Category Archives: Outer Banks Weddings

01/18/13

Calling All Brides!

As a new year gets underway, many newly engaged couples travel to the Outer Banks to participate in the OBX Wedding Expo, an annual event drawing a sizeable crowd of eager brides. Throughout the weekend, couples will have an opportunity to explore venues, speak with wedding vendors, and sample delicious cuisine! After attending the Expo, brides will have a better understanding of the many options that are available for a dream destination wedding along the shores of the Outer Banks!

Having options as to the way your special day will unfold is great! Once you start fine tuning the details of your wedding day, there are a few things to consider. …Where will the wedding ceremony take place? What time of day would you like to get married? Who will serve as your officiant? Will you have attendants?

In order to assist in the planning of that magical moment, Rev. Tanya Young, an experienced officiant on the Outer Banks, has this bit of advice for any bride planning a wedding at the beach during the warm summer months:

Your Outer Banks ceremony should be no longer than 30 minutes which would include the processional and recessional. Guests will start gathering on the oceanfront 15- 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and may want to linger afterwards. However, they should not be held on the beach any more than one hour due to the heat of the summer months. I would suggest between 6 and 7 p.m. for ceremonies June- August and 6 to 5 p.m. at all other times. Spring and fall are beautiful times and often ceremonies are held from 11 a.m. onward. A sunrise ceremony is also possible but should include a small amount of guests.

Be sure to check out Rev. Tanya Young’s website for many helpful resources for Outer Banks’ brides!

Congratulations and we’ll see you at the beach!

01/19/12

Hatteras Island Information

We have compiled area information, attractions, things to do, driving directions, ideas and tips for an unforgettable island vacation full of fun, love and relaxation!

Still need to book your vacation home on Hatteras Island? No worries! Call or email our Event Coordinator and let her know what wedding you are with. She is happy to help you find the perfect accommodations! Toll free (800) 237-1138 | rent@surforsound.com Now, on to the fun stuff!


Entertaining the Entourage

It doesn’t get any better than a week at the beach. Below are a list of local Hatteras Island activities and attractions that are perfect for just the bridal party, the groomsmen or the whole group all together!


Shopping

Hatteras Island offers a variety of cute boutiques, unique art galleries and more! Visit Indian Town Gallery with the girls for one of their sea glass wrapping workshops. You get to take a piece of authentic sea glass and make it into a custom piece of jewelry to keep. Classes and prices vary throughout the season, so please be sure to call ahead at (252)995-5181.

The local surf shops, from REAL Watersports to Kitty Hawk Kites, offer a selection of men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing. Stop in for a cute summer dress, flip-flops, or matching sunglasses for the wedding party to sport in fun photos on the big day!


Spa Day

Whether looking for pampering or painted nails, a visit to one of our area spas offers the perfect dose of relaxation and rejuvenation! The In Touch Massage and Wellness Center offers a selection of facials, body and foot massages and acupuncture as well as Jane Iredale Make up and Eminence organic skin care. Make your appointments today at (252)995-4067. Spa Koru, also on the island, is a spa, fitness center and salon, offering everything from massages to hair styling, manicures and pedicures.


Adventure Chic

Okay, girls, we know you just wanna’ have fun! The latest water sport to make a splash on Hatteras Island is Stand Up Paddle boarding, more commonly called “SUP.” If surfing doesn’t sound like your thing, and body boarding the waves onto shore sounds like a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen, then SUP is just the activity to get you comfortably out on the water! Stop in one of the locally-owned surf shops, like FOX Watersports, to rent the board and paddle and get a quick how-to lesson. It’s pretty simple, really fun and the views from the board are amazing!


