Waterfront Wedding Venues Wilmington

Discover the top waterfront wedding venues across Wilmington for your perfect coastal wedding day

Wilmington, North Carolina with its coastal charm and picturesque waterfronts, provides a dreamy backdrop for couples seeking a romantic and memorable wedding celebration. This charming city is the perfect place for local couples or for couples looking to have a destination wedding along the East Coast. As a seasoned North Carolina wedding photographer, we will dive into my personal top waterfront wedding venues in Wilmington. Each offer a unique blend of seaside serenity and Southern hospitality, ensuring your special day is nothing short of magical.

A couple kissing on a waterfront wedding venue in Wilmington North Carolina by JoLynn Photography

The River Room

The River Room is one of the most historic and iconic locations for weddings and events in downtown Wilmington. Located in the historic JW Brooks Building, and originally a fish market in the 1920’s, The River Room is one of the only venues that is directly on the Cape Fear River. Exposed brick walls offer a classic downtown historical atmosphere with large bay windows, overlooking the river let in the perfect amount of natural lighting. The expansive deck offers spectacular sunset views and wonderful photo opportunities for both indoor and outdoor ambiance.

The River Landing

The River Landing has a variety of unique venues, each with its own special ambiance, and is a fantastic location for couples looking for waterfront wedding venues near Wilmington in a private countryside estate. The stunning location holds a plethora of outdoor wedding image opportunities that showcase the intercoastal waterways that Wilmington has to offer.

The River Landing offers several venue locations across the estate. The Clubhouse at River Landing is a classic and elegant space, offering a grand Ballroom with seating for 300, an expansive terrace, charming verandahs, and panoramic views of lush landscape and sparkling lakes. The River Lodge, nestled on a bend of the Northeast Cape Fear River, is a romantic and rustic outdoor space. The tall trees and scenic waterfront make this an unforgettable coastal venue. The Poolside is a tranquil space is perfect for more casual receptions.

The River Lodge at River Landing, a waterfront wedding venue in Wilmington by JoLynn Photography

Brick Landing at Ocean Isle Beach

Located on the intercoastal waterway of Ocean Isle Beach, The Brick Landing is a waterfront wedding venue hidden gem. Whether you are planning a destination wedding or are looking for a local spot to get married, the panoramic views of the coastal intercoastal waterway will make for amazing wedding photos. The SeaGrass lawn offers an amazing outdoor ceremony location, the Waterway View Event Room is a gorgeous space is located on the second level of the venue, and The Oyster Dining Room & Seabreeze Bar are perfect for smaller intimate events, wedding cocktail hour, or even as a backup wedding ceremony space.

Blockade Runner Beach Resort

From colorful gardens to manicured lawns and expansive ballrooms, the Blockade Runner Beach Resort is the perfect backdrop for a waterfront venue. The Wrightsville Beach resort is surrounded by seasonal blooms and views of ocean and sound, creating a variety of private nooks and crannies for ceremonies, receptions, photos, and a night of celebrations. In addition to picturesque oceanfront ceremony options, the Blockade Runner also offers oceanfront accommodations for 150 guests. It is the perfect location for a destination wedding or a local wedding day.

Shell Island Resort

Shell Island Resort, a remote location at the secluded northern end of Wrightsville Beach, offers unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean. Sprawling with expansive beautiful white dunes, Shell Island Resort can provide one of the most beautiful settings for your ceremony right on the beach.

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