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The southern coast is home to literally hundreds of churches, plus synagogues, a Muslim mosque and a Buddhist temple. Houses of worship often require that you have some affiliation if you are planning to use the facilities. Contact the person in charge and he or she will give you the specifics. Prepare to pay a fee for the use of the sanctuary as well as to compensate for services. It is customary to pay between $50 and $150 for ministerial services. See our Worship chapter or the Yellow Pages of local phone books for a list of houses of worship. The area's pristine beaches, barrier islands and historic gardens make magnificent backdrops and are a huge draw for couples who are in love with nature as well as each other. Some opt for an informal ceremony on the beach where everyone can go barefoot, while others choose such venues as Airlie Gardens, the New Hanover County Arboretum or Orton Plantation. If an outdoor wedding appeals to you, keep in mind that southern coast weather can be unpredictable, so always plan an indoor alternative. You'll have a lot of competition for some locations and services, so be sure to plan well in advance; at least a year out in many cases. For seaside weddings at Wrightsville Beach, you will need to apply for a special use permit, especially if you want to use the Wrightsville Beach gazebo. There's a fee for the permit based on the number of participants, and some regulations apply. Contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department, #1 Bob Sawyer Drive, Wrightsville Beach, (910) 256-7925, for information and permits. Contact the Pleasure Island Chamber of
Commerce, (Carolina and Kure Beaches), 1121 N. Lake Park Boulevard,
Carolina Beach, (910) 458-8434, for information regarding the many
suitable locations available for weddings in Carolina Beach and Kure
Beach. A permit and fee are required for use of the Carolina Beach Lake
gazebo or other municipally owned facilities, but none is required for a
beach ceremony. Remember, alcohol and glass containers are prohibited on
the beach.
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Airlie Gardens A quiet respite in the midst of the
urban landscape, historic Airlie Gardens offers 67 acres of azaleas,
camellias and some of the world's most exotic plants in a setting that
can accommodate up to 300 guests. The Italian pergola, which provides a
natural aisle leading down to the foot of one of two manmade freshwater
lakes, is the most popular place to conduct the ceremony. Afterward,
many couples choose the famous Airlie Oak as the site for their
reception. Airlie Gardens is a popular wedding location and
their calendar is set 18 months in advance. Reservations may be made by
contacting the Gardens. Bellamy Mansion Museum Make your wedding a memorable occasion with
an evening event at Wilmington's beautifully restored Bellamy Mansion
(1859-1861). This magnificent landmark provides a breathtaking backdrop
for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and wedding photography.
Ornate plaster work, original brass chandeliers, marble and slate
mantles and elaborate Victorian-style carpets provide a truly Southern
atmosphere. More than 5,000 square feet, including the two main floors
of the house, the grounds and the porches, are available for your
guests. Your caterer may work on the basement level. Centrally located
in the heart of Wilmington's downtown historic district, the mansion
enjoys a large on-site parking lot. This is an ideal location for a
small wedding or larger reception, and your guests will enjoy the
comfort and beauty of this antebellum treasure. Cameron Art Museum For a wedding surrounded by fine art and brilliant
architecture, there’s no experience in Wilmington like the Cameron Art
Museum. Exchange your vows and hold your reception indoors or out. The
museum offers several venues from which to choose, including one of the
many exquisite galleries. Their list of approved caterers includes
museum patrons and caterers who have served other museum events. As they
say at the museum: "Your event will be a masterpiece." Cape Fear River Deck Fantastic views of the river in historic downtown
Wilmington create a romantic backdrop for your bridal luncheon,
rehearsal dinner, ceremony or reception on the Cape Fear River Deck at
Candles Etc. Adjacent to the Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River, the
Deck is the perfect location for a Wilmington wedding. Owners Michael
Lambrix and Howard Brown have more than 25 years of event planning
experience and will take care of the details to make your event
successful. Since the Cape Fear River Deck is part of Candles Etc., they
can provide elegant candle decor for your event if you’d like. Catering
is provided by Elijah's restaurant, which is next door to the Cape Fear
River Deck. Michael and Howard have excellent referrals for everything
from florists and cake bakers to musicians and a horse carriage to
provide you with most any service you may need in making your event a
special day.
