Choose the North Carolina coast for your destination beach wedding. Here, you’ll find resorts that offer all-inclusive packages. They’ll handle everything from location planning to catering and wedding vendors.

Summer is peak tourist season, so be sure to book hotels and vacation rentals that accommodate large groups of guests. And plan your ceremony and reception around low tide to avoid the risk of sand erosion.

Oceanfront Venues

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a lavish blowout, our pristine barrier islands offer an array of unique oceanfront venues for destination weddings NC Coast from which to choose. Choose from elegant ballrooms, a seaside aquarium and - of course - the beach.

For a wedding that feels like a dream, look no further than the breathtaking setting at Blockade Runner Resort in Kure Beach. Say "I do" surrounded by seaside gardens, tall palm trees and walls of green privacy expertly manicured for your big day. Then celebrate in a 3,000-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 guests for dinner and dancing.

If you prefer the idea of a more traditional beach wedding, consider a location like Topsail Manor in nearby Topsail Island. This 8-bedroom oceanfront home is the perfect place for your closest family and friends to gather and enjoy your big day. It offers a gorgeous ceremony space directly on the ocean as well as a spacious outdoor reception area.

Getting married at the beach in peak summer is an amazing experience for your loved ones, but it can also be hectic and expensive. To avoid crowds and higher prices, consider a wedding date during the off season, from mid-November through early March. This will give you a chance to experience the beauty of our beaches and our charming coastal towns with much more peace and quiet.

Historic Venues

Whether you dream of an intimate coastal event or a grand reception, historic venues give you a place to say "I do." The McAlister-Leftwich House in Greensboro is a two-home destination with multiple indoor and outdoor areas perfect for weddings. This family owned property is full of character including wood floors, elegant molding and ceiling beams. The larger of the two homes is able to seat up to 125 and can also host cocktail-style receptions. The upper floor features a gorgeous, cathedral-style stained glass window, perfect for getting ready photos and a space to take your ceremony.

At the nearby Fort Fisher State Park, you can tie the knot overlooking the Atlantic Ocean or among salt marshes and moss-draped trees on the shoreline. The Fort Fisher Lighthouse is another scenic option where couples can say their vows while taking in the sunset over the beach.

For a more urban feel, downtown Wilmington offers multiple historic wedding reception venues. 108 Budleigh in Manteo exudes timeless beauty with classic architecture and vaulted ceilings. A one-of-a-kind picturesque window makes this venue ideal for small weddings. Ornate period antiques decorate the interior of the Graystone in downtown Wilmington. The building itself was built in the 1700s and is a perfect spot for couples wanting a romantic location with modern amenities. In addition, the Brooklyn Arts Center in New Bern is an impressive mix of reconstructed 18th century architecture with modern upgrades and a large event space that's made for dancing the night away.

Outdoor Venues

Coastal brides with an eye for nature will find endless outdoor wedding venue possibilities on the beaches of Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville. From gnarled live oaks on the oceanfront to scenic gazebos overlooking the Atlantic, these natural outdoor spaces offer the perfect backdrop for your romantic ceremony.

A waterfront setting, a gorgeous private beach and overnight accommodations are just a few of the many features offered at Neuse Breeze, an exclusive five-acre estate where natural beauty meets effortless elegance. The Watson House & Gardens on Emerald Isle is another popular outdoor destination for a classic beach wedding with impeccable gardens and sophisticated details.

If you're planning a larger bash, full-service hotels are great options for wedding venues. They provide location planners and event staff who can assist you with all aspects of your big day, including catering and wedding vendors. The Islander Hotel & Resort on Topsail Island is a wonderful choice for a larger event with rooms for your family and friends, a full-service banquet hall with an indoor dance floor and a large outdoor pavilion.

For a more casual beach wedding, consider a unique option like the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, where you and your guests can meander through their aquatic habitats while saying "I do." The Nags Head Jennette's Pier is also a stunning oceanfront wedding venue with a panoramic view of the Atlantic coast.

Indoor Venues

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or your guests are traveling from near and far, there are plenty of options for indoor NC beach weddings. Many of the homes available through Southern Beach House allow you to host a ceremony, reception and lodging for your guests all at one time. Some of these homes also feature a large covered space for a tent, stained concrete floors and an outdoor fire pit.

On Topsail Island, Ocean’s Edge Restaurant & Event Center is a popular destination for weddings with oceanside views and salty sea breezes. The venue has multiple reception areas, ranging from the Overlook Room that accommodates up to 250 guests to Pender Hall that can hold 200 people. The venue’s interior spaces maintain coastal elements, including walls of windows that make the beach part of your celebration from cocktail hour to the dance floor.

The Lucas Farm offers a rustic atmosphere with a barn, farmhouse, schoolhouse and bar shed. This historic location’s timber walls and original pine ceilings create a timeless ambiance for your big day. On the property are several scenic outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception, including two patios, a fire pit and an oak tree strung with Edison lights.