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Weddings

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Quality catering
Unique aesthetic style
Guests comfort
Amenities

About

FALL 2021 DATES STILL AVAILABLE!

As an unconfined, completely outdoor and tented facility, we are able to host gorgeous and safe events! Please email to discuss how we can accomodate the FALL 2021 event you've been dreaming of!

Old Lystra Inn is a historic wedding venue located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Couples will experience a 1890’s renovated farmhouse nestled under towering oak trees on this 10-acre property. They pride themselves on their flexibility and allowing your unique vision to come to life. Old Lystra Inn promises to let your creativity and innovative ideas flourish.

Facilities and Capacity
Couples can accommodate up to 176 guests at this vintage-style venue. They offer two beautiful outdoor options on their spacious estate. You can say your “I do’s” under gorgeous oak trees, and then dance the night away under the stars. If you prefer some coverage, Old Lystra Inn will provide a 40-foot by 80-foot tent for your ceremony or reception.

Services Offered
This full-service wedding venue allows each couple's exclusive use of their property for 14 hours the day of their celebration. There are private bridal and groom’s suites where you can start your day, complete with refreshing beverages. A hair and makeup studio is also available for you and your bridal party, and they'll provide light snacks for the ladies. For your ceremony, they'll provide white wooden chairs, and for your reception your guests can sit on cross-back oak wooden chairs. Round tables are also included, along with assistance setting up and cleaning up. Additional services include:

  • All-inclusive packages
  • Parking with attendant
  • Outside vendors
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Outside alcohol
  • Rehearsal time
  • Bridal portrait time


History
This one-of-a-kind inn was owned by Pulitzer prize winner, Paul Green. Now, it’s run by Beth and Tony Pendola, who have been married for over 30 years. They felt that they had to compromise on their wedding day, because they couldn't find a venue that let them do exactly what they wanted. Since then, they’ve vowed to be a location where couples can make their special day everything they dreamed it to be.


  • Woman-owned
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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Clean Up
Parking
Set Up
Tables

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Inn/B&B

What kind of settings are available?

Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Clean Up
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access
5.0 out of 5 rating
22 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
95% Recommended by couples
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Old Lystra Inn is highly recommended for weddings due to its stunning landscape, beautiful home, and exceptional service provided by Beth and Tony. Reviewers praise the venue's flexibility in rescheduling during COVID-19, allowing couples to customize their special day. The spacious bridal and groom suites, as well as the included tent, tables, chairs, chandeliers, and dance floor, are all highlighted as positive aspects of the venue. Guests appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor space, play lawn games, and have a campfire. The accommodating and easy-going nature of Beth and Tony is also praised. Overall, reviewers highly recommend Old Lystra Inn as a magical wedding venue with unmatched hospitality.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Old Lystra Inn is highly recommended for weddings due to its stunning landscape, beautiful home, and exceptional service provided by Beth and Tony. Reviewers praise the venue's flexibility in rescheduling during COVID-19, allowing couples to customize their special day. The spacious bridal and groom suites, as well as the included tent, tables, chairs, chandeliers, and dance floor, are all highlighted as positive aspects of the venue. Guests appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor space, play lawn games, and have a campfire. The accommodating and easy-going nature of Beth and Tony is also praised. Overall, reviewers highly recommend Old Lystra Inn as a magical wedding venue with unmatched hospitality.

Ashley
Ashley S. Sent on 02/03/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Feels like the mountains 10 min outside of Chapel Hill

Beth and Tony were wonderful to work with! We were absolutely in love with the landscape, fireplace and tent. Felt very much like who we are as a couple and we luckily had stunning (if not cold) weather! Highly recommend. Great facilities for getting ready and plenty of room!
A
Alice M. Sent on 11/08/2021
5 out of 5 rating

The Absolute Best Venue!

We cannot recommend the Old Lystra Inn enough; they are the perfect venue run by the best people! After a series of COVID-related venue disasters, we were desperate to find a venue only a few months before our wedding. Beth and Tony at the Old Lystra Inn were there for us. They were helpful, kind, and supportive through the entire process. The house and grounds could not be more beautiful and getting to spend time there with our wedding party the day of was so relaxing and fun. Our guests loved the space and Tony and Beth were the most accommodating, generous hosts we could have asked for. We can never thank them enough. Everyone should get married at the Old Lystra Inn!
Becca
Becca R. Sent on 09/26/2021
5 out of 5 rating

We love Old Lystra Inn!

Our wedding at Old Lystra Inn was an absolute dream come true! It checked all our boxes and then some-- a beautiful, intimate gathering space, flexibility in choosing our vendors, and a delightful team to work with us throughout. The scenery provided by the venue is gorgeous in photos, and allows a huge amount of space for guests to enjoy. We loved the opportunity to spread out, play lawn games, and have a camp fire for marshmallow roasting.

Tony & Beth are accommodating, easy-going, and there to make sure your day is exactly as you hope it to be. They made the entire planning process (even amidst COVID) stress-free.
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Awards

22
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner

Real Weddings

Bryce & Ehsan
39 photos · 10/05/2019

Team

Tony Pendola
Tony Pendola
The "Pop" half of Mom-n-Pop

If I give you a tour I might geek out on the history of the place. Don't encourage me or you'll get even more. I lovingly maintain the property while continually improving it. I absolutely love people, so I can't wait to me you!

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Emily Katherine Events Emily Katherine Events Wedding Planners

Old Lystra Inn is easily one of my favorite wedding venues! Beth and Tony are terribly nice, helpful, and genuinely passionate about weddings. Planning weddings here is an enjoyable process, and I look forward to many more Old Lystra Weddings!

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