Every Day that Ends in ‘Y’ for beach Weddings

August 25th, 2010

Mother Nature does not care about the ‘work week’.  The sun still shines, the breezes still blow, and the waves still crash Monday through Friday in Ocean Isle Beach.  Saturdays and Sundays are not the only days the beach comes out to play so why should your wedding day be any different?  With the magic of summer only being a few months, the window of finding that ‘perfect’ weekend can seem rather small.  There are several perks to having a weekday wedding on the coast of North Carolina.

The Islander Inn Hotel Ocean Isle Beach accommodations

The Islander Inn Hotel Oceanfront NC

Rates are often less during the week at The Islander Inn and this can save your guests some hard earned money.  Many of them are using their vacation time to see you on your wedding, and this could help ease the burden on their wallets.  Room fees also decrease during weekdays at The Isles Restaurant as an incentive to book on less crowded dates.  Anyone can get married on a Saturday so why not be different and tie the knot on a Wednesday?  Think outside the ‘weekend’ so to speak and give a weekday a chance to prove its worth.

Flower Power For NC Beach Weddings

August 21st, 2010

A tisket, a tasket, what will the blushing bride put in her basket?  It is inevitable to avoid the business of deciding on flowers for your wedding.  If you

Ocean Isle Beach Wedding

Ocean Isle Beach Wedding

want a little or if you need a lot, even if you are thinking to go completely without; flowers and weddings go hand in hand.  The bridal party and your soon-to-be mother in law will ask what you are deciding to do about them.  Make a choice and stick with it.  Non-traditional is the tradition these days.  So if you are thinking fragrant and colorful roses, exotic and enchanting lilies, everyday beautiful daisies or just whatever is growing in your neighbor’s yard, whatever you decide will be your decision and it will be good one.

What many brides forget to decide on is what to do with the flowers after the big day has come and gone.  Who says the magic has to end when that last guest leaves?  Pay it forward, so to speak.  Make arrangements with a local hospital, nursing home or hospice facility and share the love.  You can help brighten the lives of those who need a little sunshine on a cloudy day.  If you are an out of town guest planning your magical day in beautiful Ocean Isle Beach, this could be the perfect solution on how to handle those centerpieces and decorative accents.  It will give you the warm and fuzzies knowing the flowers are putting a smile on someone’s face instead of being tossed in the trash with that evening’s confetti.

For Every Season… There is a Great Reason to get Married on Ocean Isle Beach

July 23rd, 2010

There is no doubt about it that Ocean Isle Beach is known for its sun and fun.  But did you know it is also a great place to escape to in the off season?  While spring and summer are the two seasons that get the most attention on these coastal shores, the fall and winter months can prove to be a most enjoyable time of year to get away from it all as well.  With less traffic on the road and lower rates at local accommodations, travelling down to the beach during the months with the letter ‘R’ in it has more perks to it than one might suspect.

The ocean waves continue to crash and the seagulls still laugh at you, shells can still be found and the sand will find its way between your toes.  If the chill in the air is too much for you to handle, having a beachside ceremony is still possible within the walls of The Isles Restaurant.  With two large areas that overlook the ocean and all its majestic surroundings, getting married during the winter months is very much possible as well as beautiful.  The building boasts natural hardwood floors and large glass windows from top to bottom all around.  A winter wonderland wedding will be within reach right on the coast of North Carolina.  Take advantage of what locals already know… anytime is a good time to visit Ocean Isle Beach!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

July 14th, 2010


Planning a wedding can sometimes leave a girl stressed and disgruntled!  But before you do anything drastic, remember that you are entitled to blow

The Islander Inn Hotel Ocean Isle Beach accommodations

The Islander Inn Hotel Oceanfront NC

off some steam before you become a Mrs.  Bachelorette Parties are the perfect answer for that bride teeter-tottering on the edge of ‘freaking out’.  Grab your gal pals and hit the road.  If you cannot get away for the weekend, just a night will work wonders.  The important thing is that you do something, anything, to cut loose and relax.  Planning a ‘Girls Weekend’ in Ocean Isle Beach is just as fun as planning a wedding.  The Islander Inn offers a special package for this occasion and it is just what the doctor ordered to ease your worries!  Or you can take advantage of one of the Islander Inn’s beautiful and spacious four bedroom and four bathroom villas.

