01/16/2026 to 01/18/2026
January 16–18, 2026 | Downtown Manteo & Outer Banks Venues
Start your wedding planning off on the right foot with a destination-worthy weekend here on the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks Wedding Weekend & Expo returns during Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend with three exciting days of wedding inspiration, vendor connections, venue tours, and special offers — all set against the scenic backdrop of Roanoke Island and the greater OBX coastline.
What Is the Wedding Expo?
The Outer Banks Wedding Weekend & Expo is a premier regional event produced by the Outer Banks Wedding Association that brings together engaged couples, families, and wedding planners with top-tier local vendors and services. Whether you’re just beginning your planning journey or putting the finishing touches on your celebration, this weekend is designed to help you gather ideas, compare options, and lock in trusted professionals.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, January 16 – Welcome Party
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove, Manteo
Kick off the weekend in style at the official Welcome Party. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, refreshing beverages, music, and networking with both vendors and fellow couples. This event also serves as your check-in point for wristbands and event materials, making entry to the Saturday Expo smooth and seamless.
Saturday, January 17 – Wedding Expo
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Manteo — 108 Budleigh • The Manteo House • The Waterfront Trellis • The Pearl Hotel
Explore a dynamic Bridal Expo hosted at multiple downtown Manteo venues. Walk through beautifully curated spaces and meet vendors ranging from photographers and caterers to planners, DJs, florists, venues, and more. Take advantage of expo-only deals, sample creative offerings, and gather brochures, pricing, and scheduling information all in one day.
Featured Expo Categories Include:
Accommodations & Event Lodging
Caterers & Specialty Foods
Photography & Videography Services
Beauty, Hair & Makeup
Floral & Decor Designers
Ceremony & Reception Venues
Entertainment & DJs
VIP ticket holders receive access to exclusive perks including enhanced welcome bags, VIP lounge space, and entry into a vendor credit giveaway.
Sunday, January 18 – Wedding Venue Tour
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Various Outer Banks Venues
Wrap up the weekend with a self-guided tour of some of the Outer Banks’ most sought-after wedding venues. This immersive experience lets you walk property spaces, visualize wedding layouts, and ask venue teams your planning questions in person. A wristband from Friday or Saturday grants access to all tour stops.
Why Attend?
Connect with Local Experts
Meet professionals who live and work here on the Outer Banks — from planners and bakers to musicians and officiants — all familiar with destination weddings and ready to help you execute your vision.
Exclusive Deals & Inspiration
Many vendors offer expo-exclusive pricing and incentives to event attendees. Bring ideas to life as you flip through samples, talk details, and secure dates before the season fills up.
Venue Insights You Can’t Get Online
The Sunday Wedding Tour provides firsthand experience of venue spaces, layout possibilities, and site amenities — invaluable when choosing where you’ll say “I do.”
Ticket Information
Tickets are available now through the Outer Banks Wedding Association. General admission includes access to all three weekend events, a welcome tote, and a copy of Outer Banks Weddings Magazine. VIP tickets offer additional premium benefits such as a giveaway entry and VIP lounge entry.
For details and ticket purchase, visit https://www.obxwa.com/expo/.
Plan Your Stay on the Outer Banks
Make the most of your weekend wedding planning experience with a comfortable OBX stay. Seaside Vacations offers an array of vacation homes that are ideal for couples, families, and wedding parties visiting for the Expo. From oceanfront escapes to soundside retreats with ample gathering spaces, we have options that match every need and budget.
Helpful Tips:
Book early — winter weddings and Expo weekends book up fast.
Consider lodging within easy distance of Downtown Manteo for quick access to events.
Extend your stay to enjoy local dining, historic sites, and scenic outings while you’re here.
Call our Guest Services Team or browse available homes online to secure your perfect Outer Banks base for Expo weekend.
