The Cookery

This was exactly the right venue for us - and they were fantastic to work with. We were concerned whether the combination of spaces would work well for our event or not, but it turned out wonderfully. Our guests were comfortable, the vibe was just right, and everything was amazing. They really know what they are doing and everyone working here has a great attitude and is very helpful. They have a "limited vendor list" - and you are required to use a professional wedding planner, but the options are high quality and it's all done with an eye to making sure your event goes smoothly. The spaces give you room to be creative, they were very accommodating, totally professional and honest.

I love this venue; it is beautiful, historic and unique! We planned to have our ceremony and reception in the same location, so I loved that the Cookery had room for our 100 guests to spread out rather than moving between different halves of one big room--we had our ceremony in the garden, cocktail hour in the front room, and reception in the ballroom. It is beautifully maintained, especially the front room with all the exposed brick and string lights--just lovely!! Our guests were really wowed by the space. The bridal suite was also a beautiful area for us to get ready and take some pre-ceremony pictures, but unfortunately there isn't really an equivalent space for the groom and groomsmen. One downside for weekend events is that the minimum food and beverage costs, plus all the additions we had to rent (e.g., linens, flatware and plates, dance floor) do add up quite a bit, so keep that in mind. We initially worked with Juli, who was very sweet and communicative, but were later transferred to Tammy closer to our event. I unfortunately had a generally negative experience working with Tammy--she was sometimes hard to get in touch with and despite her over-the-top politeness seemed uninterested in helping us unless it was something she could charge us for (for example, trying to charge us over $200 when as part of our reception planning we asked to taste the wines we were required to choose from through their bar service!). A couple of weeks before our wedding, we were abruptly told us we would not receive included valet service like we agreed to because of nearby construction. We had concerns about accessibility because of several elderly guests, but found Tammy to be frustratingly dismissive of our concerns and reluctant to provide any suggestions or alternatives. Ultimately they decided a couple of days before the wedding that they could do the valet service, so it all worked out, but the whole situation added a lot of unnecessary stress right before the wedding. Overall we really did love the event space and it was a beautiful backdrop for our wedding, but we recommend trying to work with a manager other than Tammy if possible!

BOOK THIS VENUE!!! Leading up to our wedding, everyone we know warned us “something on your wedding day will go wrong”.... This is not true at the Cookery. The Cookery is truly a standout and unique location for a wedding reception, and Juli made sure that everything went off without a hitch! Not only did she answer the 1,000,000,000 questions I had in the months leading up to our event, she took the time and care day of to make sure we were happy, having fun, and enjoying our reception. The Cookery itself is like no other. The exposed brick and iron work captures the spirit of Durham,the bridal suite is beautifully furnished, and their preferred vendors capture the foodie city that Durham is. What a talented group! Thank you Juli!

We had a really great experience working with Julie and Tammy for our wedding ceremony + reception. We rented out the whole space, which is technically 3 separate areas (4, depending on how you count). Julie got us started with walk-throughs and answering preliminary questions, and was very welcoming. She even gave me a call over a holiday weekend to warn me that another bride had her eye on the same date as me (I had toured first and I'm fairly certain she warned the other bride of that, no favorites being played!), which really felt like taking an extra step in service. When we officially signed on, Tammy took over. She has a very direct manner but is never rude -- she knows the limits of her space and business, and is comfortable maintaining those boundaries. It was a little intimidating but I was so appreciative that she didn't sugar coat because it helped me quickly check items off my planning list and create and event that would go according to plan because everything was accounted for. She was also very reassuring when I felt like I was going out on a limb -- if she knew it could be done, she wouldn't hesitate on saying that either. So working with her felt very professional, and she was always available to answer random questions, or to open up the space(s) for us and/or other vendors to go over details. They did have a lot of rules, mostly about decorating, but also minimum amounts that you had to spend, and payment arrangements with preferred vendors that I feel like made things overly complicated and my budget harder to track. I also wish that they had a better space for the groom to get ready (the bridal suite was beautiful), but it seems like a lot of venues don't offer that for whatever reason.