The Boys’ Club

With close friends and family on the island for the big day, what a better chance to get the guys together and head out for an unforgettable day of fishing the gulf stream! For avid anglers or first time fishermen, it is really an awesome experience. Hatteras Island is known as the “billfish capital of the world” for the Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Sailfish caught offshore. Depending on the time of year, you will also catch colorful Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna and Mackerel. Call Captain Jay with Bite Me Sportfishing and book your private charter today (252) 996-0295. Hatteras Island offshore fishing is a guaranteed good time for the guys!


Something for Everyone

Check out these unique island activities for even more fun, sun and adventure!


Kayaking

Try a Kayak Eco-Tour with Kitty Hawk Kites or rent a kayak from Ocean Atlantic Rentals and head out to explore the canals and waterways that lead to the beautiful Pamlico Sound. Many of the Day Use areas on the soundside of Highway 12 have pull-outs with parking and shallow areas to easily launch a kayak.


Parasailing

Looking for a different perspective of Hatteras Island? Try Parasailing in the Pamlico Sound. Even if you prefer watching, rather than parasailing, it is still a fun adventure to head out on the boat together.


Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding on the beach can be a fun group activity or, if you prefer, head out there with your significant other and enjoy a romantic guided ride on the beach! Equine Adventures can accommodate up to 10 riders per trip. Give them a call for more details and information (252)995-4897. They also offer photography options to capture the fun memories!


Dolphin Cruise

Looking for something that everyone in the group can do? Head out on the Miss Hatteras Head Boat at Oden’s Dock for a Dolphin Cruise! The trips run Wednesday through Friday, 6 to 7 PM. Each trip accommodates 80 people and seats fill up fast!


Aerial Sightseeing Tours

We hope you left your fear of heights at home, because seeing the island and ocean from the sky is one trip you will never forget! Outer Banks Air Tours offers a bird’s eye view of Hatteras Island so grab one or two friends and schedule your flight with Dwight Burrus today!


Historical Attractions & Museums

If museums, history and mystery are more your speed, then you are in the right place! Hatteras Island is full of historical significance from the colonization of America, war battles at sea, shipwrecks, pirates and more!


The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
 Celebrating, discovering and displaying our island’s rich maritime history, The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is located in Hatteras village just south of the ferry docks. The rough shoals off our coast made seafaring very dangerous for old sailing vessels and thus this became known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” due to the amount of shipwrecks. Admission is free to the public and donations are appreciated.


Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station

Located in Rodanthe, the Chicamacomico Historical Association’s purpose is to restore, preserve and interpret the buildings and history of Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, as well as the U.S. Life-Saving Service (USLSS) and its successor, the U.S. Coast Guard. This location has one of only two 1874 USLSS stations in the nation that are open to the public. The historical site offers programs in the summer from the filming of the “Nights in Rodanthe” movie to the mystery of the lost colony.


Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

The world’s tallest brick lighthouse, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of Hatteras Island. The lighthouse is open for climbing from the third Friday in April through Columbus Day and the view from the top is well worth the 248 steps to get there! If climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is not for you, the visit itself is still very memorable and offers a great location for photos! Also, full moon tours and evening climbs are offered on select nights.


Day Trip to Ocracoke Island

Drive your car onto the free ferry to neighboring Ocracoke Island, home to the second oldest operational lighthouse in the United States. Only 13 miles long, Ocracoke Island has a charming village with little shops and restaurants that can be easily explored on foot or by rental bike or golf cart. Stop in Howard’s Pub for a vast selection of beer, a good meal and a fun atmosphere!


Family Beach Portraits

With close friends, family and loved ones together on vacation, it is the perfect time to get professional family photos at the beach, which make great holiday cards! Maybe the wedding photographer is available one day before or after the wedding. They will be so busy the day of the wedding that it is almost impossible to get every picture that you want and still have a great time with friends!
There are some great family beach photographers on the Outer Banks that know the best time, the best lighting and the best places to capture those special memories and moments. Local photographer, Daniel Pullen and his wife are team photographers with a passion for family, fun and everything naturally stunning about Hatteras Island. danielpullenphotography.com
Definitely take time to capture these special memories at the beach, you will be so glad you did!


