Elizabeth City is called the Harbor of Hospitality, this coastal town is emerging as a popular wedding destination among couples.
“Elizabeth City offers beautiful scenic areas that capture the attractiveness of the small-town experience,” says Makitta Whitehurst-McLean, owner of Created By Him-Entrusted By You Designs, a full-service wedding and special event planning business in nearby Hertford. “There are a lot of nooks and crannies that are breathtaking and stunning. From the grounds of Montero’s Restaurant to the Maguire Theatre in the Arts of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City offers various intimate settings for a couple to have the wedding of their dreams.”
Elizabeth City Wedding Venues
Other enchanting wedding sites in Elizabeth City include the Museum of the Albemarle, The Pines Golf Club and, of course, the picturesque waterfront.
“Geographically speaking, Elizabeth City has it all. We are a Southern community with beautiful still waters as our backdrop and Carolina blue skies hanging overhead,” says Sandra Sutton, owner of The Bridal Lounge Inc. “Sailboats floating by are great accents to a bride’s outdoor pictures, and photographers who partner with The Bridal Lounge provide photos that allow brides to cherish the moment forever. And if that is not enough, the Outer Banks is just a short car ride away.”
Located on Cardwell Street, The Bridal Lounge is a one-stop shop for brides and grooms, providing wedding planning and consultation, savvy tips for brides, a complimentary wedding resource library, and linen and tuxedo rentals.
“Brides can also chat with beauty consultants who will help bring the vision of how they’d like to look when they walk down the aisle to life, all while sipping lemonade or sweet tea,” Sutton says.
Top Knotch Wedding & Event Planning and Louisa’s Bridal also cater to brides and grooms. Louisa’s Bridal carries tuxedos and a wide selection of bridal and formal gowns and performs in-house alterations. Top Knotch’s planning and coordination services take the stress out of weddings for brides and their families.
“I enjoy meeting new people, helping my clients turn their dream event into reality, and making sure the special event is enjoyed by my clients and their guests from beginning to end,” says Robin Foreman, owner of Top Knotch Wedding & Event Planning.
Harbor of Hospitality
One reason Elizabeth City is able to pull off so many successful weddings is the support local businesses give one another.
“As a decorator and coordinator, I have worked with many businesses in the community, including photographers, caterers and reception venues,” Whitehurst-McLean says. “Every one of them has been very helpful in making sure the needs of the clients were met. Offering an exceptional experience for the bride and groom can provide future bookings for all the vendors involved.”
Sutton agrees. “This is a business community that supports one another. At my launch soiree, there were hair stylists, restaurant owners, photographers and people from all walks of life and careers,” she says. “Southern hospitality is not just a cliché or slogan – it’s our motto. It’s what you see when visiting this town. We drive with one hand and wave at folks with the other hand. That same concept shines through in our businesses.”
If you’re visiting for a wedding or planning an event, don’t miss these great restaurants in Elizabeth City.