The Cookery was the only venue we saw and we booked it immediately and I’m so glad we did! We wanted something that strayed from the traditional, and the exposed brick walls and industrial feeling of The Cookery gave us all we wanted. We actually booked before the expansion, and we loved the venue even more after the expansion was finished. We actually worked closely with Juli first before transitioning over to Tammy so that Juli could focus on her own wedding. They were both very kind and responsive and easy to work with. We rented on a Tuesday afternoon which cut the cost substantially. I will say, others have said that the rental included dinnerware, but we didn’t have dinnerware included, we were referred to American Party Rentals. Tables, chairs, and glassware was included, though! We were also able to have our ceremony and reception in the same place, which was nice since our families drove 2 1/2 hours to come. We received many compliments on how gorgeous the venue is and there was ample space for our 50 guests. We had a dance floor and photobooth along with eight tables in the front room where we had our reception. Most ceremonies face the windows in the ballroom, but we opted to have ours facing the gorgeous archways and I loved it so much more. The bridal suite was also AMAZING — we had six bridesmaids, myself, a makeup artist, my mom, several friends moms, and more all in there at once at one point. There’s tons of room and gorgeous light and they actually gave us a complimentary bottle of champagne! Another perk is that the venue is so stunning that minimal decoration makes everything pop. We used beakers and flasks for flowers and it was simple and stunning. We adored The Cookery and would absolutely choose them again.

We hosted our wedding at the cookery just this weekend and it was the best decision we made in the planning process. Especially with the new expansion, the cookery is the absolutely perfect venue. We hosted a wedding of 125 people there and it was the right amount of space for a 7-piece band, a dance floor and buffet dinner, all held in the new expanded space). There was a really nice flow between the front room, the patio and the larger banquet hall. As a Durham native planning from out of town, the Cookery felt like a warm and homey place to host our wedding. The venue has amazing historical elements from Durham, the bar was fantastic (complete with signature cocktails and local beer), and the combination of indoor and outdoor space was ideal for every guest. The event staff is extremely responsive and accommodating; Tammy went above and beyond, even re-doing our event layout days before the wedding. Plus, their inventory of items is extensive, including glassware, plates, chairs, etc. They have close ties with American party rentals which made the rental process very easy, and Tammy reviewed our layout to make sure that we weren't missing anything. Their list of preferred vendors makes it almost like a one-stop shop for your wedding, but also allows a great deal of customization and unique touches. Plus, the space is so well designed that you really don't need much in the way of decor. I can't recommend this place enough!! It felt like just about the most "Durham" venue we could have found.

The Cookery was the PERFECT venue for our wedding ceremony and reception! I really liked that we could hold both in one place, so that we (and our guests) didn't waste time driving around between the ceremony and reception. It is a beautiful place, full of Durham history, and the staff, especially Tammy (the on-site coordinator) is wonderful. They couldn't have made planning any easier, or been any friendlier or more accommodating! We got so many compliments on the lovely space and delicious cocktails made by the bartenders. It was the perfect setting for our big day and I wish we could do it again! Maybe a 10-year vow renewal... Seriously, book The Cookery and you will not be disappointed. I especially loved how much inventory they had on hand (silverware, chairs, tables, etc.) that kept us from having to rent all of that stuff. Highly recommend!

We held our wedding reception for about 80 guests at The Cookery in late December. Our guests loved the industrial chic vibe and look of The Cookery - it was a wonderful way to introduce our out-of-town guests to the area's history. The space is so unique and stylish it didn't need any decoration - minimal flowers on the tables and votive candles & tea lights. The Cookery's inventory of A/V equipment, tables, chairs and dinner & glassware are all included in the rental price, making it easy on your budget and your day-of preparation. The Cookery's preferred caterer list includes many of the best catering companies in the area and the bar packages (provided by The Cookery itself) offer options for multiple budget ranges. My brothers are beer aficionados and loved the selection of local brews that were included. For all the benefits that The Cookery offers, none is more important than their General Manager, Tammy Carwane. Tammy is the consummate professional - her email responses are always prompt, pleasant and helpful. For a person unfamiliar with the intricacies of planning a wedding Tammy is an invaluable resource. Her suggestions on the reception timeline and layout of the space helped us efficiently achieve the event we wanted. Her familiarity and communication with our various vendors made the day go off flawlessly. Moreover, she was endlessly patient with our questions and changes and was unfailingly complimentary and supportive of all our choices. We are so lucky that she was part of our team.