Helpful Resources

From maps to travel information, click the links below so you can easily find your way to fun!

Hatteras Island Map

Driving Directions

Cape Hatteras Weather

01/9/12

Surf or Sound Realty Promotes Hatteras Island at the 2012 Outer Banks Wedding Weekend & Expo

Surf or Sound Realty was thrilled to promote Hatteras Island and to once again be part of the Outer Banks Wedding Weekend & Expo, held January 6-8. Hosted by the Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBWA), this has become one of the largest annual events in the Outer Banks and Surf or Sound Realty participated again this year to showcase our wedding event homes on Hatteras Island. From touring event homes and reception sites, to meeting the top wedding professionals in our area, this is a one of a kind experience for brides looking to have a fun, relaxed and affordable destination wedding on the Outer Banks!

“Due to its unique island appeal, natural beauty and variety of vacation homes that allow events, brides are asking for Hatteras Island specifically for their destination wedding,” says Jessica Perry, Marketing Director for Surf or Sound Realty. “It is an affordable escape to paradise!”

Island festivities began Saturday, January 7th. Our Avon office served as an Open House stop on the Wedding Tour with a selection of our premier Hatteras Island event homes featured on the Outer Banks Wedding Tour. Brides came to visit us at Bramasole, Hatteras Paradise and others to see how an Event Home can be the perfect setting for a destination wedding. Surf or Sound Realty representatives were on hand to happily answer any questions about these or any of our premier vacation homes.

On Sunday, January 8th, Surf or Sound Realty joined over 200 wedding vendors at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills for the grand Outer Banks Wedding Expo. Surf or Sound Realty has premier beach wedding event homes that can accommodate 40 guests in a party to beach wedding event homes that can accommodate 100 guests in a party as well as an Event Coordinator to assist brides and help further promote Hatteras Island as a wedding destination. Wedding groups bring additional revenue and travel which can benefit every business on the island and throughout the Outer Banks.

For more information about renting an event home for your wedding, family reunion or special celebration, contact the Surf or Sound Realty Event Coordinator today!
800-237-1138 x 122 | rent@surforsound.com.

12/28/11

Helpful Hints for Your Hatteras Island Wedding Reception

A Hatteras Island wedding reception is a phenomenal and memorable event for the wedding party and their guests, but before you break out the champagne, you may want to review these helpful hints to ensure your post wedding party is success.

Caterers and Entertainment

Whether you are planning for a casual North Carolina style barbecue reception, or a five course seaside feast, there are a variety of caterers available to help you make your island reception delicious. Try a local premier caterer, like Cafe Pamlico Catering, or click here for a list of caterers available along the Outer Banks. You can also find a list of bands and DJs, and local bakeries for the picture perfect seaside wedding cake.

Equipment Rentals

There are quite a few items you need for a successful reception besides the bride and groom. In the course of your planning you may find that you need a tent in case of rain, seating for your family and friends, or maybe even a dance floor. Luckily, Hatteras Island can accommodate all your equipment needs.

Ocean Atlantic Rentals in Avon has a menu of equipment specially selected for weddings, and can even offer set up services for an additional charge so your event can be stress-free.

Visit their website for a complete list of available equipment and additional services.

Noise & Curfews

If you are holding wedding events at a rental home or other location near or in a residential area, please be respectful and mindful of your neighbors. The Dare County Sheriff’s Department has a noise ordinance in place for all of the Outer Banks and the office considers a noise violation to be any noise, (music, people, vehicles) that a neighbor can hear inside of their home. For more information on the county ordinance details, please contact the sheriff’s office at (252) 475-5980.

For a list of wedding vendors from flowers to catering to photographers to cakes, click here.

