Outer Banks Weddings & Events: The Complete Guide

THE OUTER BANKS FOR YOUR EVENT
The Outer Banks is the perfect venue to host that special gathering. Enjoy the miles of beautiful beaches, the vast variety of restaurants and shopping as well as historic and nature-loving activities! 

Jump to: Planning Event Details | Featured Event Homes | Real Wedding Examples | KEES Policies & Event Addendum

THE PERFECT VENUE
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SEARCH FOR YOUR EVENT HOME

INTERESTED IN MORE INFORMATION? Call us at 866.316.1843 or email us at events@keesvacations.com.

When you rent an event home, there are a few details that can easily get overlooked. We`ve surveyed around the office and asked local vendor Ashley Earnhardt from Southern Hospitality Weddings about some best practices and a checklist to make sure you are prepared. Here are some details to consider when planning your special day at an event home.

Sunset
When you begin planning your timeline, you`ll want to check and see what time sunset is on your wedding day. Choosing a time too early before sunset can lead to harsh light in your photographs, while too close to sunset could mean not enough light. Consult with a local photographer and wedding coordinator to select a timeline with ideal lighting for your photos.

Noise Ordinance
All towns on the Outer Banks have a noise ordinance of either 10 or 11 PM, which varies. When planning your timeline and deciding when the music will have to end, make sure you check the town rules for your specific event home.

Permits
Each town has slightly different requirements when it comes to permits. For example, you may have to apply for a noise permit in Currituck County (Corolla) or register your gathering in the Town of Duck. In addition, if you plan to have alcohol served at your event, you may need additional permits! Check with the town rules & your wedding coordinator to see what you may need.

Tides
For a beach wedding, you`ll want to have an idea of the high tide times so you can adjust your ceremony setup accordingly! While most of the summer our beaches are wide enough that a high tide isn`t a huge issue, the beach is constantly shifting, and some days the tide could make a major difference. If you can, go visit the beach in the days leading up to your wedding. That will give you a good idea of where the high tide line hits to make sure you set up behind it! If you need help with chair setup, we recommend IdoOBX weddings & events.

Rachael and Mark - Outer Banks Wedding Films from Swell Weddings on Vimeo

Since a vacation rental home isn`t a traditional wedding venue, there`s most likely not a stock of trash cans handily available for you! The home`s roll-out garbage cans may suffice, but if you don`t want those visible in your reception area, you may want to purchase or rent some event canisters that are a little less of an eyesore.

Parking
Oh, parking! One of the biggest challenges to event home weddings is that you need to coordinate parking for guests & vendors! To save you stress on your wedding day, come up with a parking plan well ahead of time. One option is to hire a local transportation company to shuttle those guests not staying at the event home to and from the wedding. Some local companies are:

• Corolla Trolley
• OBX Trolley
• Island Limo
• Outer Banks Limousine
• OBX Party Bus

Guests can also carpool or take a cab or depending on the area, Uber or Lyft, and get dropped off at the wedding house, and then picked up again to avoid parking and driving altogether.

Ice
Many Outer Banks event homes come with commercial ice makers, and while that`s great for the week`s activities and even some of the wedding ice, it definitely won`t be able to produce enough on the wedding day. To ice down coolers of beer & wine, add ice to water on your dining tables, or for your mixed drinks, you`ll still want to plan on getting bags of ice at the store to ensure you don`t run out. Check out Easy Ice, an Outer Banks company that will take the stress out of making sure you have enough ice!

Finding Rentals Nearby
Many event homes have vacation rentals nearby. Work with a Guest Service agent directly and they can recommend what`s nearby. KEES has vacation rentals to accommodate all size groups and budgets and we offer more standard amenities than anyone else as well as FlexStay check-in and check-out. Email us for help or search for vacation rentals here.

