House on the beach for ceremony

islandgirl420

Hi everyone!  I have been reading some of the posts, but this is my first post.  I have been engaged about 2 months now and really want to book a venue and set the date!  I am having such a hard time deciding between an event home and some place like 108 Budleigh.  Has anyone found an event home that fits 75 people inside for a sit down dinner?  I really love Park Place but the real estate office said they didn't think it would fit that many people inside.  For those of you that used/are using 108 Budleigh and having the ceremony on the beach- where exactly did you do the creremony?  If you had it at your house, which house did you rent?  So many choices!  Congrats to all of the recent brides and thanks for your advice!

PS my wedding will be Sept 2012, probably on a wednesday.  I'm planning for approx. 75 people and we will have our dog with us! 

jendem8

Welcome!  I'm getting married June 22, 2012 on the beach and using 108 Budleigh for our reception.  We are getting married in South Nags Head on the beach.  I didn't want to do the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, because you can't have chairs, so we're off of Ramp 1 (the first ramp to the national seashore), but to the left of the ramp so that we're still on Nags Head's part of the beach.  There is a decent parking lot there, so it'll make it pretty convenient (though I don't know if it will fit all of our cars since we're anticipating over 100 people - and our dog too!).  This beach is about a 15 minute drive from 108 Budleigh.  Good luck!  Feel free to ask more questions as they arise!

eeforbes

I am doing my reception at Aqua restuarant in Duck.  They are doing a sit down dinner for us around 100, but they also do smaller groups too.  The food is awesome and the restaurant is right on the water over the sound.  We are renting the entire place so we will have it to ourselves, and Lynette the owner is awesome.

We are having our ceremony indoors at the Corolla Chapel, but you could also do the beach before. 

Good luck looking into stuff - there are so many cool venues down there and the brides on here are SUPER helpful for ideas on everything!

Phillyboy06

Don't forget EE, there is a groom lurking on the boards as well for help.  :-)

keb2482

Hi!!  Welcome to the board.  We are doing our ceremony on the beach in front of Fearing Cottage.  It is rented by Village Realty.  It is also owned by the owners of 108 Budleigh, so we are getting a $500 discount on the venue rental for renting both.  Let me know if you have any other questions!  108 Budleigh is amazing!  I just saw it in person for the first time on Thursday

islandgirl420

Thanks everyone!   Jen- I was under the impression that Nags Head allowed only 20 chairs on the beach, is that only true in some areas?  Thanks you all for the details- and EE, I will be looking into Aqua too.  Thanks for the suggestion!  I'm glad to hear such great things about 108 Budleigh, I have not seen it in person yet.  We are hoping to go to the Outer Banks next weekend and visit a few places.  I'm having such a hard time making a decision and I think I need to see things in person.  I really like the Fearing Cottage too but it is not pet friendly.    

OBX2011

Hi Island and welcome!! 

I got married on 9/16/11 and we had 95 guests.  We had the ceremony on the beach right outside of our rental home at MP 15.....and we had 85 chairs on the beach!  We knew we were taking a chance (the citation is only $100, lol) but were also told that as long as we put the chairs out for our guests about 30 minutes before the ceremony starts and remove immediately after, we should be fine and we were  

Our reception was at 108 Budleigh and it was absolutely perfect!  I posted some pics on one of my threads....either the vendor reviews one or the windy wedding story one.  If you need more pics, let me know and I will be happy to post for you.  You are on the FB group right?  If so, friend me and you can look at all of my wedidng pics.

There are a lot of event homes to choose from...I think there is a thread beneath this one that we all listed a few event homes, that we all either considered at one time or are actually planning to use.

