The Ultimate Guide to Your Wilmington NC Elopement

You and your soulmate, a never-ending stretch of beach, and the kind of coastal charm that makes you want to bottle the moment and keep it forever. Wilmington’s got it all—stunning beaches, gardens that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale, and some seriously good seafood. 

It’s the kind of place where you can have your ocean-view ceremony and then hop over to grab craft cocktails in a historic downtown all in one day. Because who says you can’t have a little adventure with your vows?  So let’s dive into everything you need to know to plan your Wilmington NC elopement!

How to Get to Wilmington, NC?

If you’re flying in, there are several options for you to get here. You can fly in at the Wilmington International Airport (ILM) which is just 4 miles from downtown Wilmington. American Airlines, Delta, and United offer flights to and from major hubs like Charlotte, Atlanta, and New York.

You can also fly to Myrtle Beach, SC, about a 1.5-hour drive away. It’s a scenic drive that gives you a little preview of the coastal beauty you’ll be surrounded by on your big day. Alternatively, you can fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport, but that’s about a 2-hour drive.

Best Season to Elope in Wilmington

Wilmington is a beautiful elopement spot throughout the year. If you want to avoid the heat and crowds, spring or fall is your best bet. During spring, the weather is mild, the flowers are in bloom, and the beaches are less crowded. Summers here are hot, humid, and bustling with tourists. If you’d like to choose a summer elopement, I’d recommend planning your ceremony for early morning or late evening to beat the heat.

Fall is another sweet spot in Wilmington. The weather is cooler, the leaves start to change, and the summer crowds have thinned out. While winter in Wilmington is mild compared to other parts of the country, it’s still cooler and less predictable weather-wise. However, if you’re envisioning a cozy, off-season elopement, winter could work, just be sure to pack layers!

Wilmington NC Elopement Locations

Wilmington is home to some seriously stunning spots that are perfect for your elopement. Whether you want a laid-back beach ceremony or a beautiful garden setting, there are so many options for you!

Wrightsville Beach

If you’re envisioning a classic beach elopement, Wrightsville Beach is a top choice. The soft sand and sparkling Atlantic Ocean make for a breathtaking backdrop. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a permit to tie the knot here, with prices starting at $130, depending on your guest count. But trust me, it’s worth every penny for those epic ocean views.

Carolina Beach

If you’re looking for a more low-key beach option, Carolina Beach is a great choice. It also has a beautiful vintage boardwalk for you to wander before or after the ceremony! I already can envision the photos! Also, no permits are required, however, some restrictions apply – like no setups of chairs, tents, or firework displays.

Kure Beach

Kure Beach offers all the charm of a small beach town with the added bonus of an open-air pavilion that you can rent for your ceremony. It’s a fantastic option if you love the idea of a beach wedding but want to get some shade if the sun turns up the heat or in case of rain during the hurricane season.

Airlie Gardens

Cue the magical garden vibes at Airlie Gardens! Think majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss, elegant fountains & structures, and vibrant blooms everywhere you look. They offer an elopement package that’s perfect for an intimate ceremony, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. But keep in mind, you can only get married here between March and mid-October and excluding Mondays.

Fun Sailboat Elopement

Yes, you read that right. Sailboat elopement. Imagine tying the knot on a boat while cruising through the peaceful waters, wind in your hair, champagne in hand. It’s romantic, adventurous, and way more memorable than your standard banquet hall. And let’s be real, how many people do you know who got married on a sailboat?

All you need – just charter a sailboat and ensure that all the legal aspects of your marriage (like witnesses and officiant requirements) are handled on board.

How to Get Married in North Carolina

Now that you’ve picked your dream location for your Wilmington NC elopement, you’ve gotta make it official. North Carolina requires two witnesses and an officiant to legally marry you. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, you can easily grab your marriage license from any county courthouse in North Carolina. The marriage license costs $60.

There is no waiting period in North Carolina, so you can get married as soon as you obtain the license. Your ceremony may only be performed by a “Magistrate, Minister, or any other person authorized by their religious denomination, or federally recognized Indian Tribe” according to their marriage application website.

Wilmington NC Elopement Activities

Why stop after the ceremony? Wilmington offers plenty of activities to make your elopement day (and the days after) unforgettable!

• Spend the day exploring Wilmington’s three public beaches. Each one has its own vibe, so you can choose your favorite or visit them all.
• Take a stroll through Wilmington’s historic downtown, where you can admire the charming architecture, visit local shops, and maybe even hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride.
• Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or even just a leisurely boat ride!
• Go brewery hopping through the many available breweries here.
• Go to a nice restaurant or enjoy a picnic together.
• You can also get tattoos done, like one of my couple’s did recently for their Wilmington NC elopement!

Looking for even more ideas? Here are some more elopement activity suggestions for you! While these may not be Wilmington-specific, you can see if something piques your interest and see if you can do something similar in the area!

Accommodations and Logistics

When it comes to where to stay, Wilmington has plenty of options ranging from beachfront hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts. If you’re looking for something romantic and intimate, consider booking a stay at one of the charming inns in the historic district or opting for an oceanfront room to fall asleep to the sound of the waves. If you’re into camping, there are several campgrounds and RV parks in the area!

In terms of logistics, Wilmington is a small, easy-to-navigate town, but renting a car might be your best bet if you plan on exploring all the beaches and surrounding areas. And don’t forget to check the tide schedule if you’re planning a beach elopement!

NC Elopement Packages & Photographer

I hope this Wilmington NC elopement guide was helpful! Because I believe planning your elopement should be fun, stress-free, and packed with meaningful moments that reflect your unique love story.

As your North Carolina elopement photographer, I’m not just here to snap gorgeous photos but to help you plan every detail, find the perfect location, navigate permits, and create a timeline that makes your day truly unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of eloping on a secluded beach, a mountaintop, or even in a national park, I’ve got you covered.

With my elopement packages, you’ll get personalized planning assistance, location scouting, permit help, and more. I’ll be there every step of the way, so you can focus on each other and the incredible adventure ahead. Oh, and did I mention you’ll get sneak peeks of your photos within 24 hours? Because capturing your day means everything to me! To learn more about my photography services, check out my elopement portfolio or send me a message. I would be thrilled and honored to help you plan your special day!