Instead of towering hotels, majestic beach homes line the quiet streets of Corolla, the Outer Banks’ northernmost city. These luxurious vacation rentals feature gourmet kitchens, private pools, grand foyers and expansive balconies, guaranteeing an intimate setting. Expecting guests? Reserve a block of homes and create your own beachfront community. These ‘sand castles’ make an affordable and stress-free venue for weddings on the shore, receptions around the pool or a catered rehearsal dinner on the deck.

For a more formal celebration, choose the Inn at Corolla Light. Or try the lawn of the opulent Whalehead Club, an elegantly restored 1920’s hunt club overlooking the lapping waters of the Currituck Sound. Outdoor celebrations on the plush lawns of Heritage Park gain added ambience from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse nearby.

Local wedding planners help clients make the most of Currituck’s relaxed atmosphere. Event coordinators, florists, caterers and photographers handle the details with professional aplomb, easing the concerns of brides located at a distance. Currituck’s pros are experienced with vacation homes as event venues; they plan for the perfect occasion and prepare for the unexpected occurrence.

Currituck is best known as an off-the-beaten-path vacation destination, and many wedding couples extend their stay on the Outer Banks. Off-road jeep tours on the dunes bring you close to the wild Spanish mustangs roaming Currituck’s northern shores. Culinary delights beckon from North Carolina’s oldest microbrewery, local wineries, and farm stands. Golfers can play any of six scenic courses, but your extended bridal celebration might also include parasailing, boating, kayaking, off-road adventures, historical sites and shopping. In the end, however, relaxing on the beach may be the best option of all!