BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The historic Martin County Courthouse holds the stories of Martin County — generations of hopes, struggles, triumphs and dreams. Now it begins a new chapter: serving as a venue where love stories begin.
The Martin County Tourism Commission announced in a meeting last week that the landmark building is officially available for wedding and event rentals.
Officials say opening the venue offers a new service to the community while supporting ongoing preservation efforts for the historic courthouse.
“We are thrilled to see the doors of our historic Martin County Courthouse open to the community in a new and meaningful way,” Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty said. “For generations, the courthouse has been the heart of Martin County — a place where important moments in people’s lives unfolded. It is humbling to think that couples will stand where history has been made and vow to build a future together. I can’t imagine a more beautiful way to honor the past while celebrating the promise of tomorrow.”
Tourism board member Jesse Muncy said Tuesday that couples are already booking dates in 2025 and 2026. The venue offers several event packages for ceremonies and celebrations. Three wedding packages are available and include two-day access:
- Basic (large courtroom): $750
- Gold (large courtroom, bridal chambers, groom suite): $1,500
- Platinum (large courtroom, bridal chambers, groom suite, reception hall): $1,800
A non-refundable 20% booking fee is due at the time of reservation. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days before the reserved date.
Davis Hall — the reception hall located in the former district courtroom on the first floor — is also available separately for rehearsal dinners and special events. It rents for $350 per day, with the full fee due at the time of booking.
Constructed between Aug. 10, 1938, and April 23, 1941, with the support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal and Works Progress Administration (WPA), the courthouse at 34 East Main Street became the fourth to serve Martin County.
According to the National Register of Historic Places, architect Paul J. Arnett designed the two-story building, incorporating architectural elements typical of the Late 19th and Early 20th Century American Movements. Local workers quarried stone from nearby mountains and harvested timber from local forests to craft the structure’s distinctive masonry and ornate woodwork.
The original building that faces Route 40 contains approximately 18,800 square feet. A two-story addition — the former county jailhouse added in the 1940s — contributes an additional 3,558 square feet.
The original construction cost was $108,217.
To book the venue, call 606-626-0620.