Cape Fear Riverboats For an event you'll never forget, choose the
Henrietta III, a truly unique wedding and reception location. After
exchanging vows on or off the boat, enjoy a leisurely cruise down the
beautiful Cape Fear River with your sweetheart and wedding party. The
Henrietta III can host weddings from four to 400 guests, with
menus ranging from light hors d'oeuvres to an elegant four-course
dinner. Plan ahead and book early. |
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Graystone
Inn |
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The historic Graystone Inn, with its
turn-of-the-twentieth-century elegance, frequently hosts wedding
receptions and events. The inn's event planner is available to help
coordinate your ceremony and/or reception and is present at your event
to coordinate all activities. Also, the inn has compiled a recommended
list of caterers, florists, musicians and photographers to make your
choices as worry-free as possible. The grand Renaissance-style
staircase, with its sweeping curves, provides a feeling of warmth and
allows you to make a dramatic entrance to the ceremony. Your guests will
have a commanding view of your wedding nuptials from the parlor and
grand entrance hall. The beautiful ground floor contains 4,300 square
feet of space, accommodating up to 150 guests. The dining room's
magnificent 12-foot-long mahogany table is perfect for a catered feast.
Along with your wedding festivities, your guests will enjoy taking
advantage of all that downtown Wilmington has to offer. |
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Henrietta
III Wedding Cruise |
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Hearken back to the days of Scarlet and Rhett
aboard the Henrietta III, a truly unique wedding and reception
location. This antebellum-style riverboat offers a variety of day or
evening package plans to suit your nuptial needs. After exchanging vows
on or off the boat, enjoy a leisurely cruise down the beautiful Cape
Fear River with your sweetheart and wedding party. The Henrietta III
can host weddings from four to 400 guests, with menus ranging from light
hors d'oeuvre to an elegant four-course dinner. Plan ahead and book
early. |
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St.
Thomas Preservation Hall Listed on the National Historic Register,
St. Thomas Preservation Hall is a beautifully restored building that
dates back to 1846. Staffed with friendly professionals, the space is
designed and fully equipped for rehearsal dinners, weddings,
meetings and receptions for up to 250 guests. At St. Thomas, there are
no requirements to use an in-house service. You can choose any band,
disc jockey, caterer, bartender or florist you desire, and your
providers have all day to set up and decorate at no extra charge. You
can also take great satisfaction in knowing that all rental proceeds go
to maintain and preserve part of Wilmington's history. |
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The Wilmingtonian The City Club at de Rosset, on the grounds
of the historic Wilmingtonian, is the ideal location for a sumptuous
wedding. This historic mansion epitomizes the architectural style of the
old South and combines Southern charm with the very best in gourmet
dining and service. The location is ideal whether you're planning a true
old-fashioned Southern wedding or a thoroughly modern event. They can
even arrange for music, if desired. Weather permitting, plan to have
both wedding and reception in the beautiful garden, where up to 300
people can be served, depending on the format. If it's rainy or cold,
you'll find a gorgeous setting inside The Wilmingtonian as well. All in
all, The Wilmingtonian offers an atmosphere of elegance and refinement
for your special day.
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Atlantic Towers $-$$$$ 1615 S. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach  (910) 458-8313 (800) BEACH-40 (232-2440) www.atlantic-towers.com |
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For an intimate wedding reception, Atlantic
Towers provides the perfect beachside setting. You can celebrate your
special day on their new gazebo and sundeck, an oceanfront space that is
perfect for a romantic ceremony. Reception space is available in their
Clubroom or on the oceanfront lawn. Group reservations are available for
your family and friends. For more details please contact (800)
BEACH-40 or visit their website to take a virtual tour of the property. |
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Courtyard by Marriott The Courtyard by Marriott at Carolina
Beach, with 144 oceanfront balcony rooms, offers a full range of
facilities and services for any size wedding. Banquet facilities offer
seating for up to 200 guests. With the Atlantic Ocean as a dramatic
backdrop, the Courtyard by Marriott is an ideal setting for the perfect
wedding and reception. Why not get married right on the beach? |
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North Carolina Aquarium at
Fort Fisher |
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The aquarium's half-acre freshwater
conservatory, 235,000-gallon saltwater tank featuring hundreds of sea
creatures, and dramatic exhibit galleries offer exceptional backdrops and
romantic photo opportunities for your wedding ceremony. Exchange your
vows before a colorful underwater display or amidst ferns and trees in the
beautiful Cape Fear River Freshwater Habitat. You may choose the location
that's just right for your dream wedding, whether large or small. The
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher can accommodate up to 1,000 people
for a banquet-style event, or up to 500 for a seated dinner.
