If you’re looking for the ideal place to plan your destination wedding, look no further than the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The unspoiled beauty of the barrier islands creates the perfect setting for your big day, and all of the special events that make the wedding so memorable – and so uniquely you. The Outer Banks is home to world-class cuisine, a network of knowledgeable local vendors like wedding planners, photographers, florists, and some of the most remarkable seascapes on the East Coast of the United States.
Planning your wedding day is certainly exciting, but with so many Outer Banks wedding venues and local vendors to choose from, it can also be a bit overwhelming – especially if you’re trying to iron out the details from a distance. We’ve compiled a list of the area’s most perfect venues and trusted service suppliers to help make your special day every bit as enchanting as you’ve dreamed it would be. We’ve also included some handy tips and details to make the planning process a bit easier. After all, you have a whole lifetime to prepare for!
Marriage Licenses
In the State of North Carolina, magistrates and ordained ministers are the only people who can legally perform marriage ceremonies. Additionally, there must be two witnesses to any marriage. North Carolina does not require a blood test or physical exam. For weddings in Dare County, marriage licenses are issued by the Register of Deeds in Manteo. Both the bride and groom to be must be present to apply, and both parties must present the following documentation at the time of application:
- Valid photo ID
- Social security card
- Birth certificate (if under 21)
- Divorce papers with Judge’s signature (if applicable) The fee for the license is $60.00, and the license will remain valid for 60 days after issuance. The Register of Deeds can be reached at (252) 475-5970, 8:30AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday. For weddings in Corolla, contact the Currituck County Register of Deeds at (252) 232-3297.
- For weddings in Ocracoke, contact the Hyde County Register of Deeds at (252) 926-4182.
The same prices and policies apply at each of these locations.
Where To Stay With more than 100 private vacation rentals in Rodanthe, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Hatteras Island, First Flight Rentals has the largest selection of Outer Banks condos to accommodate your entire wedding party – from the oceanfront to the soundfront, and right in the middle of it all. From your beach retreat, you can reach the seaside communities of Corolla, Currituck, and Avon within an hour, while Kitty Hawk and Manteo are just a wisp away. Enjoy resort amenities including swimming pools, game rooms, playgrounds, grills, and easy access to shops, restaurants, and top area attractions to keep the party going between wedding events. Pet-friendly rentals are also available, so we’re happy to welcome your four-legged ring bearers, too! Choose the condo resort that suits your style, budget, party size, and your venue locations. If you need a little help finding the perfect place to hang your veil, just let us know – that’s what we’re here for!
Outer Banks Wedding Planning Tips
1. Considering the popularity of the Outer Banks as a wedding destination, it’s wise to plan your wedding event at least one year in advance – especially if you plan to host a sizeable wedding party, or if you have your sights set on high-demand venues.
2. Although beach weddings are one of the most popular types of wedding ceremonies you will find in any beach town, it’s a good idea to keep a “plan B” in your pocket if you are planning a beach ceremony or other events outdoors. Wind and rain do happen – be prepared to move indoors, and have a plan to do so, like a pop-up venue tent.
3. Some of the OBX beaches require a permit in order to have your wedding ceremony on the beach. For example, the Town of Duck has a wedding registration policy. For a beach ceremony south of Nags Head, a permit is required from the National Park Service (and a $100 fee).
4. Though Outer Banks weddings are beloved year-round, the most popular months for Outer Banks weddings are April, May, September, and October.
