12 Remarkable Wedding Venues and Caterers
Whether you’re planning a big wedding or a tiny one, Wilmington, NC has the perfect venue for you. Wilmington wedding venues and caterers have all the resources to give your wedding just the right touch.
To get you started on your search for the perfect wedding venue and caterer, here are some of Wilmington’s favorites:
1. Bluewater Waterfront Grill
For an intimate party of 10 to a reception for 300, the Bluewater offers catering and all the amenities along with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. The Bluewater is a great venue for weddings, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, and bridal showers. There are two private event rooms on the lower level and three on the upper level.
2. Oceanic
The third-floor private dining room at Oceanic overlooks the ocean for a wedding venue serving up to 70 guests. It has a private bar and can be separated into two spaces. Or have your wedding on the Crystal Pier, the only wooden pier on Wrightsville Beach. The professional event staff can assist with catering and all your wedding needs.
3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Outstanding staff serves a custom menu at this elegant wedding venue. Private rooms seat from 16 to 100 people for an unforgettable experience. You can even access the patio for open air space with views of the Cape Fear River and the Battleship North Carolina. The catering has a wide selection of signature menus.
4. Riverwalk Landing
Riverwalk Landing offers a gorgeous outdoor river wedding venue in downtown Wilmington. The beautiful views are accompanied by exceptional service and award-winning catering by Elijah’s and the Pilot House. This downtown location offers history and elegance for weddings and receptions.
5. Wilmington Convention Center
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The Convention Center offers river views and all the assistance you need to plan your wedding, whether it’s formal or casual, traditional or contemporary. The Grand Ballroom seats from 80 to 800 guests, the Exhibit Hall can host 1,750, and there’s an Event Lawn for even larger weddings. Choose from established wedding menus or work with the catering team to create your own.
6. Poplar Grove Plantation
Couples who love natural beauty and history will appreciate Poplar Grove. This historic peanut plantation hosts wedding ceremonies at the Gazebo, the back courtyard of the Manor House, and under the Red Oak Tree. There’s a bridal suite for dressing and a reception site in the barn. Choose your own caterer for this location.
7. North Carolina Aquarium
For a distinct, unusual wedding, reserve the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The facility can host from 60 to 2,000 guests after hours. Experienced events staff attends to every detail. Mingle in the garden conservatory, dance under the sea, and dine with the fishes. Choose your own caterer at this wedding venue.
8. Beau Rivage Golf Course
This lovely setting amid rolling hills can accommodate groups from 40 to 200+. Separate upper and lower levels at the clubhouse make a perfect reception transition, or you can invite guests to the Live Oak Wedding Tree, the sunset veranda, or the ballroom. This venue has a golf course, tennis courts, swimming, on-site lodging, and full catering.
9. Airlie Gardens
A favorite Wilmington wedding venue, Airlie brides love a wedding under the Airlie Oak, at the Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel, on Bradley Creek Lawn, or at the Pergola Garden on the pond. The beautiful gardens and wildlife make this a unique location for weddings between March and October. Events staff will assist with all needs—choose your own caterer.
10. Shell Island Resorts
Why have your wedding anywhere else! Photo credit by Will Page! A post shared by Shell Island Resort (@shellislandresort) on
If you’d love a beach wedding, Shell Island has beach ceremony access with all the indoor amenities you need. The Oceanview Ballroom overlooks the Atlantic and the Soundview Ballroom has a scenic view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Professional catering and event planning is covered by dedicated staff. Shell Island won the Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice award in 2017, 2016 and 2014.
11. Mainsail Restaurant
Whether your wedding is upscale or casual, Under the Sun (Mainsail Restaurant) on Topsail Island can provide the perfect catering for Sneads Ferry, Surf City, Holly Ridge, and more. The full-service catering can accommodate up to 300 guests, and the staff can help with a hosting venue, too.
12. Jerry Rouse Catering
For a very special wedding meal, look to Jerry Rouse Catering. Custom menus with perfect attention to detail are assembled and served with 40 years of catering experience. Choose only what you want to serve at your wedding, and each item is prepared with the freshest ingredients.
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