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Brunswick County
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The Bald Head Island
Club The Bald Head Island Club offers a variety
of settings with breathtaking ocean views perfect for your special
event. The four indoor, air-conditioned site options can beautifully
accommodate a relatively intimate rehearsal dinner of 15, an
extravaganza reception of 200 and anything in between. If you have
always dreamed of celebrating under the stars, an outdoor tent site is
available year-round. The attentive staff features on-site executive and
pastry chefs ready to cater to your every need. Club Event Planner Kiera
Pridgen is available to assist you with planning. You can reach her at
extension 106. |
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Bald Head Island
Limited |
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Idyllic Bald Head Island is an excellent
choice for taking the plunge into the sea of matrimony. You can choose
from various locations around the island such as the Shoals Club at East
Beach, the Harbourside Pavilion in Harbour Village or the Gazebo at Cape
Fear Station located in the picturesque maritime forest. The elegant
Shoals Club offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the
Gazebo's backdrop includes a lush green lawn and woodland paths. The
Harbourside Pavilion's scenery includes an expansive marsh, the Cape
Fear River and Old Baldy, which is the oldest lighthouse in North
Carolina. Other venues include the Association Center, private homes
and, of course, anywhere along the island's 14-miles of pristine beach.
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Marsh
Harbour Inn |
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If you have always dreamed of a wedding by the
sea, either open to the elements or under a canopy, come to the Marsh
Harbour Inn, where you can honeymoon as well. Beautifully appointed
guest rooms are available, as are 55 rental homes. A small reception (up
to 30 people) can be held indoors if you wish. The staff at the inn will
be happy to assist you with a minister, the wedding cake and flowers. |
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Theodosia's
Bed and Breakfast Ten upscale guest rooms at Theodosia's and
lovely rental homes on Bald Head Island are ideal places for wedding
guests and honeymoons. Theodosia's can help plan your wedding ceremony,
and catering for other special events is available as well. |
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The
Village Chapel of Bald Head Island This exquisite little chapel, nestled among
flowers with a panoramic view of the marsh, is a nondenominational
church. Services are held every weekend by visiting ministers. It is
available for weddings of no more than 110 guests. The visiting minister
may be available to officiate or you can provide your own minister.
Weddings are limited to one per day, and no weddings are performed
during Easter week. Remember that you will need to arrange for ferry
transportation and golf cart rental for all guests, as no vehicles are
allowed on the island. If you think it would be fun to have a golf cart
get you to the church on time, this would be one of the loveliest spots
to tie the knot.
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Coastal Vacation
Resorts-Oak Island 4434 Long Beech Rd., Oak Island (910) 278-5405, (888) 703-5469 www.coastalvacationresortsoakisland.com |
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Why not tie the knot at your favorite vacation
location? Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island has some stunning homes
available for a perfectly memorable wedding. A Summer Place,
located in Kings Lynn at the west end of the island, affords panoramic
views of the ocean as well as the inlet. Imagine an open-air ceremony in
the gazebo under a gorgeous North Carolina sunset. A screened porch or a
covered deck are other options, as are beautiful interior rooms. Copacetic
is a sound-side home across the street from the ocean. The lighted
pier and floating dock provide a backdrop for the outdoor deck. Inside,
the great room is an excellent place for a wedding. These are just two of
the many sites available, and the folks at Coastal Vacation Resorts will
be happy to offer a group of rental houses for all your guests. They can
provide a list of local vendors to help make your occasion the special
event it is. |
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Do you dream of
being married at sea with the music of the wind and the waves as
witness? Captain Carolyn Pryor, as an ordained minister, can make that
dream come true. If you like, she will help coordinate your special day
by arranging for food, flowers, beverages and decorations so you can
concentrate on enjoying every moment. If you prefer having more guests
attend you need not give up the notion of a nautical wedding — she will
be pleased to perform the ceremony at the dock or other appropriate
location. In either case, a Honeymoon Sleepover on the boat will add to
your memories for years to come.
Southport
Community Building The
Southport Community Building, owned and operated by the City of
Southport, is available for rental and is a favorite setting for
weddings and receptions. It is located at likely the loveliest spot in
Southport — on a bluff overlooking the Cape Fear River and surrounded by
ancient live oaks. The building offers a huge elegant reception room
with honey-colored hardwood flooring, large windows providing panoramic
views, a warming kitchen and a private conference room. Wedding
ceremonies are held inside or outside on the wooden deck facing the Cape
Fear River.
