Hatteras Island Weddings
Have you been dreaming of an Outer Banks wedding? The Outer Banks of North Carolina is one of the East Coast’s top locations for a destination wedding. One of the things that’s so great about getting married on the Outer Banks is that it combines your nuptials with a vacation for you and all your guests. A Hatteras Island wedding is that perfect combination.
Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is the perfect location for a romantic wedding by the sea. On the southern portion of the Outer Banks, Hatteras Island is more remote and quiet than the northern Outer Banks. This island features long stretches of undeveloped, natural seashore known as the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. There are also seven quaint, historic Hatteras Island villages – Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village – that feature accommodations, restaurants, shops and recreational activities. Any of these areas is a great spot to hold a Cape Hatteras beach wedding. Professional, experienced wedding vendors of all types are available to help create and complete your Hattears Island wedding.
For a Hatteras beach wedding, consider saying your vows on the pristine beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. With a permit and $100 fee from the National Park Service (252-473-2111; www.nps.gov), you can get married with only the ocean and the dunes as your backdrop. These are weddings for minimalists only; the National Park Service does not allow birdseed, balloons, amplified music, chairs, arbors, etc. But with the natural beauty of the Cape Hatteras seashore, who needs all that stuff? For parking reasons, it’s best to get married near a Park Service beach access, which offers some parking (carpooling is recommended) and a walkway to the beach.
Another option for a seaside wedding on Hatteras Island is to rent a beachfront vacation home for your wedding. All of the island’s seven villages offer luxurious oceanfront homes available for rent. Some of these are suitable for a small, casual wedding. Many times a couple will rent a large oceanfront Hatteras home and get married on the beach and have a small reception at the house or around the house’s pool. Contact a Hatteras vacation rental company about renting a home that is suitable for hosting a Hatteras beachfront wedding and/or reception. Keep in mind that house parties are not allowed in all homes, and the number of guests allowed in a home varies. Be sure to clear your plans with the company you’re renting with. Some companies have a concierge on staff to help out with such events. One home that was specifically designed for weddings and events is The Love Boat, a 6,000-square-foot, soundside event home in Frisco, available through Hatteras Realty (800-HATTERAS).
Even if you don’t plan to get married there, oceanfront homes are great places to house your wedding party and guests. Several Hatteras Island hotels and motels can accommodate everyone who attends your Outer Banks vacation wedding.
Lighthouses are the symbol of the Outer Banks, and what better place for an Outer Banks wedding than at its signature structure, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse? Weddings are allowed at the historic properties in the Seashore, such as the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse near Nags Head. Again, you get a $100 permit from the National Park Service (252-473-2111; www.nps.gov). Permits are issued within 15 days so you don’t have to plan too far ahead.
Several churches on Hatteras Island allow weddings for out-of-town guests. In addition, local ministers will perform wedding ceremonies at your outdoor location.
Kinnakeet Shores Resort Beach Club offers the only oceanfront event facility on Hatteras Island, and it’s perfect for weddings. It offers a large oceanfront deck and private boardwalk to the ocean, so you can get married on Cape Hatteras beach and have your reception on the deck. With the rental of two tents to cover the deck, you’ll be covered in case of rain. The facility can handle 120 guests. You must bring in all your own vendors, but the staff at Kinnakeet Shores can offer recommendations. Go to www.kinnakeetweddings.com or call (252) 995-3302.
Cape Hatteras Beach Wedding Tips
When considering a beach wedding on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Wind and Weather
Always have an alternative plan for your Hatteras Outer Banks wedding. Weather is unpredictable here. Wind – too much or too little – can ruin a beach wedding. When there’s too much wind, you may have very little beach to get married on, sand blowing on your guests and your lovely updo frapping apart. Too much wind also makes it very difficult for your guests to hear your vows or your acoustic music. Other the other hand, too little wind can mean that there are biting flies or gnats annoying you and your guests.
Hurricanes
It doesn’t happen often, but once in a while the threat of a hurricane can put a halt to an Outer Banks wedding. Hurricane season lasts from July 1 through November 1, with the peak in late August and early September. If your Outer Banks wedding falls within those dates, you may want to consider wedding insurance to make sure your expenses are covered in case there is a hurricane evacuation. Be sure to inquire with all Outer Banks wedding vendors about their policies in case of a hurricane evacuation or other cause for cancellation.
