Outer Banks
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Outer Banks Weddings
Traditions
Why Outer Banks?
Marriage License Requirements
How to Get There
Insider Tips
Ceremony Sites
Religious Sites
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Rules and regulations for getting married in national parks are strict but worth it for the bride looking for a unique ceremony.
According to National Parks & Services these are the requirements for obtaining a permit to have your wedding on Cape Hatteras National Seashore:
A written permit is required for all wedding ceremonies with the date, time, and place of the ceremony. Once you send in your application, allow 15 days for processing.
A permit to hold a wedding doesn't authorize exclusive use of any public land or buildings.
Available parking is limited, cannot be guaranteed and must be within designated areas. It's wise to carpool. Horse-drawn carriages are prohibited.
Acoustic music may be allowed for ceremonies at the seashore but not at historical properties. No CD's, amplified music, radios or PA systems.
No throwing rice, birdseed, flower petals or releasing balloons, birds or butterflies or anything else, natural or otherwise.
No chairs, altars, flower containers, arches, railings, ropes, torches or candelabras permitted. Elderly guests or guests with disabilities may use chairs.
Do not disturb the wildlife or vegetation. Visitors, photographers and weddings are not permitted in undisturbed dune areas.
All activities must stay within open trails and public areas. No weddings may be held within or upon any public park structure or its approach or steps.
Putting signs on buildings, property, poles or plants is not allowed.
You are responsible for removing trash by placing it in onsite containers if available or bagging it and bringing it with you if no containers are available. Failing to do so will result oin a charge for cleaing up the site.
To apply for a wedding permit, address a letter to the park in care of the Superintendent:
Superintendent National Park Service 1401 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954
Include in the letter your name, mailing address and phone number including area code; the date, time and place of the proposed wedding; and approximately how many people will be attending. Send this about 30 days before the wedding date together with a check for $100.00 (non-refundable fee) made payable to: "National Park Service" to the address above. You can expect your permit about 15 days after the letter is received. All permits received with the fee and at least 15 days prior to the wedding are granted.
If you have any questions about the process or your permit, please contact our Special Park Uses Coordinator at (252) 473-2111, Ext. 121
Lighthouses
Ocracoke Lighthouse is suitable for weddings of three to twelve people. Weddings can be held here from Memorial Day until Labor Day and must be held before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. The lighthouse is closed to the public.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is occasionally open to the public weddings cannot be held within the lighthouse or on its steps or paths. A wedding party of up to 25 people can be easily accommodated. The lighthouse is one of the most famous on the Atlantic Coast making a wedding here quite a public affair. Weddings can be held here from Memorial Day until Labor Day and must be held before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. The lighthouse is closed to the public. The beach area just beyond the lighthouse can handle larger wedddings.
Bodie Island Lighthouse like the other two lighthouses, weddings are allowed Memorial Day until Labor Day and must be held before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. The lighthouse has a nice grassy area, is easily accessible, has parking for 50 cars and restroom facilities.
Beach Weddings
Ocracoke Island is just north (approximately 4 miles) of the Village of Ocracoke is the day use beach area with parking spaces for 35 cars. During the summer season, it is also a lifeguarded beach. Approximately one mile north of the day use beach is the campground with parking spaces for 50 cars. And, approximately 3 miles north of that is the pony pen area with parking for 25 cars. All provide beach access and spectacular views of the ocean.
Hatteras Island - next to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are a number of beaches ideally suited for weddings. Entering the park and across from the visitors parking lot is a beach access that leads to a large picturesque beach suitable for larger weddings. Most days there is adequate parking for larger numbers of people, and immediately nearby are new restroom facilities. Above that beach are the stones marking the original site of the lighthouse. This area and the adjacent beach are also picturesque sites for a wedding. Past the ranger's station, follow the park road leading to the Point and a smaller parking area for approximately 15 cars. This is a beautiful and usually less crowded beach. Most beach locations provide an excellent view of the lighthouse for spectacular photos.
Bodie Island Coquina Beach is very popular with beach goers, has parking for 115 cars and is near the lighthouse. Restrooms are available during the summer and fall. Early morning may be the best time due to it's popularity with sun seekers.
Reception
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