Event Homes vs Wedding Venues: A Guide for Outer Banks Brides

Big Decision

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has been one of the top wedding destination locations for decades. Couples from all over the world come to exchange their vows on the pristine beaches, stay in the beautiful rental homes, tour historic locations, and experience nature at its finest.

Outer Banks destination weddings aren’t about just spending a few hours with guests, it is experiencing days with new friends and forever uniting two families with amazing memories. These OBX weddings can take place at a venue, or at one of the many event homes with lodging for all or part of your guests.

Choosing the perfect location for your Outer Banks Wedding is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the overall atmosphere and experience of your special day. Event Homes and a variety of soundfront, oceanfront, or nearby waterfront venues, offer unique advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the key differences can help you make an informed choice.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location

When deciding between an Event Home and a Wedding Venue, consider the following factors:

• Guest List: If you have a large guest list, a wedding venue may be more suitable. Most event homes may have limitations on the number of guests they can accommodate. But, there are a handful that can hold 100 to 200 people.
• Budget: If the majority of your guests plan to make your wedding their week long vacation, Event homes can be a more cost-effective option, for small or larger weddings. The per night cost of an event home is less than a motel or hotel. And, a few event homes don’t require an entire week stay. However, you may need to factor in additional costs for services like catering and event setup.
• Desired Experience: If you are looking for a personalized and intimate experience, an event home may be the ideal choice. If you prefer professional service and convenient amenities, a wedding venue may be a better fit. If an event home is your preference, consider hiring a local certified and insured Wedding Planner that specializes in event home weddings.
• Location: If you choose a venue that is not a resort, consider the location in relation to your guests’ accommodations and the overall logistics of your wedding day. This is very important if you are serving alcohol at your reception. Consider hiring a local trolley or bus company to transport your wedding party and guests from their nightly stay to the ceremony and reception and back. If you choose an event home, most or all of your guests may already be staying onsite.
• Style and Preferences: Think about the overall style and atmosphere you envision for your wedding. Does an event home or a venue better align with your preferences? If you came to the Outer Banks for the ocean, most event homes are oceanfront but only two Outer Banks venues are oceanfront.