Myrtle Beach is just a short drive away from your Ocean Isle Beach accommodations.  Rent a limo for you and your ladies and head to South Carolina for the nightlife!  Many times your Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids will sort through the details and plan something fun and fantastic.  Just make sure everyone is on the same page for what you have in mind.  If you are looking for some peace and quiet and time to read that book that has been collecting dust on your shelf, be sure to voice that desire.  Being thrown into a wild whirl wind of late nights and club hopping can leave you more frazzled than refreshed.  Feel like having a spa day and a light lunch?  Do it!  Need to recharge your batteries by lying in the sand and soaking up some rays?  Do it!  Want to belly up to a bar and sing karaoke ‘til you lose your voice?  Do it!  Think of a group of friends you would love to catch up with and plan something.  If your Maid of Honor lives too far away to get all the ducks in a row, do not worry.  Just ask a fun loving and responsible buddy with your best interests at heart to take charge!  Most of the time, they love it!  After all, it is an excuse to get together and have fun.

Obtaining Your Marriage Licence for an Ocean Isle Beach Wedding

July 7th, 2010

To obtain a marriage license, both bride and groom must do the following:

  • Complete a marriage application form online or in our office. (If done online, you must still appear in our office.)
  • Present identification that in the determination of the Register of Deeds the applicants to the marriage are at a minimum age of 18 years and are authorized to be married under the laws of this state. For marriage of underage applicants, see “Other Notes”.
  • Types of identification accepted are a current and valid government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, etc.
  • The applicants (both) must provide Social Security numbers on the Application (retained on the State Vital Records copy only). For applicants without Social Security numbers, see “Other Notes”.
  • Pay a fee of $60 (cash, certified check, or money order). Sorry, but no personal checks accepted.
  • If you are going to make a name change to your driver’s license and Social Security card, a certified copy of the marriage license will be needed. Therefore, an additional $10 copy fee is required.

A valid and sufficient marriage is created by the consent of a male and female person only.

Beach Wedding

The Perfect Beach Wedding

Other Notes

  • Applicants must arrive in office before 4:30 PM, Monday thru Friday, except holidays.
  • There shall be an oath administered to each and every applicant presenting information contained on said marriage license form as to the information contained is correct and that such person is entitled to such license according to law.
  • License is valid immediately upon issuance. (There is no waiting period to be married in this state.)
  • License is valid in any county of this state for a period of 60 days after issuance. The person performing the marriage ceremony must return both copies of the license filled in and completed to the COUNTY WHERE THE LICENSE WAS ISSUED.
  • No physician’s health certificate is required.
  • If applicant for the license does not have a social security number and states that he or she is ineligible to obtain one then said applicant shall provide a statement sworn to or affirmed before an officer authorized to administer oaths.
  • The listing of the race or education level on the marriage license form is optional.
  • Once the marriage has in accordance with any mode of solemnization recognized by any religious denomination or federally or State recognized Indian Nation or Tribe been returned to the office of issuance, certified copy of such shall be issued at a cost of $10 each. [Fee effective January 1, 2002.] (Obtain copies from the County where the License was issued not where the marriage ceremony occurred.)
  • Applicants 16 or 17 years of age must have written consent by the appropriate persons as follows: by a parent, agency, or institution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party. This written consent shall be acknowledged before a Notary Public or signed in the presence of the Register of Deeds. Written consent shall however not be necessary if minor has been issued a certificate of emancipation from a court of law.
  • Applicants over 14 years of age and under 16 may marry only with the consent of the District Court Judge after a judicial hearing to determine if such marriage is in their best interest.
  • Applicants under 14 years of age shall not be eligible for a marriage license.
  • Applicants who have been divorced must provide the month and year of their last divorce. If the divorce was finalized within sixty (60) days of obtaining the license, the applicant must provide an original or certified copy of the divorce decree. There is no waiting period between the divorce and applying for a new license.
  • Marriage may be performed by the following: (ordained minister) (minister authorized by his or her church) (resident Superior Court Judge) (magistrate) (society of friends) (local spiritual assembly of the Baha) (Federal or State recognized Indian Nations or Tribes) and (any person authorized by any religious denomination). Information on marriages performed by ministers of the Universal Life Church can be reviewed in the North Carolina General Statute Chapter 151.
  • Marriage must be witnessed by two persons who are present at the marriage ceremony; they must sign both the original and copy in legible handwriting and in ink and include their address. In addition, the person performing the marriage must do the same.
  • The license must be returned to the Register of Deeds where the License was issued within 10 days after the marriage celebration by the person performing the marriage or be subject to being guilty of a misdemeanor (class 1) and a $200 fine.
  • No marriage of kinship closer than first cousin is lawful.
  • Marriage between all races shall be accepted.