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The Isles Restaurant Why not have a lovely beachside wedding
with music provided by the Atlantic Ocean and a backdrop of blue sky and
brilliant sun? Complete your special day by holding your reception at
The Isles Restaurant's oceanfront banquet facility. This private room is
separate from all the other dining areas and can seat more than 100
guests. Your specialized menu will be prepared by the restaurant's
excellent chefs with the freshest of ingredients and served by your very
own staff. Drinks, including beer, wine, champagne and liquor, are
available as well. (See the Receptions and Caterers section in this
chapter.) |
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Ocean
Isle Inn |
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Silver
Coast Winery If visions of a wedding in Tuscany fill
your dreams, you don't have to travel far for the experience. Say your
vows in the vineyard, patio, art gallery or in front of the waterfall in
the Barrel Room at Silver Coast Winery. A true vineyard and winery in
the heart of Brunswick County, Silver Coast is nestled on 40 acres,
surrounded by lush woods and just 15 minutes from the beach. Your guests
can enjoy the spacious outdoor setting while sipping award-winning
wines. For intimate affairs or larger groups, Silver Coast Winery is a
unique setting for your special day. (For more information, see our
Attractions chapter). |
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The Winds Resort Beach Club |
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A tropical escape closer than you think, The
Winds Resort Beach Club offers a captivating beach setting for your
wedding event. Creative honeymoon packages and catered receptions are
available. The Garden Bar Restaurant and oceanfront, poolside Tiki Bar
serve a light menu and mixed beverages, including margaritas and
daiquiris. The ceremony, the reception, the catering, the decorating, the
flowers and photography — it can all come together in one location. Frolic
in the ocean surf, swim in the heated pool, relax in the Jacuzzi spa,
explore the island on a bicycle, play tennis or golf, and enjoy romantic
dinners for two. |
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Sea Trail Golf Resort
& Convention Center If you are looking
for a romantic coastal setting for your wedding, be sure to visit Sea
Trail Resort and Conference Center, a premier wedding destination on the
North Carolina coast. Let their experienced staff handle the details to
ensure that your special day is memorable. Locations abound, from the
9,600-square-foot, air-conditioned Palm Court Tent set amidst ponds,
gardens and golf courses to the Jones/Byrd Ballroom with a
5,000-square-foot patio offering a panoramic view of the beauty of Sea
Trail. The Carolina Ballroom provides a formal setting with 10,000
square feet of function space and a 4,000-square-foot reception hall
overlooking lush gardens and fairways. A perfect setting
for your ceremony is the newly constructed 400-square-foot gazebo
overlooking a lily pond and stream. With the variety of function space
Sea Trail offers, you are sure to find a perfect location for your
special day. |
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The
Sunset Inn Weddings and/or receptions at The Sunset
Inn are very special indeed. The experienced staff can make all the
arrangements, and you can marry on the gazebo, on the beach or at the
inn. The gorgeous natural setting has the marsh on one side and the
ocean a block away on the front side. Accommodations are available for
your guests, and there is a Honeymoon Suite, complete with a Jacuzzi,
for the bride and groom.
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Assembly Building 720 Channel Blvd., Topsail Beach (910) 328-4282 Get married on the beach and host your
reception in the historic Assembly Building in Topsail Beach. This
large, well-equipped building has an on-site kitchen, room for more than
100 people and an area for a band and dancing. Advance reservations are
a must; restrictions apply and a donation is expected. Contact Sue
Newsome for information and reservations.
The
Atlantis Restaurant & Lounge More than 8,000 square feet, a stunning
seventh-floor view of North Topsail Beach and a dance floor contribute
to the atmosphere of this island wedding destination. There's room for a
band, 200 guests and plenty of photo opportunities. The Atlantis
provides both buffet and banquet services. Reservations are accepted
year-round. 
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Dorothy
Cruise Boat
If you have always wanted to sail into the
sunset on your wedding day, the Dorothy Cruise Boat is the
answer to your dreams. With the gorgeous backdrop of the Intracoastal
Waterway, your wedding day is sure to be very special. The Dorothy
can also be booked for bachelor and bachelorette parties. |
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Island Real Estate by Cathy Medlin The Fishing Village, Roland Ave., Surf City (910) 328-2323, (800) 622-6886 www.topsailvacation.com |
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Are you dreaming about a wedding at the beach?
Destination weddings are all the rage, and there is no better
destination than Topsail Island. Whether you are looking for a
10-bedroom house for the entire wedding party or for a cozy cottage for
two, Cathy Medlin and her team of experts at Island Real Estate will
help you find the perfect accommodations to make all of your wedding
dreams come true. |
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St.
Regis Resort This impressive beach resort offers wedding
opportunities on the beach or in a delightful gazebo. Onslow Hall is
available for smaller receptions of 75 or less people, while the larger
Pender Hall can accommodate up to 150. There are two bars and a dance
floor in Pender Hall. Tables and chairs are provided in both halls.
Clients must provide for their own caterer and bartenders. |
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Tiffany's has a great setting for your casual, beach wedding. Choose
between a wedding on the elevated deck, by the pool or on the beach. Motel accommodations are available for wedding guests, and
owners Bob and Ann Smith will go out of their way to accommodate all your
wedding needs.
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Continue to Reception Facilities and Caterers |
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