The question’s been popped, you’ve said yes, and now it’s time to plan! If you’re dreaming of having your wedding on the beautiful Outer Banks, look no further than here! With the OBX being one of the top wedding destinations in the country (no brag) there are so many talented wedding vendors to make your OBX wedding special! See some of our top recommended wedding vendors here, and even more at the Outer Banks Wedding Guide and Outer Banks Wedding Association!

FINDING YOUR VENUE

Virginia Dare #5460 is a beautiful, Nags Head event home perfect for your big day

With any wedding, you have to find a venue! Whether you want to have your ceremony oceanside or at an event space, the Outer Banks has plenty of choices that are perfect for you. If you prefer a smaller wedding, an event home is the best choice. (Even better if you want a seaside ceremony, an oceanfront event home gives you the best of both worlds.)

 

WHO’S COOKIN’?

Patty Bakes Cakes // Cosmo’s Pizzeria Catering

You don’t want anyone going hungry at cocktail hour and during the reception, and of course you want the perfect cake! Choose from dozens of tasty restaurants ranging from the best local seafood to your very own brick oven pizza and find the wedding cake of your dreams. Your catering should be as amazing as your wedding!

 

FINDING A COORDINATOR

A wedding coordinator can help streamline your wedding planning process. If you’ve already got most of your planning down to a T but want help coordinating on the big day, a day-of coordinator like Mandy Harlow of Heart Of Harlow is who you need. Mandy will help you organize everything on the big day from welcoming guests, direction of vendors, and more. Plus, she does the prettiest hand lettering ever.  Check out Mandy’s website for more information and the fun interview we got to do with her here. For a full list of some of the best wedding coordinators on the beach, visit the Outer Banks Wedding Guide and Outer Banks Wedding Association to find the right one for you.

GETTING THE PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHER

Whitney Norko Photography // Sarah D’ambra Photography // Brooke Mayo Photographers

The key to finding the perfect wedding photographer is finding someone who’s photos you love and who you are comfortable with. The great thing about the Outer Banks? There are DOZENS of photographers to choose from! Some of our favorites? Whitney Norko, Sarah D’ambra, and Brooke Mayo just to name a few!

GETTING WEDDING READY

Lovie’s Salon + Spa in Corolla features makeup artists, hairstyling, spa services, and more!

Hair and makeup are probably one of the most important aspects of your big day! The Outer Banks is home to so many talented makeup-artists, hairstylists, and spa technicians for when you need to de-stress a little.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with the right resources, your planning process will be a breeze. The Outer Banks Wedding Weekend + Expo will have everything you need to have the perfect wedding day! If you’ve coming from out of town to enjoy the Wedding Expo, don’t worry. Resort Realty has you covered with beautiful, and affordable vacation homes that offer partial stays to make your weekend of wedding bliss that much more special.

There’s no question why someone would want to have a wedding here on the Outer Banks. Beautiful beaches and beautiful weather go hand in hand with the first day of the rest of your life. While weddings usually call for dressing up, the most dressing up you find on the Outer Banks is a nice pair of sandals. From a beachside wedding to something just a little fancier, we’ve got you covered in our What To Wear To An Outer Banks Wedding guide!

Floral and Flowy

boho beachy chic wedding
Floral Maxi Dress // All Washed Up Necklaces // Foxy Flamingo Clutch // Oversized Sunglasses // Gold Sandals

Most wedding locations call for a beachside ceremony and sometimes a beachside reception as well! The last thing you want to do is try to walk around on the beach in high heels. Dressy, strappy sandals can be cute, comfortable, and practical. A long maxi dress, mermaid-esque jewelry, and a simple clutch adds to the casual but dressed up vibe that weddings by the sea usually have.

Casual & Cool

coast side cool - mens wedding
Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt // Twill Pants // Sunglasses // Vans Sneakers

With such a laid back, shirt and shoes optional lifestyle the Outer Banks has, weddings are no exception. A casual, but put together look is perfect for a wedding on the beach. A short sleeved button down will keep you cool on muggy summer evenings and khaki chino pants will keep you comfortable while you break it down at the reception! Keep sunglasses handy if you’re attending a soundside evening wedding (you want to be able to see the bride and groom!) With a look like this, you can wear flip flops but if you want to opt for something with a little more structure, you can’t go wrong with a pair of classic vans.

Chic, Sophisticated, & Comfy

classy comfy chic wedding
Left: Printed Shift Dress // Necklace // Wristlet // Sandals                                                                   Right:Scalloped Shift Dress // Necklace // Cross Body Bag // Sandals

The beach isn’t the only venue for a wedding. The Outer Banks is home to many different wedding venues indoor and out. A beach wedding can be casual, but that isn’t always the case. For a dressier wedding, opt for a printed shift dress or a solid color shift dress with some detail. You’ll still be cool and comfortable but classy and chic at the same time. Gold sandals dress up your outfit even more. Pair with a small, simple clutch or cross body bag and you’re Outer Banks wedding ready!
Casual & Classic

Classically Casual Men's Wedding
J.Crew Factory Button Down // J.Crew Factory Pants // Rayban Sunglasses // Nixon Watch // J.Crew Factory Belt // Sperry Boat shoes

Structured slacks and a nice linen button-down is a great choice for a more formal wedding. You’re classic and clean but still give a beachy vibe. Tan details in the boat shoes, sunglasses, and belt keep it slightly casual but a nice timepiece gives you a put-together look.

All of these outfits can be found online or if you prefer to shop in town, local surf shops like Secret Spot, Outer Banks Boarding Company, and Whalebone will have similar laid back styles while Tanger Outlets in Nags Head is where you can find the dressier styles from J. Crew Factory or the Polo Ralph Lauren outlet. What style are you going to choose for the next OBX wedding?