Wilmington Riverfront & Downtown Weddings
Historic homes with blooming gardens, riverfront venues with water views and a WWII-era Battleship are just a few of the many wedding locations available in historic downtown Wilmington. The Wilmington Riverwalk skirted by the Cape Fear River, offers nearly two miles of scenic walkway connecting downtown’s venues, hotels, shopping and restaurants. The timeless charm of the National Register Historic District is preserved in restored historic buildings, museum homes and boutique hotels. Many of these venues host weddings, rehearsal dinners and private parties.
Historic Manor Homes
The grounds at Bellamy Mansion Museum Home feature quaint gardens, grand columns, wrap-around porches, and 5,000-square feet of rental space making it a turn-key venue for your big day. One of the oldest homes in Wilmington, the Burgwin-Wright House, has been a fixture in Wilmington since before the American Revolution. The historic site and beautiful gardens at the Burgwin-Wright home are the setting for whimsical weddings throughout the year. The Graystone Inn provides an elegant setting for weddings where parties capture the feeling of the early 1900s. The architectural details of the inn’s interior, from the majestic Corinthian columns in the Grand Hall to the intricate fireplace carvings, take visitors back to a more refined era. The Inn at City Club is a historic home overlooking lovely terraced gardens first planted in 1842. The Inn is nestled in the heart of the Wilmington’s historic district and is a beautiful location for an elegant wedding.
Elegant Ballrooms
The Wilmington Convention Center is made for entertaining and weddings at the venue are truly customizable. Host your nuptials outdoors on the event lawn with the Cape Fear River and Battleship NORTH CAROLINA as the backdrop or secure the grand ballroom for both the nuptials and a reception with room to dance, celebrate and entertain. Customize your event with a wide array of decorations, lighting, music, catering and vendor options.
Centrally located along the Wilmington Riverwalk, the Grand Ballroom and Cape Fear Ballroom at Hotel Ballast, Tapestry Collection by Hilton offer options for larger weddings with capacity for up to 1,000 guests. On the north end of the Riverwalk, the Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel's event space includes the Grand Ballroom where floor-to-ceiling windows offer river views and can accommodate up to 400 guests. The Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center includes a 7,000-square-foot ballroom and rooftop plaza overlooking the Cape Fear River, both of which are ideal wedding venues. The hotel is connected to the 100-year-old historic Coastline Center which was recently renovated. The 19th-century building is a former railroad station and has retained its historic charm, with modern services and amenities.
Going to the Chapel
Get married in a historic church circa 1888 at The Brooklyn Arts Center + Annex. The anchor of the Brooklyn Arts District, the church has been thoughtfully refurbished into an event venue. The two-story-tall arched windows, stained glass features and pine altar evoke feelings of grace. For a unique twist, 60-foot cathedral ceilings are draped with fabric that can be turned whatever color your heart desires.
A variety of name-brand hotels, bed & breakfasts and boutique lodging options are accessible within the walkable Historic District. Many offer indoor and outdoor space for weddings and receptions. Host a memorable destination wedding in the center of it all, surrounded by fresh-to-table dining and a variety of entertainment options that will make your event seem like a vacation for your guests.
More Memorable Downtown Venues
Host an outdoor waterside wedding on the Pier at Port City Marina, where banquet and dancing space offer endless options. The fully equipped sound stage is perfect for live music or elevated nuptials. The River Room on the Cape Fear River takes advantage of large bay windows and natural lighting to create a waterside ambiance for your wedding. Outdoors, the expansive deck offers spectacular sunset views. In the trendy Castle Street Arts District, Station No. 2 provides a unique venue within a restored 1915 fire station. The venue includes the Historic Firehouse Suite upstairs, perfect for the bride to prepare for the big day. Located just a block from the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington, 128 South has both historic charm and modern amenities with an open floor plan including an upstairs mezzanine overlooking the lower level. Bakery 105 is an event venue restored from a 1940s bakery and features a garden courtyard where the former bread loading dock was. The brick walls, wood ceiling, steel girders, and a large monitor skylight add to its charm. Located near the river in downtown Wilmington, Warehouse on Water preserves the rustic beauty and integrity of this historic landmark building while updating the venue for modern events.
Weddings & Reunions Planning Assistance
Receive a list of recommended venues, vendor resources, accommodations and transportation options, free visitor guides and area maps for guests from our Visitor Information Specialist.
