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Award winner thanks to recommendations from couples on WeddingWire.com.
  • 2020

Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park

Ceremony/Reception
Outdoor
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors

Why couples loved this venue

  • Unique aesthetic style
  • Guests comfort
  • Amenities
Diane
User1468896
S
M
J

Recommended by 95% of couples

About this venue

Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park is a wedding venue located in Corolla, North Carolina. Nestled on 39 acres of pristine sound-front property, this estate is an idyllic spot for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Situated in the Outer Banks, the Historic House Museum dates back to the 1920s, when it was constructed by Edward Collins Knight, Jr. for his wife, Marie. The couple were passionate about waterfowl hunting and, when Mrs. Knight wasn’t allowed into male-only hunting clubs, Mr. Knight built the home for his wife. The Art Nouveau building is now open for tours and boasts impressive Tiffany lighting fixtures, corduroy walls, cork flooring, and a restored Steinway piano. There are even rumors of hauntings in this renovated home, for those couples who want to catch a ghost sighting during their romantic weekend. The venue’s surrounding lawns offer lush backdrops and stunning waterfront views for celebrations of love both large and small.

Facilities and Capacity
The extensive property that houses Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park offers several spots where couples can hold their open-air nuptials. These include the North Lawn, a sweeping green that is dotted with 90-year-old majestic live oaks. This site is surrounded by the tranquil Currituck Sound, the iconic red-brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a boat basin, and a picturesque footbridge. The South Lawn also provides an expansive space for events and is bordered by a footpath over the pond and a porch with lounge chairs. Intimate ceremonies are also welcome to take place on the Side Porch, where oaks shade the verandah, and on the Gazebo, which overlooks the water. Both of these locations, as well as the grassy Point, can be used for cocktail hours, first looks, and taking pictures with loved ones. Within the manor, two get-ready suites are available for wedding parties to prepare for the walk down the aisle.

Services Offered
Couples who rent Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park will have access to their wedding site from 10am to 11pm on the big day. Rehearsal times are also available the day before, as long as the venue is not previously booked. The staff provides a list of preferred vendors, and tents are recommended to accommodate the reception dinners and dancing. There are ample power supplies on the North and South Lawns for DJs, bands, rental companies, and caterers to use as they please.

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Weddings at this venue

Meg & Tom's wedding
Meg & Tom
168 photos
Lauren & Bernabas's wedding
Lauren & Bernabas
79 photos
Sam & Janna's wedding
Sam & Janna
28 photos
Courtney & Logan's wedding
Courtney & Logan
106 photos
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FAQ

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?

$750

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

$750

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?

$750

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

$750

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Parking

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Mansion
Park
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park

Weddingwire
4.8/5 28 reviews
Google
4.7/5 873 reviews
S
Samantha Sent on 05/21/2024
5 out of 5 rating

May 2024 Whalehead dream wedding

Whalehead was our dream venue. We hosted an 180 person outdoor wedding in May 2024 and we had the time of our lives! We got really lucky with temperate weather, had our ceremony on the Point outdoors, a perfect cocktail hour under the trees off the west porch of the building, and a massive dinner and dancing reception under a huge tent on the North Lawn with Corolla Light in the background. Whalehead was super accomodating and responsive throughout the entire process - big shoutout to Samantha Payne and Chris Hooper! They made sure we had all the permits we need and were so helpful as we worked to organize our various on site vendors for the big day. We had a few folks who required special care and transport and Chris and the golf cart were a wonderful addition to the day. We cannot wait to come back and renew our vows here someday or just visit and take some pictures :)
M
Meghan Sent on 07/16/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful Waterfront

Our Whalehead wedding was everything we wanted it to be, and more! We loved getting married on the waterfront with the historical house and lighthouse in the background. I was nervous about the groom seeing me before I came down the aisle, but Chris knows the layout so well that he was able to hide me along some shrubbery. The weather was perfect and all of the vendors work really well together to make sure everything comes together beautifully. I highly recommend renting a golf cart (which can be done through Whalehead) for your older guests and also for yourself! Chris and Samantha were easy to work with, flexible, and want to make your day as magical as possible!
Diane
Diane Sent on 10/07/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Stunning venue, helpful staff

I am a wedding planner and recently coordinated a wedding at Whalehead. Through the entire planning process, the venue's staff members, Chris and Samantha, were extremely helpful...even to the point of assisting us with some of the setup and breakdown. My team can't thank them enough! Whalehead is a beautiful venue and makes the perfect setting for both wedding ceremonies and receptions.
J
Jen L. Sent on 07/26/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Employee Picnic

You make everything so easy and stress-free. Thank you so much!
M
Michael Sent on 06/08/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Best Wedding Venue

I could not speak more highly of the Whalehead club. Their team went above and beyond to ensure that our wedding went off without a hitch.