Here is a pic of how we set-up the chairs on the beach:

OBX2011

P.S.  if you are going down this weekend or next, take THIS week to make a lists of all of the event homes and/or venues you want to see.  That way, you already know what you don't want to look at and you can focus on what you do want....and hopefully have a little time left over for a margarita on the beach!

jendem8

Islandgirl... I'm checking into that.  I chose South Nags Head under the direction of my officiant (Rev. Jay), specifically because I told him that I needed to have seats.  I'm trying to contact him to get his opinion, though I'm glad to see that others have done it!  I'm planning on having benches, and I see that the site says "no benches."  I'll let you know what Rev. Jay says when he gets back to me.

OBX2011

@ Jen...South Nags Head is MUCH quieter than further North and I would think you would be ok with benches....just be quick about it, lol

keb2482

We have a dog and got special permission for him at Fearing Cottage.  They may do the same for you, especially if you end up being a Budleigh bride

islandgirl420

Yay!! So glad to hear these things!  You guys are sooo helpful.  Love the way the 85 chairs look on the beach and the fact that no one bothered you about it. Congrats!! Also, now I have hope for fearing cottage   I had asked a few other rental places about an exception and they all used allergies as a reason that they couldn't make an exception for a dog.  I totally have already made a big list and I am now making appointments- so far we are booked with 108 Budleigh, Mallard's Marsh and The Pointe Golf Club.  I am hoping to add Aqua and Currituck Club to that list.  I think I've finally given up hope on the reception at an event house (I have already read all of your posts about it too)!  I have another question for you all- how does it work for catering?  I know I am missing the wedding expo, but I wonder if I make an appointment, can we taste the food?  Or do we just go in as regular customers and pay for our meals?  I was thinking about Kelly's Tavern, Aqua, The Pearl...  still have a long ways to go here   

jendem8

The majority will let you set up tastings (with the exception of Black Pelican for sure).  I know that Argyles, Ortegaz, and Good Life all do free tastings; I also know that there are many others as well.

islandgirl420

Thanks again Jen!

eeforbes

We actually booked our reception at Aqua before we had our tasting, but I am sure you could do it before too.  We did our tasting about two weeks ago while we were on vacation and the food was AMAZING!  We are having corn and crab soup (it's what they are known for), and then a choice of linguine with shrimp, mahi mahi or filet with mashed potatoes.  The wine is awesome too - Lynette is a somolier (sp?). 

I wasn't particularly worried about the food there, because I had eaten there before and it was all really good.  But most places should be more than happy to do a tasting for you, and that is definitely a good thing to do while you are there in person.  There are tons of things you can organize online, but the tasting has to be done in person!  We did that and our cake tastings while we were there.

keb2482

I am super partial to Ortega'z because we just chose them   They are a great family owned business and seem really willing to work with you.  The BEST thing about them is if you go with 108 Budleigh, they don't charge for plates, silverware and napkins (either white or black) since they are literally across a small alley from 108 Budleigh.  Their food was delicious but it also fits our theme.  We are doing southwestern food and they are a southwestern themed restaurant.  I'm not sure what their other food would be like.  We loved Debra's food at Argyles but it is much pricier and we would have to rent all objects.  Plates, silverware, napkins, etc.

keb2482

oh and Islandgirl, I'm not sure what Village Realty will say when you ask for an exception.  If you are considering renting Fearing Cottage and doing your wedding at 108 Budleigh, I'd ask Bonnie first and she can clear it with the Fearings.  That is what we did.

ksj10032782

Hi Island- I'm very interested to hear what you have to say about Mallards Marsh, after your vaca. We met with them the beginning of September. We ended up going with Sanderling and their elopement package, which seemed pretty good to us, since we having a max of 40 at our wedding.

