Ayr Mount – historic Hillsborough wedding venue
Ayr Mount street view
I was in Hillsborough today so I swung by Ayr Mount, a historic site where I have played a number of weddings. It’s within easy walking distance of downtown. A house tour is offered every day at 2 pm but the place was closed up tight when I was there.
Ayr Mount approach
There’s a grand, winding driveway up past the gate…
Ayr Mount parking lot
… and there’s parking enough for more than 250.
My daughter was quoted a price of $1000, the cost for 50 people. She also received this information:
Caterers have to locate on gravel surface yet the event tent can be located wherever you choose. Event must take place during daylight hours. And portable toilets must be rented if you have more than 50 attending or there is a handicap need. If it rains then everyone stays under your tent.
There is a handicap ramp into the house from the rear.
Ayr Mount front approach
We did a Scottish wedding here once and the bridal party processed up this grass walkway to the house, and Ken played bagpipes to escort them, and the little flower girls all had plaid sashes, they were so cute.
Ayr Mount interior 1
Ayr Mont was built in 1815 and was restored in 1985 as part of the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, an architectural conservancy. It’s gorgeous inside, but they’re very finicky about folks using it. All the weddings I’ve done have been outside, and while you’re allowed to walk around inside, be careful.
Ayr Mount Interior 2
You’ll be dealing with the manager, Bill Crowther – his business phone number is (919) 732-6886. He writes: “Our goal is to share Ayr Mount with the public while protecting the integrity of both the structure and the setting, so we are opting to attract ceremonies only with an occasional reception included.”
Ayr Mount grounds 1
The grounds (265 acres) are spectacular. In one of these pictures you see a pretty pond down the hill to the left. It’s quite quiet and if it isn’t raining you’ll have a spectacular site.
Ayr Mount grounds 2
Why do I mention rain? Because the rainiest wedding I ever played was at Ayr Mount. Some of the wedding party, including the rabbi, got trapped in the house when the deluge began; others were in the tent with the food and with us, the musicians. We played and played and played while they waited for the rain to let up. The chupah got drenched. There was a break in the storm, they rushed out and dried off the chairs and had a very, very quick service, and then it rained again. We were sort of pushed to the very edge of the tent and water dripped/gushed into our instrument cases.
Patio for outdoor dancing, musicians, and food
We’ve seen the back patio used successfully used for dancing. One time, though, we were hired to play background music and then contra dances. But the guests wanted to eat and schmooze, they didn’t want to dance. The bride got quite annoyed and actually stamped her foot about it.
Ayr Mount, 376 St. Marys Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278
