We are a wedding venue with heart and purpose. Our one role is to make each wedding magical and wonderful. For generations, families have loved and cared for others here, and we are committed to continuing that purpose.
The 1812 log cabin on this property still exists under it’s more modern yellow exterior. This home was the birthplace of NC Lt. Governor W. D. Turner. It was also the home place and horse farm of 5-term North Carolina senator, C. V. Henkel., Jr.
The Turner family was known for the mill they operated on Rocky Creek. Wilford Turner married Dorcas Tomlinson whose grandfather had an early deed on this property. They had 7 children and added buildings to the property including the cottage and carriage house.
When C. V. Henkel, Jr., and his mother, Lila, became the owners of the property in 1932, they had over 1000 acres. They raised and trained competition-level jumping horses on the farm. The Henkel family was well-known in Statesville, Lenoir, and Blowing Rock. C. V. Henkel & some associates started the event now known as the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show. First held in 1923, it is the longest continuously running outdoor horse show in the United States. The Henkel companies built several hotels, including the Green Park Inn and the Blowing Rock Hotel.
So how did we acquire the property and turn it into a wedding venue?
I’m Wendy Waldron. My husband, Patrick, bought this property more than 40 years ago. He was an artist and designer. I met him while making copies at Staples Office Supply in the nearby town of Statesville. I was an RN at the time and also dabbled in genealogy and web design.
He asked me to meet a friend about web design. When I pulled in the driveway, I said to him, “Didn’t there used to be a hitching post out front?” He said there had been and wondered how I knew, since it had been gone since 1984. I told him that I’d seen it when I was a little girl. My parents used Highway 21 to drive us to Florida. I remembered this farm with the yellow house and those gorgeous horses cantering in the field.
Patrick and I were married here in 2004, and my oldest son and his wife were married here in 2012. We’ve hosted more than 1100 weddings. I am proud to own and operate this special place. Here, history, hospitality, and heartfelt celebrations come together. The 1812 Hitching Post isn’t just a venue. It’s also my home. We’re honored to share it with couples and families from all walks of life who come here to celebrate love.
Both the Turner families and the Henkel families were celebrated for their community spirit. We’ve carried that same tradition forward. We open our doors with inclusiveness, warmth, and kindness. We also believe that everyone who visits should feel welcomed and cared for.
As a family-owned and run venue, we’re personally involved in every part of your day. You’ll see us greeting guests. We coordinate behind the scenes and set tables. We manage the staff. We tend gardens. We make sure everything flows smoothly — just like family would.
What makes a family-run venue special?
- You’ll always work directly with people who care deeply about your wedding and your experience. You won’t be passed off to someone you don’t know to manage your wedding. I’ll be there for you start to finish.
- We take pride in personal touches — remembering names, anticipating needs, and making sure you feel at home. Your grandma will love us.
- Every decision we make is guided by genuine hospitality, not a corporate playbook.
- We celebrate love in all its forms — every couple is welcome here, always.
We want your time at the 1812 Hitching Post to feel relaxed from your first visit to your final farewell. It should be joyful and full of heart. It’s our honor to help you. We want to create memories that will last a lifetime. This happens right here on this beautiful, historic land. It’s been welcoming guests for over 200 years.
We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you into the Hitching Post family.
— Wendy Waldron & all the Family
Owner, 1812 Hitching Post