A Dreamy Beach Wedding: Topsail Island Nuptials

Dreaming of a wedding on the beach? North Topsail Beach in North Carolina offers a picturesque setting for your special day, with its miles of pristine coastline, tranquil coastal beauty, and relaxed ambiance. The good news is that you don't need a permit to have your ceremony on the public beach, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check the tide charts and plan your ceremony as close to low tide as possible to avoid any damp surprises. The town of North Topsail Beach asks that you leave the beach as you found it, and there are no restrictions on public access to the beach, even for weddings. If you're looking for a more private setting, you can reserve the town's gazebo or picnic shelter. With plenty of wedding resources nearby, from venues to accommodations, photographers, florists, and officiants, North Topsail Beach is a great choice for your dream beach wedding.

No permit required for weddings on the beach

If you're dreaming of a wedding on the beautiful beaches of Topsail Island, North Carolina, you're in luck! The serene beaches and small-town atmosphere offer a laid-back getaway for your special day. And the best part? No permit is required for weddings on the beach. That's right, you can exchange your vows with the breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean without having to worry about any red tape.

Whether you choose to have your ceremony on the beach in North Topsail Beach, Surf City, or Topsail Beach, the stunning scenery and tranquil coastal beauty will make your wedding a truly unforgettable event. The white sandy beaches and the gentle surf create an atmosphere that is hard to resist. With 26 miles of pristine coastline, you can find the perfect spot to say "I do" and create lasting memories.

While a permit is not required, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your beach wedding on Topsail Island. First, check the tide charts and try to schedule your ceremony close to low tide, especially if you're getting married on the beach in North Topsail, as there has been some erosion this year. You'll want to ensure there's enough beach space for your setup. It's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unexpected storms or high tides.

Another thing to consider is parking. Due to the distance from the parking areas to the beach, you may incur a higher setup fee. Make sure your guests are aware of the parking situation and provide them with clear instructions. Additionally, keep in mind that the beach is public property, so you won't be able to reserve a specific area or restrict access.

When it comes to decorations, avoid using glass, open flames, candles, or tiki torches on the beach. And if you're planning on having a band, DJ, or loud radio system, you'll need to obtain a noise permit from the town hall.

By choosing Topsail Island for your wedding, you'll have access to a wealth of professional wedding resources, including venues, accommodations, photographers, florists, and wedding officiants. So start planning your dream beach wedding today and let the beauty of Topsail Island set the stage for your perfect day.

Marriage licenses and officiants

North Carolina law requires couples to obtain a marriage license before the wedding ceremony. To obtain a marriage license, you must bring your driver's license, Social Security card, and $60 in cash. No physical examination is required, and there is no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days and can be obtained online if both parties are 21 or older. However, they must still appear in person at the Register of Deeds office within three days with the required documents and cash.

Marriage licenses in Onslow County are available at the Onslow County Register of Deeds office at 109 Old Bridge St. in Jacksonville, NC. Appointments can be made by calling 910-347-3451.

In Pender County, marriage licenses are issued by the Pender County Register of Deeds office at 300 E. Fremont Street in Burgaw, NC. For more information, contact them at 910-259-1225.

Marriage ceremonies in North Carolina can be either religious or civil. Religious ceremonies are performed by ordained ministers, while civil ceremonies are conducted by magistrates. Both types of ceremonies require two witnesses.

When planning your wedding on Topsail Island, you can choose from a variety of officiants to perform your ceremony. Reverend Angela Kelley, a nondenominational minister, is one option. She has experience accommodating various beliefs and faiths and is passionate about creating personalised ceremonies.

Other officiants in the area include Chaplain Holli Saperstein, Maritsa Hartlove, Pastor Skip Corbett, and Kevin Martin, who also serves nearby locations such as Southport, Carolina Beach, and Myrtle Beach.

If you're looking for a unique setting for your ceremony, consider the Belle of Topsail. Captain David Luther, an ordained minister, can perform your wedding aboard the ship, offering pirate-themed weddings, traditional ceremonies, and weddings at The Cove with views of the sound.

For those seeking a more traditional venue, the Historic Assembly Building in Topsail Beach is a unique and historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers a beautiful island setting with a capacity of 250 people and is perfect for weddings, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners.

With its picturesque sunsets, ocean views, and creative layout, Ocean's Edge Restaurant and Event Center in North Topsail Beach provides a tailored experience for your special day. They have multiple spaces that can accommodate groups of 20 to 300 guests, making it a versatile option.

Whether you choose a beach ceremony, an officiant, or a unique venue, Topsail Island offers a wealth of options to create your dream wedding.

Wedding planners

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but there are plenty of options for a wedding ceremony on North Topsail Beach that will help make your big day a happy reality.

