Extraordinary Destinations Infused With Coastal Charm

On the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a distinctive wedding experience is within reach. It’s not just about the windswept dunes and historic lighthouses, or the region’s hospitality and laid-back atmosphere. It’s also about the vast array of exceptional venues and accommodations that can serve as the ideal backdrop for your ceremony and celebrations. There are boutique inns and cozy beach cottages, resorts with all-inclusive wedding packages, and lodges boasting as many as 28 bedrooms. From Corolla to Hatteras, or across the inlet to Ocracoke via ferry, there’s a destination to suit every taste and budget.

Wedding Locations

Houses of Worship and Communities of Faith
The Outer Banks is home to multiple communities of faith. From a vibrant Unitarian Universalist congregation and myriad Protestant denominations to a number of venerable Catholic churches and parishes, couples wishing to exchange marriage vows within the traditions of their faith will find a spiritual home. The architectural styles vary from old style Outer Banks vernacular to more modern and expansive designs. Many of the churches have reception halls and on-site kitchens, while smaller congregations may have limited amenities. There’s an active Jewish community on the Outer Banks, but as of 2024, the congregation does not have a Rabbi on-site to conduct marriage ceremonies.

The Outer Banks is a popular destination so be aware that many of these congregations require advance notice of wedding requests. One church we discovered wanted notification a year in advance of the wedding date. Careful planning will ensure that you can have the wedding you’ve always envisioned.

Recommendations
Please note that some religious venues may require you to receive counseling or provide proof of marital counseling from your home clergy. Would you like to supply your own clergy? Check to see if that’s an option before you finalize your plans. Though spontaneity has its place when it comes to wedding celebrations, doing your research well in advance can save you a great deal of stress as the big day approaches. For those seeking a non-denominational or non-traditional wedding, there are a number of wedding officiants who will work with you and your partner to craft an individualized and meaningful ceremony.

Oceanfront and Soundside Ceremonies
A beach wedding that combines ceremonial formality with seaside ease is a popular option. Mother Nature provides the setting, and it’s a multi-sensory experience that’s sure to create lasting memories for everyone in attendance. Many cottages, rental communities and event houses have beachfront access, making it a breeze to move the wedding party from the beach to an indoor reception area. But be mindful of those in your party who may need special accommodation to access the beach and check out the parking situation adjacent to the site as parking spaces can be limited, or subject to each town’s regulations.

The soundside environment provides a different, yet equally stunning outdoor experience, especially in the evening when the horizon seems to merge with the sky, and the sunsets can be spectacular. There are soundside restaurants with scenic views, and venues overlooking the fleets that dock at nearby marinas. Consider working with a realty company to book a group of of soundside cottages for your party in close proximity to the wedding site. Whatever you choose, selecting a wedding planner with local knowledge can be the key to a successful event.

Recommendations
If you’re longing for a seaside or outdoor ceremony, be mindful of what’s going on in the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricane Season on the Outer Banks typically runs from June 1st to November 30th. The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is generally around mid-September. Though storms are just a part of everyday life on the Banks and vary in frequency, it’s something to keep in mind. Consider a backup plan, or rental insurance in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Each realty company has its own guidelines regarding last minute changes and cancellations.

For The Unconventional
History buffs, watersports adventurers, golfers, and anglers can take advantage of wedding sites that reflect their avocations and outdoor interests. Weddings at the historic Cape Hatteras National Seashore require Special Use Permits regardless of the number of attendees or length of the ceremony. Weddings are also permitted at Bodie Island, Hatteras and Ocracoke lighthouses. Weddings are welcome at Roanoke Island Festival Park which boasts several unconventional wedding locations including a representational 16th-century ship. Some couples have tied the knot on the water with the entire wedding party paddling out into the sound at sunset. Numerous watersports shops up and down the Outer Banks provide kayak rentals. There are several golf clubs on the Outer Banks that offer complete wedding event packages that promise a ceremony and reception not far from the green.

Resources
outerbanks.com/weddings.html
outerbanksweddingguide.com/
nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/wedding-permits.htm islandfreepress.org/outer-banks-wedding
darenc.gov/departments/register-of-deeds/marriage-license

Wedding Homes

Event House Rentals & Accommodations

Renting a large event house for your wedding and reception can be a hybrid celebration solution. These mini-mansion, resort style houses are built for entertaining. Family and friends can gather together in shared spaces for meals and merry making during their stay, and the wedding reception can be held indoors or in adjacent outdoor spaces. Many of these homes have convenient beach access, in-ground pools, outdoor barbeque rigs, and commercial-grade kitchens. Multi-story in nature, event houses can sleep 36 or more, and though most are of recent construction, they maintain an air of old school Outer Banks charm with cedar shakes, and breeze-catching porches fore and aft. Rental companies are strict about occupancy, so check with your preferred vacation rental company to make sure the number of guests won’t violate occupancy restrictions.

Things to Consider
Think Seasonally. Whether you select an event house or a quiet inn, when planning your Outer Banks wedding it pays to think ahead. As with other popular vacation destinations, the summer months see the most visitors and most of them book their accommodation well ahead of time.

Think accessibility. Will you have members of the wedding party who require wheelchair accessible accommodations? Might any of your group appreciate an elevator to help them make the most of their stay? Your event planner and rental agent can help you find the venue that best meets your needs.