OBX2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina-outer-banks_house-beach-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:598Discussion:173f3975-d4a6-47f1-bfb6-b4e6ba512c46Post:64b4f2c1-f9de-4208-82b3-52110d7598f0">Re: House on the beach for ceremony</a>:
[QUOTE]Yay!! So glad to hear these things!  You guys are sooo helpful.  Love the way the 85 chairs look on the beach and the fact that no one bothered you about it. Congrats!! Also, now I have hope for fearing cottage :)  I had asked a few other rental places about an exception and they all used allergies as a reason that they couldn't make an exception for a dog.  I totally have already made a big list and I am now making appointments- so far we are booked with 108 Budleigh, Mallard's Marsh and The Pointe Golf Club.  I am hoping to add Aqua and Currituck Club to that list.  I think I've finally given up hope on the reception at an event house (I have already read all of your posts about it too)!  I have another question for you all- how does it work for catering?  I know I am missing the wedding expo, but I wonder if I make an appointment, can we taste the food?  Or do we just go in as regular customers and pay for our meals?  I was thinking about Kelly's Tavern, Aqua, The Pearl...  still have a long ways to go here    :)
Posted by islandgirl420[/QUOTE]

Like Jen said, you can typically make an appt for a tasting but you definitely want to call ahead of time b/c they will prepare the foods that you would actually want served at the reception.

jendem8

OK!  After hearing back from my officiant, I can tell you that no one follows or enforces the rule about seats/benches in Nags Head.  Just make sure to leave room for emergency vehicles!

Phew!

islandgirl420

That is great news Jen, thanks for sharing!  I'm sure you are very relieved not to have to worry about it. 

I think we are just going to make a point to eat at some of these restaraunts while we are there.  That way we can get a feel for the place too. I think it's too last minute to do anything else as far as trying to figure out a menu (good point OBX).  Rob (my fiance) and I both love Southwestern food, but my family doesn't really so I don't know whether we would do it for the meal or go with something more traditional.  I'm thinking of going to Ortegaz for lunch or dinner one night this weekend and see what we think!  But I definitely love the idea of them handling all the plates, silverware and napkins!  That is a huge plus and one less thing to worry about

Keb- thanks for the tip about Fearing cottage- will def go that route.  And ksj- will let you know about Mallard's Marsh.  I love the idea of the glass chapel for the rain backup, but I dont know about the whole package deal or how that would all work out.  We definitely can't afford the big $10,000 package for 75-100 and don't really need all of their services.  We'll see! 

Any other last minute tips or ideas of places that I must see this weekend?  (I am planning on Jockey's Ridge already for some exploration and we are staying at the Comfort Inn in Nags Head)

eeforbes

I don't know how often you get to the OBX, but if you don't get there often, you might want to try to squeeze in cake tastings.  But, I wouldn't force it if you are too busy doing everything else.  So, if you have time you might want to check out a couple of those places.

OBX2011

Make sure you consider some of these restaurants for your rehearsal dinner as well   Some of the brides have done a simple backyard bbq or had High Cotton BBQ (highly recommended) cater their rehearsal dinner at their beach house.  We had our rehearsal dinner at Pamlico Jack's and I very very highly recommend it!  We chose this place b/c we knew we wanted something on the sound so all of our guests could watch the sunset.  There are only about 5-6 restaurants that sit on the sound and Pamlico Jack's was a perfect match for us!  The service was outstanding...the owner even came up to see how everyone was doing....and the food is delicious!

Ohhh...and you MUST (it's a Nags Head tradition, lol) eat at Sam & Omie's which is right across from the new Jennette's Pier.  It's been there for eternity and they have a great breakfast & lunch menu.  The new pier is amazing and is a great chance for you and FI to stroll along the pier and just soak in everything that Nags Head has to offer

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! 

jendem8

OBX, we're using Pamlico Jacks too; we've already put our deposit down to hold the date.  Did you do any sort of meeting/tasting?  I'm going down to Nags Head in October and want to at least meet with them.  I emailed but haven't heard back yet (Doug has been hard to get ahold of), but I am hoping to at least figure out the menu while we're down there!  Thanks!

OH, and islandgirl, I agree with eeforbes... check out Just Desserts!  So good!

keb2482

ah!  That is SUCH a good idea OBX!  I would have loved to have ours on the sound with a sunset like that.  Unfortunately for us, we need to try to go pretty cheap on the rehearsal dinner.  FI's parents are great and have agreed to do the rehearsal dinner, but it is his second time around and we want to minimize their cost.  I think we are doing High Cotton BBQ at our rental house (Fearing Cottage).  $15/person for a drop off and set up of pulled pork, pulled chicken, beef brisket and sides.  Plus drinking our own purchased liquor...can't beat that!

