Wilmington Area

ldavis1125

I just recently got engaged and am finding that the Wilmington area is very popular for weddings from people across the state/nation! I am looking for a place to have the ceremony and reception, currently looking in the Brunswick County area and a little in the Topsail area... I want a ocean, lake or some sort of body of water view but not on the beach. Would love some live oaks.... Any ideas on venues?

careyblackmar

I went to a wedding in 2008 at Wrightsville Beach and I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the bride got a permit for a portion of the beach just south of Jack Parker Boulevard on Wrightsville Beach.  She also rented the 2 houses right across the street from the beach for the families, and had a trolley for the guests from a park on the mainland since parking was very limited.  Reception was at St. Thomas Preservation Hall in downtown Wilmington.

ETA the ceremony location was VERY private even though it was on a public beach because it was surrounded by dunes on 3 sides and had the water on the other.  It was a perfect spot

HillShmill

While I'm getting married on Kure Beach, the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher where I'm holding my reception can also be used as a ceremony location. The whole aquarium is designed for special events with adjustable lighting, sound, and displays.

alliegator8

I got married at the Surf City Center on topsail Island and loved it!  The center is right on the beach.  So we did the ceremony on the beach and it was a quick walk up to the center.  The center doesn't look exciting from the outside, but the inside is beautiful.  The whole back wall is windows overlooking the water.  They also have 2 decks which were very popular with our guests.  The deck would be a great location if you want to be next to the ocean, but not on it.  They have a nice arch that they just installed this yearon the deck.  The only down side is that it is somewhat small.  We had a 100 person wedding, and that is about all you could fit (I think officially it is 125).

But the price was great, the two guiys that run it for the town (Alan and Barry) are so helpful, and the location was perfect.

I also found with Surf City that it is perfect placed.  It is right in the middle of Wilmington and the OBX.  So the prices for everything a more manageable and there aren't nearly as many people.  The other great thing is that Surf City allows you to have decorations, music, and chairs on the beach.  Other places we looked at required permits or didn't allow anything.  So make sure to call the towns you are considering and asking if that is ok. 

Another place that others have had their weddings at is the Southport community building.  it is really pretty and on the water.  We looked at it, but my husband really wanted to be on the beach.

Good luck and please feel free to email me if you have questions - aboyer8 at gmail dot com.

shigaites

We also got married at the Surfside Center.  It was absolutely wonderful.  Here are pictures of our reception to give you an idea of the space: http://storyphotographers.com/?p=3037