Touring Event Homes
We will not be offering tours of KEES properties at this time. KEES Vacations works diligently to provide every detail and angle possible within an Event Home. Whether this detail is captured in the property description, photos, and/or 360 Home Tour, KEES aims to answer your questions in advance of your arrival. Please contact us or have your wedding coordinator contact us if you have any questions and we will be more than happy to help.

Outer Banks Wedding Association
KEES Vacations is a proud member of the Outer Banks Wedding Association, another great resource for all things wedding related. 

Instead of a ballroom or country club, one of the most unique reception options for your wedding is an event home! The Outer Banks is known for large vacation rental homes that can host your guests for a vacation week, as well as the ceremony & reception location for the big day! If you`re looking for an event home for your celebration - here are some choices you don`t want to miss!

The Black Stallion

One of the most unique properties on the Outer Bank is The Black Stallion in Corolla! This home has 24 bedrooms, sleeping up to 55, and even has a separate pool house with bridal suite accommodations that make it the perfect spot to get ready for your wedding! The home is tucked into the private woods of the Currituck Club community and offers many event spaces, both indoor and outdoor! The pool area is a crowd favorite and can easily seat over 100 guests with more room on the lawns. Inside you will also find a large event space downstairs, more gathering area on the second floor, and a dramatic spiral staircase connecting all the levels. The Black Stallion is pet-friendly and also offers extra amenities like the "K Club".

Booking through 2025

PHOTOS OF JUSTINE & JEROME - Sarah D`Ambra Photography

WESTSIDE INN

This home may be smaller but the views more than make up for it! Westside Inn is a 5-bedroom home situated right on the Sound with an expansive lawn for ceremonies & receptions. There`s plenty of room for a tent, plus the location is very private for your celebration. The sunsets at this home are unparalleled and will be sure to wow your guests!

Booking through 2025

PHOTOS OF KATIE & SEAN`S WEDDING - Matt Lusk Photography

SWEET CAROLINA

This 9-bedroom home is located oceanfront in Nags Head and offers many beautiful areas to celebrate your love! The interior is immaculate and designed in a modern coastal style. The outside area of Sweet Carolina offers a huge grassy lawn that can be tented, as well as both covered and uncovered patio spaces. Sweet Carolina is also pet friendly and close to so many attractions like Jennette`s Pier, the Outer Banks Outlet Mall, and more!

Booking through 2026

PHOTOS OF KIMMIE & JESS` WEDDING - Digital Wunderland

OCEANS 24

This oceanfront event home is centrally located in Kill Devil Hills and is one of the largest on the Outer Banks with 24 bedrooms and sleeping 60 guests! Oceans 24 has a great outside entertaining space with a pool, covered patio, and a lawn that can fit up to a 30x45 ft tent! The top level of the home also offers a great open space for inside events and even a large covered balcony. A few extra perks - Oceans 24 is pet-friendly and has public beach access for overflow parking just a few steps away!

Booking through 2026

PHOTOS OF KATIE & DAN`S WEDDING - Ryan & Rach Photography

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With friends and family gathered on the beautiful Kill Devil Hills beach in front of Ocean`s 24, Tom and Karyna said "I DO" on May 18, 2024. This event home by KEES is the perfect place to enjoy the wedding of your dreams.

Glenn and Nadya Photography captured the pure beauty of this wedding. From the moment Karyna put on her off-the-shoulder with lace floral accents wedding dress, to her jewelry-laced feet, over to Tom hanging out getting dressed and trying to relax, to the fun and thrill of the reception, their photos illustrate what a great day it was. They also were able to capture the tender moments between the bride and groom and their family members. Glenn and Nadya go to both the Outer Banks and Virginia Beach area for weddings.  

The recreation room at Oceans 24 provided the perfect spot for the groom and his groomsmen to relax and play a round of pool and/or ping pong to get out any wedding jitters.

The bride looked stunning with her makeup done by Taylor Clarke at Southern Glam.

