Congratulations on your engagement!  Are you dreaming of a romantic wedding on the Outer Banks?  Perhaps you are considering saying your vows on the beach, at a church, a beautiful oceanfront home or an historic site.  Maybe you are less conventional or more environmental and want to say get married on jet skis or in Nags Head Woods!  Whatever your dreams are for your perfect day, there are over 100 experienced wedding professionals here on the Outer Banks, who can help make it happen.  Let’s talk about the who, when, where, what and how of planning your barrier island wedding.

“Who” is where you start.  Of course, you know whom you are marrying but there are many other people involved when making wedding plans!

• Wedding party
• Family
• Guests
• Pastor or officiate
• Wedding coordinator or planner
• Bakers, caterers, musicians, etc.

The first three on your list should be easy enough but what if your hometown pastor can’t make it?  Don’t panic.  You can call one of the 90 plus churches in the area or check the listing in the Outer Banks Wedding Association to find a licensed officiate or pastor.  This sounds heavenly but when you think about everything else that needs to be done, does the word “nightmare” come to mind?  Relax!  You’ll be happy to know that the wedding professionals here on the Outer Banks are experienced and passionate about assisting couples in creating unique, beautiful and meaningful weddings!

“When” always seems to be the easiest step in the plan. Keep in mind that the Outer Banks is one of the top three places for destination weddings.  Plan early!  Select the season and your first choice date and have several back up dates ready before you call your wedding planner.  Consider that each season on the Outer Banks offers unique beauty as well as unique challenges. Your local professionals know our seasons and will give you good direction!  Here is a quick commentary on the four seasons of the Outer Banks.

• Beautiful clear days with Carolina blue skies and calm winds and water are enjoyed during an Outer Banks spring.  You can also experience cooler, windy weather with rough ocean and sound waters.  Spring rates are lower than in-season and most all restaurants, attractions and shops are open by mid-March or April. 
• Soft, mild breezes and warm days, muggy and buggy days, and hot, sunny days are all part of a summer Outer Banks style.  Summer brings an occasional thunderstorm and ocean water that can be cool until July.  Hundreds of thousands of vacationers are here each day so plan for heavy traffic and busy restaurants.  In-season rates are in effect and reservations are often made 2 years in advance.  All restaurants, attractions and shops are open and busy during the summer season!
• Fall is a slower time of the year here on the banks.  You’ll enjoy warm days and pleasant nights but sometimes a roaring nor’easter brings in a brisk wind, rain and tumultuous waves in both the ocean and sounds.  Rental rates are lower than in –season with restaurants, attractions and shops open and welcoming with a laid back atmosphere.

• The quiet winter here is a mixed bag but many couples still chose an Outer Banks winter day for their wedding.  These days can be mild and beautiful or they can be harsh, cold and windy.  There are plenty of places for indoor ceremonies and there is always the beach for those who are truly hearty and adventuresome!  Winter offers the bonus of off-season rates for accommodations and even though some restaurants, attractions and shops take January winter breaks, you’ll find plenty of fine dining and more than enough to do!

“Where” on the Outer Banks 100 miles of sand will you say, “I do”?  Every step of the way has beaches, bed and breakfast homes, clubs, estate homes, hotels, gardens, attractions, maritime forests, halls and churches beckoning to you.  From Ocracoke to Corolla, there are wonderful opportunities for both indoor and outdoor weddings that range from simple to spectacular.  “Where” also requires that you think about the size space you will need, parking, accommodations and the honeymoon location. Explore the many possibilities listed here.

• The idea of a beach wedding is exciting!  Consider if there is adequate parking.  Will you need a permit?  What about the “who’s”?  Walking in sand, sitting in the sun and bracing the wind might not be everyone’s cup of tea and might be impossible for your Grannie Annie.  Also understand that seagulls don’t change their habits for weddings and the ocean can be very loud!  And will you provide a back up site if it rains or the wind is blowing 30 mph? 
• A traditional church wedding is the natural choice of many couples.  Check the yellow pages and you will find there are almost 90 churches in the area.  Ask if you’ll need premarital counseling, church membership or affiliation or if the church has is an open door policy.  Many churches do not allow photographs during the ceremony so this is another question you need to ask, as well as what other restrictions may apply.
• For small, intimate weddings and receptions look into a bed and breakfast.  From quirky to quaint, simple to elegant, in the woods or by the sea, these can be wonderful wedding locations!  There are a few that can accommodate larger weddings as well as receptions.
• Do you need a large place that can be for both the wedding and the reception?   Think about celebrating your vows at a private wedding hall, hotel, clubhouse, country club or restaurant.  These venues can accommodate the most casual to the most formal weddings and most have in-house catering and staff for the reception.
• Many couples love a theme wedding/reception or just an offbeat location for the ceremony.  Discover the many Outer Banks historical sites, parks, museums, aquariums, piers and gardens where you can tie the knot!
• Possibly one of the best places here for weddings are the estate homes.  These homes range in size and amenities.  They are completely furnished, stylishly appointed and often designed especially for weddings.  You’ll find large open areas, beautiful pools, gardens, spacious rooms, comfortable kitchen layouts and a variety of other amenities such as saunas, hot tubs, game rooms and theatres.  Each home is different!  Check the listings at Village Realty under Wedding Homes to find the one that is perfect for your dream wedding.  

What?  Don’t forget your license and all the other legalities!  Click on the Legalities section of this web site to find legal information and contacts for Dare, Currituck and Hyde County.  There are many other things you might need including formal wear, jewelry or last minute gifts for your wedding party.  Rather than bring it all from home, you will be pleasantly surprised that you can find everything right here on the Outer Banks!

How?  You have contemplated on all the who’s, when’s, where’s and what’s, now it is time to pull it all together.  You can’t do it by yourself if want to enjoy your wedding!  So, here are the wedding “go to sites” where you’ll find local resources for everything from professional planners to bakers, magazines full of great wedding tips and actual Outer Banks wedding photos, to bachelor party planners and wedding homes.

• Outer Banks Wedding Association www.outerbanksweddingassoc.org
• The Wedding Guide to the Outer Banks www.outerbanksweddingguide,com
• Village Realty at www.villagerealtyobx.com .  Click on the quick link “Outer Banks Weddings”

Once again, everyone at Village Realty offers you heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a beautiful life together.  We hope to hear from you soon!