The Catlett Farm Venue

OUR FAMILY AT THE FARM

Long before it became a beloved wedding and photography venue near Fayetteville, North Carolina, The Catlett Farm was rooted in family, tradition, and a deep love for the land.

As a newly engaged young woman, Marie Catlett first met her future father-in-law exactly where he felt most at home—on the farm, doing what he loved best: mowing the fields. While the 35-acre property was not a working farm, Mr. Joe Catlett Sr. was a farmer at heart. He planted peach trees, corn, soybeans, and peanuts for his family and took great pride in caring for the land.

Over the years, weekends were spent on the tractor, slowly shaping the property and preparing it for future generations. The farm was peaceful, meaningful, and deeply personal to him. When Marie first met him, she didn’t hesitate—she climbed right up on the tractor and began a lasting relationship not only with her future family, but with the land itself.

That love is still felt today and is what makes The Catlett Farm such a meaningful wedding venue in Fayetteville NC—a place where family history, natural beauty, and unforgettable moments come together.

Growing The farm

In 2001, Joe Sr. passed the property on to Joe and Marie. Together, they began thoughtfully enhancing the land with the help of a talented friend—digging the pond, building the Pavilion and Cabanas, and creating one of the farm’s most loved features: the Japanese footbridge.

Carefully placed, the footbridge connects the island gazebo to the surrounding woods and open fields, offering easy access and a stunning backdrop for wedding photography. What began as a simple river property slowly became a true showstopper and has since served as the backdrop for thousands of photos and hundreds of meaningful celebrations.

Becoming a Wedding Venue

In late 2017, the farm entered a new chapter when the family transformed an unused horse barn into a reception space for their daughter’s wedding. What started as a heartfelt family project quickly revealed its potential.

Following the celebration, they added a caterer’s prep room, a private bridal suite, heating and air conditioning, and two restrooms—laying the foundation to begin hosting weddings. In May of 2018, The Catlett Farm Wedding Venue welcomed its very first couple.

The venue has continued to evolve, with thoughtful upgrades over the years, including a 2025 enhancement featuring a fireplace mantel and statement mirror—adding warmth and charm to the reception space.

TODAY AT THE CATLETT FARM wedding venue

Today, Marie proudly carries on the tradition. And yes—she too loves mowing. With a tractor and two zero-turn mowers, she and Jana take pride in keeping the grounds looking their best, often giving the property a fresh cut just before a wedding day. One of their favorite touches is mowing walking paths through the tall grass fields, creating peaceful, picture-perfect routes for couples and their photographers.

Here, caring for the land is about more than maintenance—it’s about creating space for memories to unfold. Marie often says there’s nothing better than watching children run freely across the fields or seeing guests pose for photos with the horses and on the Japanese footbridge.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

We’ve done the mowing, the planning, and the preparation—so you don’t have to. On your wedding day, simply arrive, welcome your friends, celebrate your family, and enjoy every moment. We’ll take care of the rest.

If you’re searching for a wedding and photography venue near Fayetteville, North Carolina that feels personal, peaceful, and full of heart, we would love to welcome you to The Catlett Farm on the Cape Fear. The best way to experience the farm is to walk the grounds, cross the Japanese footbridge, and imagine your day unfolding here. Schedule a private tour and see why so many couples choose The Catlett Farm as the place where their story begins.