Wedding Venues
108 Budleigh – 108 Budleigh St, Manteo, NC 27954 • (252) 305-7399 • http://www.108budleigh.com
The Berkley Manor – 58 Water Plant Rd, Ocracoke, NC 27960 • (252) 928-0133 • http://www.theberkleymanor.com/weddings
Corolla Chapel – 1136 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, NC 27927 • (252) 453-4224 • https://corollachapel.com/weddings
Currituck Beach Lighthouse – 1101 Corolla Village Rd, Corolla, NC 27927 • (252) 453-4939 • https://obcinc.org/visit-our-sites/currituck-beach-lighthouse/currituck-lighthouse-weddings/
The Currituck Club – 620 Currituck Clubhouse Dr, Corolla, NC 27927 • (888) 453-9400 • https://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/The-Currituck-Club/Host-an-Event/Weddings
Duck Woods Country Club – 50 S Dogwood Trail, Southern Shores, NC 27949 • (252) 261-2744 • https://www.duckwoodscc.com/event
Elizabethan Gardens – 1411 National Park Dr, Manteo, NC 27954 • (252) 473-3234 • https://www.elizabethangardens.org/weddings-outer-banks-nc/
Haven on the Banks – 115 East Dove Street, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 455-0155 • https://havenonthebanks.com/outerbanksweddings/
Jennette’s Pier – 7223 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 255-1501 • http://www.ncaquariums.com/jennettes-pier-plan-your-event
Kitty Hawk Pier House at Hilton Garden Inn – 5353 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 • (252) 261-1290 • http://www.pierhouseevents.com/packages/
Manteo House – 210 Sir Walter Raleigh St, Manteo, NC 27954 • (252) 256-1407 • https://www.manteowedding.com/
Nags Head Golf Links – 5615 S Seachase Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 441-8073 • https://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Nags-Head-Golf-Links/Host-an-Event/Weddings
The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina – 2000 Sailfish Dr. Manteo, NC • (252) 473-1015 • https://www.piratescoveweddings.com/
Pelican’s Landing – 901 Lighthouse Dr, Corolla, NC 27927 • (252) 489-3172 • http://pelicanslandingobx.com/
Roanoke Island Festival Park – 1 Festival Park, Manteo, NC 27954 • (252) 475-1500 • https://www.roanokeisland.com/rent-park/weddings-park
Sea Ranch Resort – 1731 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 • (252) 441-7126 • https://www.searanchresort.com/obx-weddings/
Sanderling Resort – 1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949 • (866) 860-3979 • http://www.sanderling-resort.com/weddings.php
The Soundside Event Site – 6800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 473-2138
Village Beach Club – 5805 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 480-2222 • https://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Village-Beach-Club/Host-an-Event/Weddings
The Village Table & Tavern – 1314 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949 • (252) 715-1414 • https://villagetableandtavern.com/#private-events
Vista Creek – 1789 NC-345, Wanchese, NC 27981 • (757) 818-0392 • https://vistacreekobx.com/
Whalehead Club – 1100 Club Rd, Corolla, NC 27927 • (252) 453-9040 • http://whaleheadwedding.com/
Wedding Vendors
Full-Service Wedding Planners
- 11th Hour Events – (252) 305-7444 • https://www.11thhourevents.com
- An Outer Banks Affair – (252) 435-9421 • http://wedobx.com/
- Carolina Catering & Events – (252) 449-4227 • https://carolina-obx.com
- Coastal Events Coordinators – (252) 599-7433 • http://www.obxcoastalevents.com
- Coastyle Weddings & Events – (252) 564-9281 • https://www.coastyleweddings.com
- Engaging Events – (252) 573-9109 • http://www.engagingeventsobx.com
- Nordstrom Events – (252) 305-7444 • http://www.nordstromevents.com
- Outer Banks Wedding Services – (843) 607-7726 • https://www.outerbanksweddingservice.com
- The Proper Setting – (252) 599-2997 • http://www.thepropersetting.com
- Southern Hospitality Weddings – (252) 564-8707 • https://southernhospitalityweddings.com
- To Have and To Hold – (252) 489-1916 • https://tohaveandtoholdobx.com
Florists
- Bells & Whistles – Kitty Hawk, NC • (252) 441-9310 • https://bellsandwhistlesobx.com
- Flower Girls – Kill Devil Hills, NC • (252) 441-4981 • http://www.flowergirlsobx.com
- Nags Head Florist – 2403 Wrightsville Ave, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 441-1330 • https://www.nagsheadfloristnc.com/wedding-flowers
- The Outer Banks Florist – 1208-C S. Croatan Hwy. Kill Devil Hills, NC • (252) 255-0039 • https://www.outerbanksflorist.com/
Photographers
- Beach Portraits – (252) 207-4800 • https://www.beachportraits.com/wedding-packages
- Blue Poppy – https://www.beachportraits.com/wedding-packages
- Coastal Shots Photography – (252) 435-9692 • https://www.weddings.coastalshots.com
- Coleman Shots – (252) 207-8962 • http://colemanshots.com
- Ginger Snaps Photography – (252) 256-4422 • https://www.gingersnapsphotos.com
