There are few things more romantic than an Outer Banks beach wedding. With its scenic beauty, the soothing sounds of crashing waves, and gentle sea breeze, a beach wedding offers a unique and romantic backdrop for couples who want to exchange their vows in a picturesque setting. However, planning a beach wedding comes with its own set of things to keep in mind, from what to wear to what to do if it rains. In this blog post, we'll provide you with valuable tips and inspiration to help you create a picture-perfect Outer Banks beach wedding ceremony that you and your guests will cherish forever.
Choose the Perfect Outer Banks Beach Location
There really is no bad spot to have a wedding on the OBX. The Outer Banks boasts a variety of beautiful beaches to choose from, each with its own unique charm. There are several things to consider when picking exactly where you want to have your wedding, including factors such as accessibility, privacy, and the availability of nearby amenities. Popular choices include areas in Corolla, Nags Head, and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Visit the beaches in person or consult with a local wedding planner to find the one that best suits your vision. Be sure to check out which beach accesses are available to the public (this also makes it easy to let your guests know where the wedding will be) and plan ahead for parking. While many accesses do have parking on or near the beach, there probably won't be enough space for everyone, especially if you're getting married during peak season. Consider planning ahead for carpools or shuttles.
As an alternative, take a look at our Event Homes that are perfect for hosting your guests and your wedding so no worrying about travel or accomodations.
Timing is Key
When planning an Outer Banks beach wedding, you'll definitely want to plan ahead for the time of day, season, and check the tidal charts beforehand. Consider the time of year and weather patterns to make sure that your picture-perfect wedding won't be interrupted by a hurricane or a full beach. The spring and fall seasons offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer provides longer daylight hours if you're planning for an afternoon or evening ceremony. Consider sunrise or sunset for brilliant colors in the backdrop of pictures and try to avoid the hot, mid-day sun that could make both you and your guests a little uncomfortable. Also be sure to check the tides before you set up for the event. If you set up too close to the water and the tide comes up, you could be dealing with an entirely different kind of waterworks during the ceremony.
Embrace Coastal Décor
Incorporate coastal elements into your wedding décor to embrace the beachy vibes of the Outer Banks. Think driftwood accents, seashells, starfish, and nautical touches. Use a color palette inspired by the ocean, such as soft blues, sandy neutrals, and coral hues. Enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings and let the coastal charm shine through your chosen decorations. Take advantage of the sand as part of your overall theme, embracing the wind and the possibility of salt and sand making it onto the bridal party. Capitalize on the breeze coming off the ocean by including lace, satin, and other thin, wispy fabric in your decorations and/or arch to create your favorite fairytale photographs. Sand-dollars and starfish make awesome favors and you can even include shells in the design of the cake, chair decorations, or bouquet. And speaking of the bouquet, why not try including some beach grass or locally-sourced flowers that highlight the lavender hues of an Outer Banks sunset or the bright blue of the ocean in the middle of July.
Plan Beach-Friendly Attire
When thinking about what you're going to wear and what you're going to encourage your guests to wear, plan for the unique environment that is the beach. Don't wear anything too heavy or thick or anything that won't be able to withstand a little bit of saltwater. Suggest breathable fabrics for everyone and make special considerations for footwear, including flats and/or sandals. Take a look at our guide, What to Wear to a Beach Wedding, for a more in-depth look at fashion choices for getting married on the beach!
Accomodate Comfort
Accomodating the comfort of your guests is extremely important when you're getting married somewhere like the beach. Consider offering beach-friendly seating options like bamboo chairs or chairs with bright blankets and cushions, or even beach towels, to reinforce the theme. Consider offering baskets for guests to access essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, or even paper fans to combat the heat. If you're getting married earlier in the day or on an extra hot evening in July or August, you may want to rent tents or umbrellas to keep everyone cool so that they can be focusing on the ceremony, not the elements.
Plan for Unpredictable Weather
It's definitely ideal to be married on the beach with warm, comfortable weather, lots of sunshine, and welcoming blue skies that create the perfect picture of the bridal party. However, reality can be a little bit different and it's important to have a backup plan in the case of inclement weather like a sudden storm or strong winds on the big day. Rent a large tent or have an indoor venue nearby in case you need to be able to get out of the way of an incoming rainstorm. Work closely with your wedding planner to ensure that you have contingencies in place so that you can enjoy all the beauty of an Outer Banks wedding while still being flexible and prepared.
Book an Outer Banks Vacation Rental for Your Wedding Now!
Having your wedding on the Outer Banks offers a captivating experience for couples seeking a romantic coastal celebration to begin their lives together. With a little extra planning and infusing your own personal touch, you can create a picture-perfect ceremony that embraces the charm and natural beauty of this remarkable destination while capturing the truly unique love that you and your partner share. The Outer Banks will provide the perfect backdrop for your love story, leaving you with cherished memories and breathtaking photographs that will last a lifetime.
Give our amazing Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks. And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.
We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
