A lesbian couple shared that they were turned away from a Christian wedding venue in North Carolina after the venue declined to host their ceremony because of their sexual orientation.
One of the women shared a video describing what happened. She explained that she and her fiancée had always dreamed of getting married in North Carolina and said they had generally had positive experiences as a queer couple in the state.
The woman then said she wanted to share what she described as a “really disturbing” experience involving a wedding venue in North Carolina. After searching for a location, she and her fiancée found a venue that they felt met all of their needs. She contacted the venue and scheduled a tour, saying that everything initially went smoothly and that the staff were helpful. According to the woman, the situation changed after she disclosed that her partner was another woman.
About an hour before the scheduled tour, the woman emailed the venue to let the staff know that she and her fiancée were a lesbian couple. She said she did so because the venue’s website did not mention whether it was LGBTQ+ inclusive. According to the woman, the venue responded by saying it would not be able to host their wedding because they were a same sex couple.
According to the woman, the venue responded with an email stating: “Thank you for your consideration of our venue. As a Christian faith-based business, our venue operates according to our sincerely held biblical beliefs regarding marriage. Because of those beliefs, we are only able to host wedding ceremonies and celebrations that align with our understanding of marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman.”
The venue then continued, ”For that reason, we respectfully must decline hosting your wedding at our venue. We want to express that this decision is rooted in our religious convictions and the mission upon which our business was founded, and it is not intended to be personal or disrespectful in any way. We truly wish you both the best moving forward and appreciate your understanding. Have a great day.”
“It felt like a slap in the face,” the woman said in response to the venue’s email. She also described the message as “hateful.” She questioned whether, if the venue was relying on its Christian beliefs, it also screened heterosexual couples to determine whether they had engaged in premarital sexual relationships. Although she said the experience was disappointing, she acknowledged that people are entitled to their own religious beliefs. In a comment on the video, the woman also identified the venue she was referring to as Secret Garden Estate. This is alleged. People quickly started leaving negative reviews as well.
Viewers Divided Over North Carolina Wedding Venue’s Response
The video sparked reactions online. Viewers were divided over the incident, with some supporting the North Carolina wedding venue and others siding with the couple. Those who supported the two women argued that no venue should refuse to host a wedding because of a couple’s sexual orientation. “I think heterosexual couples should be screening their venues for inclusivity as well. I wouldn’t get married at a venue that wouldn’t marry EVERYONE. It’s disgusting!” one person wrote. Another commenter said, “Christians love to cherry pick which of their ‘rules’ to abide by.”
Others defended the venue, arguing that it had the right to make decisions based on its stated religious beliefs. “Their business, their choice,” one person wrote. Another commenter said, “Their response was actually incredibly kind and respectful. They have morals and values that should be respected and honored, just like you ask for that in different ways.” Not everyone agreed with that view, however. “That response was incredibly hateful. What are you talking about?” another person replied.
The video sparked a broader conversation about whether wedding venues should be permitted to decline hosting same sex weddings based on religious beliefs. It also led to debate over how LGBTQ+ couples should respond to such refusals. Some argued that the practice is discriminatory. On the other hand, others believe faith based businesses should have the right to operate according to their religious convictions.
