The serene beauty and secluded charm of Bald Head Island makes it the perfect place for an intimate wedding or grand celebration. The island has venues and vacation rentals to accommodate entire guest lists making it easy for everyone to travel and stay together for your big day.
Brides who prefer a more traditional ceremony can exchange vows at the quaint Bald Head Island Chapel. Following the Chapel ceremony, couples can host their reception at the oceanfront Shoals Club.
Car-Free Destination
With miles of Atlantic ocean shoreline and rental home options on the beach, Bald Head Island is a perfect destination for a beach wedding. This secluded destination is car-free, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Whether you want to hold your wedding on the beach or in one of the many elegant reception venues, there is something for every style of Bald Head Island weddings.
The Islanders love their beaches and take pride in their pristine condition. You’ll find that locals care about keeping the sand clean and the water clear, and developers build homes with preservation of nature in mind. As a result, the Coastal Forest is preserved and the islands’ beautiful dunes are protected, giving Bald Head Island an unique environment that is a natural paradise.
During a visit to the Island, you’ll see families playing in the surf, building sand castles and flying kites. Kids seem to play the same way they did hundreds of years ago, and adults spend their time relaxing in the sun with a book or talking with friends and family.
The Island is a world unto itself, and this unique setting makes it the perfect location for a romantic destination wedding. Crystal & Colin threw a cozy, intimate wedding on the beach and took full advantage of this special place, with a classic mermaid gown for the bride, minty sea-green for the bridesmaids and beachy linen for the groomsmen. The salty air, wispy shoals and peaceful vistas made for a picture-perfect backdrop for this gorgeous North Carolina beach wedding.
Beautiful Beaches
The pristine beaches on Bald Head Island are breathtaking and the perfect spot for your destination wedding ceremony. Whether you’re going barefoot on the beach or under a gazebo overlooking the Atlantic, it will be a day that you and your guests will remember forever.
The Shoals Club, located on the corner high point of the island offers couples a classic East Coast beach club venue for both their ceremonies and receptions. Most couples choose to have their ceremony on the presentation deck overlooking Cape Fear Point and Frying Pan Shoals while others opt for a more traditional ceremony at the quaint Bald Head Island Chapel.
Another beautiful option for your destination wedding on BHI is a private home rental. There are hundreds of beachfront homes in Oak Island for you to choose from and many offer both indoor and outdoor options for your big day. Private home rentals provide your guests with a unique and memorable experience that will keep them coming back year after year.
I loved photographing Meredith’s wedding at The Bald Head Island Club this past summer because of the incredible amount of thought, design and love that went into every aspect of their special day. From the bridesmaid dresses that were custom designed with each of their friends’ personality in mind to the table runners, pillows and invitation suites – everything about their day was just magical!
Exquisite Venues
Bald Head Island offers a variety of venues for your wedding day. From beachfront ceremony and reception locations, to golf course view locations and even a one-of-a-kind private estate – there is something for every couple. In addition, BHI has a large selection of rental homes to accommodate your wedding party and guests. This means everyone can have a mini-vacation and enjoy your special day on the Island.
For couples who are drawn to a more traditional chapel style wedding, we recommend The Village Chapel of Bald Head Island. This beautiful octagonal brick and plaster church seats 130 people and is located next to Old Baldy Lighthouse which offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding day photos.
Other unique location options include the Smith Island Museum which offers a beautiful garden setting surrounded by majestic moss draped Southern Live Oaks. The property is bordered by tidal estuaries and meandering creeks which provides the perfect setting for a romantic and memorable wedding experience.
128 South is a historic venue with beautiful architecture and rich history in downtown Wilmington, NC. Formerly a VonKampen bakery from the late 1800s, this unique space is the perfect combination of industrial charm and historical allure.
Perfect Food & Drink
The natural beauty of the island offers a unique setting for destination weddings. The combination of pristine beaches, lush dunes and forests, and an upscale community feel provides the ideal backdrop for unforgettable weddings. There are also a variety of venues and vacation rentals that can accommodate guest lists for any size.
Whether you are looking for a beach wedding or more traditional chapel ceremony, there are plenty of options on the island. The Village Chapel of Bald Head Island is a picturesque chapel that features 19th century Carolina coastal style and gorgeous wooden ceiling beams. It is located near Old Baldy, the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina and offers a beautiful historic backdrop for wedding photos. For those that prefer a ceremony on the sand, Shoals Club offers a scenic spot overlooking the ocean and Frying Pan Shoals at Cape Fear Point.
For your reception, Coastal Catering & Events specializes in upscale weddings with breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean and the stunning sand dunes of Bald Head Island. Their experienced culinary team creates exceptional menus and creative presentations to impress your guests and exceed your expectations. They work closely with you to tailor every aspect of your destination wedding so that it is perfect. This seasoned Raleigh wedding planner has a reputation for delivering flawlessly organized and perfectly executed weddings.