Time of Day and Light
To get great photographs of your Hatteras Outer Banks beach wedding, you’ll need to choose the time of the wedding carefully. Sunset is not a good time for getting married on the ocean beach because there is not enough light for the photographs. You also want to plan ahead so that you are not squinting your eyes in the sunlight. Any experienced Outer Banks photographer can help you choose the best time of day for great photographs in your chosen wedding location. Another element to throw into the time-of-day planning is the tide. Beach weddings are best planned for low tide, if possible.
Parking
Be sure to scope out the parking situation before you decide on a Hatteras Island beach wedding location. Make sure there is enough room for everyone to park legally, or line up a shuttle service to bring guests to the location.
Crowds
If you don’t want a bunch of bathing-suit-clad gawkers and uninvited Frisbees at your wedding, choose a location that is typically uncrowded or choose to get married there at a non-peak time of day.
Walking in Sand
Most beach brides are barefoot brides, for obvious reasons. Also consider that elderly or disabled people will have difficulty walking through the deep sand. If you’re inviting guests who may not be able to walk in deep sand, consider driving them to the location (four-wheel-drive vehicles are available in some areas of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore) or getting married near a walkway or deck, where that person can sit and watch the ceremony.
Wedding Cakes & Confections
- Argyles Restaurant and Catering, Debra Sinkage -- (252) 261-7325
- Atlantic Cake Company, Susan Rollason -- (252) 475-0013
- Beach Bread Company, Carol Giese -- (252) 261-5575
- Cakes by Robin, Robin Daniels -- (252) 305-5365
- Coastal Cookies, Claudia Harrington -- (252) 473-2071
- Great Cakes! of the Outer Banks, Marsha Johnson -- (252) 261-3403
- Just Desserts, Melinda Gregory -- (252) 441-2931
- Kitchen Witch, Mary Thrasher -- (252) 453-2260
- Outback Kitchen, Kylie Simpson -- (252) 305-2452 (Cakes and catering)
- Outer Banks Brewing Station, Tina MacKenzie -- (252) 449-2739, (252) 202-1880
- Tullios Pastry Shop, Bakery and Café, Tom and Dawn Amoruso -- (252) 261-7111, (252) 261-7112
Wedding Caterers
- 1587 Restaurant and Catering, Anne Pond -- (252) 255-5787
- Adrianna’s Restaurant, Justin Lachine -- (252) 305-4166
- Aqua S Restaurant, Lynette Sumner -- (252) 261-9700
- Argyles Restaurant and Catering, Debra Sinkage -- (252) 261-7325
- Beach Bread Company, Carol Giese -- (252) 261-5575
- Black Pelican Catering, Jason Smith -- (252) 261-3171
- Carolina Catering Company, Bo Perkins -- (252) 207-1643
- Catering Company of Hatteras Island, Tracy Morris -- (252) 995-3354
- Chip’s Wine and Beer Market, Chip Sellarole and Tammy Kennon -- (252) 449-8229
- Coastal Provisions Market, Nina Foster -- (252) 480-0023
- Culinary Magick, Gwen Hart and Brian Marti -- (252) 202-8888
- Good Life Gourmet, Steve and Susie Mace -- (252) 480-2855
- High Cotton NC BBQ, Will & Sherry Thorp -- (252) 255-2275
- Inn on Pamlico Sound, Steve Nelson -- (252) 995-7030 (Hatteras)
- Jolly Roger Restaurant, Carol Ann Angelos -- (252) 441-6530
- Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant and Tavern, Mary Ann Newman -- (252) 441-4116
- Lone Cedar Catering, Amy Davis -- (252) 441-5405
- Mako Mikes, Bill Martin -- (252) 480-1919
- Mallards Marsh, Johanna Lachine -- (252) 305-4166
- Ortegaz, Marcelo and Lisa Ortega -- (252) 473-5911
- Outback Kitchen, Kylie Simpson -- (252) 305-2452 (Hatteras)
- Outer Banks Brewing Station, Tina MacKenzie -- (252) 449-2739, (252) 202-1880
- Outer Banks Original Chocolate Fountain Co., Luba Wescott -- (252) 202-8436
- Pamlico Jack’s, Lee Miller -- (252) 441-2637
- Queen Anne’s Events, Wayne and Nancy Gray -- (252) 423-1295
- Red Sky Cafe, Chef Wes Stepp -- (252) 261-8646
- Sooey’s BBQ and Rib Shack, Beaman L. Hines, Sr. -- (252) 449-4227
- The Kitchen Witch Catering, Mary M. Thrasher -- (252) 453-2260
- The Pearl Oceanfront Restaurant, Trish Berruet -- (252) 480-3463
- Tulio’s, Tom and Dawn Amoruso -- (252) 261-7112, (252) 261-7111
- Wine Specialist, Christine and Fernando da Mota -- (252) 715-1717
Photographers and Videographers
- A Day to Remember, George Farah -- (252) 441-4894
- A Photo Moment, Jeanie Cubin -- (757) 235-3316
- AMMC Photo, Michael and Aggie Coufal -- (252) 305-0813
- Artz Gallery, Matt Artz -- (252) 267-2112
- Ascension Photography, Gordon Kreplin -- (252) 449-8997
- Basnight Photography, Mary Basnight -- (252) 473-3933
- Beach Productions, Julie Dreelin -- (252) 207-2293
- Blue Peacock Photography, Elizabeth Zongolowicz -- (252) 256-3027
- Brooke Mayo Photography, Brooke Mayo -- (252) 599-0720
- Bruce Lorenz Photography, Bruce Lorenz -- (800) 646-5812
- Chris Bickford Photography, Chris Bickford -- (252) 202-2399
- Custom Photography Limited, Marian and Michael Linett -- (252) 480-6431
- Daryl Law Photography, Daryl Law -- (252) 480-6332
- Deborah Sawyer Photography, Deborah Sawyer -- (252) 305-8800
- Donna Holcomb, Photographer, Donna Holcomb -- (252) 453-0765
- Eye Candy Digital Video, Mike Martine -- (252) 435-2763
- F2 Photographic Design, Mollie Isaacs -- (800) 645-9958
- Gingersnaps Photography, Ginger Harvey -- (252) 256-4422
- Griggs Best Shot Photography, Lisa Griggs -- (252) 473-1025, (336) 501-6833 (cell)
- Island Photography, Mike and Allie Hawkins -- (252) 489-8003
- J. Aaron Trotman Photography, Jim and Laura Trotman -- (252) 480-1070, (877) SMILES8
- Jeff Greenough Photographer, Jeff Greenough -- (252) 207-9485, (866) 204-3451
- Kristi Midgette Photography, Kristi Midgette -- (252) 573-8229
- Lisa Arnold Photography, Lisa Bernard-Arnold -- (252) 599-6552, (888) 636-5164
- Seaside Photography, Carol -- (252) 305-4747
- Shelley Chamberlin Photography, Shelley Chamberlin -- (252) 453-4366
- Shooters at the Beach, Biff Jennings -- (252) 480-2395
- Simona Photography, Simona Price -- (252) 207-2431
- Walter V. Gresham III Photography, Walter V. Gresham III -- (800) 887-1415
- Zanetti Images, Steve Zanetti -- (252) 995-9541
Wedding Disc Jockeys
- A Music Man for All Seasons, John Harper -- (252) 473-4528
- DJ Steve the Dream, Steve Allen Thomas -- (252) 261-4709, (252) 599-2009
- Humble Entertainment, Leslie Humble -- Leslie Humble - (252) 256-3671
- I Do Entertainment & DJ Service, Bruce Jones -- (252) 715-0164
