Riptide Stables

17 acre farm by the beach - bring your own vendors

Wilmington, Castle Hayne, Hampstead

Service area

Holds ceremonies and receptions

5.0

Verified reviews from real couples

We loved Riptide Stables! We had our ceremony, reception, and rehearsal all here. Dawn and Beth did such a great job facilitating the events and we appreciate all the hard work they did. It was such a neat experience to have horses and donkeys at our wedding. Definitely take advantage of the donkey bartenders, our guests loved them.

Andrew W.

5.0

We had the absolute wedding of our dreams at Riptide Stables! From the moment we stepped onto the property, we were blown away by how beautiful and peaceful everything was. The grounds are stunning — wide open, perfectly maintained, with a magical countryside vibe that made every photo look like it came straight out of a fairytale. But honestly, what made Riptide Stables truly unforgettable were the animals. The gorgeous horses added such an elegant, serene presence, and the mini donkeys completely stole everyone’s hearts! Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how unique and special it was to have these sweet animals be part of the experience. We added the cocktail hostess experience with the Donkeys and it was such an amazing experience that our guests were able to get a drink and tip our donkey for their service! The team at Riptide Stables went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. They were warm, professional, and genuinely excited to help make our day magical. We felt cared for every step of the way, and the whole event was smooth, joyful, and full of love. A Huge Thank you to both Dawn, Beth, and everyone there they truly were with us every step to make sure the day turned out magical for everyone! We had the apartment above the stable for the day of and night of the wedding which turned out to be one of the best parts of the day! From storing extra food in the kitchen to having a space for my bridal party to get ready to changing for the reception, I was more than grateful that they offered such an amazing and beautiful space to use. Between the first tour and the day of our special event they also added the groom's suite which was perfect for my husband to get ready before the ceremony. If you’re looking for a venue that’s both stunning and unique — with a rustic charm and the added bonus of amazing animals — Riptide Stables is hands down the place to book. We can’t recommend it enough!

Trevor P.

5.0

Riptide Stables is a gorgeous wedding venue in Castle Hayne, NC. Home to a 17-acre family-owned farm and horse ranch, this stunning locale is perfect for couples who dream of experiencing quiet country living and the South's rustic charm. From your "I dos" to your first dance, prepare for every moment you spend at Riptide to be filled with magic. The sights, the sounds, the open skies—there's so much to enjoy at Riptide Stables, and its newly refurbished venues elevate its appeal. Right in the heart of the property is an indoor-outdoor barn with a manicured lawn overlooking endless woodlands, perfect for romantic vows in nature's witness. Cocktail events and yard games can also take place here, and the built-in bar inside the barn is sure to keep guests refreshed throughout the festivities. For receptions, this all-inclusive space comes second to none, and its soaring ceilings give it that air of grandeur and elegance. The cottage just steps away is ideal for indulgent overnight stays and is conveniently located close to the pony stables for guests hoping to pay a visit before they go. Riptide Stables would be honored to be a part of your unique love story, and to help ease the planning; they've created various wedding packages you can tailor to your needs. Their exciting Ring Bearer package includes full use of the property and its rentals and an adorable mini donkey that'll carry your wedding rings down the aisle. Through their Drink Delivery package, you can have mini donkeys serving your guests during your cocktail celebration, too. The friendly animals on the farm will be handled by experienced staff for the safety of all who attend your special occasion.

Woman-owned Business

4+ years in business

Speaks English

Small team (2-10 members)

Amenities + details

Amenities

Ceremony Area

Covered Outdoors Space

Dressing Room

Indoor Event Space

Liability Insurance

On-Site Accommodations

Outdoor Event Space

Reception Area

Wireless Internet

Ceremony Types

Civil Union

Commitment Ceremony

Elopement

Interfaith Ceremony

Non-Religious Ceremony

Religious Ceremony

Second Wedding

Vow Renewal Ceremony

Settings

Barn

Farm & Ranch

Park

Trees

Venue Service Offerings

Bar & Drinks

Bar Rental

Any questions?

5.0

out of 5.0

5 reviews

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Review Summary

This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.

Riptide Stables is a stunning and versatile wedding venue that offers a magical and unforgettable experience. Reviewers highlight the beautiful grounds, professional and attentive staff including Dawn and Beth, and the unique addition of animals like horses and donkeys, which added a special touch to their events. The accommodations above the stable are described as beautiful and convenient for the bridal party, contributing to a seamless and joyful wedding day. Guests also praise the entertainment options, cleanliness of amenities, and overall rustic charm of the venue, making it a highly recommended choice for weddings and special occasions.

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Summer S

Highlighted review.

