Area Restaurants That Double As Incredible Wedding and Reception Venues
When choosing a wedding and reception venue, you want a site that’s romantic, elegant, and affordable. That’s why you might choose to get married at one of the great Wilmington, NC area restaurants.
Choosing Your Restaurant Wedding and Reception Venue
Before you begin your search for a restaurant wedding and reception venue, answer these questions:
- How many people will attend your wedding and reception?
- Do you want a sit-down dinner or buffet?
- Will there be dancing? Live music?
- What kind of ambience do you prefer: Upscale or casual?
Favorite Restaurant Wedding and Reception Venues in the Wilmington Area
Once you have a mental picture of your wedding and reception, you will be able to choose a restaurant venue wisely. There are many to choose from, but we especially like these few. Check them out!
Riverwalk Landing
Waterfront weddings don’t have to be at the beach! The Riverwalk Landing in downtown Wilmington, NC is a perfect outdoor river wedding and reception venue. The spacious deck offers views of the Cape Fear River, and the service is exceptional. Elijah’s and the Pilot House offer catering. This venue, a little different and rich with character. can accommodate up to 250 guests.
The George

The George on the Riverwalk has both indoor and outdoor dining right on the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, NC.
For a smaller wedding party, consider reserving the entire deck at the George. The deck seats 50 with a great view of sunset on the Cape Fear River, and you and your guests can even arrive by boat and dock for free. The George offers a buffet, a plated menu, or your guests can order from the regular menu.
Beam Room at Front Street Brewery
Located inside Front Street Brewery, the Beam Room offers all wedding services in-house, including catering, staffing, bar and beverage services, tableware, tables, chairs, linens, audio equipment, and more. Located in downtown Wilmington, NC directly across the street from the Market Street parking deck, the Beam Room can host 100 guests for a seated event, or 125 for a cocktail event.
Ruth’s Chris
Expect personalized service and impressive dining when you choose Ruth’s Chris for your wedding and reception restaurant venue. The staff will custom tailor your wedding and reception with private dining in a class of its own. Located in the Hilton downtown, hotel rooms are conveniently upstairs so you can easily dress before the ceremony.
The Oceanic Pier Weddings
The Oceanic has a lot to offer couples seeking a beach wedding without the sand. A full service restaurant, Oceanic offers Wrightsville Beaches only wooden pier and an elegant third floor private event room for weddings and events.
The Bluewater Grill
#TBT to a Thursday when we could actually see the sun. The good news is, sun or not, it’s still #tacothursday at @bluewatergrill_ilm. Choose from chicken, steak or shrimp. Available after 4p. Killer Margs $5 all day! #itsfiveoclocksomewhere A photo posted by Bluewater Waterfront Grill (@bluewatergrill_ilm) on
You and your wedding and reception guests will enjoy beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway at the Bluewater Grill. This restaurant venue can seat 10 to 300 guests in five different private rooms. Catering offers fine coastal cuisine and the events crew recommends area vendors to provide all your wedding and reception needs.
Mainsail Restaurant’s Commodore Room in Topsail
Right above Mainsail Restaurant in Surf City on Topsail Island is the Commodore Room, a private venue that seats 30 to 100 guests. If just cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are preferred, the Commodore Room accommodates up to 150 guests. The venue has private entrances, private restrooms, a full 20-seat bar, and a dance floor. The Commodore Room is available for rent alone or in conjunction with Blue Mainsail Catering Services. And it’s walking distance to the beach!