The wedding industry thrives on North Carolina's Outer Banks. For decades, the area has been a haven for honeymooners, though in recent years, more couples have opted to have their ceremonies here as well. While many still hold traditional church ceremonies, a growing number of couples plan outdoor weddings, either on the beach or in such historic settings as an old hunt club or the Elizabethan Gardens. Wedding receptions are often far from traditional, and many are held in the palatial three-story oceanfront rental homes that line the beaches from Corolla to Ocracoke.

In this chapter, we guide you through the intricacies of planning a wedding on the Outer Banks, including applying for a license, choosing a magistrate or minister, and hiring a caterer and photographer. We also provide information on locations, rental companies, musicians, florists, formal wear, transportation, gifts, and lodging. And for those of you who would rather pay someone else to handle all the headaches, we'll let you know about wedding consultants.