Cape Fear Wedding Venue
As a top Cape Fear wedding venue, we understand the importance of making your ceremony and reception truly special. Our carefully designed space will fit all your needs, easily matching your wedding style. Our all-inclusive rental package streamlines the planning process and saves you time and money.
With 7,000 square feet of elegant indoor event space in historic downtown Wilmington, this is one of Cape Fear’s largest wedding venues. Easily accommodate up to 175 guests.
All Rentals include:
12-hour space rental
2 onsite getting ready suites
Catering prep kitchen
Venue director
Seating for up to 175 guests (Chiavari chairs, and round/long tables)
Premium linen options
Variety of decor options for your Ceremony + Reception
Full setup and breakdown of all in house inventory and decor
Recently Engaged? Let’s talk about your wedding!
We can’t wait to hear about your wedding day vision.
Wedding Pricing
Monday - Thursday $4,000
Fridays & Sundays | $5,500
Prime Saturdays | $7,000
March, April, May, June, September, October & November
Off Season Saturdays | $6,500
January, February, July, August & December
Holiday Dates are priced at “Saturday” Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our Inclusive Rental Package includes full setup and breakdown of all in house decor. Seating for up to 175 guests (Chiavari chairs, and round tables) linen options, variety of decor options for your ceremony + reception and much more.
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We do require that all weddings have a day of coordinator for the wedding day and you will totally thank us later. Our Venue Director will work closely with your wedding planner to ensure all your wedding details are taken care of. Clients must choose a planner off of our preferred vendors list.
The Elia has a sister company, Brittanie Raquel Events which is a Wedding & Event planning company that offers wedding planning & design services, in-house florals and rentals.
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To ensure all weddings and events are up to our standards and provide the best guest experience, all clients must choose a caterer off our exclusive catering list. Our list of caterers provide a variety of dinner styles, can cater to your budget and provide full service catering + wait staff.
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We welcome new vendors to the venue and love creating new relationships. Choosing your vendor team is a big decision and we always encourage hiring professionals in the industry. We do require your vendors to provide a certificate of insurance that we keep on file.
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Yes! We have three bar package options:
Beer & Wine Bar starting at $30 per person for 4 hours
House Full Bar starting at $40 per person for 4 hours
Premium Full Bar starting at $50 per person for 4 hours
To learn more about each package and what’s included, inquire here.
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Yes, we have two onsite getting ready suites that couples will have access to as early at 10am on the day of their wedding. Additional hours can be rented on for an additional fee.
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There are a variety of Hotels located within walking distance from The Elia. Here are some of our favorites, The Hotel Ballast, The Hive, Courtyard By Marriott Downtown, Embassy Suites, or Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown
We also have a blog about all the best restaurants and hotels
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There is ample street parking around the venue, two large parking lots a block away: River Place Parking Lot (14 Grace St, Wilmington, NC 28401) + Water Street Parking Deck (210 N Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401) and the local hotels also offer onsite parking as well.
Local Questions Answered
From the river to the Atlantic Coast, here’s some helpful info to make your Cape Fear NC wedding great for your guests. And be sure to check out our blog for more information on attractions, restaurants, nightlife, and accommodations in Wilmington, the historic heart of the Cape Fear region.
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22 North Restaurant: Savor the tastes of classic Southern fare with Creole and French flair in Wrightsville Beach. One of the Cape Fear region’s dining destinations.
Archibald’s Deli: Looking for a great sandwich for lunch? Archibald’s in Holden Beach has been making them for nearly 30 years. The lobster roll is a must-order.
Cape Fear Boil Company (Carolina Beach): If you’re staying in one of Carolina Beach’s great vacation rentals, bring the boil home! Enjoy delicious seafood without the hassle of cooking.
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Hoplight Irish Pub & Restaurant: Grab an Irish beer at this Pleasure Island bar and restaurant, a favorite in the neighborhood.
American Fish Company: This is Southport’s premier waterfront pub. Take in the scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Cape Fear River, and barrier islands while enjoying live music on the open-air deck.
Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill: Hang in a hammock, kick back in a rocking chair, play some checkers, throw some darts, shoot some billiards - you can even get in some cornhole or volleyball. This Carolina Beach bar has something for everyone!
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Callahans of Calabash: This gift shop is a Calabash community landmark. Explore over 35,000 square feet of amazing shopping at this family-owned emporium.
8 A Fine Art Gallery: Located in the heart of downtown Southport, you’ll find a chic gallery featuring local and regional artists paying homage to Coastal Carolina.
Northrop Antiques Mall: Treasure hunters will find nearly 40 vendors at this Southport antiques mecca housed in a historic brick building.
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Fort Fisher Recreation Area: Located south of Wilmington in New Hanover County, this is the only state park that allows four-wheel-drive access. Warm weather brings the nesting loggerhead sea turtles and bird lovers will find the marshes amazing.
Bald Head Island: Take a passenger ferry across the Cape Fear River from Southport to the state’s oldest standing lighthouse, Old Baldy. 10,000 untouched acres of beaches, marshes, and maritime forests.
Battleship North Carolina: Participating in every major naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II, this restored National Historic Landmark is a memorial to the over 11,000 North Carolinians who gave their lives.
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Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure Beaches: From beach combing and boardwalk strolls to surfing and water sports, check out one or all of these beautiful shores.
Southport: History, dining, and shopping are just part of Southport’s DNA. Discover why this coastal community is called “America’s Happiest Seaside Town.”
Oak Island: The town offers 65 public beach access locations, more than any other coastal Carolina community. Family-friendly, with lots of restaurants and attractions.
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North Carolina Blueberry Festival: Burgaw “gets the blues” every June with a blueberry recipe contest, lots of community events, a BBQ cookoff, a car show, and folks shagging to the best beach music.
North Carolina Azalea Festival: April in Wilmington means an explosion of color with the every-popular Azalea Festival. In addition to the beautiful gardens, locals and visitors also enjoy a parade, special events, concerts, and a street fair.
Carolina Beach Music Festival: Each June the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce hosts the biggest beach music festival held on the beach. Show off your steps in the sand or just sway in the surf.
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Wilmington International Airport (16 mins. from downtown)