- Jason Cole Photography – (843) 245-2846 • https://jasoncolephotography.com
- Jonathan Pillow Photography – (252) 573-3520 • https://jonathanpillow.com
- Julie Dreelin Beach Productions – (252) 207-2293 • https://juliedreelin.com
- Kristi Midgette Photography – (252) 573-8229 • https://www.kristimidgette.com
- Let’s Take A Selfie – (252) 305-1639 • http://www.letstakeaselfiehatteras.com
- Matt Lusk Photography – (252) 489 3442 • http://www.mattluskphotography.com
- Natalie Heim Photography – (252) 573-1769 • https://natalieheimphotography.com
- Outer Banks Productions – (252) 480-3074 • http://outerbanksproductions.com
- Sarah Keenan Creative – (865) 599-4652 • https://www.sarahkeenancreative.com
- Shooters at the Beach – (252) 480-2395 • https://www.shootersphotos.com/weddings.html
Transportation
- Corolla Trolley – 620 Currituck Clubhouse Dr, Corolla, NC 27927 • (252) 455-0982 • https://corollatrolley.com/
- Hatteras Tours – (252) 475-4477 • http://hatterastours.com
- Island Limousine – 6933 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 441-5466 • https://islandlimo.com
- OBX Wedding Trolley – 111 E Baltic St, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 202-4429 • https://obxtrolley.com
- Outer Banks Transportation, Inc. – (252) 305-1634 • http://www.obtransportation.com
Caterers And Bakeries
- Argyles Restaurant – 4716 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 • (252) 261-7325 • http://www.argyleseventsandcatering.com
- Avenue Waterfront Grille – 207 Queen Elizabeth Ave #5, Manteo, NC 27954 • (252) 473-4800 • https://avenuegrilleobx.com/catering
- Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café – 7623 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 441-5405 • http://lonecedarcafe.com/catering
- Black Pelican Catering Company – Kitty Hawk, NC • (252) 261-3171 • https://www.blackpelicancatering.com
- Chilli Peppers Coastal Grill – 3001 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 • (252) 441-8081 • https://chilli-peppers.com/catering
- Currituck BBQ Company – 4467 Caratoke Hwy, Barco, NC 27917 • (252) 453-6618 • https://currituckbbq.com/wedding-catering
- Dajio – 305 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC 27960 • (252) 928-7119 • https://dajiorestaurant.com/catering
- Enchanted Cuisine – 223 W Woodhill Dr, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 202-8888 • http://enchantedcuisine.com
- Distinct Delights – Locations in Manteo, Kitty Hawk, and Corolla • http://www.distinctdelights.com/chocolate-stations_for_weddings
- High Cotton Barbeque – 5230 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 • (252) 255-2275 • https://www.highcottonbbq.com/catering
- Icing on the Cakes – 4716 N Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 • (252) 261-7325 • https://www.icingonthecakes.com
- Island Snowball Company – 5000 S Croatan Hwy #15, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 255-1598 • http://islandsnowballco.com/eventsweddings.html
- Just Desserts – Kill Devil Hills • (252) 441-2931 • http://justdessertsobx.com
- Kelly’s Catering Company – 2316 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 441-4116 • https://kellysobxcatering.com
- Mako Mike’s – 1630 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 • (252) 480-1919 • https://makosobx.com/catering
- Mulligan’s Grille – 4005 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 480-2000 • https://mulligansobx.com/wedding-catering
- OBX Sunset Slush – 2424 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 564-5126 • https://obxsunsetslush.com/brides
- Ocean Boulevard Bistro and Martini Bar – 4700 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 • (252) 261-2546 • https://www.obbistro.com/cateringevents.html
- Outer Banks Brewing Station – 600 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 • (252) 449-2739 • https://www.obbrewing.com
- Owen’s Restaurant – 7114 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959 • (252) 441-7309 • https://owensrestaurant.com/catering
- Pigman’s Bar-B-Que – 1606 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC • (252) 441-6803 • https://pigman.com/catering
- Red Sky Cafe – 1197 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949 • (252) 261-8646 • http://www.redskycafe.com/wp/weddings-2
- South Beach Takeout, Catering, & Delivery – 4104 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, 27959 • (252) 255-1698 • https://www.southbeachobx.com/catering
- Steamers Restaurant & Catering – 1 Ocean Blvd #115, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 • (252) 261-0224 • https://steamersobx.com/steamers-catering
- Sugar Creek Catering – 7340 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC • (252) 441-4888 • https://sugarcreekcatering.com/
- Tullio’s Bakery – 1187 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949 • (252) 261-7112 • https://tulliospastry.com