There is an advantage to having a beach backdrop for your dream wedding. For one, you don't have to travel far to begin the honeymoon, as you are already in paradise! Also, there is a beautiful serenity associated with exchanging vows along a pristine shoreline with the calm waters as your witness and the tang of ocean breezes providing a relaxing atmosphere. Your guests will love the change in scenery, and you will enjoy the memories for years to come.

Nowhere will a dream wedding on the beach be more perfect than in the Currituck Outer Banks. The climate is wonderful year round, so there is seldom a worry about the weather being too hot or too cold for a particular date. As the Outer Banks peaks at various seasons, an early spring or fall wedding would prove beneficial to couples on a budget, and accommodations are much easier to find as well. If planning a wedding during the off season, however, it is best to contact potential caterers ahead of time to see if they will be in operation. Remember, a number of businesses will close once summer is over.

One bonus to getting married in the Currituck Outer Banks is that there is no waiting period involved after obtaining a Currituck County marriage license. If you are from another county, you also have the option of obtaining your license there and getting married at the beach. A nominal fee of fifty dollars will get you the license if you register in Currituck, which remains valid for sixty days following the issue date, and any ordained minister or officiate may perform your ceremony. The officiate need not a special license to perform the marriage in the state, either, so if you have somebody in mind who is from out of town, no extra measures are necessary.

Once the legalities are understood, now comes the fun part - planning the reception and honeymoon! The Currituck Outer Banks offers a number of beautiful, historical attractions that have become popular wedding destinations over the years. The Whalehead Club, once the resort home of Currituck's elite, makes for a beautiful, elegant reception venue, while the sunny atmosphere of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse grounds offers a touch of whimsy to any nuptial celebration.

The Corolla Chapel, Currituck's only year-round interdenominational church, has been the site of many of wedding and reception since its inception. If available, you may want to consider contacting any of the local vineyards for possible reception space. Moonrise Bay and Martin Vineyards of Knotts Island have hosted many a tasting over the years, and Martin Vineyards hosts the annual Peach Festival in July. Both wineries offer beautiful grounds and views of the ocean.

For an unforgettable wedding under the gentle North Carolina sun, consider the Currituck Outer Banks for your ceremony and reception. Create memories along the sandy shores and come back again, with the kids. Visit http://www.VisitCurrituck.com for more information on planning your dream wedding with us.

Kathryn Lively

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer and published author of mystery.