13 Beach Wedding Venues in North Carolina for a Seaside-Chic Celebration

Be sure to consider these stunning, highly recommended spots.
Jenn sinrich headshot
by
Jenn Sinrich
Jenn sinrich headshot
Jenn Sinrich
The Knot Contributor
  • Jenn writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a speciality in planning advice and travel.
  • Jenn also writes for a myriad of other large-scale publications, including SELF, Women's Health, and more
  • Prior to becoming a freelance writer, Jenn worked as an on-staff editor at WhatToExpect.com, American Baby, Fit Pregnancy and FreshDirect.
Updated Jan 26, 2024

If you're dreaming of saying "I do" alongside the rhythmic sounds of water waves and views of crystal-clear waters, there are a handful of beach wedding venues in North Carolina that can make that vision a reality. With its picturesque coastline and charming maritime towns, North Carolina offers couples an idyllic setting for a fairytale-caliber wedding. From the pristine shores of Wrightsville Beach to the historic charm of Beaufort, it's hard to go wrong when you narrow down your wedding venue options to the North Carolina coast.

If you need help finding the right venue (or other vendors!) for your beach wedding in North Carolina, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace. In the meantime, we're rounding up 13 of the best beach wedding venues in North Carolina for a memorable celebration.

Topsail Manor in Topsail Beach

If you're looking for a more intimate wedding and would prefer that your close friends and family surround you during your wedding weekend, Topsail Manor is a great option. It's an 8-bedroom mansion nestled directly on the coast of Topsail beach, which is a charming coastal town located on Topsail Island known for its pristine beaches and chill vibe. The venue offers a ceremony space that's handicap accessible, a reception area, including a covered outdoor space, a dressing room and more.

Capacity: Up to 100

Ocean's Edge Restaurant & Event Center in Topsail Beach

Also on Topsail beach, you'll find this coastal gem of a restaurant and wedding venue that offers spectacular beachside views to give your wedding day that extra edge. Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Wilmington and half an hour from Jacksonville, Ocean's Edge Restaurant & Event Center is conveniently located for guests around the North Carolina coast. Formerly known as Topsail Shrimp House, it continues to offer North Carolina fare, including shrimp and grits, yellowfin tuna, fried oyster salad and juicy burgers.

Capacity: Up to 300

Shoreline Wedding & Event Venue in Jacksonville

At first glance, this wedding venue might look like nothing more than a beautiful home, but it's actually a beloved beachside wedding venue in North Carolina. Located in downtown Jacksonville, this three-story house sits on an acre of manicured land and features breathtaking views of Wilson Bay. The home itself can sleep up to 18 people, so it's ideal for the couple, their families and potentially even their bridal parties. The venue also allows pets so your furry friends can tag along. Shoreline Wedding & Event Venue has an on-staff manager who can help you plan your festivities but, of course, you'll need to outsource nearly all vendors.

Capacity: Up to 200

Find your kind of venue

From barns to ballrooms, discover reception venues that feel like you.

Events at Brick Landing in Ocean Isle Beach

This wedding and events space in North Carolina's Ocean Isle Beach received The Knot's Best of Weddings Award and is most famous for its panoramic views of the intracoastal waterway, where you can have your ceremony. Events at Brick Landing has both outdoor and indoor options, including their Waterway View Event Room on the venue's second level, which comes with a limited number of round tables, banquet tables and 130 gold chiavari chairs. The venue has an upstairs space too with its own private built-in bar and outdoor patio that you can choose to incorporate as part of your wedding space or rent alone if you're hosting a smaller affair.

Capacity: Up to 150

Neuse Breeze Wedding Venue in Havelock

If you want your wedding to have a fairytale feel with the added benefit of your venue being beachside, this North Carolina wedding venue is for you. Neuse Breeze is located on a five-acre waterfront estate overlooking the Pamlico Sound and has a dedicated staff determined to create the wedding of your dreams with the most unforgettable backdrop. All-inclusive packages can include catering and bar services, day-of clean-up services and more.

