Wrightsville Beach Weddings and Parking

Wrightsville Beach weddings and parking issues go hand-in-hand. The challenge of limited parking at beaches often sneaks up on couples as they plan their wedding day. Many couples don't even realize it is something to consider.

Frustration and embarrassment abound when guests can’t find a place to park or don’t have change in their pockets to feed the meters which causes many of them to be late to your wedding ceremony or miss it altogether.

The solution is to make sure you first include parking as an item on your planning checklist and second, find options to meet the challenge based on the size of your guests list. Once you overcome the challenge, make sure to give good and complete information to your guests ahead of time so they can be prepared.

Parking on Wrightsville Beach is a

first-come-first- serve system.

It’s metered, $2 an hour, and closely monitored by local authorities. You can’t save spaces or reserve blocks of spaces. But you do have several good options for the convenience of your guests.

The Cape Fear Wedding Guide provides some GREAT information and tips about parking at beaches as well as downtown Wilmington. 

Wrightsville Beach Weddings and Parking

The Town of Wrightsville Beach also posted details about parking places on the island.

Town of Wrightsville Beach Parking Information

NEVER PARK on private property or in a spot reserved for customers of a business or any other restricted site, you will be towed. Make sure you inform all your out of town guests so they do not return for their car and it's gone.

Whatever size guest list you have, parking must be discussed and decided upon long before your wedding day to ensure everyone arrives on time to witness your  beautiful beach ceremony.

Cape Fear Wedding Association

In any industry, working with people who share your passion and enthusiasm for the 'thing' you are interested in is very important. I found out that Wilmington has a Wedding Association which allows professionals in the field to visit their meetings in order to get to know other wedding business owners and possibly join the Association.

I went to one of their meetings last Wednesday and met several people - three photographers, a DJ and his wife, a hotel sales manager, AND the president of the Association. By the way, Cape Fear Wedding Association is the name of the group. I love it because the name is so similar to mine. I'm not sure how the Association feels about that.

Since there were several photographers present, I asked if I could have a favor done for a 'new guy' to the group and have a picture of me made with John Meyer, the President of Cape Fear Wedding Association. Logan Wallace agreed and shot this photo of John and me.

I'm the bearded guy (with glasses). Thanks Logan.

I also spent a few minutes talking with two florists from Moxie Floral Design Studios. I am embarrassed to say their names slip my memory. That happens when you meet a lot of new people within 90 minutes or so. I do plan to visit their studio and see their work (and learn their names).

Chris and Melodee Walters will always be easy for me to remember their names because I have a brother and sister by those names. Although my sister is Melanie, it will not be hard for me to get Melodee's name right next time I see her. Melody told me she does weddings too. But only in the case of emergency! Turns out, she and Chris were booked to provide music for a wedding once where the Minister who had already been paid, did not show up. The BIG scramble to replace him began and a replacement was finally located. The minister conducted the wedding - very late. Melodee was encouraged to get qualified to conduct weddings so if the occasion every presented itself again she could simply step in and conduct the wedding - on time.

By the end, I knew I would be joining this group. They were collectively impressive and individually hospitable. Exactly the kind of professionals I want to get to know better and work with in the wedding industry. Matter of fact, I ending this now so I can go apply for membership.

Blessings on you all,

Rev Dale