Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about your Outer Banks Wedding? Browse our FAQ below. If you don't find your answer, feel free to email us.
· About OBWA and Our Vendors
· Laws, Licenses, and Permits
· Travel Information
· Weather
ABOUT OBWA AND OUR VENDORS
Does OBWA have an Outer Banks office?
No, OBWA does not have an office. If you need to get in touch with us please email us at email@outerbanksweddingassoc.org. Your message will be directed to the appropriate person and you will be contacted as soon as possible.
How often does Outer Banks Bride Magazine come out?
Outer Banks Bride Magazine is an annual publication. The new edition is off the press in early January of each year. You can oreder you free copy online.
When is OBWA's annual wedding expo?
During the first or second weekend of January. Please continue to check our website for specific dates, times, location, and other general information.
When I filled out the inquiry form on OBWA's web site, I received emails from vendors that I did not request information from.
When you submit an inquiry via our web site, your message is directed to all OBWA members. While we have requested that our members respond to each inquiry individually, some occasionally reply with a blanket email. Please contact us via email with details of the problem and we will address it with our vendors.
How can I subscribe to OBWA's email newsletter?
Simply subscribe on our newsletter page. We will add your email address to our system and you should begin receiving the newsletters as they are sent.
Can OBWA make a recommendation for my Outer Banks wedding vendor?
I have had a bad experience with an OBWA wedding vendor. Can I file a complaint?
The Outer Banks Wedding Association is a marketing organization comprised of businesses and vendors that cater to the
wedding industry on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The Association's officers and members do not recommend, advise, facilitate, or otherwise participate in relationships between OBWA members and their customers.
LAWS, LICENSES, AND PERMITS
How do I get a North Carolina marriage license and what are the requirements?
Visit our web page, The Legalities of Getting Married, for current laws.
How do I get in contact with the officials of the town where I am having my event?
Visit our Legalities of Getting Married page for town office contact information and web sites.
We plan to have a DJ or Band outside for our reception. Are there local noise or curfew ordinances that I need to know about?
Yes, there are local noise ordinances. Each town has its own policy so please visit the town's website or call the officials of the town in which you are going to have your events.
I am holding my wedding on the beach in front of my rental home, but I don't see any public parking in our neighborhood. Where can my guests park?
There are very few public parking areas on the Outer Banks. Parking is not allowed on the sides of the roads. We would suggest that you consider hiring a transportation company to transport your guests to and from your rental home. This will alleviate parking issues, complications with directions, and drinking and driving.
I am thinking about renting a beach house for our wedding. Do I need to let the rental company know?
You must notify your vacation rental company of all large gatherings at the rental home. If you don't, you run the risk of being evicted. Not all rental homes allow weddings or other special events.
Do I need any special permits or permission to put up a tent at my rental home?
Yes. Each town has its own policies regarding tents and so do individual subdivisions. Check with town and rental company management to make sure you've covered your bases before having a tent placed on the property.
Can we have fireworks as part of our event?
Again check with the town where you are having your event. Typically sparklers are allowed but not exploding fireworks.
Do I need a permit for my beach wedding?
A large portion of the Outer Banks' beaches are public and you will not need a permit. However, permits are required for any wedding taking place on National Park Service Land. Visit the National Park Service web site for policies and permits.
Can I temporarily close a public access or section of the beach so people unaffiliated with my wedding cannot use it during my ceremony?
No. Beaches are public to everyone and you may not close any public access nor section off any portion of the beach.
Are chairs, tents, arches allowed on the beach?
Each town has its own policy regarding these items. Please check with the officials of the town in which you are holding your event.
I am bringing my own officiate from home. Will he or she need any special certification to perform my ceremony?
No, if the ceremony falls into one of the four categories below. Contact the Register of Deeds in the county where your wedding is being held for more details. In addition, a mail order certificate alone is not likely sufficient for a legal marriage.
· In the presence of an ordained minister (of any religious denomination) or a minister authorized by a church.
· In the presence of a magistrate.
· In accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination.
· In accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by and federally or state recognized Indian nation of tribe.
What are the local safety and medial emergency numbers, just in case?
· 911- for all emergencies
· Outer Banks Medical Center: 252-449-5500
· Regional Medical Center: 252-261-9000
· Outer Banks Hospital: 252-449-4500
· Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222
· Highway Patrol: 1-800-441-6127
· Dare County: 252-475-5655
· Ocracoke: 252-928-1071
· Currituck County: 252-232-2115
TRAVEL INFORMATION
I'd like to send my guests information on the Outer Banks. What's the best source of general visitor information?
The three county visitor bureaus publish free comprehensive travel guides that you can order online. Visit our Legalities of Getting Married page for links to their web sites.
What is the nearest airport to the Outer Banks?
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
www.norfolkairport.com
757-857-3351
Is there transportation from the airports to the Outer Banks? Is there public transportation available on the Outer Banks?
There are rental car companies as well as transportation services that can get you to and from the airport and the Outer Banks. There is no public transportation on the Outer Banks, although a number of private companies service the area. Please check with our association's members listed under Limos and Transportation.
How much of a factor is traffic on the Outer Banks?
During June, July, and August, traffic can have a major impact on your wedding, especially if your ceremony is on a weekend. Please consult with your coordinator or one of our transportation members to discuss your event.
WEATHER
Weather wise, what is the best time of the year for my Outer Banks wedding?
May, June, September, and October are the busiest wedding months on the Outer Banks because the weather is generally fair and the temperature ranging from the low 60's to mid 80's. When planning your wedding take into account that hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th. Late spring and early summer are generally fair with the exception of the occasional afternoon thunderstorm.
I'm having my wedding during hurricane season. What precautions can I take to protect my investment, just in case?
Consider obtaining wedding insurance to protect your investment in the event of a hurricane.
In the event of an immediate hurricane threat, where can I get the most current information on storm warnings, evacuations, and other hazards?
TV: Cable Channel 20 (Government Access Channel)
Web: www.darenc.com
Radio: WRSF 105.7 or the NOAA weather radio station at 162.425
We're having our wedding right on the beach. Where can I find local tide tables?
Visit the National Weather Service's Tide Prediction web site to get tides for most Outer Banks locations.
