After five years of business, The Venue at Carbon City gets a new name and look

In just a few weeks, The Venue at Carbon City has transformed from the familiar grey wedding venue building to a striking white barn, which is now known as The Ivory Mill. Looking taller and brighter, the building’s additions mark the five-year anniversary of her family’s business in Morganton, Owner Pam Johnson said.

When her family opened The Venue at Carbon City, Johnson said the goal was to provide a beautiful space for couples and their families on their special day, at an affordable price range. When she and her husband got married 38 years ago, she was given a $3,000 budget to plan the wedding and honeymoon. She said that she and her husband got married at the church and a tiny town hall to make their budget stretch.

“So, when we found this place, we were like we could make this a really cool, rustic, elegant place, but not charge a ton for people like us,” Johnson said.

Phase 1 at The Ivory Mill is completed, which included a fresh coat of ivory paint and a monitor roof to give the venue a fresh new look. Phase 2 — which she said is scheduled for completion by Aug. 20 — will add a new section to the front of the building.

The current bride’s room will be transformed into the groom’s room, with more masculine touches. The new front addition will feature a cocktail area that can be adapted for various uses, depending on the wedding party’s preferences. The space will include a new bride’s room that will connect to the current bathroom. Johnson said the side porch will also be closed off and the ramp removed, creating space for a sweetheart table or any other setup the couple prefers.

The Johnsons bought the building at 800 Carbon City Road in 2019 and started the business as a wedding venue in 2020. The Johnsons have experience flipping and renting houses, but the venue was their first commercial project. Originally, the building was home to Studio K Dance Academy, but after major renovations inside, the venue now fits the rustic and elegant visions of Johnson.

Johnson said the business has been called a hidden gem among those in Morganton as the venue offers more affordable prices. Sundays through Thursdays, she said, are $1,695, and all-inclusive packages range between $4,000-$5,000. So far, Johnson said guests have loved phase one, and she believes and hopes future guests will think the same.