elegance, heartfelt moments, and thoughtful details that felt both refined and deeply personal. From the very beginning, this wedding was rooted in meaning. The …
  • Sage Green Statesville Wedding Venue Color Inspiration
    Effortlessly elegant, sage green enhances the historic character of this Statesville Wedding Venue. Sage blends seamlessly with its outdoor spaces, original wood details, and relaxed atmosphere. Inspired by nature and understated beauty, sage green creates a wedding palette that feels fresh, romantic, and enduring. Why Sage Green Works So Beautifully at our Statesville Wedding Venue The charm of 1812 Hitching …
  • Statesville Charming Whimsical Wildflower MicroWedding
    Dustin and Maria’s microwedding at the 1812 Hitching Post in Statesville, NC, was living proof that small celebrations can be just as meaningful as grand ones. With 50 guests, an August sunset, and a simple wildflower theme, their day had everything they dreamed of — romance, beauty, and joy. Why They Chose a MicroWedding The couple wanted to focus on …
  • Terra Cotta Statesville Wedding Venue Inspiration
    Terra cotta is a natural fit for weddings at this historic Statesville wedding venue. Warm, earthy, and timeless, this color palette blends beautifully with our historic wood details, outdoor spaces, and relaxed countryside setting. Inspired by clay and nature, terra cotta pairs effortlessly with wood elements, rustic textures, and soft earth tones. Farm tables, antique accents, and natural linens enhance …
  • Statesville Wedding Knowledge Center
    The Hitching Post Statesville Wedding Planning Blog is your trusted source for venue-specific tips. It provides trend insights.
  • Spring Wedding Magic: Melissa and Frank’s Lilac Celebration
    What says “spring” more than lilac and greenery?   Melissa and Frank’s wedding at the end of April (Wendy’s personal favorite spring wedding weekend!) lived up to the promise of a beautiful day! Melissa chose the natural wood arbor on the side lawn for her ceremony backdrop. We draped the arbor with lilac and white. We added purple and white flowers …
  • A Carolina Blue Summer Wedding
    Alexa shared these fabulous photos from her photographer, Taylor Sawyer. I can’t wait to see more! Here is a September wedding post of another wedding photographed by Taylor P. Sawyer: The Hagwoods Noah and Alexa celebrated their June wedding at 1812 Hitching Post. Our historic wedding venue is located near Statesville, NC, and is conveniently close to Charlotte, Mooresville, Hickory, …
  • Taylor and Jarred’s Vintage Style Wedding
    We’ve never seen a happier bride than Taylor! From her effortless vintage style to Jarred’s handcrafted carpentry, every detail of their wedding felt deeply personal and beautifully timeless. Their celebration was the perfect example of how vintage charm and DIY craftsmanship can come together to create a truly meaningful wedding day. Images on this page were captured by Wendy Waldron. …
  • Boho Fall Wedding at 1812 Hitching Post | Amber & Jacob’s November Celebration
    Amber and Jacob were married on a beautiful November evening at 1812 Hitching Post, our historic wedding venue in Statesville, North Carolina. Embracing a relaxed boho style, their design blended effortlessly with the warm tones of fall and the natural character of the property. Their ceremony featured stunning aisle boxes and bridal bouquets that perfectly complemented a triangle arbor adorned …
  • Stylish September Wedding of Eric and Ashley
    Eric and Ashley West had a beautiful ceremony in our field on a perfect September evening. The ceremony took place under our wood arbor decorated with white flowers and greenery. Afterward, they had a cocktail hour. Then, they held a reception where their guests enjoyed music. The food truck offered BBQ and donuts. Their cake was white vanilla cake surrounded …
  • Bride Was Stress Free on Her Wedding Day
    Sharing the love and some of my favorite images from Jenny and Adam’s Stress Free August wedding. Photography by Wendy Waldron.