Permits and Licenses

A permit is not required to have a wedding on the public beach at North Topsail. However, if you plan to use amplification equipment during your event, including the ceremony and reception, you must obtain an Outdoor Entertainment Permit approved by the Town Manager and the Chief of Police no less than one day in advance. Marriage licenses can be obtained from the Onslow County Register of Deeds office in Jacksonville, NC, or the Pender County Register of Deeds office in Burgaw, NC.

Timing and Location

It is recommended that you plan your ceremony as close as possible to low tide to avoid the possibility of your setup being disturbed by waves. Due to beach erosion, there may not be enough space on the beach for a wedding within a few hours of high tide. It is also important to consider how crowded the beach will be and whether your chosen location will have adequate parking for your guests.

Weather and Decor

If rain is predicted, ensure you have an indoor space for your ceremony and reception. You may also need to windproof and weigh down your decor.

Noise and Temperature

The beach can be a loud environment, so set up your sound system so that all your guests can hear your vows. Consider providing parasols to offer guests protection from the sun.

There are several professional and experienced wedding planners in the area who can help manage and orchestrate your big day, including:

• A Beautiful Event Floral Design & Wedding Planning (Topsail, NC)
• Kiss the Bride Wedding Design, Planning & Coordinator (Sneads Ferry, NC)
• Event Connection Wedding Planning (Jacksonville, NC)
• Knot Too Shabby Events & Wedding Planning (Wilmington, NC)

Wedding venues

Topsail Island is a wonderful place to get married. Its serene beaches, small-town atmosphere, and laid-back vibe offer the perfect setting for a relaxed and intimate wedding. The island has three main towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach.

If you're looking for a beach wedding, you're in luck! There is no charge or permit required to have a wedding on the public beach at North Topsail Beach. However, it's important to note that the town asks that you leave the beach in the same condition you found it. You can also reserve the town's gazebo or picnic shelter for your event by contacting Kim Weaver at (910) 328-1349.

For those seeking a more traditional venue, here are some options to consider:

• Topsail Manor: This newly constructed, eight-bedroom oceanfront manor boasts luxurious amenities, spacious accommodations, and elegant coastal décor. With approximately 8,000 square feet of space, it can accommodate large groups and is perfect for weddings, offering both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Ocean's Edge Restaurant and Event Center: As the tallest point on Topsail Island, Ocean's Edge provides unparalleled panoramic views of the ocean. With multiple spaces that can accommodate groups of 20 to 300, they offer a full-service wedding experience, including custom packages and an on-site coordinator to help with the details.
• The Historic Assembly Building: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this unique and historic venue is located on the soundfront at Topsail Beach. With a capacity of 250 people, it offers a beautiful island setting, a catering kitchen, dance floor, serving counters, banquet tables and chairs, and a handicap ramp.
• North Shore Country Club: Located in Sneads Ferry, adjacent to Topsail Island, this venue provides a beautiful clubhouse and golf club setting. They can assist with all the arrangements for your big day, including reception space for up to 150 guests and seated parties of up to 70.
• The Surfside Center: Located at the Surf City Welcome Center, the Surfside Center offers 1,800 square feet of oceanfront meeting space and an additional 650 square foot outside patio facing the ocean. It's an ideal setting for bridal showers, wedding receptions, and rehearsal dinners, with plenty of parking and beach access.

Other venues in the area include The Cove at Salty Turtle Beer Company, Pond Break, and Shell Island Oceanfront Suites Hotel.

No matter which venue you choose, Topsail Island is sure to provide a picturesque and memorable setting for your special day.

Wedding vendors and services

The greater Topsail area has a wealth of wedding professionals for every detail of your wedding day. From photographers and florists to wedding officiants and equipment rentals, you'll find everything you need to plan your big day. Here are some recommended vendors and services to consider for your wedding on North Topsail Beach:

• Photographers: Alicia Q Photography, Jason Blumenthal Photography, Keepsake Memories Photography, Matt McGraw Photography
• Wedding Officiants: Amazing Love, Always Faithful Wedding Service, Reverend Angela Kelley, Weddings of Topsail, Chaplain Holli Saperstein, Hartlove's Wedding Ceremonies, Kevin Martin, Gwen Downs, Wedding Lady, Reverend Ed Sansbury, A NC Wedding Minister for You, Coastal Carolina Ceremonies, Reverend Lynne Glaros, Amanda Stone-Secrest Officiant
• Florists and Decor: A Beautiful Event Floral Design & Wedding Planning
• Equipment Rentals: Shoreline Party Rentals
• Caterers: Middle of the Island Catering, Ocean's Edge Restaurant
• Salons and Spas: Isla Advanced Skincare & Hair, The Float Spa of Sneads Ferry, Makeup by Amy Kennison
• Accommodations: Topsail Manor, Summer Winds Townhomes & Condos, Village of Stump Sound, North Shore Country Club, Ocean's Edge Restaurant and Event Center, Surfside Center at the Surf City Welcome Center

These are just a few examples of the many wedding vendors and services available in the North Topsail Beach area. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find everything you need to make your dream beach wedding a reality.

Frequently asked questions