On the beach in chairs provided by Ocean Atlantic Rentals, guests sat facing a lovely hexagon-shaped altar laced with flowers and tulle. They watched as the bride, escorted by her father, walked through the Oceans 24 private gazebo and down the steps to the beach with the ocean breeze catching her hair and dress just right. The sounds of the waves crashing on the shore supplied serene background music for the ceremony.

The recently redone backyard at Oceans 24 is the perfect place to set up a reception. Under the 30`x40` clear top tent with LED cafe lighting, long tables, and chairs were set with white linens (all provided by Ocean Atlantic Rentals), and flowers by Nags Head Florist were set with beautiful dinnerware and glassware for each guest. There was even room for the bride and groom to have their own separate table at the front. Dinner, provided by De Rican Chef in Virginia Beach, was delicious and filling. Guests were never thirsty thanks to bartender Barney Robertson who served up drinks behind the Oceans 24 tiki bar. Thanks to the tunes of Christian Felan, Taurus DJs, the guests danced the night away on the parquet dance floor (also provided by Ocean Atlantic Rentals) celebrating Tom and Karyna.

In addition to Glenn and Nadya Photography, Evan with AxisFilm Co, provided sound and captured all the special moments on video.

Based on the photographs, it looks like the wedding planner/sister of the bride, did a fantastic job, providing the bride and groom with the best day ever.

With its 24 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms, Oceans 24 has plenty of room for family and friends to stay and get ready for a wedding! Large enough to hold an event, this house features a butler pantry ideal for catering services, accordion doors that open to the fourth-level ocean-facing deck, and the fenced-in yard perfect for entertainment purposes. There is a private pool and hot tub for everyone to enjoy following the event – perfect after a night of fun.

This is the ultimate event home to have your wedding. Book Oceans 24 today!

The Outer Banks is a vacation wedding destination. Brides-to-be and their grooms come from all over to say their "I Do`s" on this long stretch of magnificent beaches. Although, as many know, along with the excitement of I do`s comes a grand list of to-dos. Check one thing off your list when you book your dream wedding at Sweet Carolina in Nags Head!

Capturing happy tears and exciting moments is essential for the big celebration! Brooke Mayo Photographers highlighted Rob and Rachel`s first minutes as husband and wife! The dynamic duo creates incredible memories through their magical photos. Their fun and creative personalities, paired with their eye for detail, allow them to turn your beautiful celebration into a memory that will last a lifetime.

Open the doors and step out onto the porch as you admire the Atlantic. Sweet Carolina offers ocean views from each of the back patios. Picture yourself prepping for the big day as you marvel out over the endless horizon. The private beach access is picturesque for photographing the evening as the sun sets behind the home. This home is equipped with a resort-style pool in the backyard and a grassy area for ceremonies accommodating 100 guests. Find the perfect place for a dance floor under the cabana to boogie the night away. Vendors and catering companies easily access this centrally located home in Nags Head.

Sweet Carolina is a nine-bedroom, 12-bathroom home, sleeping, 18 guests! You are greeted with elegance and impeccable style as you walk through the front door. Decorated with tasteful beach decor and furnished with a rec room and extra lounging space. The rec room provides a billiards table, lounge, kitchenette, and media room. Friends and family can unwind in comfort while you prepare for the ceremony! Whether you plan to have an intimate wedding with family and a few friends or a large wedding of up to 100 people, Sweet Carolina can accommodate you! Not to mention this beauty is pet-friendly. What is a wedding without your best furry friend walking with you down the aisle?

Erica looked stunning in her elegant dress by BHLDN. Preparation for their spectacular day was a breeze in this nine-bedroom home. This home provided ample privacy for the bride and groom to get ready for their sensational day. A fancy wedding calls for a morning of pampering for the girls. Katie at Curl Up or Dye did not disappoint!

Brittany Butterworth Photography shot the photos of Erica and Oaka`s wedding day! Brittany is an emotion-driven, love-centered photographer. She provides wedding photography for adventurous, down-to-earth couples traveling from Winston, Salem, to be here for their big day. Here are a few images of the beautiful celebration she captured.