12/28/11

Finding The Right Location For Your Hatteras Island Wedding

With miles of beautiful, natural background to choose from, it can be hard to decide on the perfect spot for your Hatteras Island wedding. You may want to keep the following locations in mind, but remember with so many miles of seashore, and dozens of dreamy vacation rental homes, your imagination is your only limit to choosing the ideal setting for your wedding and reception.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Find your favorite stretch of sand and say your nuptials Oceanfront or Soundfront. You can even choose a vacation rental home that’s just steps from the shore or a sandy sound beach for added convenience for the entire party. Just remember that as part of the National Seashore, some restrictions and a special use permit will apply. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: The breathtaking black and white candy cane striped landmark lighthouse provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. As part of the National Seashore, be sure you obtain a special use permit. Visit the National Park Service website for more information.

Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station: Want a ceremony and reception that’s truly unique? Explore the grounds of the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station. Built in 1874, the station provided 80 years of maritime service and history, and the property itself is a beautiful spread of the main station house, bordered by a white picket fence. Fees vary depending on the complexity of the wedding and/or reception. Visit the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station’s official website for details and contact information.

Kinnakeet Shores Oceanfront Beach Club: One of Hatteras Island’s newest reception sites, the Oceanfront Beach Club is an ideal setting to host a larger wedding or reception. With enough room for a 100 person sit-down function, and a second floor observation deck for front row views, the beach club is one of Hatteras Island’s best wedding reception facilities. Call (252) 995-3511 for more information.

Local Community Centers: Many local couples rely on the town community centers for a laid-back, Hatteras style wedding reception. For a nice, simple reception with a hometown feel, contact the local community centers in the different villages for information on renting the site for an afternoon. These centers include:

Rodanthe Waves, Salvo Community Center

Avon Fire House / Community Center

Hatteras Village Civic Center

Local Restaurants: For an intimate reception, many Hatteras Island restaurants can accommodate small wedding parties. For a list of area restaurants, visit the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce website or simply call or visit your favorite local restaurant for more information.

Vacation Rental Homes: Surf or Sound Realty offers a number of premier rental homes perfect for an intimate reception, and with all the amenities to make the festivities easy and enjoyable. Many homes have private pools, plenty of decking with views, spacious great rooms, first class kitchen facilities, wet bars, ice machines, and all the little features that comprise the perfect reception.

12/27/11

Church Weddings on Hatteras Island

Just because you’re having a destination wedding doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a traditional church wedding. Hatteras Island has a number of churches that can accommodate a traditional ceremony, many in lovely scenic locales, surrounded by live oaks and maritime forests. If you’re planning on a church ceremony, be sure you call the church well in advance, particularly for the popular spring, summer and fall wedding seasons. Review the following list of local island churches to find the right location and denomination for your traditional island ceremony.

Avon Worship Center (252) 995-5111. Avon.
Fair Haven United Methodist Church (252) 995-5383. Avon.
St. John’s United Methodist Church (252) 995-5383. Avon.
Lighthouse Assembly of God (252) 995-5696. Buxton.
Our Lady Of The Seas Catholic Parish (252) 995-6370. Buxton.
Buxton United Methodist Church (252) 995-4306. Buxton.
Cape Hatteras Baptist Church (252) 995-5159. Buxton.
Little Grove United Methodist Church (252) 995-5519. Frisco.
Hatteras United Methodist Church (252) 986-2254. Hatteras.
Hatteras Assembly Of God (252) 986-2312. Hatteras.
Fair Haven United Methodist Church (252) 987-1120. Rodanthe.
Salvo Assembly of God (252) 987-1312. Salvo.

12/27/11

Wedding Licenses in North Carolina

Before you come to Hatteras Island for your beach wedding, you’ll need to obtain a North Carolina wedding license. The following guidelines will help you take your first step towards walking down the aisle.