JAK33

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina-outer-banks_house-beach-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:598Discussion:173f3975-d4a6-47f1-bfb6-b4e6ba512c46Post:a89cdec0-ea15-493c-8c90-ef556eb50a3b">Re: House on the beach for ceremony</a>:
[QUOTE]Rob (my fiance) and I both love Southwestern food, but my family doesn't really so I don't know whether we would do it for the meal or go with something more traditional.  I'm thinking of going to Ortegaz for lunch or dinner one night this weekend and see what we think!  But I definitely love the idea of them handling all the plates, silverware and napkins!  That is a huge plus and one less thing to worry aboutPosted by islandgirl420[/QUOTE]

Same here, we ended up going with two stations for dinner, a southwest one featuring 3 types of fajitas & seafood paella, and a second station which is traditional which a beef roast, veggies, salad, potatoes, rolls, etc.  That way everyone is happy :)  The apps are also a mix of southwest and traditional, we have a nacho bar, stuffed mushrooms, crab cakes and pork taquitos.  We are also doing late night snacks, pizza, chx fingers, fries and sliders.  Did I mentioned we are doing dessert with them too (no cake, we don't really eat it).  So needless to say, I love Ortega'z, they are very flexible and happy to accommodate tastes outside of southwest.  I would HIGHLY recommend a tasting with them as they will feed you more than you could imagine and much more than what you will find on the menu.

Good luck!

OBX2011

@ Jen...we didn't do any tasting, I just trusted that everything would be delicious and it was!!  If you want, I can send you the menu that Doug used for us?  Just send me a FB message with your e-mail.  He says he tends to use the same menu for most large events as it has a good mix of everything on it.  There are some pics on my FB page of the rehearsal so you can see how spacious the upstairs was for all of our guests   Doug is a hard one to get ahold of since he is the owner and manager, but he WILL get back to you at some point.  Poor guy really needs to hire an assistant....he is absolutely fabulous and I could just sit and talk to him forever.  The kind of guy you just want to give a big hug too and get to know better .....my kind of people

jendem8

So glad to hear that it went so great... he seems really nice from the couple of times I've spoken to him.  And you're right, he does eventually get back to me.  We actually ate there during our last vacation, and it was my fiance's idea to have the rehearsal dinner there (which I thought would be a cool, totally different vibe from the wedding).  So I'm so glad to hear that it turned out great for you guys!  I will send you a message when I get home from work and am allowed on Facebook (but do you like how I can sneak on here during the day?).  Thanks!

JAK33

Re Ortega'z, I should also say price wise for the amount and quality of the food, you cannot beat it, I actually would have expected to pay at least $20 more a head for the amount of food I am getting from other quotes I got in the area.  Up North where things are a bit pricer, the cost would have been almost double for this, not kidding. 

I think there are a lot of good options for you, I will also second Red Sky, Eric is fab and the food in unbeatable.  I have never seen a bad review of them and I think they may be the most popular on TK. 

keb2482

JAK - did you try the Southwestern Lasagna?  We LOVED it.  Those pork taquitos were MONEY too!

JAK33

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_north-carolina-outer-banks_house-beach-ceremony?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:598Discussion:173f3975-d4a6-47f1-bfb6-b4e6ba512c46Post:dc283de1-dc88-4acb-b675-d9801cfa0da8">Re: House on the beach for ceremony</a>:
[QUOTE]JAK - did you try the Southwestern Lasagna?  We LOVED it.  Those pork taquitos were MONEY too!
Posted by keb2482[/QUOTE]

We did not, sounds fab!  I wish we did.  I feel like everything they pump out as got to be amazing.  We couldnt eat anymore for the rest of the day when we left.