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What Makes Outer Banks Weddings so Wonderful?

[caption id="attachment_2736" align="alignright" width="300"]Ryan & Rach Photography Ryan & Rach Photography[/caption]Are you dreaming of a beach wedding? Envisioning getting married with a jaw-dropping ocean vista in the background? Want an iconic lighthouse in your photos? Large or small, formal or casual, the Outer Banks has dozens of stunning, romantic backdrops for wedding ceremonies.Getting married in the Outer Banks will not only help you create a memorable experience for everyone, but it can also allow you to spend more quality time with your family and friends in the days surrounding your event. Destination weddings also allow family and friends who haven't met to get to know one another.

Choosing a Location

[caption id="attachment_2731" align="alignright" width="300"]ColemanShots 108 Budleigh Outer Banks ColemanShots[/caption]Outer Banks wedding venues are extremely diverse. They can accommodate an intimate group of 10 or fewer or large parties up to 400. Location options include upscale restaurants, historic homes, resorts, and of course, the beach.A stress-free option is to choose an inside location such as 108 Budleigh. Rent this historic building, and it's yours from 9 a.m. to midnight. It comes with dining tables, buffet tables, gold ballroom chairs, dance floors, and a cake table, and is wired to connect to iPods or CD players.Bring your own alcohol to serve at the venue's two beautiful built-in bars. The centerpiece of the ballroom is a stunning grand staircase, which is ideal for ceremonies that include dramatic bridal entrances.Jeannette's Pier elevates your beach wedding - literally - with one of the most iconic settings in the Outer Banks. This Nag's Head destination allows you to walk down the aisle as the waves crash underneath your feet.Other exciting venues include Elizabethan Gardens, The Inn on Pamlico Sound, Duck Woods Country Club, Manteo House, and the White Doe Inn on Roanoke Island.

Getting Hitched on the Beach

[caption id="attachment_2739" align="alignright" width="300"]Outer Banks wedding photography Natalie Heim Photography[/caption]If you have your heart set on a beach wedding, it doesn't get more beautiful than the Outer Banks. When planning, check local regulations and tide charts, and have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. For example, you are welcome to get married on the beach in Duck, but some things are prohibited:
  • Beaches are public spaces, so you can't reserve or rope off an area for a ceremony.
  • You can't use fireworks or floating lanterns.
  • Some towns have no public beach access and no public beach parking. Guests may have to be shuttled in if they aren't renting a house within walking distance.
  • The ceremony will have to be scheduled around high tide.
Other towns have their own regulations regarding alcohol on the beach, chairs, the number of chairs allowed on the beach, and the use of flowers, garlands, arches, and rice or birdseed. Check the website for the town in which you want to get married, or work with a local wedding professional to iron out the details.

Other Local Regulations

Some towns have directives that help officials plan for safety, additional parking, noise, signage, and other wedding-related elements that affect the community.For example, in Duck, you'll need a registration for a wedding ceremony, rehearsal dinner, reception, or other party that includes more than 50 people. You'll need to apply at least 30 days in advance to give the town time to plan for additional parking and shuttles since there is no public parking.

Choose a Pro

[caption id="attachment_2732" align="alignright" width="300"]ryan & rach photography Ryan & Rach Photography
Southern Hospitality Weddings[/caption]Hiring a local wedding planner can be one of the best decisions you'll make. Local pros know how to handle inclement weather, where to find those last-minute things you forgot to bring, how to arrange parking and shuttles, and what permits and registrations you'll need for your gatherings.In search of videographer? Native OBX business people are experienced enough to compensate for the wind and waves that can add a unique backdrop for your video as well as a bit of noise and unexpected movement.Trust the professionals who know precisely how to dampen the sound of rush waves and hefty breezes during the shooting of your wedding video.Locals also can help you narrow down locations, and can recommend the best vendors for music, catering, transportation, and more.

Wedding Party Activities

Your wedding guests are excited about your ceremony, but they're on vacation, too. From your great-aunt Marge to your cousin's twins, the Outer Banks has something to keep your entire wedding party happily entertained between festivities.Adventurous types can surf or kiteboard at Jockey's Ridge State Park, nature lovers will gaze in awe at the wild horses of Corolla, and history buffs can step back in time at the many museums and lighthouses.The Outer Banks is a spectacular setting for a destination wedding. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony on the beach or a fantasy soiree for 400 in a historic location, an Outer Banks wedding is the perfect start to your new life together.[caption id="attachment_2727" align="aligncenter" width="660"]outer banks wedding photography ColemanShots[/caption][caption id="attachment_2738" align="aligncenter" width="660"]Ryan & Rach Photography Ryan & Rach Photography[/caption][caption id="attachment_2740" align="aligncenter" width="660"]outer banks weddings Natalie Heim Photography[/caption]
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