THE JOURNAL

Plan Your Dream Wrightsville Beach Wedding Or Elopement

Wrightsville Beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in North Carolina. It has the perfect combination of lush green spots and picturesque waves, which is no wonder it’s become a popular spot for micro-weddings and elopements. As a North Carolina wedding photographer, I have had the opportunity to capture some pretty gorgeous elopements in this area. Here’s everything you need to know for your Wrightsville Beach wedding.

The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Dream Wrightsville Beach Wedding or Elopement

A white wedding dress with lace embroidered top hangs on a closet door A bride kisses her grand mother while standing in the getting ready room A groom gazes out a round window to the beach after getting ready for his wedding Details of a welcome sign for a wrightsville beach wedding and elopement sitting on a wooden bench A bride holds her dress while walking on a beach at sunset during her wrightsville beach wedding and elopement

When You Should Get Married or Elope in Wrightsville Beach & How to Pick Your Date

The temperate weather in North Carolina makes Wrightsville Beach a popular destination year-round. However, there’s a good chance your wedding won’t involve getting into the waters, so you may not want to pick the summer when the weather is really heating up. The truth is that the temperatures in the peak summer months can get quite overbearing, and you don’t want to have to spend your entire wedding day on the verge of overheating. Early spring and late fall might give your party a few chills, but most likely, you and any guests will be nice and comfortable. Around mid-March through late April and mid-October through mid-November tend to give you ideal temperatures. 

Newlyweds stand with family and friends during their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement ceremony Newlyweds laugh while holding hands and standing on a beach during their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement A bride laughs while dancing with her groom on a boardwalk during their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement A view of a beach elopement during a prayer at sunset Newlyweds kiss on a beach at sunset to end their beach ceremony

Perfect Wedding And Elopement Locations

While finding a bad wedding spot at Wrightsville Beach would be hard, the North End access points tend to be the best for weddings. Not only will you have fewer crowds, but you’ll also get some of the best views of the beach in all its glory! Access #2 will give you premium sand and ocean views while still keeping you next to public restrooms. During the evening, the South End will give you positively breathtaking sunsets. After your ceremony, you can head into town and have a celebratory dinner at one of the charming Wrightsville Beach restaurants. 

A bride hangs onto the arm of her groom while they walk on a boardwalk during their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement Newlyweds hug and kiss while walking on a beach at sunset during their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement Newlyweds giggle at each other while walking up boardwalk stairs during their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement A groom kisses his smiling bride as they sit on a wooden bench with their white dog between them at their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement A groom in a blue vest leads his bride down the dune path to the beach at sunset during their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement

How Much Does it Cost?

When you’re planning your Wrightsville Beach wedding or elopement, the first thing you need to be aware of is the permit. The Parks and Recreation department offers these for $130 for weddings with less than 200 guests. You can complete all of the paperwork online and reserve the access you’d like for your days. Be sure you know how many people you expect since accesses have different capacities. Once you have this reserved, it’s time to get your marriage license. This will cost $60, and both parties must be present to complete it. 

Newlyweds embrace for a big kiss on the beach at sunset Two young girls in white and green dresses stand on a beach holding white rose bouquets A bride smiles over her shoulder while walking on a beach trail and holding a white rose bouquet Newlyweds dance together on a beach deck with guests around them

Benefits of Eloping on Wrightsville Beach

Elopements are the best way to have intimate time with family on your wedding day. The day is more relaxed, and you can enjoy your time with your guests. Elopements can still have all the beautiful details of a standard wedding, but you can really make the day about you and your partner. As a bonus, you can even include your pet in your elopement. What more could you ask for?!

A man sits on a wooden bench by the beach and kisses his wife A bride is surrounded by family and friends while celebrating on a deck A bride laughs while hugging mom at sunset during her wrightsville beach wedding and elopement Details of a sea shell and beach themed wedding reception table set up Details of a beach themed wedding reception table setting Details of a 2 tier white cake with white roses on a stand and table

Hiring a Wrightsville Beach Wedding or Elopement Photographer

Once you have everything in place, it’s time for you to find your Wrightsville Beach wedding photographer to capture your celebration. No matter how big or small your celebration, you need someone to document all those little details so you can cherish this unforgettable day. I adore working with couples to tell the unique story of their love. I take a journalistic approach to my portraits so they feel lovely and genuine. So I would love to be there to make sure you can treasure your wedding for years to come!

A bride walks down the boardwalk to her wrightsville beach wedding and elopement Newlyweds kiss during their first dance on a beachfront deck during their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement Newlyweds walk up a beach dune path together towards a beach house during their wrightsville beach wedding and elopement

Your Dream Wrightsville Beach Wedding or Elopement Awaits!

Hopefully, this guide will help you as you get started planning your dream Wrightsville Beach wedding or elopement. If you need a little extra help or are considering booking your wedding portraits, let’s have a conversation so I can tell you more about my artistic style. I hope to chat with you soon!

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"I document your most meaningful moments, from college to marriage, to business and babies, and everything in between."

— Stacy Savage