Visit The Outer Banks

A Guide to Planning an Outer Banks Wedding

By Outer Banks Wedding Association on Jan. 08, 2025

It’s time to start bringing your dream wedding to life on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. With so many choices ahead, the first question is simple: where should you start?

Whether you are still searching for the right professionals or have already chosen the big pieces and need support with the finer points, local Outer Banks wedding vendors and professionals are available right where your celebration will happen.

Outer Banks Wedding Association hosts two annual wedding planning expos: OBX Wedding Fest in late August and Outer Banks Wedding Weekend in early March. These events allow engaged couples to connect with vendors in person and often find savings through expo booking discounts or giveaways.

The Outer Banks stretches across more than 100 miles of barrier islands. Because the region covers such a wide area, choosing the location that best fits your wedding can take some thought, and each town has its own requirements for beach weddings. Before reviewing the permits and regulations by town, here are a few planning tips that can make the process easier.

Work with a planner or coordinator

A planner or coordinator who knows the Outer Banks can guide you through the local requirements for your wedding location. They can also assist with securing permits, communicating with vendors, and helping you stay within your budget.

Get to know the area

The Outer Banks offers plenty to experience, so it helps to understand the region before choosing exactly where you want to marry. Many couples have vacationed here for years, while others may be discovering it for the first time. Browsing things to do and the OBX Bucket List can help you get familiar with the area.

Book an officiant

Officiants are especially helpful with the legal details of marriage. After you submit your marriage license application, you then have 60 days in the State of North Carolina to get married and sign your Marriage Certificate. An officiant will take care of submitting the signed certificate for you so it is one less thing to worry about after your special day.

Check with your rental agency

If your celebration will take place at an event home, speak with the rental agency about any existing policies. Many homes require event insurance fees, so confirming details in advance is helpful.

Getting a marriage license

Some couples decide to complete the legal marriage process in their home state while still holding their ceremony and reception on the Outer Banks. That is perfectly fine and may be the simpler option for some. If you prefer to obtain a North Carolina marriage license, the process is straightforward.

First of all, you do NOT have to be a resident of NC to obtain a marriage license here. You can actually submit your application for a marriage license in any North Carolina county, or in some cases, even online. The entire process takes about 30 minutes and there is a $60 fee. Once issued, the license is good for 60 days. You can obtain your license at either the Dare or Currituck County Register of Deeds, or the Hyde County Courthouse. Remember to bring a Photo I.D., Social Security Card or W2, and a Birth Certificate if under the age of 21. You are required to return the marriage license to the issuing county within 10 days after the marriage ceremony.

Currituck County Register of Deeds

Dare County Register of Deeds

Hyde County Courthouse

Town-by-town permits and regulations

Whether you are newly engaged or simply daydreaming about a wedding, the Outer Banks offers a beautiful setting with many possibilities. Every town has its own personality, and that is part of why visitors return year after year. Oceanfront or soundside, private event home or all-inclusive venue, large celebration or intimate gathering with close friends and family: the Outer Banks has options for many wedding styles.

It is advised to contact the town in which your event will take place for any additional permits or restrictions.

Town of Duck

Duck sits between Corolla and Southern Shores and offers walkable restaurants and local businesses. It is also where you will find Sanderling Resort, the only full-service resort on the Outer Banks. The town does not own or maintain any public beach access locations and does not allow parking along state roads. Most neighborhoods have a private community beach access.

No beach wedding permit is required for events with 49 or fewer guests. If you have more than 49 guests, you are required to register your event with the Town of Duck 30 days prior to the event.

Contact the Town of Duck at (252) 255-1234.

Town of Southern Shores

Southern Shores covers 4-square miles and blends the small-town feel of Corolla and Duck with easy access to Highway 158 and key Outer Banks attractions and stores. The town does not have public parking, but many vacation homes are within walking distance of the beach.

