Beach weddings
An unforgettable romantic setting
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Tents for outdoor events |
Historic sites |
"Destination" weddings |
Picking a reception site |
Transportation |
Wrightsville Beach |
Carolina & Kure beaches |
Brunswick County |
Topsail Island
Photo by Lisa Brown, Bella Rose Photography
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Information for visitors
Wilmington, Wrightsville, Carolina & Kure beaches, and Fort Fisher:
 to Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Southport, Oak Island,
Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island:
to Chamber of Commerce
Topsail Beach, Surf City, North Topsail Beach and Holly Ridge:
to Chamber of Commerce
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What could be more romantic
than a wedding on the shore, with the magnificent backdrop of sea
and sky? The chance to get married on the beach brings many couples to the Cape Fear Coast
every year.
But before you set your heart on a beach wedding, it’s important to
understand some of the realities.
First, with few exceptions, you can’t expect to have the beach entirely
to yourself. In North Carolina, the beach between dunes and surf is public property. You
should expect normal crowds of swimmers, surfers, fishermen and sunbathers to be nearby
during your ceremony. You can’t block beachgoers from walking past your party.
Some special logistical considerations apply. First, tents aren’t permitted
on some beaches, so you need to consider a back-up location in case of rain.
Some towns don’t allow chairs to be set up on the beach, and all of them
ban alcoholic beverages.
You'll need to be prepared to move chairs and other equipment you need
onto the beach beforehand, and remove them promptly afterward. Because of wind, surf, birds
and other background noises, you'll need a portable sound system so guests can hear the ceremony.
Depending on the season, you’ll likely have heat and humidity to contend with.
And there’s always the sand. Take these factors into consideration when choosing gown and formal
wear -- and in writing your invitations. A seaside ceremony is a good opportunity to mix casual
and elegant. The groom can roll up the legs of his tux; the bridal party can go barefoot.
Several places offer the choice of having your ceremony on a private pier directly
over the beach, which eliminates the problem of walking in sand.
Another option, if you and your guests have a sense of adventure, is to have
your ceremony on a wild, undeveloped beach. Charter boat services can take your party to Masonboro
Island, between Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, for a wedding far from the madding crowd.
Just remember: like Gilligan’s Island, “it’s primitive as can be.”
Beach town rules, guidelines and contacts
New Hanover County
- Carolina Beach
- Fort Fisher
- Kure Beach
- Wrightsville Beach
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Brunswick County
- Bald Head Island
- Caswell Beach
- Holden Beach
- Oak Island
- Ocean Isle Beach
- Sunset Beach
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Topsail Island
- North Topsail Beach
- Surf City
- Topsail Beach
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Bridal forum
Comments about this article
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 Brides, post a comment:
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Vendors, post a comment:
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Beach weddings
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Get Married on the beach
"I am getting married in August on the beach. If you go to google and type in beach wedding packages kure beach, nc you will get a lot of information. I would also try surrounding beaches like, Carolina, Ft. Fisher, Oak Island, Long Beach, and Bald Head Island. I found some beach packages by doing this. Not sure if it is what I am looking for or not, but I better get on the ball! "
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Posted by:
Natalie
of Leland
on: Thursday, February 18, 2010
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Transportation for Beach Ceremony
"We are getting married on Wrightsville Beach and have a beach house that we have rented for the reception right off the beach. Problem is, there is basically NO PARKING! And to top it off, it is Memorial Day weekend! We have guests staying in a hotel across the bridge and some staying closer to the beach... basically not all in the same spots. How do we get them to and from the house without spending TOO much money?"
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Posted by:
Jennifer
of Hoover
on: Friday, January 22, 2010
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Kure Beach wedding
"I would like to plan a beach wedding somewhere on kure beach or near there, maybe fort fisher? Looking for someone who offers package deals on beach weddings for someone on a budget … anyone know anyone who does that at kure beach?? Please help."
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Posted by:
Tina
of Raleigh
on: Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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Beach Weddings
"Can anyone share ideas and/or experiences for a beach wedding and reception? I am from Georgia and relocating to North Carolina where my fiance lives. I would like a beautiful beach or island wedding thats not going to break the bank. :) Thanks and Congratulations and Best Wishes to everyone!"
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Posted by:
Shannether
of Albany, GA
on: Thursday, May 28, 2009
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Weights in veil for Wrightsville Beach wedding?
"Has anyone heard of doing this so that the veil doesn't blow literally in the brides face? I was at Wrightsville Beach this past weekend and the wind was insane, I'm afraid it will be like that for our wedding in September so now I am a little worried!"
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Posted by:
Jessica
of Raleigh
on: Monday, May 04, 2009
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How should I wear my hair for my beach wedding
"I'm not a huge fan of full updos but if i have to I will, as of right now I have a tiara & veil but I am thinking of downgrading to something more simple like a crystal 5 row headband with my hair just down and straight. Any ideas on this?? I am open for any suggestions."
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Posted by:
Jessica
of Raleigh
on: Monday, March 16, 2009
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Need a minister for beach wedding
"I am looking for a minister that will perform a beach wedding, please email me if you know
of anyone that will do a wedding at the beach and that is good, excellentnurse@yahoo.com"
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Posted by:
Perihan
of Wilmington
on: Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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response to Wrightsville Beach Wedding
"You have to fill out a special events permit. Go to www.wrightvillebeachparksandrecreation.com. When I did mine, it only took about 1 month to get approved. They have all the pricing, regulations, rules, etc. on the website as well. Hope that helps and good luck!"
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Posted by:
Melissa
of Cassville
on: Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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Getting married in Wrightsville Beach
"We want to get married at the southern point of Wrightsville Beach. This is a public area so I
am not sure who I would need to contact to set this up. Does anybody know what I need to
do or can I just plan to put up a trellis and flowers and some chairs on my own?
Thanks!
"
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Posted by:
Johanna
of Durham
on: Wednesday, August 13, 2008
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wedding benches!
"Hey all! Does anyone know how many people a wedding bench will seat? I'm doing a beach wedding on the beach in front of Shell Island, and am wondering if it'd be cheaper to do benches or chairs, with the chairs being $4.50 each. Thanks!"
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Posted by:
Jennifer
of Cary
on: Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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Beach wedding
"I'd like to get married on the beach, Carolina Beach area. Any suggestions/experience with doing this? Places for actual wedding and/or reception.
Thanks,
Jenny"
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Posted by:
Jennifer
of Cary
on: Wednesday, July 09, 2008
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Rental House Weddings
"Does anyone have any recommendations for ocenfront rental homes in the Topsail area that would be appropriate wedding sites?"
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Posted by:
Catherine
of Powell
on: Thursday, April 17, 2008
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To see more comments on related topics, Go to Bridal Forum
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A selection of vendors offering
Banquet & Reception Sites
Click on thumbnail to go to ad
Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews
Courtyard by Marriott, Carolina Beach
Hampton Inn Medical Park
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Shell Island Resorts
The Terraces on Sir Tyler
See complete listings for
Banquet & Reception Sites
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