The Space
Broadslab Distillery is North Carolina’s first farm distillery since Prohibition, located on a family farm in Johnston County that the Norris family has owned since the 1840s. The Barn at Broadslab is a climate-controlled event space built specifically for celebrations, with a stage, fireplace, grain-bin bar, and an outdoor patio with string lights and fire pit. The distillery building itself houses a tasting room and bar where guests can experience the grain-to-glass operation: corn is grown, harvested, malted, and processed on-site before distilling, creating a complete and transparent production model. The property is rooted in genuine agricultural and distilling heritage, with Jeremy Norris representing the fifth-generation master distiller in a family line dating back to the late 1800s. The setting conveys authenticity and personal commitment rather than corporate polish.
We have worked this room and found the barn and outdoor spaces offer a compelling blend of rustic charm and modern event facilities, with the working distillery adding narrative and interest beyond the typical reception venue.
Capacity & Layout
The Barn at Broadslab accommodates up to 300 guests for seated or standing receptions. The barn features a stage for band or DJ setup, a central fireplace, and hardwood finishes. An outdoor ceremony area sits by a pond, allowing for natural settings and easy transition into the barn for reception. The outdoor patio includes string lights and a fire pit for after-dinner gatherings or late-night entertainment. A bridal suite and groom’s room are available for wedding party preparation. The grain-bin bar serves as a signature design feature and functional bar setup. Two nearby rental cottages, Happy’s House (sleeps 12) and Baccer Barn (sleeps 2), provide on-site lodging for the wedding party or close family.
The layout allows for an outdoor ceremony, indoor reception in the barn, and outdoor socializing on the illuminated patio, creating distinct phases and pacing to the celebration.
Amenities
Full-service in-house catering is provided with menu options. The grain-bin bar offers beer, wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic options. A bridal suite and groom’s room are available for wedding party preparation. An on-site prep kitchen supports catering setup and coordination. Modern restrooms are available. The outdoor patio is covered with string lighting and a fire pit for evening gathering. Distillery tours are offered on Saturdays at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm, and event guests may be interested in brief tours if timing allows. Overnight accommodations are available through two on-site rental cottages: Happy’s House (4 bed, 2 bath, sleeps 12) and Baccer Barn (1 bed, sleeps 2), as well as nearby Nestled Pines with additional rental units.
Location & Getting There
Broadslab sits on a family farm in Benson, Johnston County, roughly 25 miles southeast of Raleigh and 15 miles south of Clayton. The rural setting feels intentional: the property sits on land the Norris family has farmed for generations. Interstate 40 runs east-west through the region, making the location accessible by car. The countryside around Benson has agricultural character and limited other development, so the distillery feels like a destination rather than part of a commercial strip. The drive from downtown Raleigh is roughly 45 minutes.
The Barn at Broadslab has open rafters, a fireplace, and solid flooring; the climate-controlled interior and generous height provide good acoustics for DJ equipment and amplified sound, and the outdoor patio with open edges allows sound to dissipate naturally without confinement, making this a flexible setup for both covered and open-air entertainment.
Why Couples Book Dow Oak Here
You only get one reception at this venue, so it should be run by a team that already knows how to make a room like it work:
- We have actually performed at this venue, so we plan for its sound, layout, and flow instead of guessing on your night
- One team for your DJ and MC, photo booth, and custom lighting, on a single plan and one contract
- Backup DJs scheduled and on call, with your full plan shared across our team
- An online planning portal plus a planning call before the day
- More than 3,000 five-star reviews on The Knot, WeddingWire, and Google
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and just $400 reserves your date
Wedding DJ FAQ
Have you performed at this venue before?
Yes. Every venue in our directory is one we have actually worked, so we already know how to set up, light, and run the room for a wedding, from ceremony sound to the last dance.
How much is a wedding DJ?
Your price depends on your date, your area, and add-ons like a photo booth, uplighting, or ceremony sound. Pick your date on our pricing page and you will see your exact price, and just $400 reserves your date.
Do you provide lighting and a photo booth too?
Yes. One team handles your DJ and MC, color-matched uplighting, and a modern photo booth on a single plan.
What happens if our DJ has an emergency?
We always have trained backup DJs scheduled and on call, with your full plan shared across our team, so someone can step in seamlessly.
How do we book you?
Check your date using the form on this page. We confirm availability, send your pricing, and a $400 retainer reserves your date.
Plan Your Wedding With One Team
Your Wedding, Handled
Check your date in about 30 seconds. We confirm availability and send clear pricing, usually the same day. No call center, no pressure.
Check Your Date Just $400 reserves your date.Check Your Date
Let's get your date on the calendar
Fill out the form and a real member of our team reaches out, usually the same day. No call center, no pressure.
- Backup DJs & photo booths on call 24/7
- Just $400 reserves your date
- Free setup and teardown, every time
“The fastest of any vendor in responding (seriously within like 30 min or less).”Meighan, WeddingWire review
Check Your Date
★★★★★ Rated 5.0 by 3,000+ couples and hostsWe reply within the hour