The best day of day of my life!!!

I cannot imagine a more perfect place for our wedding reception than The Cookery! It was a perfect backdrop for our event and all of our guests were raving about how beautiful it was. Tammy was incredibly helpful through the planning process and we could not have done it without her. She came with us to our appointment for linens and took care of the bar, tables, tent, and valet and was crucial for setting the room layout and timeline. The bartenders were great and drinks delicious! In the Cookery we were able to have the intimate event that we wanted while still having quite a lot of guests. We loved every moment of working with the team there and having our reception at this venue!!

The Front Room at The Cookery was the very best, most awesome venue we could have chosen for my daughter's wedding! We added flowers and some candles to the decor but that's all that was needed for this warm and inviting spot. ALL of the guests were impressed and highly complimentary. From the minute we net with Tammy, I knew this was the right choice. She is so knowledgeable and personable and KNOWS her venue and was totally in charge of coordinating everything to do with the details including meeting us in downtown Raleigh to help select the linens. I highly recommend The Front Romm without a single reservation!

Tammy is amazing. The venue is gorgeous. This was our dream day, she made it possible. I am so overwhelmed with how it all turned out and it's 100% because she was there for us every step of the way. DO NOT HESITATE. If you're looking at the Cookery as a venue, you will not regret it. Dream wedding!

We absolutely loved having our reception at The Cookery. From the beginning of our year and a half long planning, Tammy was absolutely amazing! She knows the venue so well and is quick at responding at questions and concerns. She was flexible and always had a positive attitude about all the decisions we made, even when we changed our minds and scheduled several appointments for our linens and party rentals (because we were so indecisive). She had great recommendations about vendors which made planning so much easier. I have celiacs and last minute I decided I wanted to add cider to the drink list as an option for me-Tammy said it wasn't a problem and within minutes of our reception starting she remembered and offered a cider and even suggested pouring it in a fancy glass so that it would look great in pictures. Our guests were amazed with how beautiful the venue was and how nice and accommodating the wait staff was. We were so thrilled with our experience that at the end of the night, we even gave her a hug!

Say no to boring, ancient ballrooms; say YES YES YES to The Cookery!!!! We had our wedding reception at The Cookery but I cannot imagine an event that wouldn't take on beauty and style in this magnificent place! The Cookery is vintage and historical, yet modern and luxurious all wrapped in one! It is a venue for events of all kinds! When I first set eyes on just photos of this venue, I knew I had to have it. I was particularly floored by the look of the bar and the stairwell but when I saw this place in person, I was breathless! The gigantic windows and patio add so much to an already beautiful space. Not to mention that there is a lot of history tied to the place--Nick, the owner, would be happy to clue you in! Annnnd, there's a small enclosed brewery that you can see from the balcony! Our guests loved it!  The package deals (patio, audio/visual) are fantastic and cannot be beat! For larger events, the patio is pretty much required. We had about 110 guests and it was cozy and comfortable and there was sufficient space to party and move about.  Both Tammy and Nick were so fun to work with and the communication was fantastic! Most of us bridezillas want immediate responses and Tammy and Nick pretty much delivered on that! Our friends were in awe with The Cookery. We got so many compliments for choosing such an amazing space for our celebration! Our reception was in the evening so when the outside lights are shining in, it all looks so magical!  One thing to consider is tables and chairs and dishes are included but you will have to rent (or buy) some additional items--table cloths, extra serving pieces, a tent for the patio (and heater if weather requires it), and a dance floor. Fortunately, The Cookery has relationships that make it easy to get these items ordered and delivered without much work on your end! The Cookery takes care of the alcohol/bar--Tammy and her staff rocked it out on our wedding day! The drinks were flowing and everyone was happy! The Cookery has recommended vendors for the food and there are some really cool options! We were thrilled to work with Donovan's Dish. The rental prices are already pretty low so there isn't much room for negotiating. You have full control over the layout of your event though and Tammy really has this down! Her vision and recommendations were great. Tammy prepares a custom layout for your event and is very flexible.  I really enjoyed working with The Cookery over the last year and feel so proud when guests continue to tell us how beautiful the space was!!! I'm already thinking about how we can get back to Durham and what other event we can throw in the space! We will be back!!!