Ocracoke weddings are characterized by a laid-back feel and beautiful landscape, which makes it a great destination for a wedding. Everything from flowers and caterers to accommodations and photographers is available for an Ocracoke wedding right on this tiny island. Plus, the chance to gather friends and family together for what ends up being a weekend event (since you don’t just drive down the street to get to Ocracoke—it takes intention on your part to get there!) means that your Ocracoke wedding actually turns into a wonderful, extended experience with all your favorite people!
Of course, Ocracoke Island is part of the Outer Banks wedding destination craze. Did you know that Outer Banks weddings now rank at the top for East Coast destination weddings?! It’s true, and it means that you’ll have a range of professional vendors to choose from to help make your Ocracoke wedding the event you envision.
Ocracoke is in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, so getting married on the beach or the grounds at the Ocracoke Lighthouse requires a Special Use Permit. The current fee is nonrefundable, and applicants must apply at least 30 days before the ceremony before getting one. The request must be made in writing, and there are several requirements that must be adhered to. The permit is good only for four hours (two hours on each side of the stated ceremony time). For more information, call the Special Use Coordinator at (252) 473-2111, x 121. You can also go online to: www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/wedding-permits.htm to read all the details and download the application.
If you’re interested in a ceremony at the Ocracoke Lighthouse, you should know that the parking area is small and the grounds where the keeper’s quarters are located is private. The Park personnel recommend that only very small Ocracoke wedding groups of not more than 12 people consider the lighthouse location.
BTW, marriage licenses must be obtained from a NC Register of Deeds office. The license can be obtained in any county in NC and the ceremony performed in another county; however, the license must be returned to the issuing county. No waiting period is required before the ceremony may take place. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. The Hyde County Register of Deeds Office is located in the county seat of Swan Quarter on the mainland and can be reached at (252) 926-4182.
If you’re curious about Outer Banks weddings in other local towns, check out our other wedding sites quickly and easily from right here. Each Outer Banks town has its own appeal. Corolla weddings are characterized by an upscale look to the area in general that’s coupled with the historic appeal of the village and attractions. Duck weddings offer convenience since the town is small and most things you need are close by. Duck is also home to fabulous dining and shopping. Nags Head weddings (as well as Kill Devil Hills weddings and Kitty Hawk weddings), tend to be beachier in theme and appeal to couples who want to be in the middle of all the fun the beach areas have to offer. Roanoke Island weddings center around the beauty of the island, with ceremonies held in gardens, on the waterfront, in the yards of some of the beautifully restored homes or in specially designed event locations. Hatteras Island weddings invite you to adopt the slower, easier pace of the island itself, yet there are still all the amenities you might require for your nuptials.
Ocracoke Wedding Services
Check out our list of Ocracoke wedding vendors here. These professional are used to staging events, from small to huge, on this island paradise. They’ll know far more than you what the typical challenges and benefits are to an island wedding and how to make sure your special day comes off perfectly.