  • The age requirement for getting married in North Carolina is 18, (16 with parental consent.) If the bride or groom is under 21, a birth certificate is required. There is no waiting period or blood test required. The cost for a wedding license as of 2011 is $60 and the license valid for 60 days in any area of North Carolina. If either the bride or groom is divorced, a divorce decree is also required.
  • A social security card or other proof of social security number (such as a pay stub or tax return) and a picture ID is required to receive a license.
  • There must be two witnesses at any marriage ceremony, whether it is civil or religious. After the marriage ceremony, whoever performs the ceremony is required to give the couple a marriage certificate. This certificate includes the couples’ names and addresses, the date of the marriage, the county that issues the marriage license, and the date of the license. The minister or magistrate must sign the license, then return it to the register of deeds who issues the license. This is the official record of the ceremony.
  • There are no justices of the peace in North Carolina, but a magistrate may perform the ceremony and issue a marriage license. Magistrates may be contacted in Dare County at (252)475-9228 or online www.darenc.com/depts/Deeds/marriage.htm. For Ocracoke Island, call (252)926-4198 or go online www.hyderod.com/.Basically, the process of obtaining a wedding license in North Carolina is simple, and once you have this step out of the way, you can concentrate on the important things, like finding the right dress to match your flip flops.
12/26/11

Tips For Having Your Wedding At A Vacation Rental Home

Bramasole Wedding

A Surf or Sound Realty vacation rental home can be a fabulous locale for a Hatteras Island wedding, rehearsal dinner, or reception. With all the amenities you’ll need for an exceptional event right at home, many couples find that rental home weddings are simpler and more laid back than the average wedding. Perhaps best of all, you can enjoy your home, and your vacation, long after the reception is over.

Before you book your dream home, however, there are a few key questions and tips to bear in mind as you browse through our portfolio of vacation homes that allow weddings and special events.

Think about the amenities you’ll need: Would it be convenient to have multiple wet bars or an elevator? Do you need easy access to the beach for an oceanfront ceremony? Jot down a list of the amenities that would be the most beneficial, and use it as a guideline as you narrow your search.

Think about benefits and restrictions: The joy of using a rental home for a wedding event is that it’s perfect for intimate wedding parties of a couple dozen family member and friends. Wedding homes are not conducive, however, for large affairs with several hundred guests. If your island wedding is a grand scale celebration, look into local island sites that cater to large events, and simply book a vacation home to enjoy before and after the celebration.

Think about accommodations for your guests: A benefit of having a wedding or reception at a vacation home is that many Surf or Sound Realty homes are grouped together in small communities and neighborhoods, making it easy for your guests to find accommodations for their visit. While booking your home, send an email or card to your guests letting them know where your vacation home is located, and allowing them to find appropriate lodgings nearby. Your guests can also call us at (800) 237-1138, and our vacation specialists will be happy to help them find the right rental home, near the ceremony or reception site, for their island stay.

Think about a second week: Because the majority of vacation rental homes are Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday rentals, it might be a good idea to book two weeks, giving the wedding party plenty of time to prepare before the ceremony, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy their vacation afterwards.

Above all else, consider what your dream wedding entails, and use that information to decide if a rental home is a good fit. If you’re planning an intimate island ceremony and reception that’s simple but tasteful, then a vacation rental home might just be the perfect fit.

12/21/11

Hatteras Island Beach Weddings

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of strolling down an aisle of sand, reciting your nuptials with the ocean in the background, the waves as your music, and letting the sunrise or sunset provide the lighting for your wedding photos.

The beach is understandably the most popular site for Hatteras Island weddings, but before you kick off your sandals to take the plunge, remember that all Hatteras Island beaches are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and some restrictions apply. Be sure you familiarize yourself with the wedding guidelines provided by the National Park Service. Those guidelines can be found here at the NPS website.

You will also need a special use permit to have your wedding at the beach or at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the most recognizable lighthouse in the world. Relax, a special use permit can cost as little as $100, and all information and guidelines can be found here at the NPS web site. You can also call 252-473-2111 for more information.