- Island Shore Productions, Tony Brittan -- (252) 715-0215
- Jason & Diane’s Karaoke Show -- (252) 202-6751
- KDH Sound and Light, Doug Leal -- (252) 480-2844
- Metro Rental, Rob Waddington -- (252) 480-3535, (866) 490-3535
- Music by Tommy, Tommy Midgett -- (252) 473-6848
- OBXViolin.com, Sue Artz -- (252) 267-2112
- Ocean Waves Productions, Angela Furr -- (252) 473-9177
- Outer Banks DJ, Michael Stoffel -- (252) 207-1175
- Outer Banks Music Masters, Matt Cooper -- 252) 441-3389
- Sound Ideas Productions, Mark or Rich -- (252) 441-3002
- Soundwavz Entertainment, Don J. Vaquera -- (252) 261-6583, (866) OBX-WAVZ
- The Crowd, Rick Ostlund -- (252) 207-1070
Wedding Equipment Rentals
- Distinctive Event Rentals, Bill Cabell -- (252) 441-2858, (757) 420-7000
- Metro Rental, Barbara Henderson -- (252) 480-3535
- Ocean Atlantic Rentals, Joe Southern -- (252) 261-4346
- Outer Banks Computers & Music (sound system rental), Mark or Rich -- (252) 441-3002
Wedding Apparel
- Black Tie Affair, Donna Wilson -- (252) 449-4889
- Charlotte’s, Charlotte Dixon -- (252) 473-3078
Wedding Musicians
- 1 Man Band/Keyboardist, Buzz Bessette -- (252) 202-1029
- Angelo Music, Angelo Sonnesso -- (866) 269-1380
- Black Tie Affair, Donna Wilson -- (252) 449-4889
- Christine Young -- (252) 449-8355
- Club Violin, Leslie Erickson -- (252) 216-5826
- Coyote, Marcy Brenner and Lou Castro -- (252) 256-2081
- Greg Shelton -- (252) 207-1648
- Kim Kalman -- (252) 441-2555
- Leslie Bucks Ferguson -- (252) 987-1469
- Musicians for You, Angela Furr -- (252) 473-9177
- OBX Violins, Sue Artz -- (252) 267-2112
- Out in the Cold, Clarence Mulden -- (252) 339-7519
- Outer Banks Chamber Players, Jane Brown -- (252) 480-2493
- Perfect Occasions Wedding Music, Janice Gross -- (252) 453-3670
- Roy Murray Music Studio, Roy Murray -- (252) 480-1532
- Scott Franson -- (252) 449-8355
- The Carolinian Studio, Lisa Loy -- (252) 473-7154
- The Crowd, Rick Ostlund -- (252) 207-1070
- The Wedding Flute, Tanya Holland -- (252) 453-6824
- The Wilder Brothers, Kevin Roughton -- (252) 491-9986
Salon, Spa and Beauty Services
-
Good For You
Janet Rainey
(252) 202-2873
- All Eyes on the Bride, Lauren Owen -- (304) 433-2700
- Aqua Essence Day Spa, Stacy Rister -- (252) 261-9709
- Arbonne International, Marsha Riibner-Cady -- (800) 967-6627
- Barefoot Bridal Massage, Ali Berryman -- (252) 202-3277
- Dimensions Hair Salon, Heather Clark -- (252) 499-8988
- Diva’s Day Spa & Salon, Stephanie Mikos -- (252) 255 1772
- Eden Day Spa and Salons, Mary C. DiDario -- (252) 255-0711
- Hair Designers, Stacy Sheetz -- (252) 449-4247
- Hairicanes Salon, Veelee Donahue -- (252) 261-7889
- Hairoics, Sandy Williams -- (252) 441-7983
- Liza Yowell Massage Therapy and Skin Care, Liza Yowell -- (252) 202-2011
- Lotus Day Spa, Dawn Ladd -- (252) 261-0800
- Luxury, Katrina Migliore -- (252) 449-2474
- Make Your Day, Donna Egan -- (252) 256-1086
- Reflections Full Service Salon, Brandi Pledger -- (252) 255-5595
- Spa Koru, Grace Souter -- (252) 995-3125
- The Retreat Spa, Monique Vann -- (252) 473-2287
- The Sanderling Resort & Spa, Ashley Quinn -- (252) 261-7744 Ext. 563
Wedding and Reception Sites