THE REGISTER OF DEEDS SHALL UPON PROPER APPLICATION ISSUE A LICENSE for the marriage of any two qualified persons who have in his or her opinion answered all the questions regarding age, marital status, intention to marry. The Register of Deeds shall determine that the persons are authorized to be married in accordance with the laws of this state, and in doing so may require the applicants to present certified copies of birth records or such other evidence as he or she deems necessary to determine that said parties are eligible for such license.

When a license is obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, a parent of the underage party or a person, agency or institution having legal custody or serving as a guardian of the underage party or a guardian ad litem is the proper party to bring action to annul the marriage.

Click here for County Information for a Marriage Licence
910-253-2690 OFFICE

877-625-9310 TOLL FREE

910-253-2703 FAX

P.O. Box 87   75 Courthouse Dr.   Building I   Bolivia, NC 28422

Hole in One

July 2nd, 2010

While Ocean Isle Beach is known for its sandy sun and fun, the grass is always greener at The Pearl Golf Course.  The southern coast of North Carolina

Pearl Golf Course Wedding

A beautiful bride on The Pearl Golf Course Ocean Isle Beach

is full of options when it comes to beautiful natural backdrops for your wedding, but nothing beats our little corner of paradise in Ocean Isle Beach. Right down the road from the ocean and off the beaten path, tucked away you will find another wonderful location to say ‘I Do’.  Less

than fifteen minutes away from The Islander Inn, this spot makes the perfect gathering place for your friends and family on your special day.   Open year round, The Pearl offers ceremony & banquet facilities for that picture perfect wedding.  If your husband-to-be and his guys are looking for a place to cut loose and spend the day, there is no better place to unwind and relax than The Pearl.   With two championship golf courses designed by Dan Maples, it makes the perfect bachelor day get-away.  So whether you are an avid fan of golf, or just appreciate the magnificent scenery, The Pearl is yet another great reason to get married on Ocean Isle Beach. Thank you Stephanie Moore with Moore Photography for these great shots!

View of the Sunset over a wedding at The Pearl Golf Course Ocean Isle Beach

Wedding at The Pearl at Sunset

I Always Feel Like… Somebody’s Watching Me

June 4th, 2010

These days it seems like just about every wedding is a “Destination Wedding”.  There are corners of paradise all over this planet and those who are in the know, know that Ocean Isle Beach is a mecca for oceanfront weddings.  With the blues of the sea and the golden hues of the sand, many brides often dream of having their amorous day here on the island.  Whether the guest list includes just you and your husband to be, or the names are so many you have lost count, there is a great way to keep your loved ones in the loop without the need to travel the distance.

The Islander Inn is a sweet spot to run to when saying “I Do” or a great place to go when you need to run away from it all.  With the launch of the Ocean Isle Beach Visitor’s Guide website, came the fantastic arrival of a beach camera.  If you live down the road or across the country, one can click and zoom on the ocean’s tranquility from the comfort of their home.  If you are lucky enough to have your Wedding at The Islander Inn, share this little tidbit of information with all your family and friends.  Even if there are some folks who cannot attend, they can still witness your love and exchange of vows.  Spread the word today and visit The Ocean Isle Beach Visitors Guide You will be happy that you did!

