Coastal Planning Tips

Ben and Sandra celebrate their May 2021 wedding with a honeymoon photo shoot at the Outer Banks. Photo by Mark Maya Photography

Local pros share their best beach wedding advice

By Emily Pack

Imagine walking down a sandy aisle toward your soul mate during the golden hour, with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. If having a wedding on the North Carolina coast is your dream, find out what local experts have to say about planning the perfect day.

• Planning an intimate beach wedding with 50 guests or fewer?

Ask venues and vendors if they offer elopement packages.

Keep in mind, the number of guests who accept your wedding invitation will most likely be higher than normal. People are ready and willing to safely celebrate you! • Send save the dates early so that your wedding guests have extra time to make travel arrangements. Venues

• North Carolina hurricane season runs roughly from June through the end of November. Don’t let this stop you from planning a coastal wedding within that time frame. Create a backup plan within an indoor event space where you can smoothly move the ceremony/reception in case of rain. • Most beach access points on the Outer Banks are public and not available to rent for private use. One way to secure a spot is to set up early. If someone is a bit close for comfort, politely ask if they mind moving farther away so that you can begin setting up your decor and chairs if you are having a seated ceremony. • There is no maximum or minimum number of people who can attend your ceremony on public beaches. • However, we encourage booking a venue with private beach access to ensure that you’ll have a private and romantic beach wedding. • Remember: you are competing with local and out-of-state couples who view the North Carolina coast as a destination.

Book your venue and priority vendors ASAP. • The latest beach wedding trends: Flowy dresses, jewel tones, natural elements with bright pops of color and a mix of patterns.

“Think of having a shoe valet or shoe station and/or a de-sanding station (you could even do personalized flip-flops that people can wear for the beach portion)! Check to see if you need a beach permit and also consider the number of people and noise levels.”

Cara Cartee, CMC Events & Travel

“Visit New Bern’s team has the ability to work with local venues, hotels and bed and breakfasts as well as caterers to streamline the wedding planning process. This service ensures that your special day is one that both you and your guests will remember. New Bern’s spring and fall seasons are ideal for couples who desire an outdoor wedding. One of New Bern’s strengths is its variety of venues, which enable couples to tie the knot throughout the year.”

Melissa Riggle, Visit New Bern

“Depending on what you are comfortable with, every season is perfect for a beach wedding! People automatically assume that summer would be the best time for a beach wedding because that’s when most people take vacations. However, unless you are getting married in a swimsuit, it can be quite uncomfortable for the wedding party and guests to be in the blazing North Carolina heat while in formal attire, with makeup and everything else going on. Once you get into late September and October, the weather mellows out so that you can have a beautiful beach wedding without sweating through your clothes.”

As the sun sets on your special day, you and your guests can continue the celebration in New Bern. Our vibrant downtown is lined with trendy boutiques, restaurants, and a beer district. Try On New Bern to experience the event of a lifetime.