How to Get Married at Arrowhead Inn in Durham, NC (With Just a Few Guests)
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels calm, intentional, and deeply personal, an Arrowhead Inn wedding in Durham, NC is one of those rare experiences that quietly gets it right.
Tucked just outside of downtown Durham, North Carolina, Arrowhead Inn is perfect for couples who want a small wedding with a handful of guests, not a production. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony, a micro‑wedding, or something that sits beautifully between an elopement and a traditional wedding, this guide will walk you through how to do it well.
Why Arrowhead Inn Is Perfect for a Small Wedding in Durham, NC
Arrowhead Inn doesn’t feel like a venue. It feels like a home that happens to be beautiful.
For couples keeping their guest list small, that matters.
Here’s why it works:
Multiple ceremony locations without needing to move far
Indoor and outdoor options (huge win for weather peace of mind)
On‑site lodging for you and close family or friends
A quiet, tucked‑away feeling that keeps the day grounded
Small weddings thrive in spaces where nothing feels oversized—and Arrowhead Inn nails that balance.
Decide What “Small” Actually Means to You
Before locking anything in, get clear on your version of small.
At Arrowhead Inn, the most successful intimate weddings usually fall into one of these styles:
Just the two of you + witnesses
Immediate family only (10–20 guests)
A tight circle of chosen family (20–40 guests)
Once you know your number, everything else gets easier—layout, timing, food, and flow.
Ceremony Locations at Arrowhead Inn
Arrowhead Inn offers a few different ceremony locations on the property, which gives couples planning an intimate wedding in Durham, NC flexibility without overwhelm.
For small weddings, couples often gravitate toward:
The garden areas for an outdoor, relaxed ceremony
Covered or indoor spaces for an intimate, quiet feel
With fewer guests, everyone stays close—no long aisles, no shouting vows, no feeling disconnected from the moment.
Pro tip: Stand closer than you think you should. Intimacy shows up in photos and in how the ceremony feels.
Keep the Timeline Loose (This Is Key)
Small weddings shine when they’re not rushed.
Instead of a packed schedule, think:
One main ceremony moment
Time to linger, hug, breathe, and talk
Portraits woven naturally into the day
Arrowhead Inn’s layout makes it easy to let the day unfold instead of forcing it into strict blocks of time.
Food That Feels Like a Gathering, Not a Banquet
With a small guest count, you have more freedom.
Couples getting married at Arrowhead Inn often choose:
Family‑style meals
Private chefs or small caterers
Intimate dinner parties instead of formal receptions
This keeps the focus on connection—not logistics.
What to Skip When You’re Having a Small Wedding
You’re allowed to opt out.
Many couples skip:
Bridal parties
Formal entrances
Assigned seating
Big décor installs
When the guest list is small, your people are the atmosphere.
Photography: Document, Don’t Direct
Arrowhead Inn is ideal for couples who want their wedding photographed honestly.
The best approach here isn’t heavy posing—it’s letting moments happen:
Conversations on the porch
Quiet pauses after the ceremony
Barefoot walks across the property
Small weddings move differently. Your photography should too.
Planning an Arrowhead Inn Wedding in Durham, NC: Final Thoughts
Stephanie and Ron (owners of Arrowhead Inn) have an all-inclusive package where they help you with every detail. I’ve worked with them dozens of times.
Getting married at Arrowhead Inn with a few guests isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters.
If you want a wedding day that feels calm, intentional, and rooted in real connection, this is one of the best places in North Carolina to do it.
And if you’re planning something small, trust this: when you give yourselves space to slow down, the day becomes unforgettable in the best way.
Arrowhead Inn Wedding FAQs
How many guests can you have at an Arrowhead Inn wedding?
Most Arrowhead Inn weddings in Durham, NC are best suited for small guest counts. Couples typically host anywhere from 2 to 40 guests, depending on the ceremony location and overall layout of the day.
Is Arrowhead Inn a good venue for a micro-wedding in Durham, NC?
Yes. Arrowhead Inn is an excellent venue for a micro-wedding in Durham, NC because it offers multiple intimate ceremony locations, on-site lodging, and a private setting that works well for smaller celebrations.
Can you have both your ceremony and reception at Arrowhead Inn?
Yes. Many couples choose to have both their wedding ceremony and a small reception or dinner at Arrowhead Inn, allowing the day to flow naturally without changing locations.
Does Arrowhead Inn have indoor wedding ceremony options?
Yes. Arrowhead Inn offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, making it a flexible wedding venue in Durham, NC—especially helpful for weather backup plans.
How far in advance should you book Arrowhead Inn for a wedding?
Couples should plan to book Arrowhead Inn as early as possible, especially for popular spring and fall wedding dates in Durham, NC, as availability is limited for small weddings.
Can you stay on the property at Arrowhead Inn for your wedding?
Yes. Arrowhead Inn is a bed and breakfast, which means couples and select guests can stay on the property overnight. Many couples choose to stay on-site with close family or friends, making the wedding feel more like a relaxed gathering than a traditional event.
“As owners of a small wedding venue in Durham, we strive to support our local providers. Our primary business is hospitality for lodging as a B&B, but our gardens/grounds are great for weddings as well. We recommend different vendors for catering, flowers, cakes/pastries, but our main suggestion for photography is Mark Maya Films and Photography. Mark is awesome!
The imagery, and hence memories, that Mark is able to create is unique..outstanding..special..something that we believe every wedding deserves.
Whether you choose to have a wedding at our small venue or somewhere else, your best option for film and photography is Mark Maya. You won’t regret this decision amongst so many choices to make your wedding event special!!”