Top 10 Commonly Asked Questions About Weddings at The Elia in Downtown Wilmington, NC
Planning a wedding or any event can be stressful. There’s so many things to think about, and there’s a lot of anxiety of making sure you ask all the right questions to get all the answers you need.
The good thing is you aren’t alone.
Most everyone wants to know the same things, and there are a few questions that slip everyone’s minds; that’s why we’ve done some of the thinking for you.
Here are 10 commonly asked, need-to-know questions (with accompanying answers):
What kind of parking is available for my guests and bridal party?
The Elia is in the heart of Downtown Wilmington, NC, so we are within walking distance of several parking options.
There are two parking decks within a few blocks of the venue (River Place Parking Lot (14 Grace St) and Water Street Parking Deck (210 N Water St.)), with several options of street parking that becomes free after 6:30 PM daily and is free on Sundays.
The Courtyard Marriott and Hotel Ballast are nearby and provide parking for their guests. These are conveniently within walking distance, so parking isn’t necessary for your event if your guests stay here!
2. What kind of hotels/lodging are close by?
The Courtyard Marriott is on the same block as The Elia with the Hotel Ballast not being much farther away. There are several Airbnbs available in the near area, and the nearby Aloft and Embassy Suites both have rooftop bars available to guests (great for afterparties!)
If it’s downtown, you will be able to walk to The Elia without having to worry about parking. Downtown Wilmington is extremely walkable!
3. What is the capacity of the building? How many guests am I allowed to have?
While the all-inclusive rentals accommodate an event of up to 175 people (which is truly the max amount of seated guests to have while remaining comfortable), we have hosted cocktail style events that have a guest count up to 250.
This is one of the largest event spaces in Wilmington, NC. Let us know what your vision is and we can work out a floor plan that is functional but still comfortable.
4. Do you have preferred vendors? Are any required?
We have a preferred vendors list that includes vendors of several styles, types, and price points. You will be able to see this list on a tour or if you reach out to us on our contact page.
We require that you must pick from our list of wedding planners and caterers. There are multiple to choose from, all vetted and at different price points to ensure an amazing experience for not only you, but your guests.
5. Can I host an event in the middle of the week?
The Elia is available to book during the middle of the week. These days are less expensive to book since they are less premium, so for the budget minded, this is something to consider!
6. Do we get a ceremony rehearsal time?
Yes you do! While the space is always available in the mornings, evening rehearsal times can only be booked and confirmed 60 days before your wedding day. Typically, if it is a weekend wedding, we advise just planning on a morning rehearsal (but we can always check for available dates in the 60-day period if you want an evening rehearsal dinner.)
The space is available to rent for rehearsal dinners with the offer being priced adjusted for half-day rentals and/or smaller events. This also includes the option of renting the full space or just the front half.
(NOTE: While some events can be half-day, all weddings have to be a full-day rental)
7. How long can I rent The Elia for? When does my event have to end?
The full-day rental period for The Elia is 10 AM – 10PM with an hour of vendor/client clean up. Additional hours may be rented for an additional fee(s). We offer up to a 5 hour bar package within your rental period.
8. Can I book The Elia for smaller events like showers or bridal parties?
Yes you can! The Elia wants to be able to host life's milestones and celebrations.
Smaller events such as baby showers, bridal showers, lunches, and/or dinners can book the front half of the venue up to four months in advance.
9. What do the bar packages look like?
There are four tiers to the bar package:
Beer and Wine
Beer, Wine, and Two Signature Cocktails
Full Bar ( includes mixed drinks)
Premium (includes top shelf liquor and mixed drinks)
All bar packages include bartenders and wine and champagne glassware.
The bar is available for any sized event, and the packages are priced per person and by hour.
10. What is there to do in Downtown Wilmington, NC?
There is so much to do in Downtown Wilmington! Tons of places to shop, eat, grab a drink, sit and relax, or dance the night away.
On the day of your wedding, there’s Drift Coffee across the street to get your morning coffee; The Exchange, a barber shop/cocktail bar right around the corner, is somewhere for the groomsmen to pass the time before the ceremony; and for the afterparty, there are tons of bars to choose from with different, unique vibes to match your preference.
(Our favorite is The Waffle House and Underfront across the street!)
Here are some additional resources and recommendations: Places to Stay, Dine, Shop and Celebrate in Downtown Wilmington
We love being a part of Historic Downtown Wilmington and will always give recommendations of where to go. Just ask us!
If you have any questions that we didn’t cover here, want to book a tour, or want to learn more about The Elia, contact us here! We look forward to hearing from you.
