Fort Fisher Special Event Rentals

Through our special event rental program, let Fort Fisher State Historic Site host your wedding or other special event amongst the gnarled live oaks and scenic views of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Each year, the site makes history for dozens of couples wanting a uniquely waterfront wedding experience. Choose from one of four locations: the Ocean Grove (north, center, or south), or the spectacular Fort Grove.

Many couples choose the Ocean Grove for its unsurpassed view of the Atlantic Ocean and convenience to nearby parking. A grand parcel of waterfront property, the Ocean Grove is divided into three sections—northern, center, and south—where gorgeous maritime grove trees provide shade for summer weddings and an oceanfront bluff to the south.

Couples seeking to make more secluded memories often turn to the Fort Grove, a wedding oasis near the walls of the fort, where ceremonies of any size are accentuated by stunning views of the Cape Fear River at sunset. Getting married at any of our four wedding locations requires a signed rental agreement and a special use permit, which is good for a three-hour block of time (an hour for set-up; an hour for ceremony; an hour for photographs). Additional time is available, if desired. There are no lights on the property, so for safety and security reasons, we no longer offer permits for receptions, only ceremonies.

Make your special day even more so. To receive a copy of Fort Fisher’s special event rental guidelines and fee structure, contact Si Lawrence by email at si.lawrence@dncr.nc.gov. In the interest of fairness, we only issue permits for a single wedding in the morning or the evening of an available day. The latest three-hour time slot we offer is 4 pm-7 pm. Please note: the site does not provide chairs or benches. A suggested vendor list is available upon request but does not preclude the renter from conducting their own search.