Capacity: Up to 150

Islander Hotel & Resort in Emerald Isle

This is the only oceanfront hotel in the entirety of North Carolina's Emerald Isle, a picturesque barrier island town located on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. You and your partner can say your "I dos" on Islander Hotel & Resort's manicured lawn with the Atlantic Ocean serving as your backdrop. After your oceanside ceremony your guests can enjoy a stunning cocktail hour on their terrace overlooking the ocean followed by an elegant reception on their majestic paved patio. The hotel is home to more than 80 rooms so your guests won't have to worry about the stress of travel nor will you have to accommodate shuttle transportation.

Capacity: Up to 200

Copper Ridge on The Neuse in New Bern

Situated on the rustic waterfront setting near the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers in James City is this spectacular wedding venue that gives couples a true taste of the south. Cooper Ridge has been hosting weddings for more than 30 years and specializes in combining the elements of southern charm with low country elegance. Their talented team handles everything you need—they have their own catering team and event coordinators who can recommend top-notch vendors including DJs, bands, florists, décor specialists and more.

Capacity: Up to 250

Southern Beach Houses in Wilmington

Here's a home-rental beach wedding venue in North Carolina that doesn't disappoint. Southern Beach House's three-story home allows you to have your beach wedding, reception and the lodging of all of your guests in one destination. You can choose between four different homes—the venue works alongside wedding planners in the area to create your dream beachside wedding. Each home is very large and features a covered area under the house that can be used as your tent. stained concrete floors and even a Tiki bar and dance floor. Some of the homes also feature a beverage serving area, elevator, outside bathroom and plenty of parking.

Capacity: Up to 200

Airlie Gardens in Wilmington

This stunning and historic garden located in Wilmington, North Carolina is known for its breathtaking landscapes, lush gardens and scenic views. While not exactly looking out over the water, Airlie Gardens is located around the corner from Bradley Creek, which is part of the larger Cape Fear River estuary system and flows through various neighborhoods in the southeastern part of the city. The grounds feature 67 acres of gardens, including formal gardens, walking trails any of which can serve as the backdrop for your wedding ceremony.

Capacity: Up to 300

The Beaufort Hotel in Beaufort

In this charming coastal town known for its maritime heritage is a stunning waterfront hotel that is well-known for their top-notch weddings and events. The Beaufort Hotel is nestled on 10 acres of land and offers a resort-style experience on the banks of Taylor's Creek, which runs adjacent to the town of Beaufort and is part of the larger estuarine system in the region. With over 10,000 square feet of space that can accommodate 50-500 guests—and both indoor and outdoor offerings—this is certainly a North Carolina beach wedding venue you'll want to check out.

Capacity: Up to 500

Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach

This quaint little beach town in New Hanover County is known for its crystal-clear waters, marinas and boat ramps, scenic walking and jogging trails and the popular landmark Johnnie Mercer's Pier. As an upscale beach resort, Blockade Runner has so much to offer to couples looking to get married beachside, including an expansive oceanfront lawn and a majestically decorated indoor reception space.

Capacity: Up to 200

Luxury Lodging by Laura in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina

While not necessarily created to serve as a wedding venue, this vacation home rental in North Carolina's Ocean Isle Beach has been the spot for beach weddings along the North Carolina Coast for years. And the best part is that your wedding party and close friends can stay right on the property, since Luxury Lodging by Laura homes sleep 14-48 and offers private beach access off each beautiful backyard and pool area. It is worth pointing out that you will have to outsource all of your vendor staff, including your entertainment, catering, florist and more.

Capacity: Up to 150

Coastal Events & Occasions in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina

Cropped up right along the shores North Topsail Beach is this venue that allows you to say your "I dos" amongst the gentle breeze of the ocean waves and the endless span of the bright blue skies. The coordinators at Coastal Events & Occasions set up your entire ceremony with white chairs and a wooden arch clad in flowers and any accessories or draping you may like. Follow your ceremony into their sprawling reception space featuring a wide-open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows and jaw-dropping views of the oceanfront.

Capacity: Up to 200

Up Next
  • Wedding venue in Marshall, North Carolina.
    14 NC Mountain Wedding Locations Across the State