Wilmington, North Carolina is known as the Port City to some, but to most, especially the natives, Wilmington is known for its quaint atmosphere, Annual Azalea Festival, beautiful Airlie Gardens, the popular Screen Gems Studios, a laidback setting, aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods, and maybe most importantly, the beach.  Wilmington, NC is an ideal place for a weekend of wedding fun and can be a beautiful experience for you and your guests during the right time of year.

Any bride would have her choice of ceremony venues and reception sites to fit all requirements and desires without breaking the bank.  The first place to look for possible venues would likely be the downtown waterfront area. There are numerous bed and breakfast inns, independently owned local hotels, and historical homes that rent out rooms to accommodate wedding parties and guests.  There are also daily carriage rides that prove to be a nice touch to any wedding ceremony. If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic atmosphere to hold the rehearsal dinner, the Pilot House in downtown Wilmington would be a nice choice. The Pilot House has meeting rooms and has about a 90% view of the water in the port. The restaurant is located right across the street from a number of shops.

About 3 blocks east of the Pilot House at the end of the beautiful waterfront boardwalk is the Cotton Exchange. The Cotton Exchange is a three-story warehouse renovated to house shops and restaurants. There is not a shortage of interesting and fun things to do downtown to keep the entire family busy. Another place a bride may look is Wrightsville Beach. In addition to the Cotton Exchange, boardwalk, and Pilot House, there are many restaurants and historical buildings that make great backdrops for photographers when it’s time to take pictures.

Wrightsville Beach is large enough to not be a ghost town, but small enough so that guests do not feel overrun by tourists and natives.  There are many resorts, churches, and even rental properties that would serve nearly any and every purpose the bridal party and guests may require. If you’re looking for a different way to say your vows, consider a wedding cruise. A wedding cruise holds about 50-100 people including the guests and the wedding party and is a wonderful way to remember your special day. The price is per person, and most packages include a four-course dinner. This setting is ideal for an intimate adult wedding. Not far from Wrightsville Beach in Fort Fisher is the North Carolina Aquarium. Aquariums are always fun for guests of all ages and may even give new family members a chance to break the ice with one another.
 
For years Wilmington, North Carolina has been praised for its beautiful clean streets, low crime-rate, and being an affordable, and aesthetically pleasing place to vacation with the entire family. This reputation makes Wilmington a great place to hold a wedding and reception. We love to hear from our readers! If you like this and other articles, or have a great story to tell about your own coastal wedding in Wilmington, or elsewhere, stop by our forums section and tell your story! Happy planning!