The Laboratory Mill

Nestled beside the South Fork of the Catawba River between Hickory and Charlotte, just on the outskirts of Lincolnton, is The Laboratory Mill. The venue is beautiful inside and out with two event spaces. The upstairs is perfect for weddings and receptions, complete with large suites for the bridal party and one for the groom and his men. Downstairs, the Cardroom has a completely different look. It is cozy with brick walls and a speakeasy feel. Many choose the Cardroom for their rehearsal dinner. Add plenty of parking and a great staff, and you have an exceptional venue for all your wedding planning.

The Mill is a photographer’s dream! On the property are gorgeous views of the river, waterfalls, and even a beach—perfect locations for wedding photos!

“Searching for venues can be like comparing apples and oranges,” said Cyndi Dellinger, owner of The Laboratory Mill with her husband, John. “We provide upfront pricing, tax is included, and tips are always optional, so there are no surprises at the end of the day. The price also includes tables, chairs, and linens—no separate rentals needed,” Cyndi continued. We have golf carts to help guests get to and from their cars in the lower parking lots, if needed. And, most importantly, our staff concentrates on helping the wedding go as smoothly as possible. We have a dedicated concierge for the bridal party, staff who assist with parking, and a floor manager the day of the event. We always have staff on hand to answer questions or provide assistance.”

To help with your planning, The Laboratory Mill has a list of recommended wedding professionals from florists and DJs to approved caterers. Their recommendations can take care of a lot of the work in planning your perfect day.

The Laboratory Mill was originally built in 1818 as a cotton factory but burned during the Civil War. Since waterpower was still available, it was then used as a laboratory to turn locally grown, indigenous plants into medicine for the Confederate troops. After the war, the mill was rebuilt into its current footprint by D.E. Rhyne and was operational until the 1990s as a yarn manufacturing plant. After being boarded up for more than a decade, it was donated by the Rhyne family to Preservation North Carolina who then sold it to John and Cyndi Dellinger in 2007.

It took five and a half years to renovate. Among many other changes, floors were repaired, bricked up windows were restored, the roof was replaced, and a house moving company even jacked up one end of the mill so supporting pillars could be built to fix settling from previous water damage. The Laboratory Mill opened for its first official wedding in August of 2013. Many people who live in the area have parents and grandparents who worked in the mill, and the Dellingers are proud to be a continuing part of the rich history of the Laboratory Community.

For more information, visit www.thelaboratorymill. com, and take a virtual tour of the facility and grounds or call 704-240-4718 to schedule an inperson tour. You will fall in love!

Photos: Left–The Cardroom is located downstairs at The Laboratory Mill. (Photo by Allison Lee Isley) Right–The large venue upstairs is perfect for weddings and receptions. (Photo Angel Kincaid Photography)