When planning your wedding, you'll want to select a location that will create a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests. While most couples may look to popular beach destinations, one quaint town that offers charm and Southern beauty is New Bern.
Find out more about why New Bern is a one-of-a-kind destination for your special day.
- Airlie Gardens
One of the premier wedding locations on the destination weddings NC Coast, Airlie Gardens is a gorgeous garden and historic home located in Wilmington. With multiple locations onsite for both ceremony and reception and stunning views, it's an ideal choice for any wedding style.
Near the turn of the century, Sarah Jones bought this property with the vision of creating a garden that followed the land and cohabitated with surrounding flora. With that in mind, she planted 1,200 long leaf pines; 500 live oaks; 5,000 camellias; and around a quarter of a million azaleas.
The flowers bloomed, and visitors flocked to the grounds. Today, you can still see the beauty that Jones envisioned. Wander the trails and see how the garden has evolved, with the winding river of the Pergola Garden guiding your way. This romantic spot is a favorite location for both weddings and photo shoots, thanks to its jasmine vine-laden pergola, four-tiered fountain and beautiful lake backdrop.
In the middle of the garden stands the imposing Airlie Oak, a living sentinel to centuries of change. The tree, estimated to be more than 500 years old, sways in the breeze as it whispers stories of bygone days.
The 67-acre county park also boasts walking paths, historic structures, sculptures, and views of the Airlie Lake and Bradley Creek. And, of course, the famous moss-draped Airlie Oak. During the spring, thousands of azaleas in many colors fill the landscape with vibrant color. Other attractions include the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel (a nod to local artist Minnie Evans), the Oak Lawn with scenic vistas of the oaks, and the Bradley Creek Lawn for waterfront views.
- Beaufort Hotel
Located along Taylor Creek in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, this premier vacation destination on the Crystal Coast offers the relaxed elegance and heightened Southern hospitality of a boutique hotel. 133 modern and spacious rooms with breathtaking water views provide the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding in Beaufort.
A quaint town with the feel of a small city, Beaufort is very walkable with a thriving central street district offering shopping and restaurants surrounded by grand old Southern mansions. You can find authentic restaurants specializing in local crab, shrimp and fish like Front Street Grill or Finz in the heart of downtown, or you can try some of the more casual options such as the great bar and pub food at Moonraker. Cru Wine & Coffee is where you will get your local gossip over some fresh brewed joe and a pastry for breakfast, or Clawson’s is the cheers place of choice for some live music to go with a pint of locally brewed beer.
Guests who prefer a resort atmosphere on the beach may be interested in the Peppertree Atlantic Beach just south of Beaufort. This expansive resort-style property offers a wide variety of amenities for families and groups of all sizes. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is just a short drive away, and the town of Swansboro is close enough to explore the historic military region, or enjoy the beaches of Emerald Isle on the gulf coast.
- Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Coastal North Carolina is known for its vast clean beaches and a remarkable local history that’s a major draw for out-of-town guests. The area has plenty of unique beachside venues for destination weddings, and hotels and vacation rentals that can accommodate large groups or families for the weekend.
A must-see for military members and history lovers, the Fort Fisher State Historic Site is a relic of the Civil War’s largest land-and-sea battle. Located on the shores of Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean, this incredible locale features gorgeous stretches of sandy coastline and thickets of gnarled live oaks. The site is also home to the remains of the fort itself, a relic that helped to safeguard Wilmington throughout the Civil War until it fell in January 1865.
The onsite Visitors Center offers a comprehensive multimedia program that contextualizes the fort’s role in Civil War history, while a scenic trail is shaded by gnarled live oaks and traverses past the fort’s remaining earthworks. The fort is also home to a restored palisade fence, the impressive seacoast gun at Shepherd’s Battery and several other on-site monuments.
- Kure Beach
Kure Beach is a coastal town that provides something for everyone, from relaxation by the sea to thrilling outdoor adventures. This North Carolina beach community on Pleasure Island offers a pure and natural playground for vacationers, with plenty of accommodations to meet every budget.
Located just south of Carolina Beach and north of Fort Fisher, Kure Beach is the southern end of Pleasure Island and has its own unique vibe that is distinct from the bustling activities at nearby Wilmington. A quieter atmosphere makes it a great place for families to enjoy the beauty of nature and relax with each other.
The beach is a favorite for many, with a 711-foot long pier perfect for leisurely strolls and soaking in breathtaking coastal views. Surfers and boogie boarders can get their thrills by riding the waves, while shell seekers can dig for treasures hidden in the shoreline. Fishing enthusiasts can test their luck at the local pier or take to the open waters in a boat tour to catch some big ones.
There are also plenty of eateries to satisfy every palate, from fine dining at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill to fried seafood at Big Daddy’s Restaurant and the laid-back atmosphere at Beach House Burgers. Many of these restaurants offer spectacular oceanfront views and are family-friendly, making it easy to find a spot for everyone during your getaway.