The Bride & The Budget

May 27th, 2010

When it comes to planning the wedding of your dreams, thinking about the amount of money you are about to spend can give you nightmares.  The average cost of a wedding these days is about $28,000.  Compared to $15,000 back in 1990, it is safe to say that times….. They are a changing.  Take a deep breath and know that you are in control.  Having a beautiful day, your way, does not have to break the bank.  Stay cool, stay calm, stay collected, and stay focused… on your budget.  On average, this is where the money is going:

Reception 42%

Engagement/Wedding Rings     20%

Honeymoon     12%

Photo/Video     8%

Bride & Groom’s Apparel 7%

Flowers 7%

Invitations     5%

Cake 3%

Music (Ceremony & Reception) 3%

Ceremony 1%

Transportation     1%

Sometimes less is more.  Let Mother Nature and Ocean Isle Beach lend a helping hand when planning your dream wedding.  Having the golden sands and shades of blue waves as a backdrop to your perfect day can help minimize the amount of jingle you have to have to toss out on decorations for the ceremony as well as the reception.  The combination of your beauty and the beauty of the sea will be enough to keep your guests mesmerized.  Take control of your wedding finances.  Be smart when making your choices.  After all, the day should be about you and your love, not you and your checkbook.

No Room at the Inn…. Don’t Forget the Guest Accommodations

May 24th, 2010
The Islander Inn Hotel Ocean Isle Beach accommodations

The Islander Inn Hotel Oceanfront NC

Whether you are having your wedding on an exotic sandy island in the tropics or down the street from where you kissed your first love, these days almost every wedding is destination wedding.

The reason being that your guests will come from all over just to see you say ‘I do’.  Driving one hour or flying ten, your friends and family will need a place to stay.  Take some of the guesswork out for them and do a little research on local accommodations.

Many hotels will reserve a block of rooms for you and provide a discount if a certain quantity is booked.  Do this sooner than later and cross it off your list.  Depending on the time of year and location of your wedding, some hotels can fill up quick.

Ocean Isle Beach is a pretty popular place to vacation between Memorial Day and Labor Day so do not hesitate.  Be sure to make this information readily available in order for your friends and family to book in a timely fashion.  Don’t leave your guests holding the bag, or in this case, luggage.  A little legwork on your part will keep a smile on their faces, therefore keeping you relaxed and worry free.

Big Things Come in Little Packages…. The Beauty of the Thank You Card

May 21st, 2010

Whew!  Big sigh of relief.  Your magical day has come and gone.  You are now a “Mrs.” and with your partner in crime by your side, the world is yours to take.

Well, before you conquer the world, conquer the thank you note.  Many view this as a lost art and nowadays this is often overlooked by the busy bride.  There could not be a bigger social blunder that exists in our modern times.  Yes, it can seem like a drag with all the licking of envelopes, the pressing of the stamps, and the cramping of your writing hand.  But, make no mistake about it; an act so small and so simple can go such a long way.

While it may seem like you did all the work in making your big day happen, your guests did not just magically appear and disappear with the snap of your fingers.  Ocean Isle Beach is a pretty secluded piece of paradise, making travel options limited.  Your friends and family, as much as they love you, had no obligation to hear you say ‘I do’.  There was no pending doom if they did not show up.  They were there because they wanted to be and many made sacrifices to in order to do so.  Most had to take off from work, possibly using their precious vacation time, and then spend a bit of coin on their travel arrangements as well as wedding gift.  A wedding weekend getaway can set your guests back a bit financially.

In the scheme of things, writing a thank you note to show your thanks for them being there can make you look like the Super Woman you really are.  If your folks played an important role in making your wedding day happen, show them some gratitude with a bit of ink and some paper.  If you had a friend or family member go out of their way to make your day special, let them know.  Don’t forget your vendors either.  Yes, you paid them for their time, but if you were really happy with the service you received, express it in the form of a note.  Everyone likes to feel appreciated and YOU have the power to make that happen.

Beach Wedding

The Perfect Beach Wedding