Rental Homes & Cottages
There are so many options when it comes to renting individual homes and cottages for your wedding or honeymoon vacation. They range from vintage bungalows on secluded wooded lots, homes with beachfront or soundside access (soundside access is a fabulous choice for boardsailing), or cottages in walkable neighborhoods with easy access to restaurants, fishing piers, entertainment venues and boutique shops. There’s a cozy cottage to fit every taste and budget.

Motels & Hotels
On select portions of the Outer Banks, especially on the old Hwy 12 beach road that runs along the northern beaches, there are revered accommodations reminiscent of the motor courts of decades past. From mid-century modern designs to motor lodges featuring beach cabins with knotty-pine paneled rooms and kitchenettes, couples seeking an affordable retro-themed getaway won’t be disappointed.

Then there are the historic hotels with ties to summer vacations past. These vintage hotels have had facelifts over the years, and though they come with more conveniences and upgrades, a leisurely stay can provide an experience that’s worlds away from the ordinary.
These options are popular, with many couples and families returning year after year, so book early!

Charming Inns & Cozy Bed and Breakfasts
Whether you’re looking for a luxury retreat with jetted spa tubs and high-end amenities, or a cozy inn perfect for a smaller, more intimate wedding and lodging experience, the Outer Banks has you covered. Options include a gorgeous, beautifully landscaped Victorian inn with room service and an atmosphere that will please the hard-core architecture fan, a relaxing downtown inn with water views and complimentary bicycles with which to travel the boardwalk, and a sophisticated luxury inn with lovely bay views, sitting rooms, and 12 guest suites. And these are just three of the numerous available options.

A Destination to Remember
An Outer Banks destination wedding is one that will generate long-lasting memories for you, and for your family and friends. Since there’s year-round access to sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages and towns, historic landmarks and fragrant woodlands, there are enough venues and lodging options available to personalize your celebration and make it truly memorable.

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Venues & Accommodations Directory 2024

A Moveable Feast
A Moveable Feast is ready to cater your big day your way with one of its affiliated venues/restaurants. Cosmo’s Pizza is a casual venue in Corolla perfect for small parties of around 20 -30 guests and offers classic NY-style pizza, appetizers, and a full bar. Great for North Beach weddings and catering at the Whalehead Club. Low Tide Bar and Grill is a 50-60 person venue in the Currituck Club area of Corolla and features a sophisticated menu from steaks to seafood and upscale appetizers. Harbor Grill and Pizza is an indoor/outdoor venue for 35-40 guests, with a beer and wine bar, and casual fare like burgers and street tacos. The Pizza Trailer is a mobile wood-fired oven offering “pizza and a show,” with guests enjoying artisan pizzas cooked before them in the warm glow of the oven. See ads pages 22-23.

Atlantic Realty
Plan your dream wedding in the uniquely spectacular area of Corolla, NC. We have five oceanfront event homes ranging from 11-bedrooms to 28-bedrooms, allowing us to accommodate your wedding party. We would love to be a part of your special day creating memories that last a lifetime! Contact us to find the perfect home for the perfect wedding! See ad page 50.

Carolina Designs Realty
Carolina Designs Realty provides event homes and guest accommodations (4-30 bedroom properties) from Corolla to South Nags Head. Many homes include large great rooms, rec rooms with bars, elevators, private pools, walkways to the beach, and dune-top decks and gazebos overlooking the Atlantic. See ad page 5.

Mike Dianna’s Grill Room
THE place for all events for your wedding. For a smaller, more intimate rehearsal dinner or micro wedding there is a private dining room and bar area. For larger events we have an outdoor covered deck, large main dining room or even off site catering available. Don’t forget about bridal luncheons, day after breakfast and lunch, off site plated rehearsal dinners and more! Customize your menu so that you have exactly what you want and we will help make it the best days of your life.e. See ad page 31.

The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove
The 13,000-square-foot Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove is perfect for weddings, receptions, and other special events. Enjoy beautiful views of the Roanoke Sound in an enjoyable marina setting. On-site rental homes and condominiums are also available. Treasure the experience at Pirate’s Cove. See ad page 19.

The Pointe Golf Club
Treat your wedding guests with southern charm in a most unique outdoor setting beside our “Tree House” cottage and 200 year old live oak tree. Our golf clubhouse facility seats up to 125 and features beautiful views, well-appointed dining areas and full bar to complete your reception celebration. See ad page 21.

Twiddy & Company Realtors
Twiddy & Company offers extraordinary vacation rental homes for your Outer Banks event. Each has been carefully designed and appointed to host every aspect of your celebration. Whether you dream of exchanging vows waterside with a backdrop of sunlight reflecting off the sea, or prefer the relaxed elegance of a poolside soiree, our homes become the perfect venue for your rehearsal, ceremony, and reception. See ad page 17.

Westside Inn
Discover the peaceful charm of Westside Inn, a hidden retreat on Roanoke Island. Exchange vows overlooking the Croatan sound surrounded by live oak trees and stunning sunsets! With exclusive use of this secluded property that includes a five bedroom family home, Westside Inn is the ideal setting for your extended wedding celebration. See ad page 20.