wedding locations
 

my daughter just got engaged and she and her fiance have decided on a "beach wedding". She wants a destination (state side) that has the "wow" factor. She visited Bald Head Island and Hilton Head (the wedding is in April and the golf tournament has made it an impossible destination) Another thought was Nags head. Anyone with experience with these locations or any other suggestions. I am concerned about the ease of our guests getting to and staying on Bald Head Island. Thanks for any advice>

Does she realize how chilly it can be in April in North Carolina? The average high is in the mid 60s, and it's not uncommon to have a high in the 50s.

Has she thought about Amelia Island outside Jacksonville? The average high is in the high 70s at that time of year. And there are a range of hotels to accomodate guests with different budgets.

Captiva Island South Seas Resort?

Where are you and most of your guests travelling from? The Outer Banks of North Carolina (which includes Nags Head) could be a good destination. When is the wedding? The Duck and Corolla areas of the Outer Banks offer many large homes on the beach that could serve as a beautiful place to host a wedding and for your guests to stay.

The guests are coming from Ca, & upstate NY. I have been concerned with the temps as well. I would love to have 2 or 3 beach houses for the family to stay in the week before the wedding. I have been to Captiva and it is gorgeous but too expensive. I am interested to know more about Duck and Corolla Islands as well as Amelia Island. Thanks!

Another one of those non-responsive post that someone complained about earlier ---

.......She wants a destination (state side) that has the "wow" factor.....

What is with this beach wedding business ??? We just got the same announcement except they are headed to Costa Rica --- wow factor but much cheaper. I guess we will see if that is true.

Unfortunately for your daughter, the good wedding locations get booked up 12-18 months out.

North Carolina would be too chilly and windy for an April Wedding.

I would try Amelia Island and Jekyll Island. I went to a wedding at the Jekyll Island Club over Labor Day and it was divine!

Plan on at least one planning trip to the location. Hire a wedding planner.

Amelia is also easily accessible from the JAX airport. We have had good weather there in January. However, the Carolina beaches, & especially the OBX will likely be chilly if not downright frigid in April. You'll need to look farther south. Of course, Key West would be nice...

Upstate NY and California....wow, that's going to cost a lot airfare-wise. I can't think of a beach location that's warm and affordable that will have easy and/or cheap flights, especially in April.

Unless she's planning on Florida, there's a good chance the weather isn't going to be warm enough anywhere (predicatably, anyways) for a beach wedding in April. It's very likely that something will have to give, unless she just likes the beach as a backdrop, and doesn't care how cool/chilly/rainy it might be.
I've been to the Gulf Coast in May, and it was fairly warm. Maybe it would be warm enough in April?

Sanibel should be lovely in April, could be a mite chilly, but nothing like NC. Sorry, krizzo--can't change weather, even for your DD!

A realtive got married at the beach at the Ritz Carlton - Amelia Island and it was beautiful. We loved it as guests.

OK - some reality checking in order here. April - Beach - convenient to both upstate NY and to CA??

I agree w/ some of the others - something definitely has to give. Not many direct flights from most parts of CA to the Carolinas. The two of them need to make some decisions such as "Maybe not a beach wedding after all", or "Maybe change the date to later in the Spring", or maybe less "wow factor" or all of the above.

Well since it sounds like people will be flying from all parts of the country, it doesn't really matter where they fly into. However in April, Florida is probably the only place warm enough for a beach wedding. It's not that difficult to fly from CA to say Orlando but just make sure it's not around Spring Break as airfares to Florida would be very high. Last year I flew from San Diego to Orlando for a convention and it was one of the spring break weeks. I was shocked at the cost of the airfare during that time period.

Airfare to Florida is pretty expensive for most of April. Easter, Passover, Spring Break, cruises....the reasons are endless. And surprisingly, there aren't a lot of direct flights from California, especially into places like Jax and Fort Myers (but even to Miami).

You're right, my flight to Orlando wasn't direct but flying from San Diego you are used to connecting to many East Coast destinations. I had a quick plane change in Dallas so it wasn't too bad. Sometimes it's nice to get off that plane and stretch!!

I think Jetblue.com is going to be your friend since they service both Ca. and upstate NY. Look at their route map. What about Bermuda? I don't know what the legalities are for getting married there, nor will you be guaranteed swimming weather, but it should be pleasant. The other option is to head to the west coast. There are some lovely beaches in La Jolla (San Diego). Again, won't be swimming weather but should be nice.

april beach wedding? it even sounds cold. anywhere on the east coast. (except for florida of course i guess) the only thing i could see is if she considers a resterant that is on a beach, (with a view, for example) but is indoors.

Weather in California in April is usually nice but of course anytime you have an outside wedding, you are subject to the fickleness of mother nature.

I am grateful I have gotten so many responses. I am glad to know in advance the weather won't be the warm 75 we were told. I looked into Amelia Island Plantation (off the coast of Jacksonville FL). It seems to be the one stop shopping I need. The airfare from NY is under $300, even for that time of year. My problem now is for the Plantation folks to call be back. I've left 2 messages and left my email, home phone, & cell phone. I want to know if it is even available as airfare for that time of year goes quick. Has anyone been to Amelia Island Plantation? Is it as nice as it seems?