Why We Love Photographing Weddings at The Wrightsville Manor in Wilmington, NC
A Photographers Dream Venue
If you’re searching for a wedding venue in Wilmington, NC that blends timeless Southern charm with modern elegance, let me introduce you to one of my favorite places to photograph: Wrightsville Manor.
As a Wilmington, NC wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing beautiful celebrations at this venue, and from the first time I stepped foot on the property, I fell in love. From the sprawling oak trees draped in Spanish moss to the light filled indoor spaces with whitewashed brick and soaring high-end ceilings, Wrightsville Manor truly offers endless opportunities for stunning wedding photos.
In this blog post I’m excited to share exactly why Wrightsville Manor holds a special place in my heart, and why so many couples choose it for their wedding day!
What makes this venue so special:
One of the many things that draws me (and so many of my couples) to Wrightsville Manor is how beautifully the space blends indoor elegance with outdoor charm. Every corner of this Wilmington, NC venue offers something unique that photographs beautifully and creates an unforgettable experience for couples and guests. Here are just a few of my favorites:
1). The majestic oak trees + courtyard ceremony space. The outdoor ceremony option is framed by towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a romantic and serene setting. The natural shade and golden hour light filtering through the branches make this spot a dream for portraits, ceremonies or even a first look spot!
2). The Modern Rustic Interior. Inside Wrightsville Manor, you’ll find whitewashed brick walls, tall windows (photographers dream honestly), and vaulted ceilings that flood the space with natural light. It’s the perfect blank canvas for any wedding style - from classic and timeless to boho and modern.
3). The grand entrance and front facade. Wrightsville Manor’s front entrance makes such a beautiful first impression. The grand front doors, charming brickwork, and soft neutral tones create a stunning backdrop for portraits - whether it’s a quiet moment together before the ceremony or a fun group shot with your bridal party. It’s often the first thing guests see, and it sets the tone for the elegant experience that awaits inside.
4). Ample space in the bridal suite for getting ready with beautiful natural light. The bridal suite in Wrightsville Manor is one of my favorite getting-ready spaces in Wilmington, NC. It’s filled with soft natural light thanks to large windows - perfect for capturing those beautiful quiet moments as you put your dress on, share a first look with your best girls, or read a letter from the groom. The neutral tones and elegant furnishings provide a clean, timeless backdrop that let’s the focus stay on you.
5). The airy reception space that keeps the party vibe bright. I honestly don’t know if I will ever get over the reception space because I always go back to it. I love how the light, open design helps to also create the perfect atmosphere for dancing and celebrating! The tall ceilings, soft white tones make the entire space feel lively and inviting, even when the sun goes down. From first dances to packed dance floors, the clean, bright backdrop allows all the fun and emotion shine through in all of your images!
TIPS FOR COUPLES GETTING MARRIED AT WRIGHTSVILLE MANOR:
Depending on what season you are getting married in, here are the best times of day I have found to photograph portraits for golden hour:
Spring: (Sunset is usually around 7:30, but I would plan to start around 5:30/6 for good golden light because it will set behind the large trees and you will lose it quicker.
Summer: Summer sunsets are later, so you’ll often have that dreamy, soft light filtering through the oak trees as late as 7:30/8 PM!
Fall: Sunset is usually around 5/6 PM, so I would aim to have golden hour portraits around 4 PM.
Winter: Very similar to late fall weddings, the sun will set around 5 PM, so your best golden light will be around 3-3:30! If you wanted to stretch it to 4 PM you could, but just remember most of your golden light will be gone from it dipping behind thick trees and multiple buildings. So its better to start a little sooner!
Wrightsville Manor truly has become one of my favorite Wilmington, NC venues for good reason. Not just for its beauty, but for the way it creates such a relaxed, romantic atmosphere for couples and guests. Whether your drawn to the grand oak trees, the bright and airy reception space, or the timeless charm of its design, this venue offers so many opportunities for beautiful wedding photos.
If you’re planning your wedding at Wrightsville Manor (or even still searching for the perfect Wilmington wedding venue), I’d love to connect and help you create a photography experience that’s relaxed, natural, and filled with moments you’ll treasure forever.