6/12/2024

We loved having our reception at this farm! We pictured a simple/ rustic vibe and at Riptide Stables, the venue area hardly needed any more decor for what we wanted. You could real...

ly go all out here too if that’s your style! The evening was perfect for us. We had a small beach wedding for immediate family and then brought in over 100 guest to the farm for a reception (although this would be a perfect place for a ceremony as well!) There was plenty of parking for the family, but we still had a bus bring folks to and from. The animals were a hit for the guest to take pictures with and pet before we arrived to get the party started. Also s'more's were a plus around the huge bonfire pit the farm offers and we even threw up a volleyball net in the lawn to give the “kids” something extra to do. We had self serve kegs, wine, and food. I recommend a catering service and a host to welcome the guest before you arrive. The guest bathrooms were very impressive and clean for being a trailer! The entertainment system and microphone they have there at the farm where all we needed for fun dance party! We spent the night in the honeymoon suite above the barn. Waking up to the beautiful farm was a fantastic way to start our marriage and reminisce about the evening prior. We had a family clean up committee come the next morning to help get the venue returned back to an adorable animal retreat! Thank you, Riptide Stables for making our dream wedding come true!

Andrew W

11/11/2025

We loved Riptide Stables! We had our ceremony, reception, and rehearsal all here. Dawn and Beth did such a great job facilitating the events and we appreciate all the hard work the...

y did. It was such a neat experience to have horses and donkeys at our wedding. Definitely take advantage of the donkey bartenders, our guests loved them.

Any questions?

Trevor P

5/29/2025

We had the absolute wedding of our dreams at Riptide Stables! From the moment we stepped onto the property, we were blown away by how beautiful and peaceful everything was. The gro...

unds are stunning — wide open, perfectly maintained, with a magical countryside vibe that made every photo look like it came straight out of a fairytale. But honestly, what made Riptide Stables truly unforgettable were the animals. The gorgeous horses added such an elegant, serene presence, and the mini donkeys completely stole everyone’s hearts! Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how unique and special it was to have these sweet animals be part of the experience. We added the cocktail hostess experience with the Donkeys and it was such an amazing experience that our guests were able to get a drink and tip our donkey for their service! The team at Riptide Stables went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. They were warm, professional, and genuinely excited to help make our day magical. We felt cared for every step of the way, and the whole event was smooth, joyful, and full of love. A Huge Thank you to both Dawn, Beth, and everyone there they truly were with us every step to make sure the day turned out magical for everyone! We had the apartment above the stable for the day of and night of the wedding which turned out to be one of the best parts of the day! From storing extra food in the kitchen to having a space for my bridal party to get ready to changing for the reception, I was more than grateful that they offered such an amazing and beautiful space to use. Between the first tour and the day of our special event they also added the groom's suite which was perfect for my husband to get ready before the ceremony. If you’re looking for a venue that’s both stunning and unique — with a rustic charm and the added bonus of amazing animals — Riptide Stables is hands down the place to book. We can’t recommend it enough!

Amy P

10/23/2024

Riptide Stables is a beautiful venue! We had our wedding ceremony overlooking the pond and the reception underneath the pavilion. My husband and I stayed at the apartment onsite....

It was a wonderful experience!

Jen M

6/13/2024

Riptide Stables: A Perfect Venue for Any Occasion I've had the pleasure of hosting and attending multiple events at Riptide Stables, and each experience has been nothing short of ...

extraordinary. From birthday parties to weddings, this venue consistently delivers an exceptional experience for both hosts and guests. A Versatile and Stunning Venue Riptide Stables offers a picturesque setting that is perfect for any event. The beautiful grounds and well-maintained facilities provide a charming backdrop for weddings, birthday parties, and other celebrations. Whether you're hosting a small, intimate gathering or a large celebration, the venue can accommodate your needs with elegance and style. Unforgettable Birthday Parties Both my birthday and my daughter’s birthday parties at Riptide Stables were truly memorable. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that every detail is taken care of, allowing you to relax and enjoy the celebration. The variety of activities available from pony rides to interacting with the animals, they ensure that guests of all ages have a fantastic time. My daughter and her friends were particularly thrilled with the pony rides. Perfect for Weddings and Large Events Attending weddings at Riptide Stables has been a delightful experience. The venue’s natural beauty creates a magical atmosphere. The spacious event areas make for a stunning setting and the attention to detail ensures that everything runs smoothly. Guests always leave with fond memories of a perfect day. Comfortable and Beautiful Accommodations One of the standout features of Riptide Stables is the on-site accommodations. The rental space is not only beautiful but also incredibly comfortable, making it convenient for guests who wish to stay overnight. The rooms are well-appointed, providing a cozy and luxurious retreat after a day of celebration. A Haven for Animal Lovers For those who love animals, Riptide Stables is a dream come true. The variety of animals on the property adds a unique and enjoyable element to any event. From horses to friendly donkeys, guests have the opportunity to interact with them making the experience even more special. In Summary Riptide Stables is a gem of a venue, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, exceptional service, and unique experiences. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, wedding, or any other event, you can trust that it will be an unforgettable occasion at Riptide Stables. The combination of stunning event spaces, comfortable accommodations, and delightful animal interactions ensures that every visit is filled with joy and cherished memories. I Highly recommended checking them out!

Service area & Contact info

4220 Buck Drive, Castle Hayne, NC

Open map

(910) 262-5716

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Riptide Stables

About this venue

Review Summary

Service area & Contact info

Wedding vendors in Castle Hayne

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