Planning a destination wedding is an exciting, yet challenging time. There are so many details and expenses that it is easy to get overwhelmed.

The pristine beaches, charming historic towns, delicious restaurants and savvy wedding planners of Coastal North Carolina offer the perfect setting for a dreamy destination wedding.

Beaches

The beaches of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are the perfect backdrop for a destination weddings NC Coast. From oceanfront hotels with stunning ballrooms to rustic waterfront estates with sweeping views, there are many options to fit any style and budget. Many of these venues offer all-inclusive packages to make planning easier, such as event rentals, catering and bar services, day-of clean up, and more.

If you prefer a more intimate celebration, there are plenty of small chapels and churches available for a more personalized wedding. Or, if you want a larger blowout, there are numerous resorts and beach vacation rentals that can accommodate large groups. Some of these full-service venues even have dedicated staff to assist with location planning, catering and wedding vendors.

For a more romantic and unique venue, consider a private estate in Sneads Ferry. This stunning oceanfront property features a simply sophisticated ballroom and picturesque ocean view that will leave your guests speechless. The Estate also offers a private beach cottage for the bride and groom to enjoy a quiet evening together after the wedding.

Other beautiful beach destinations include Kure Beach, known for its remote beachside hideaways, or Fort Fisher State Historic Site for a historic and meaningful ceremony under gnarled live oaks. And for a truly breathtaking wedding, consider Brown Mountain Beach Resort on the shores of Lake Norma, a perfect spot to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Wilmington

The city of Wilmington, NC is rich in history and culture. It has many landmarks and beautiful beaches, making it a great place to host a destination wedding. You can also find plenty of shopping and dining options in this coastal town. There is a wide variety of attractions that will interest you and your guests, such as the historic Cape Fear Riverwalk.

There are many stunning venues in Wilmington that will provide a one-of-a-kind experience for you and your guests. Whether you are planning an indoor or outdoor wedding, these venues will help you achieve your dream day. The scenic eight-acre property at Pond Break creates a romantic ambiance for your special day. The historic Cypress Pond, open green fields, and walking trails give the venue a beautiful natural setting. Couples who choose to host their wedding weekend at this venue will receive three-day access to the grounds and onsite lodging for up to 20 people.

Another stunning venue is Bakery 105, located in downtown Wilmington. This venue offers a quaint ambiance with its exposed brick walls and a large 'Atlantic Coastline Railroad Co' sign that pays homage to its historical business roots. The restaurant also features wooden beams and simplistic floating light fixtures, creating a rustic theme.

Maven Monroe is a gorgeous venue that combines small-town Southern charm with modern elegance. The building is full of beautiful windows that let in lots of natural light and create a picturesque atmosphere. The space has a beautiful ballroom and indoor event areas, and you can choose from a variety of break out rooms for your reception.

Kure Beach

When you visit Kure Beach, you’ll find a coastal town that embodies relaxation and adventure. Here, life moves at a slower pace and families can rediscover their sense of wonder. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and natural beauty, Kure Beach offers something for everyone.

For those who love history, Kure Beach is home to the largest earthen fort in the region at Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Here, you can view historical artifacts from various branches of the military and explore the massive fort’s history.

Families will enjoy taking a stroll along the Kure Beach Pier, which is a favorite spot among visitors. The nearly 700-foot pier is the ideal place to enjoy stunning ocean views, shop and play games. The pier also houses a tackle shop, an arcade and a souvenir area.

Located at Ocean Front Park, Kure Beach is a popular public green space with a variety of beach access points, a boardwalk, and a pavilion. The public park also features a children’s playground, swings and rain gardens.

The town’s pristine beaches are the center of attention, and visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing and sunbathing. They can also explore nearby parks for hiking, biking and kayaking. Kure Beach is also a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to 212 species of birds and is a nesting site for Loggerhead sea turtles during the warmer months.

Fort Fisher

For couples looking to exchange their vows in a beautiful location that will impress their loved ones, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has gorgeous indoor spaces among aquatic animals. Couples can dine with their guests while they view different exhibits and exotic sea creatures. Depending on the space, the venue can accommodate between 60 and 2,000 guests.

The aquarium is a great place to visit with kids. Its outdoor play area is called Adventure Reef, and features a variety of habitats for kids to explore. It also has a touch tank for kids to interact with loggerhead turtles and sharks. The aquarium also offers educational programs and behind-the-scenes tours.

While most people come to this beautiful beach region for the beaches and the ocean, there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy as well. One of the most popular is Fort Fisher State Historic Site, a famed Civil War destination. Located near the end of Highway 421 in Kure Beach, this attraction has a tour trail that encircles the remaining earthworks and a restored gun emplacement. There is also a museum that features a timeline of Fort Fisher’s history.

After a long day of exploring the sights and sounds of Kure Beach, it is important to have a comfortable and cozy place to rest. Better Beach Rentals is a local vacation rental company that specializes in finding newlyweds and their loved ones the perfect beach house. They offer a wide range of rental homes, including beachfront, poolside, and private pools with tiki bars.