Featured Venue(s) - Bald Head Island

If you've never had the opportunity to visit Bald Head Island just off the SE corner of NC, do youreslf a favor and make it a priority. To get to Bald Head Island, one must hop aboard a passenger ferry for a 20 minute ride to an island with no cars other than electric golf carts, no hotels - only vacation rentals, and little to worry about besides remembering to charge your golf cart.

Bald Head Island is packed to the brim with beautiful beaches, historical landmarks including the oldest lighthouse in the state of NC, breathtaking views and a few of the most glorious places in the state to hold a wedding and reception. Prior to opening up Shauna Loves Planning, I worked on Bald Head Island for nearly 6 years. And as the Event Planner for the Bald Head Island Club, I had the opportunity to get to know the island and it's many special venues quite well, so I feel almost obliged to share my knowledge and thoughts on this most amazing wedding destination.

The Bald Head Island Club is just a 5 minute golf cart ride from the ferry dockmaster and features a premier golf course, four tennis courts, a fitness center, a pool and pelicatessen, a formal dining room as well as a casual dining room, indoor and outdoor seating and a world-class croquet club. On top of this, the club offers several options to host a wedding and reception including an Ocean Room ballroom capable of seating 175 with a covered terrace, or an all-outdoor reception on one of the other terraces on the backside of the club with a view of the phenomenal golf course. Tables, chairs, linens and dishware are all included in your venue rental at the Bald Head Island Club. After 6 years at the Bald Head Island Club, I can guarantee two things... the food is not your typical "wedding food" but a delectable cuisine that your guests will be raving about for months after your wedding and the service is second to none, with a welcoming attitude from everyone from the front desk receptionist to the line cooks to your personal event captain.

The Shoals Club is located on the opposite end of the island but sits at the meeting point of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. The Presentation deck at the Shoals Club is one of the most stunning locations on the island for couples wanting to say "I do", featuring an open-air gazebo with waves crashing behind you. The Shoals Club also offers numerous sites for your reception including the formal dining room, Lounge, Sandbar Pavilion, Verandah and pool deck. The Shoals Club is easily transformed to fit any couples style, from casual to classic and guests won't soon forget the ambiance and atmosphere experienced at their Shoals Club wedding. Tables, chairs, linens and dishware are all included in your venue rental at the Shoals Club.

The Village Chapel is a beautiful, intimate, non-denominational venue for couples to recite their vows and located just a couple minutes walking distance from the ferry. The chapel can hold up to 110 guests (plus your bridal party) and is absolutely breathtaking. I've taken many a bride for a tour of the chapel and witnessed first-hand the effects of such a pristine and naturally beautiful chapel, set in the marshland of the island.

The Old Baldy Lighthouse is located right next door to the village chapel and provides couples a large space of lawn for an outdoor reception or ceremony or both. A tent can be errected on the grounds and a caterer from on-island or off can provide your guests with your choice of food and beverage. It's truly one of my favorite locations on the island for a wedding (but I think i say that about all of them. They're all that good!)

The Association Center is another option for smaller weddings of 100 or fewer and is located just to the right of the village chapel. As with the lighthouse grounds, couples renting the assocation center would be responsible for booking their choice of caterers for food and beverage services, however tables and chairs are provided for.

For smaller weddings or events, there is also the option of renting one of the handfull of rental homes on the island that allow private parties, including La Vita Bruta - one of my favorites. Check out that view!

I hope this helps you visualize all the possibilities and potential Bald Head Island has to offer! It's truly a world in itself and unlike anything you've ever experienced before. Happy wedding hunting!

Best, Shauna