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Weddings

Pricing information

Reception
$1,000 starting price
Ceremony
$1,500 starting price
Bar service
$13 per person
Reception
$500 starting price
Ceremony
$500 starting price
Bar service
$13 per person
These prices are available for the months of Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov. These prices are available for the months of Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug, Dec.

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Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Guests comfort
Amenities

About

On WeddingWire since 2010

Hotel Ballast is a wedding venue located in Wilmington, North Carolina. Couples will appreciate the gorgeous rooms at this classic, elegant hotel. Their indoor and outdoor settings are stunning, and offer beautiful views of the Cape Fear River. Whatever you need, Hotel Ballast would be happy to provide it for you. Our inclusive wedding packages allow a relief of stress and will make your special day one you can enjoy.

Facilities and Capacity
Couples may host up to 500 guests at Hotel Ballast for their ceremonies, receptions, engagement parties, and bridal showers. This lovely hotel features 12 event spaces couples may choose from to enjoy their wedding events. They have lovely, tastefully decorated banquet halls and ballrooms that allow couples to add their own personality and charm to the area. Comfortable carpeted flooring, crown molding, and recessed and wall wash lights add an air of sophistication as well as comfort. There are also beautiful, rustic-inspired yet still elegant outdoor areas overlooking the waterfront. Such a beautiful backdrop will elevate any celebration.

Services Offered
Hotel Ballast wants to make sure couples have a fantastic wedding. Their staff is professional and reliable and will do what they can to help ensure your events go smoothly and stress free. Overnight guests will also be able to stay in one of 272 guest rooms and suites. The Hotel Ballast also offers the following other services:

  • Clean up
  • Lighting/sound
  • Set up
  • Barware
  • China
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Air port Shuttle
  • Valet
  • Wheelchair access


Other Facilities
Hotel Ballast’s bridal suite is a beautiful, modern room complete with all the amenities you might need to get ready for your big day. The chic room features a 49-inch LCD television, a powder room, a refrigerator, microwave, three makeup consoles with professional lighting, and a luxurious bed.

Location
Hotel Ballast is conveniently located at the center of downtown Wilmington, near many attractions, shops, and restaurants on the downtown Riverwalk, which starts in front of hotel. Couples and their guests will also appreciate the hotel’s own amenities, including a sundecked swimming pool and cabana bar and a fitness center. The hotel also includes Board & Barrel, their own restaurant, as well as Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Buffalo Bayou.

For more images follow our instagram page! @ballastweddingsandevents

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$1,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$500

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$13

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

50

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Hotel
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Chair Covers
Dance Floor
Decor
Drapery
Furniture
Lighting
Photo booth
Tables
Tents

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
July
August
December
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Reviews of Hotel Ballast

4.8 out of 5 rating
4.8 out of 5 rating
48 Reviews
96% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating
Alexandra
Alexandra L. Sent on 01/17/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect from Start to Finish

I am SO happy that we decided on Hotel Ballast for our ceremony and reception venue. The wedding packages they provide, you cannot beat! Literally everything you need to make a ceremony and reception happen, is included in their packages. I can't even imagine having to find and hire each individual vendor ourselves; they do all that work for you, and that was a huge load off our shoulders. We went with the Amethyst package and had an open bar for 3 hours. We had so many of our guest come up to us and tell us how stunning the venue is, how amazing the food was, how beautiful the decor is, etc. Karen was our wedding coordinator and she was so helpful and kind during each and every step of our planning! Both the ceremony and reception were held indoors; she ensured that the chairs during the ceremony and the tables during the reception were socially distanced. Highly recommend this hotel as a venue, and ask for Karen!
Julie
Julie Sent on 11/01/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Karen is beyond amazing

Hotel Ballast is a gorgeous venue. Being a modern hotel right on the river walk was just what I had envisioned for my wedding. All of that was wonderful, but what made my wedding experience ten times better was Karen, the event coordinator. My original wedding date had to be rescheduled due to Covid and Karen took over for my previous coordinator and I’m so glad she did. She was beyond helpful, the communication and quick responsiveness was 100% and she did everything in her power to make sure my husband and I were happy and comfortable. Definitely consider the hotel if you’re looking for a wedding venue!
Katie
Katie Sent on 12/22/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely gorgeous venue!

Hotel Ballast was the perfect location for our wedding! Gabby Rivera and Brooke Bloomquist were absolutely amazing when it came to making our wedding day so beautiful. They were both so patient and helpful as we talked through what we envisioned for our big day, and we were blown away by how great everything looked! One of the most awesome parts about choosing the Ballast is that is right on the riverwalk, and you simply cannot beat the view! The food was amazing, the ballroom was absolutely gorgeous, and my husband and I had the greatest time dancing the night away with our guests knowing that the incredible staff at this venue had EVERYTHING handled (and I mean everything!). I wish we could relive the night over and over again!
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Awards

48
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner

Real Weddings

Tyler & Audrey
421 photos · 09/30/2023
Ashley & Ryan
47 photos · 10/22/2022

Professional Network & Endorsements

13 Endorsements
K2Productions Weddings DJ K2Productions Weddings DJ Wedding DJs

We worked at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside for a corporate event earlier this year and the staff was phenomenal to work with. They were very accommodating of our needs. One thing that stood out was their willingness to make meal arrangements for one of our staff who was vegetarian. Everyone we came in contact with was friendly and helpful.

Crystal Coast Weddings & Events Crystal Coast Weddings & Events Wedding Officiants

I have been fortunate to have used the Hilton Wilmington Riverside Hotel for events and am pleased to endorse them for wedding and event venue.

Light Shifter Studios Light Shifter Studios Wedding Photographers

Top Notch Service and Professionalism! One of the best locations in the downtown Wilmington area for an event or Wedding.

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