- 108 Budleigh, Bonnie Hudgins -- (252) 473-2208
- 1587 Restaurant, Anne Pond -- (252) 473-1404 Ext. 119
- Adrianna’s Restaurant, Linda Bradley -- (252) 473-4993
- Angela Agency/Artistic Occasions, Angela Furr -- (252) 473-9177
- Ann’s Wedding Bells, Ann Bell -- (252) 473-2635
- Aqua S Restaurant, Lynette Sumner -- (252) 261-9700
- Black Pelican, Jason Smith -- (252) 261-3171
- Bordeaux Events, Marie Castro -- (888) 8BORDEAUX
- Burrus House Inn and Waterfront Suites -- (252) 475-1636
-
Cameron House Inn
Beth P. Storie
(800) 279-8178
-
Camp Hatteras
Jeanette Straight
(252) 987-2777
- Cape Hatteras KOA Campground, Mo Vandesteene -- (800) 562-5268
- Clarion Oceanfront Hotel, Samantha Roberts -- (252) 441-1782
- Comfort Inn Oceanfront South, Samantha Roberts -- (800) 334-3302
- Downeast Rover Sailboat, Kim Winslow -- (252) 473-4866, (866) SAIL-OBX
- Duck Woods Country Club, Pascal Nabet -- (252) 261-2744
- First Colony Inn, Tom Matthews -- (252) 441-2343, (800) 368-9390
- Fishbones Sunset Grill, Meredith Foreman -- (252) 261-3901
- Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks, Pamela Geyer -- 800-HAMPTON
-
Hatteras Realty
Event Coordinator
(800) 428-8372
- Hilton Garden Inn, Miha Skegel -- (252) 261-1290, (877) 629-4586
- Kinnakeet Shores, Kelly Gibbs -- (252) 995-3302
- Mallards Marsh, Linda Bradley -- (252) 473-4993
- Mike Dianna’s Grill Room, Meghann Pauls -- (252) 453-4336
- Nags Head Golf Links, The Players Grill, Richard Beetle -- (252) 441-8073
- North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, Michele Bunce -- (252) 473-3494 ext. 258
- Outer Banks Cruises, Stuart Wescott -- (252) 473-1475
- Pamlico Jack’s, Tom Sloate -- (252) 441-2637
- Pirate’s Cove Yacht Club, Kevin Crum -- (252) 473-1015
- Queen Anne’s Events, Wayne and Nancy Gray -- (252) 423-1295
- Ramada Plaza Nags Head Beach, Mary Ellen Watts -- (252) 441-2151 ext. 743
- Tale of the Whale, Dan Bibey -- (252) 441-7332
- The Currituck Club, Sarah Albrite -- (252) 453-9400
- The Elizabethan Gardens, Gaynel McGill -- (252) 473-3234
- The Inn at Corolla Light, Pamela Colby -- (800) 215-0772
- The Island Guest House, Sam Moore -- (252) 473-2434
- The Love Boat, Capt'n Joe -- (252) 996-0565
- The Pearl Oceanfront Restaurant, Trish Berruet -- (252) 480-3463
- The Saltaire Event Home, Ron Forlano -- (252) 255-5409
- The Sanderling Resort & Spa, Jennifer Thompson -- (800) 701-4111
- The Village Beach Club, Ina Phelps -- (252) 480-2222
- The Whalehead Club, Kerri Catino-Nason -- (252) 453-9040, (252) 305-0401
- White Doe Inn, Kristi Midgette -- (888) 280-4819
Wedding Planners and Coordinators
- A Premiere Event, Heather Clark -- (252) 305-9333
- Ann’s Wedding Bells, Ann Bell -- (252) 473-2635
- Beach Ball Events, Linda Bradley -- (252) 473-4993
- Black Tie Weddings, Emma Wilson Perkins -- (252) 449-4889
- Blue Ocean Events, Kathy Halloran -- (252) 480-3132
- Bordeaux Events, Marie Russell -- (252) 441-8183, (888) 8BORDEAUX
- Carolina Wedding Company, Rev. Shirley Ann Gross -- (252) 449-2453
- Coastal Events Coordinator, Karen Kelly -- (252) 441-7433
-
Hatteras Realty
Event Coordinator
(800) 428-8372
- Mallards Marsh, Linda Bradley -- (252) 473-4993
- Ocean Isle Events, Julie Hume -- (252) 489-8126
