Wedding Planning

In Wilmington, you really can really sail off into the sunset with your sweetie. Whether your fantasy wedding includes the ocean, a historic mansion or a glorious plantation, fantasies become realities in Wilmington, N.C. Information about marriage licenses, wedding locations, wedding receptions, wedding cakes, caterers, wedding shows, bridal shops, bridal registries, wedding planners and wedding officiants and ministers are listed below. There is also information about florists, wedding invitations and printers, wedding photographers and videographers, wedding music, limousine rentals and rental equipment in the area.

A quiet respite in the midst of the urban landscape, historic Airlie Gardens offers 67 acres of azaleas, camellias and some of the world's most exotic plants in a setting that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The Pergola Lawn is the most popular place to conduct ceremonies since it has a natural bridal walk along with a view of the Italian pergola and Airlie Lake.  Afterward, many couples choose the famous 467-year-old Airlie Oak as the site for their reception. Airlie Gardens is a one-of-a-kind wedding location, and they are now booking ceremonies and receptions for 2010 and 2011.

The historic Graystone Inn, with its turn-of-the-twentieth-century elegance, frequently hosts wedding receptions and events. The inn's event planner is available to help coordinate your ceremony and/or reception and is present at your event to coordinate all activities. Also, the inn has compiled a recommended list of caterers, florists, musicians and photographers to make your choices as worry-free as possible. The grand, Renaissance-style staircase, with its sweeping curves, provides a feeling of warmth and allows you to make a dramatic entrance to the ceremony. Your guests will have a commanding view of your wedding nuptials from the parlor and grand entrance hall. The beautiful ground floor contains 5,000 square feet of space, accommodating up to 150 guests. The dining room's magnificent 12-foot-long mahogany table is perfect for a catered feast. Along with your wedding festivities, your guests will enjoy taking advantage of all that downtown Wilmington has to offer.

The City Club at de Rosset epitomizes the architectural style of the old South and combines Southern charm with the very best in gourmet dining and service. The location is perfect whether you're planning a true old-fashioned Southern wedding or a thoroughly modern event. They can even arrange for music, if desired. Weather permitting, plan to have both wedding and reception in the beautiful garden, where up to 200 people can be served, depending on the format. If it's rainy or cold, you'll find a gorgeous setting inside the mansion. All in all, The City Club at de Rosset offers an atmosphere of gracious elegance and refinement for your special day.

Make your wedding a memorable occasion with an evening event at Wilmington's beautifully restored Bellamy Mansion (1859-1861). This magnificent landmark provides a breathtaking backdrop for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and wedding photography. Ornate plaster work, original brass chandeliers, marble and slate mantles and elaborate Victorian-style carpets provide a truly Southern atmosphere. More than 5,000 square feet, including the two main floors of the house, the grounds and the porches, are available for your guests. Your caterer may work on the basement level. Centrally located in the heart of Wilmington's downtown historic district, the mansion enjoys a large on-site parking lot. Bellamy Mansion is an ideal location for a small wedding or larger reception, and your guests will enjoy the comfort and beauty of this antebellum treasure.

For a wedding surrounded by fine art, brilliant architecture and beautiful park-like grounds, there's no experience in Wilmington like the Cameron Art Museum. Exchange your vows and hold your reception in your choice of the museum’s several indoor and outdoor spaces and semi-enclosed courtyard. Their list of approved caterers includes museum patrons and caterers who have served other museum events. As they say at the museum: "Your event will be a masterpiece."

Fantastic views of the river in historic downtown Wilmington create a romantic backdrop for your bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner, ceremony or reception on the Cape Fear River Deck at Candles Etc. Adjacent to the Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River, the Deck is the perfect location for a Riverfront Wilmington wedding. Owners Michael Lambrix and Howard Brown have more than 25 years of event planning experience and will take care of the details to make your event successful. Since the Cape Fear River Deck is part of Candles Etc., they can provide elegant candle decor for your event if you’d like. Catering is provided by Elijah's restaurant, which is next door to the Cape Fear River Deck. Michael and Howard have excellent referrals for everything from florists and cake bakers to musicians and a horse carriage to provide you with most any service you may need in making your event a special day.

The City Club at de Rosset epitomizes the architectural style of the old South and combines Southern charm with the very best in gourmet dining and service. The location is perfect whether you're planning a true old-fashioned Southern wedding or a thoroughly modern event. They can even arrange for music, if desired. Weather permitting, plan to have both wedding and reception in the beautiful garden, where up to 200 people can be served, depending on the format. If it's rainy or cold, you'll find a gorgeous setting inside the mansion. All in all, The City Club at de Rosset offers an atmosphere of gracious elegance and refinement for your special day.

The Henrietta III provides a truly unique wedding and reception location. This  antebellum-style riverboat offers a variety of day or evening package plans to suit your nuptial needs. Ceremonies are held on the boat dockside for a peaceful view of the water. After exchanging vows on or off the boat, enjoy a leisurely cruise down the beautiful Cape Fear River with your sweetheart and wedding party. The Henrietta III can host weddings from four to 350 guests, with menus ranging from light hors d'oeuvres to an elegant four-course dinner. Plan ahead and book early.

Listed on the National Historic Register, Saint Thomas Preservation Hall is a beautifully restored building that dates back to 1846. Staffed with friendly professionals, the space is designed and fully equipped for rehearsal dinners, weddings, meetings and receptions for up to 250 guests. At Saint Thomas, there are no requirements to use an in-house service. You can choose any band, disc jockey, caterer, bartender or florist you desire, and your providers have all day to set up and decorate at no extra charge. You can also take great satisfaction in knowing that all rental proceeds go to maintain and preserve part of Wilmington's history and support charitable organizations.