  • Charming North Carolina Wedding Celebration
    Lyndsey and Cory’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and commitment. With an attendance of 174 guests, the event featured a color scheme of plum and canary yellow with silver accents. The groom’s father served as the minister. The rain stopped right after the ceremony ended which allowed for epic photos! The flowers were gorgeous. The vows were heartfelt. …
  • Lauren and Eric’s Magical Wedding Day
    Lauren and Eric chose my favorite date of the year to be married; April 28th! Lauren’s gorgeous sister and maid of honor wore a patterned dress with all the wedding colors. The colors included navy, bright pink, pale pink, green, and white. We gifted the couple a globe that was used as a guestbook at the ceremony. The arbor had …
  • An all-inclusive Elopement at the 1812 Hitching Post
    When you choose to have a smaller wedding, you are only choosing to have fewer guests. You are not choosing less of a wedding experience. Our elopements cater to the needs of a wedding with fewer guests. They include all the features of any size of a wedding ceremony. We include everything needed but your future spouse, your clothing, the …
  • Bohemian Cinco de Mayo Wedding Inspiration
    For this stunning bohemian wedding, the bride chose wildflowers of coral, lilac, orange, and raspberry. She used them to adorn her flower crowns, bouquets, and arbor. Artistry Florists provided the live flowers for a dreamy aesthetic. The bridesmaid’s sand-colored gowns were complemented by white flowers and greenery for each of their hair crowns & bouquets! In addition to taco bar …
  • Sweet and Elegant Fall Micro Wedding
    We used our circle arbor in the corral as the backdrop for this pretty October micro wedding. The arbor was wrapped in eucalyptus and decorated with muted fall colors and dusty shades of pink and rose. The centerpieces were pillar candles in vases with eucalyptus around. The sweetheart table had a swag of eucalyptus. The bride provided live flowers to …
  • Enchanting Spring Wedding at 1812 Hitching Post
    There is no prettier time of year to get married than in the spring when the azaleas are blooming! Heather & Derrick’s wedding featured the Hitching Post circle arbor. It was wrapped with white fabric. The arbor was decorated with eucalyptus and flowers in cream, burgundy, and navy. The venue also provided all table decorations. The yummy catering included appetizers …
  • Keysha and Heath’s Stunning Wedding: A Celebration of Elegance
    The focal point of Keysha’s ceremony was the circle arbor, delicately wrapped in white fabric and eucalyptus. At the top of the arbor, clusters of white hydrangeas created a beautiful and romantic ambiance. Five strands of crystals gracefully hung down, catching the light and adding a subtle sparkle to the setting. While the arbor was a breathtaking sight, Keysha herself …
  • Spring Wedding Magic: A Perfect Celebration
    Celebrate the beauty of spring! This intensely romantic wedding from the end of March featuring Ciara and Jake featured lovely pastels. The 7 bridesmaids and groomsmen entered to the song “Love Actually.” The bride entered with her mother as escort to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” The delicate redbud tree blossoms and blooming daffodils were the perfect backdrop. The couple and their …
  • Allison’s Enchanting October Wedding
    I’m obsessed with Allison’s romantic and flowing dress for her end of October wedding which merged traditional and modern style. Her arbor, aisle, and tables looked lovely against the autumn backdrop. Deep burgundy tones were accented with soft blush and burlap. Guests were entertained with S’mores by the fire, a taco bar, and lots of games and dancing. Allison and …
  • Kate and Jack’s Enchanting November Wedding Celebration
    Words can’t adequately express the magical experience of Kate and Jack’s early November wedding day. The delicate colors and sweet decorations created an enchanting atmosphere. Their loving and supportive family provided warmth and joy. Thought and care in every detail ensured the perfect “launch” day for this couple’s lifetime together. The arbor had white linen drapes tied with four colors …
  • Should We Have Children Attend Our Wedding?
    Children are our future! The desire for children is one of the reasons many people decide to marry. It can symbolize the start of a family! The children at your wedding maybe those of your guests. They might be your own. They could also be members of your new blended family.  The decision to allow children at your wedding is personal. It …
  • A Romantic November Wedding: Alex and Cody’s Story
    Alex and Cody made a difficult decision. It was necessary to postpone their wedding. They moved it from the April date they had originally planned to the first of November. Fortunately, they had the most gorgeous and romantic wedding day! Crates, barrels, silk flowers, and signs were used at the end of the aisle. The bride also provided pumpkins, mums, …
  • The Joy of Planning Small Weddings at 1812 Hitching Post
    Christina gave us this great review: My husband and I decided to have a smaller, more intimate wedding and opted for a package that allowed for 20 people and around 5 hours of venue time. From the start, Wendy was diligent in her responses and presented all packages and options clearly with leaving room for customization wherever needed. She has …
  • A Perfect August Wedding: Lilya & Devin
    Lilya and her new husband were truly blessed when they tied the knot in August! The romantic couple said “I do” at 2 pm in a ceremony accompanied by live musicians. Kevyn Dixon Photography captured timeless photos of their first look. The vibrant blooms were provided by Chelsea Rupp Floral Design. Guests took their seats around tables draped in romance. …
  • Summer Wedding Elegance: A Beautiful Celebration
    Summer perfection in this lovely wedding of a super sweet couple photographed by Taylor Cline Photography. The couple chose to have wooden chairs on the lawn for the ceremony. Shepherd’s hooks held mason jars filled with live flowers. The arbor was wrapped in silk lilac and lavender shades. A touch of gold everywhere gave extra elegance. Words can’t express how …
  • Captivating Moments from a Beautiful Outdoor Ceremony
    I’m obsessed with Jessica’s dress!  Late April is the perfect time for a gorgeous and green background!   I had promised them perfect weather and they got it!  Jessica’s therapy dog was trimmed and gorgeous for the ceremony.  The wood arbor had plum and cream silk decor provided by the 1812 Hitching Post. We used plum and cream lace to …
  • Stunning August Wedding at 1812 Hitching Post
    When people ask which month at the 1812 Hitching Post is most beautiful, I think of August. All the gorgeous blooms are at their peak. There is nothing like dancing on a summer evening outdoors. These gorgeous photos of the August wedding of Sunayna and Mahendra were taken by Kristi Marie’s Photography.  The couple planned for 28 guests with one …
  • A Vintage Halloween Wedding near Statesville, North Carolina
    Historic Wedding Venue near Statesville, NC Ryan and Alex celebrated their love with a beautifully unique Halloween-themed wedding at the historic 1812 Hitching Post in Harmony, North Carolina, just outside of Statesville. Their celebration blended vintage elegance with festive fall charm, creating a wedding day filled with personality, warmth, and unforgettable seasonal details. Learn more about our venue here:About 1812 …