There is no permit needed for a beach wedding, but there is a Special Events Encroachment Permit if there will be overflow parking at your event home.

Special Events Encroachment Permit

Tent permits are required if:

Tent Permit Link

Contact the Town of Southern Shores at (252) 261-2394.

Town of Kitty Hawk

Kitty Hawk includes Kitty Hawk Woods, Kitty Hawk Village, and scenic beaches. From sound to sea, the views are memorable and there are plenty of activities nearby.

A $50 Outdoor Gathering Permit is required for events of 50 or more people.

Outdoor Gathering Permit

There is an additional $25 fee for Fire Inspections of tents over 200 square feet.

Contact the Town of Kitty Hawk at (252) 261-3552.

Town of Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills has welcomed vacationers for generations, whether they are biking along Bay Drive or walking the shoreline. With many beach access points and parking areas, Avalon Pier, and the Wright Brothers National Museum and Monument, the town offers plenty to do.

There are no tents or canopies permitted on the beach in Kill Devil Hills.

You may set up a tent or canopy at a rental home. To do this, you need a building permit (no fee) from the Fire Marshal. Contact them at (252) 480-4060.

Contact the Town of Kill Devil Hills at (252) 449-5300.

Town of Nags Head

Nags Head is one of the most popular Outer Banks destinations and has a classic Outer Banks feel. Couples and guests can spend time on the beach or visit attractions such as Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

There are no permits required for a beach wedding.

40 chairs maximum.

Tents and canopies are only permitted on private property.

If greater than 400 square feet, inspection is required by Nags Head Fire & Rescue. Contact them at (252) 441-5909

Contact the Town of Nags Head at (252) 441-5508.

Town of Manteo

Manteo offers historic character from the moment you arrive. Its soundfront downtown is surrounded by water and includes three public options for weddings: The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse & Pier, The Waterfront Gazebo and George Washington Creef Memorial Park.

You will need to submit an application to reserve a space at one of the three locations. Each is available twice a day (4 p.m. – 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

Contact the Town of Manteo at (252) 473-2133.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore covers Outer Banks beaches south of Nags Head on Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island. It also includes Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Ocracoke Island Lighthouse. Beach areas in front of hotels, houses and businesses on Hatteras Island (Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Hatteras & Frisco) are all part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

While secluded, there are restrictions due to the fact that it is a National Park. A special use permit is required for all ceremonies and vow renewals. Weddings are permitted on the grounds of the lighthouses between the third Friday in April through Columbus Day. Weddings must occur before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. It is important to plan a wedding that has adequate parking for guests. Decor like flowers, garlands, gazebos, rice and birdseed are prohibited.

Small & simple weddings

Large weddings & weddings with chairs

Chair set-up is prohibited around lighthouses, sound side beaches, lifeguarded beaches and off road vehicle routes.

Visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Website to complete an application and for more Information. Contact the Special Parks Uses Coordinator at (252) 475-9034.

Corolla & Carova 4×4

Carova and Corolla are the northernmost Outer Banks beaches, located just below Virginia. Carova is often known as the 4-wheel drive beach because access requires 4-wheel drive. Corolla is known for it’s roaming wild horses, boutique charm and the TRAFFIC! For weekend weddings during peak season, remember that there is only one way (as of now) to reach the area, and vacation traffic can be heavy. If your wedding is here, make sure guests who are staying elsewhere allow plenty of time to arrive.

No beach wedding permit is needed for weddings with under 100 participants.

Tents on private property that are over 400 square feet require a $50 permit.

Tents or canopies over 200 square feet require inspection by a fire marshal.

Contact the Visitors Center at (252) 453-9612 or Visit the Currituck County Website.

Author

Outer Banks Wedding Association

OBWA has proudly represented a carefully curated group of vendors whose businesses are driven by their love for our coast, the wedding industry, and relationships with their fellow professionals. For general inquires, please email us at hello@obxwa.com.

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