10 November 2023 | Published By: Hotels OBX
Having a wedding in the Outer Banks is quite appealing. Have the gorgeous beach backdrop for your best day ever. Yes, please! Planning a wedding requires attention to detail. And even the most perfectly planned weddings may have unexpected moments. The key thing to remember is that a wedding symbolizes your and your partner's love and commitment to each other; the rest is just the cherry on top. Keep reading for our tips and tricks for a perfect beach wedding.
Exploring the charm of oceanfront wedding venues
Outer Banks Beach wedding venues provide a unique and unforgettable wedding experience. The sound of crashing waves, the salty sea breeze, and the stunning view of the ocean create a romantic setting. The wedding venue option in the Outer Banks offers a wide range of options, from intimate beachside ceremonies to grand ballrooms with panoramic views of the ocean. No matter your chosen venue, it will be a memorable and magical experience for everyone.
Choosing an oceanfront wedding venue
Many considerations must be thought about when looking for a wedding venue. Some venues may meet most of your requirements but only check some boxes. You’ll have to decide if that’s a deal breaker or if you can compromise. For example, if the Outer Banks wedding venue is booked on the date you are interested in already. Are you flexible with the date to look at different dates to secure that venue? Some may say yes, but that may not be an option for other couples. Here are other factors to consider when looking at wedding venues in the Outer Banks.
- Capacity and size
- Accessibility and parking
- Permits and regulations
- Backup plan for inclement weather
Capacity and Size
It’s essential to have a rough idea of how many guests you will invite to your wedding before you search for a venue. Agree if you and your fiancé want an intimate gathering with 50 people or a large celebration with 250 people. The Outer Banks wedding venue options will vary based on the capacity. Based on the setup style, the ballroom can accommodate up to 200 people at the Comfort Inn South Oceanfront. While the Neptune room, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, can accommodate up to 75 people. The Comfort Inn on the Ocean can accommodate about 100 people reception style. Oceanfront wedding venues are likely to book quickly during peak wedding season. Narrowing down wedding venues that meet your needs will help you secure the right spot.
Outer Banks Beach wedding venue accessibility and parking
Getting married on the beach can be a dream come true, but it's important to consider accessibility and parking when choosing an oceanfront wedding venue. Outer Banks offers a variety of beach wedding venues with stunning views. You need to ensure your guests can easily access the location. Some venues may have limited parking, so planning and arranging transportation is important if necessary. Even if transportation isn’t an issue, accessibility may be for some guests. Walking on sand can be challenging for some guests. Consider this to ensure your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable experience on your special day.
Permits and regulations for wedding ceremonies
A frequently asked question is, “Do I need a permit to have my wedding ceremony on the beach?” The answer is it depends on exactly where you are having your ceremony. A Special Use Permit is required if your wedding ceremony is South of Nags Head, on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The permit is typically just for the ceremony and not a reception. Be sure to know what permits may or may not be required as you plan so you can ensure all goes as planned on your big day. Have you been dreaming of having a beautiful lighthouse as the backdrop for your wedding ceremony? You can during certain months and times. National Parks and Services says, “Weddings are also permitted on the grounds of the Bodie Island, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Lighthouses. Between the third (3rd) Friday in April through Columbus Day, weddings at the lighthouses must occur before 9:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. No chair or arch set-up There is also a Commercial Use Authorization (CUAs) that your photographer must register for in advance. More information can be found on the National Park Service website.
Backup plan for inclement weather
With any outdoor event, it’s critical to have a backup plan. There are seasons in the Outer Banks that are typically rainier than others. But still, mother nature is hard to predict. When booking your wedding venue in the Outer Banks, ask questions about their inclement weather policy. See if your reception venue can accommodate your ceremony if it needs to be moved inside. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Typically, the worst storms are from mid-August through September. But some years, we are luckier than others regarding hurricanes. This is something to consider when selecting the date.
Timing is Everything - Choosing the best time of day for a beach wedding
- Sunrise wedding
- Sunset wedding
- Midday wedding
Sunrise Beach Wedding
When planning an Outer Banks beach wedding, the time of day sets the mood. A sunrise wedding ceremony can be a unique experience. Sunrise provides the soft light of the early morning sun, casting a warm glow on the surroundings. However, it's important to consider the logistics of a sunrise ceremony. The timing of hair and makeup appointments will be very early. The availability of vendors will need to be considered. Some may have different prices for a sunrise wedding. Additionally, photography may be challenging during a sunrise wedding. The light can be harsh, and shadows can be difficult to manage. Talk to your photographer about their experiences and what they would recommend. An experienced photographer will be able to walk you through your options. The weather may be cooler in the morning, which isn’t bad, but something to consider.
Sunset Beach Wedding
A sunset wedding can be incredibly romantic and picturesque. The warm colors of the setting sun provide a stunning backdrop for the ceremony and reception. From a photography standpoint, the low light conditions can also be challenging for some. Again, you’ll want an experienced photographer on your team—one skilled in capturing the ambiance and emotions of the event. Depending on the time of year you plan your wedding, sunset would be late into the evening. For example, on June 21st, sunset wasn’t until 8:23 p.m. In the early spring or fall, the time would be much earlier.
Midday Beach Wedding
Finally, a midday wedding can be a great option for those who want to take advantage of the natural light and avoid the challenges of low-light conditions. However, be aware of the weather considerations associated with a midday ceremony. This is particularly true during the hottest months of the year. Adequate shade, hydration, and guest comfort should be top priorities. Have a basket of keepsake sunglasses for the guests to grab before they sit down to protect their eyes. Provide wedding programs that double as a fan to help guests keep cool or shade their faces. Offer sunscreen for an added layer of protection for guests. Additionally, photographers may need to use equipment such as diffusers or reflectors to manage the harsh lighting conditions often associated with the midday sun. This may also vary based on the location of the outdoor ceremony. The lasting memories of an Outer Banks beach wedding will be incredible. Your day will be filled with love and laughter as you and your partner begin your new married lives together. Start planning for your perfect beach wedding day by contacting our sales team. Let us help you start planning your forever.
