I got married in OBX 2 years ago and researched hotels, caterers, florist, photographers, etc. for 2 years.

For caterers if I had the budget I would have used Red Sky Cafe, Kelly's or 1587, however I did not have that in my budget, talking $70 - 80 +/person.

For a more economical budget $50 or less/person, talk to Sonny's, Good Life Gourmet, The Delectable Dish, or OBX Chefs 2 Go.

For the most economical route brides have gone with BBQ, typically High Cotton, Sooeys, or Pig Man's is who I hear about the most. this is a great option for a laid back rehearsal dinner and for laid back weddings, and for those on a budget.

Keep in mind I researched all this 3/4 years ago and caterers come and go in OBX.

Also look at this website: http://www.outerbanksweddingassoc.org/

Or go onto the NC Boards on theknot.com brides list vendor reviews on there and give lots of great ideas.

Also plan to go to the bridal show in Jan. it is so much fun, we went 2x.

Try the Comfort Inn and Suites South. It was a standard oceanfront hotel, that has been abused by tourist every year, nothing to write home about, but clean, and will do blocks. For guest who like a more upscale feel try the First Colony Inn, and for guest looking for the cheapest most economical route, who just wanted a cheap place to crash: The Island Motel and Guest Houses in Manteo. Note: the 3 guest houses with the Island Motel are very nice, my family stayed in these and loved them, these are not as budget friendly. Also another more upscale, very nice place is the Tranquil House Inn, in Manteo.

Also book ASAP, May is a big wedding month in OBX, so if the couple is set on a certain date, specially a Sat. book now.

Also be sure they have a plan B in case of inclement weather. Weather is very unpredictable in OBX, the weekend of my wedding a Nor'easter developed off the coast, and we had 50+ mph gust of wind off the ocean.

If you have specific questions please feel free to send me a message. I will be out a lot this next week for work, but I will do my best to get back to you in a timely manner.

Good luck.

Thank you for the detailed info and suggestions! As mother of the groom, I can't say too much, but I'll gently pass the info on to my son and future daughter-in-law.

Just came back from a B & B in Nagd Head called the First Colony Inn-around MP 16, and it was very noce. Very comfortable beds, nice pool, they serve breakfast and have a nice afternoon Happy Hour as well. They also perform weddings there right on the grounds all of the time. While we were there, a couple got married on the beach.

It is across the street from the beach and the back end faces the sound. You cannot go wrong with this place. It is very nice and the innkeeper Tom, is sweet as can be.

Thank you for recent info on First Colony Inn. My son and his future wife have rented a house near MP 11 for the "young crowd" to stay in. They will get married on the beach there. However, my husband and I (older crowd) have been considering staying at the First Colony Inn, so your input helps us make a wise decision.