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Old Lystra Inn
4.8 ★★★★★ 86 Google reviews · Barn wedding venue in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Rustic, homey B&B, featuring a tented lawn for ceremonies and receptions, plus friendly owners.
Plan your tour
- Capacity couples mention 150–150-guest events in reviews — ask the venue for their stated maximum
- Phone (984) 215-7454
- Website oldlystrainn.com — most venues book tours right on their site
The setting
“Tony and Beth Pendola have created the perfect blend of rustic, beauty, and class.”
“The property consists of a beautiful historic home located just minutes from downtown Chapel Hill.”
“The ceremony and reception inside the tent was elegant and simply stunning.”
“Old Lystra Inn is beautiful with its ceremony & reception space, natural landscaping, & have I mentioned how great Tony & Beth are?”
Amenities couples mention
“Tony and Beth were super helpful and accommodating—Tony even provided a stepladder for some dance floor shots, which, being a short girl, I greatly appreciated!”
What couples say again and again
“A Truly Magical Venue – Forever Grateful to Tony & Beth Working with Tony and Beth at Old Lystra Inn was an absolute dream from start to finish.”
“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.”
“Old Lystra Inn was the best decision we ever made!”
“Our Saturday wedding was the only one that weekend which made it easy for rehearsal, clean up and feeling not rushed.”
From the reviews
Pros: Incredibly nice owners, Tony and Beth. They felt like family! They were very patient, flexible, and accommodating. We were able to stay in the inn the night before which was extremely convenient and cozy. Tony also put up icicle lights for us at our request!
We photographed a wedding here in November and can't wait to be back for another in April! Tony and Beth were super helpful and accommodating—Tony even provided a stepladder for some dance floor shots, which, being a short girl, I greatly appreciated!
I could not speak more highly of the Old Lystra Inn. This venue far exceeded our expectations and truly made our wedding day unforgettable. The property consists of a beautiful historic home located just minutes from downtown Chapel Hill. We had guests from all over the world who loved the selection of hotels nearby.
Old Lystra Inn is the coziest and most wonderful venue! Owners Tony & Beth were so great and hands-on from the time we booked and even post-wedding. For starters, their typical season starts in April. However, they accommodated our date on March 22, 2025 despite that falling outside their standard wedding season.
Getting married at Old Lystra Inn
Old Lystra Inn comes up for weddings — confirmed on their own site. Two things make the tour worth the drive. First, see it at the time of day you'd actually get married — a barn that glows at golden hour can feel very different at noon, and you'll want to walk the path your guests take from parking to ceremony to reception. Second, bring your real questions: the rain plan (where does the ceremony move?), the catering and bar policy, the music curfew, and exactly what's included with the rental — tables, chairs, setup, and teardown are where quotes quietly diverge. Popular dates at barn venues book 12–18 months out, so if the tour feels right, ask what's open in your season before you leave.
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