Historic church & stunning event venue on 14 acres
Welcome to The Rafters at Historic St. Mark's, the venue with a mission. We aren't your average wedding venue! All of our proceeds go to our Flyin' Lion Ministry (also our in house caterer). Flyin' Lion Ministry is a culinary school giving adults with exceptional needs transition to independence and employment. At our venue, modern elegance meets historic 1800s charm. The Rafters will be your ideal wedding destination. The multi-building campus sits just fifteen minutes from uptown Charlotte, NC, but also feels worlds away, tucked into secluded acres of century-old trees. The Rafters offers the perfect destination for your most important day. Crafted with southern charm and offering modern amenities, the exposed beam reception hall wraps you and your guests in grandeur and beauty befitting the occasion. Providing you with the most welcoming wedding experience is in our DNA. The Rafters was built to embody community and embrace your most special event. We're more than just a venue, when you celebrate, so do we. The Rafters shares its campus with Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church. The Chapel of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church stands as a monument to the importance placed on the wedding ceremony. Built in 1886 and listed on the historic register, the chapel has stood as a beacon of inclusion for over 130 years. The concept of “All are Welcome” is woven into the very foundation of the building and the community. When the heavy wooden door opens, you are swept back into a simpler time, and one of peace and love. The Parish House sits directly across the parking lot from the main Rafters venue. Also located on the Historic Register and once used as the parsonage home for the St. Mark’s priest, the Parish House is a delightfully quaint space where our brides and bridal parties have private space to get ready and spend time prior to the wedding. Large rooms are flooded with natural light which make for romantic and unique photos. Founders Hall is an all-brick fellowship hall located between the chapel and The Rafters. This space has a small front porch and a spacious basement where the groom and his groomsmen will have a private space to get ready and hang out prior to the wedding. The Outdoor Chapel is a natural setting for a beautifully rustic wedding ceremony. Nestled between towering trees and complete with wooden benches, a small altar, and a musician’s platform, the Outdoor Chapel is perfect for small ceremonies. It is located directly adjacent to The Rafters. When you come up the hill onto our campus, you become family. The Rafters is available for wedding celebrations on Saturdays, with the option to also host your Rehearsal Dinner on the Friday prior to your wedding day. These two package options are available to accommodate your needs and make your perfect day memorable for all the right reasons. Please feel free to contact us if you have any specific questions!