Café Lachine catered for this one-of-a-kind Outer Banks wedding. The couple and their guests enjoyed delicious food and danced the night away under the tent. The elegant furnishings from Metro Rentals paired well with their rustic coastal theme. The chic wedding floral décor by Olivera Floral Design created a lively fall atmosphere. The bride and each of her bridesmaids carried a bundle of vibrant flowers, showing the natural artistry from all angles.

Kimmie & Jess hosted their wedding at Sweet Carolina on a blue-sky summer day and had the most amazing celebration of their love! The ladies got ready on separate floors of the 3 level house where the Glimmer Hair & Makeup team glammed up all of the ladies. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Barbara Mulford. Planning, details, and coordination were carefully orchestrated by Ashley Earnhardt from Southern Hospitality Weddings. The pampas grass arch was custom-built by Honeysuckle Events for the brides!

Video by: The Digital Wunderland team

TROPICAL BOHO

These two sweethearts opted for a tropical boho theme which is so perfect for our coastal location! The decor was full of pampas grass, palm leaves and rattan accents throughout the ceremony & reception. Honeysuckle Events created all of the floral arrangements, bouquets, and accent decor. Those florals paired perfectly with Amaranth & Artifact`s specialty rentals like the white washed farm tables, custom seating chart and bar setup. The tent, tables & chairs were all rented from Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals.

THE FEAST, SWEETS & BEATS

Currituck BBQ Company catered the North Carolina style BBQ feast that all the guests raved about. The couple did a traditional cake cutting with a small cake from Publix and then all the guests enjoyed Duck Donuts (displayed on a cute donut wall from Amaranth & Artifact) as their sweet treat. Coastal DJ had the dance floor packed from start to finish with everyone letting loose!

The Digital Wunderland team shot the photo & video of the wedding day and here`s some of the beautiful day they captured!

Sunset paradise "Westside Inn"  is one of the newest wedding locations on the Outer Banks and is already a bride & groom (and vendor!) favorite! The home itself is a cozy 5 bedroom, perfect for getting ready on wedding day and staying with your family or wedding party, and the real magic happens on the soundfront lawn! Westside Inn is situated on a private wooded lot, directly on the sound in Manteo. The lawn overlooks the water with views of both the old and new Manns Harbor bridges and boasts amazing sunsets! There`s also a sandy soundside beach area to enjoy! The lawn itself has plenty of room for your ceremony and reception.  Watch this video on Facebook to get an idea of what it looked like on the big day!

Katie & Sean chose Westside Inn for their wedding and were blessed with a perfect fall day! The ladies got ready in the house and Salty Hair Salon did all of the hair and makeup for the bride and her party.

The ceremony was on the north side of the lawn where Tony Joseph of I Do OBX officiated, and the gorgeous circular arch and ceremony chairs were also provided by I Do OBX Weddings and Events.

The reception was held on the south side of the lawn and a clear tent from Metro Rental provided a space for dinner and dancing. I Do OBX Weddings & Events provided all of the table & chair rentals as well as all of the lighting, florals & decor! Katie`s dream of a romantic wedding with lots of greenery was created to perfection!

Additional specialty rentals were brought in by Amaranth & Artifact including an emerald green settee for the newlyweds, a bar setup and even a lounge!

Local DJ Michelle Sanchez played music for the ceremony and DJed for the evening and Coinjock Marina Restaurant out of Currituck catered the delicious meal.

Ashley of Southern Hospitality Weddings & Events coordinated the wedding day to make sure everything ran smoothly.  Matt Lusk Photography & Reel Love Weddings were the photographer and videographer for this couple and thanks to Matt for the images! Westside Inn is the perfect soundside oasis for your Outer Banks Wedding! Book your dream OBX wedding here today!

If you have any wedding questions, our team is here to help! Simply call us at 866-316-1843 and press the prompt for Guest Services. We are here 7 days a week to assist!