- Over the Top, Sally Newell -- (252) 986-2858 (Hatteras)
- Platinum Party Planning, Gena Martin -- (252) 619-4018
- Proper Setting, Nannette Jernigan -- (252) 441-8166
- Seaside Simplicity, Anne Pond -- (252) 255-5787, (252) 305-5780
- Sugar Snap Events, Shirley Cook -- (866) 480-9990
- The Embellishers, Brenda Korbach and Gail Lawrenson -- (252) 216-9226
- The John Gillam Company Ltd., John Bond Gillam III -- (252) 441-7752
- Unveiled, Sara Kristoff -- (252) 441-1936, (252) 202-6951
Wedding Florists
- Adrianna’s, Holly Hall -- (252) 473-4800, (239) 249-1077
- Bells & Whistles, Dorothy Morris -- (252) 449-4915
- Bells and Whistles, Dorothy Morris -- (252) 441-9310
- BLOOMS Design Studio, Renee Landry -- (252) 255-0798
- Holiday House Weddings, Kim Stetson -- (252) 473-6938
- Nags Head Florist, Kelly Yelland -- (252) 441-1330
- Ocean Wreath, Betty Laughridge -- (252) 480-2080
- Sea Breeze Florist & Gifts, Tori or Brandi Ferebee -- (252) 261-4274, (800) 435-5881
- Sugar Snap Events, Shirley Cook -- (252) 480-9990, (866) 480-9990
- The Embellishers, Brenda Korbach and Gail Lawrenson -- (252) 216-9226
Wedding Jewelers
- Cara Magnus Celtic, Ltd., Joan Young -- (252) 261-8110
- Diamonds ‘n Dunes, Ken Kelley and Eileen Alexanian -- (252) 255-0001
- Jewelry by Gail, Judy Lyon -- (252) 441-5387, (800) 272-9817
- Lady Maye, Heather Maye Sakers -- (252) 599-6814
- Lone Wolff Trading Company, Chris Wolff -- (252) 449-5111
- Low Tide Jewelry, Margaret Miller -- (252) 441-2644
- Natural Creations Jewelers, Tim Crank -- (252) 255-2015
- Robin’s Fine Jewelry, Robin Young -- (252) 261-4020
- Silver Bonsai Gallery, Ben and Kathryn Stewart -- (252) 475-1413
- Ultra Violet Gems, Denise Turner -- (252) 475-1962, (757) 651-3676
Wedding Officiants
- @ Your OBX Wedding, Rev. Jay Bowman -- (252) 216-6676
- A Wedding Officiant, Robert Woody -- (252) 473-9851
- An OBX Beach Wedding, Rev. Del Wilson, Jr. -- (252) 202-1964, (252) 202 6916
- Ann’s Wedding Bells, Ann Bell -- (252) 473-2635
- Carolina Wedding Company, Rev. Shirley Ann Gross -- (252) 449-2453
- Leslie Buck/Saints Alive! Ministries, Rev. Leslie Buck-Ferguson -- (252) 987-1469
- Outer Banks I Do, Marsha Johnson -- (252) 261-3403
- Outer Banks Seaside Ceremonies, Dr. Dave Keller -- (252) 573-9813
- Outer Banks Wedding Ceremony, Rev. Tanya K. Young -- (252) 423-0099
- Saints Alive Ministries, Rev. Leslie Buck Ferguson -- (252) 987-1469
-
Simply Weddings
Patricia Walden
(252) 423-0763
- Weddings Outer Banks, Rev. Eugene McLawhorn -- (252) 491-9287, (252) 202-3113
Chapels
- Corolla Chapel, Rick Griffs, Pastor -- (252) 452-4224
- Mallards Marsh, Linda Bradley -- (252) 473-4993
- Roanoke Island Garden Wedding Chapel, Ann Bell -- (252) 473-2635
Limos and Transportation
- Beach Limousine, Sunny Dodson -- (252) 255-LIMO (5466)
- Island Limousine, Keith Stone -- (252) 441-LIMO (5466), (800) 828-5466
- Luxury Limousine Service, Kevin Wescott -- (252) 202-8436
- Sandy Beach Tours, Sandra Morrison -- (252) 441-9800
- The Connection Transportation Services, Barbara Jackson -- (252) 449-2777
Wedding Apparel
- Black Tie Affair, Donna Wilson -- (252) 449-4889
- Charlotte’s, Charlotte Dixon -- (252) 473-3078
