Planning a wedding in Wilmington means starting with that signature coastal charm—but it’s the city’s elevated venues that truly elevate your celebration. Imagine hundred-year-old live oaks, elegant ballrooms by the beach, historic mansions, and yacht club sunsets. These are the spaces that photograph beautifully, make guests feel pampered, and give you a canvas worthy of an editorial-style story.
As a Nashville & East Coast wedding photographer, I’ve curated my top 13 venues in Wilmington and nearby islands—handpicked for couples who want timeless character, lush backdrops, and a touch of grandeur.
Figure 8 Island Yacht Club
Location: Figure Eight Island, North Carolina
Investment: Available for club members or sponsored guests
Capacity: 100–200 (varies by layout)
This private coastal club offers refined yacht-inspired sophistication beside calm intracoastal waters. Elegant interiors, sunset backdrops, and a sense of exclusivity make this a go-to for elevated destination weddings.
Photo by: Figure 8 Island Yacht Club
Airlie Gardens
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Investment: Starting around $7K for 50 guests
Capacity: Up to 300
A 67-acre public garden draped in moss-laden live oaks, seasonal blooms, and historic sculptures. Between the Oak Lawn, Pergola Garden, Bottle Chapel, or the waterfront Bradley Creek overlook, this venue offers endless editorial moments and timeless elegance.
Photo by: Hayley Moore Photography
Sycamore Bend Estate
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Investment: Custom pricing, often $10K+ for full weekend
Capacity: Up to 400 (plus on-site lodging for 26 guests)
Gated southern luxury. This sprawling 18-acre estate features multiple garden and lawn areas, a charming barn, string lighting, and stately architecture—perfect for weekend-long celebrations with cinematic photo potential.
Photo: Sycamore Bend Estate
Bellamy Mansion Museum
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Investment: $750–$2.5K/hour depending on season and space
Capacity: ~50 for seated events
A beautifully restored Greek Revival mansion nestled downtown. Its grand columns, lush carriage house garden, and historic interiors make it a portrait-lover’s dream—for couples seeking intimate elegance steeped in local heritage.
Photo: Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts
Live Oaks Inspire & Preserve
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Investment: Custom pricing, typically $6K–$10K
Capacity: Varies by layout
A serene wooded preserve framed by grand live oaks—perfect for intimate ceremonies that feel deeply rooted in nature. It’s understated elegance with editorial-caliber light filtering through canopy branches.
Photo: Shelby Darling Photo
Wrightsville Manor & Gardens
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Investment: $3K–$9.95K
Capacity: Up to 265
This estate is a refined combo of indoor and outdoor elegance: a bright bridal suite, stone fireplace, crystal chandelier, and charming tree-lined gardens. The light is soft and dreamy—ideal for editorial-style portraits and classic table styling.
Photo: Eric Boneske Photo
Blockade Runner Beach Resort
Location: Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
Investment: Packages start around $5K+, varies by guest count & lodging
Capacity: Up to 150–200
Coastal luxury with beachfront access and unmatched views of the Atlantic. Think oceanfront ceremonies at sunset, shell-dusted walkways, and resort-level amenities that ensure your guest experience is top-tier.
Photo: Blockade Runner Beach Resort
The Beaufort Hotel
Location: Beaufort, North Carolina
Investment: Around $8K–$15K (varies by guest count + lodging)
Capacity: Up to 200
A boutique coastal hotel known for artful, elevated events in a charming small-town setting. Combines luxury lodging + refined venue for an intimate coastal wedding with editorial flair.
Photo: The Beaufort Hotel
A few elevated Wedding Venues Near Wilmington, North Carolina that deserve a mention
River Forest Manor & Marina
Location: Belhaven, North Carolina
Investment: Starting around $4.7K per event, weekend packages pricier count + lodging)
Capacity: Up to 80 seated (indoor); standing events can accommodate up to 1,000
A historic estate with wraparound porches, sweeping river views, and timeless Southern charm. River Forest Manor is ideal for a weekend wedding retreat—combining boutique lodging, marina access, and beautiful indoor/outdoor flow. It feels both grand and grounded, making it a dream for portrait sessions with depth and atmosphere.
Photo: River Forest Manor & Marina
The Watson House & Gardens
Location: Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Investment: Custom, typically $5K–$10K+
Capacity: Up to 250
A coastal estate filled with character, charm, and curated gardens. The Watson House features sweeping oak trees, waterfront backdrops, and a beautiful blend of rustic elegance and refined design. It’s an ideal setting for couples wanting a romantic outdoor wedding with all the details of a high-end venue.
Photo: The Watson House & Gardens
The Black Stallion
Location: Corolla, North Carolina (Outer Banks)
Investment: Typically $10K–$20K+ for full buyout
Capacity: Up to 300 guests (plus lodging for up to 50 people onsite)
Tucked into Eastern North Carolina’s countryside, Britton Manor brings stately elegance with formal gardens, country-creek backdrops, and grand interior spaces. Suited for larger celebrations of up to 400 guests, this venue offers refined Southern charm with a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.
Photo: Kasey Powell Weddings
The Berkley Manor
Location: Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
Investment: Starting around $1,950 for 175 guests (weekend pricing varies)
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
For couples dreaming of a private island escape, The Berkley Manor offers a warm, luxurious retreat across 2.5 acres with waterfront access on Silver Lake. This 1950s-built lodge includes a main house with five suites, a historic barn, and new pavilion-style reception spaces—comfortably hosting up to 200 guests.
Photo: Paula Bradfield
Whalehead in Historic Corolla
Location: Corolla, North Carolina (Outer Banks)
Investment: Starting around $4,600 for 50 guests
Capacity: Up to 250
Nestled in the 39-acre Historic Corolla Park on the Outer Banks, Whalehead is a restored 1920s Art Nouveau mansion that feels like stepping into a living work of art. With its expansive lawns, century-old live oaks, boathouse, and views of the Currituck Sound and iconic lighthouse, this venue offers rich texture and history in every shot.
Photo: Kasey Powell Weddings
Wilmington and its coastal surrounds offer more than just wedding venues—they offer experiences. When you choose one that aligns with your vision, you enable storytelling that feels beautifully intentional, emotionally rich, and visually unforgettable.
Are you planning a wedding in Wilmington or along the coast? Let’s connect—I’d love to translate these spaces into timeless imagery that feels so you.
