Venue Highlight: Bald Head Island Wedding

It’s no secret that I love getting a Bald Head Island wedding on my calendar! There’s something so magical about this little island off the North Carolina Coast. It’s quaint without feeling crowded, secluded while accessible, and the landscape lends itself to beautiful light and images no matter the season.

There are a lot of details to consider when it comes to having a Bald Head Island wedding. I wanted to lend my thoughts and experiences to a few if you’re considering this hidden gem for your big day.

Throughout this post, I’ll share pictures from weddings I’ve shot on Bald Head Island. The planners who designed these weddings were Shauna Loves Planning and Hannah Strickland, who are both wonderful!

The Setting

Southern Live Oaks lining narrow roads are a trademark of BHI, and they’re one of my favorite parts of the island. Oak trees are synonymous with the South, and their abundance on BHI makes the whole island feel lush and secluded. They lend shade on hot summer days and provide the dreamy dappled light that gives me heart eyes! As you move away from the marshes towards the edge of the island, beaches are the primary landscape. You’ll find access points across the island, and most beaches are buffered by large sand dunes.

An iconic part of the island, however, is its beloved lighthouse! The oldest lighthouse still standing in North Carolina, Old Baldy is a fixture in many scenes across Bald Head Island. There are multiple vantage points, but the most notable in my option are up-close-and-personal (right by the chapel) or from a distance on the bridge or at Marina Park.

The Chapel

If you’re planning a Bald Head Island wedding, there’s a good chance you’re hoping to have your ceremony at the Village Chapel. This charming chapel is host to numerous wedding throughout the year and is a beautiful spot for pictures regardless. Located right next to Old Baldy, the chapel is easily accessible from the BHI ferry and close to numerous picturesque spots.

The Venues

There are three main venues on the island and each is worth considering depending on how you want your wedding to feel. Both the Shoals Club and Bald Head Island Club are beautiful options that offer elegant environments that come with the amenities and conveniences you’d expect from a lifestyle club. Both require memberships to have access to hosting private events at their venues. I’ve shot at both venues before and love them! You can see those wedding below:

Shoals Club Wedding

Bald Head Island Club Wedding

If you prefer a more open-air feel, Marina Park is a great option that also has a view of Old Baldy. There’s no membership required, and its proximity to the marina makes it an incredibly convenient location. It’s the perfect spot for a tented wedding.

Portrait Locations

One of my favorite parts of shooting a Bald Head Island wedding is the abundance of beautiful spots for pictures! The chapel’s charming courtyard is perfect for family formals. Nearby Ballast Stone Alley is a classic oak tree-lined street that is great for portraits of any kind. The bridge going across the marsh offers one of the best views of Old Baldy. While it’s incredibly bright during the day, it is beautiful during golden hour. From there, the numerous beaches and dunes are wonderful and give a lot of flexibility to work with the light depending on the time of day you’re shooting.

Other Things to Note

While a Bald Head Island wedding is gorgeous, there are a lot of logistical factors to consider with hosting your wedding there. I always recommend hiring a planner, but for BHI, it is an absolute necessity. BHI is only accessible by ferry, and golf carts are the only form of transportation on the island. Even if you’ve grown up visiting Bald Head, having the expertise of an event planner will help your day run seamlessly. You’ll also avoid a lot of the logistical headaches that can come from planning a wedding on an island.

The BHI ferry is the only way to access the island and it originates at Deep Point Marina in Southport. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes and runs throughout the day with the schedule varying based on the season. I always recommend purchasing your ferry ticket in advance also. While it’s uncommon for the ferry to sell out, it does happen! If you miss it, you will wait at least another hour for the next one.

I hope this little rundown of Bald Head Island was helpful! If you’re getting married or considering a portrait session on the island, let me know! Like I said earlier, it’s among my favorite places to take pictures, and I’m always itching to get back!