The scenery was incredible and the grounds were in pristine condition. For what you get at the Whalehead club especially for the price, you will not find a better wedding venue. We still have friends telling us how magical the night was.
K
Kara Sent on 03/01/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely perfect!

EVERYTHING was absolutely perfect for our elopement! This venue is truly the more beautiful than I could ever dream! This venue has it all from accommodating a big formal wedding to a small intimate elopement as we did. I can't say enough about this venue! And Kemberly and the staff went above and beyond .
D
Daniel Sent on 08/26/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Historic Corolla Park Gazebo Wedding

Historic Corolla Park was the most amazing place to have our wedding. The little Gazebo they offer for small wedding was exactly what my wife and I were looking for! Kemberly was the Whalehead representative we worked with and she couldn’t have been better! She was quick to respond to every single question we had! I would recommend this venue to anyone looking to have a small intimate wedding in the outer banks! We cannot wait to get the pictures back!
User1468896
User1468896 Sent on 08/13/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Romantic sights, responsive and helpful staff, wow factor

After going to OBX for vacation every year for 20 years, Whalehead was a no brainer contender for a wedding venue once we started planning our wedding. Kemberly, the coordinator at Whalehead, made that decision even easier. She was incredibly helpful, always quick to respond, and was a pro in every meaning of the word. The day of our wedding we got to enjoy a beautiful cotton candy sunset, as if the views from the south lawn and point weren’t beautiful enough. There were also so many great places to take photographs around the property, I simply cannot wait to get my professional photographs back! Additionally, the bridal/groom’s suite were large and immaculate and decked out with huge mirrors/vanities, making it the perfect place to hideout before the ceremony. Thank you SO MUCH to all that keep Whalehead a very special place, especially to Kemberly who really made the day possible.
M
Montana Sent on 06/14/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful. Incredible.

Whalehead was hands down the best venue. From the moment I walked the beautiful property, I knew it was the place. Kemberly helped every step of the way. She answered every question I had in a timely manner, which is a HUGE help when planning a destination wedding. You will not be disappointed with this choice!
R
Rosalie Sent on 05/03/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding of our dreams

The historic Whalehead was an amazing venue for our daughter's wedding. Situated right on the Currituck Sound, you are treated with amazing views and stunning sunsets. This combined with the 1920's mansion that is the Whalehead Club and views of the Corolla Lighthouse provide the perfect, natural backdrop for a dream event. The staff worked hand-in-hand with both us and our wedding planner to create the wedding of our dreams. We will recommend this venue and Kemberly over and over again.
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Awards

28
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
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Team

Taylor Pless
Taylor Pless
Coordinator

Professional Network & Endorsements

Bells & Whistles at the Flower Field Bells & Whistles at the Flower Field Wedding Florists

What a wonderful Outer Banks experience to have at the Whalehead in Historic Corolla. Truly one of the most unique spots on the Outer Banks. We love working at this location and creating memorable occasions. Gorgeous views, incredible sunsets, stunning property!

Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals Ocean Atlantic Event Rentals Wedding Rentals

Elegance, simplicity, and opportunity are three unique attributes that The Whalehead Club offers. The historic surrounding area and buildings provide a classic aura along with the gorgeous lighthouse view. Your event has the potential to overlook one of the gorgeous Outer Banks sunsets over the sound, the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. The Whalehead Club includes a gorgeous green lawn that provides the opportunity for you to build your event how you want it to be. There is a separate location perfect for your ceremony jutting into the sound. Kemberly is wonderful to work with as well and fabulous with communication and details.

Mary Basnight Mary Basnight Wedding Photographers

A picturesque venue with water views everywhere. Your guests will love this location and you will find it the perfect place to hold your wedding ceremony, reception or both. If looking for a gorgeous and unique location on the Outer Banks, the Whalehead Club is the place to be.

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Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park frequently asked questions

Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Parking
The space offered by Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park for wedding events is known for:
  • Historic Building
  • Mansion
  • Park
  • Waterfront
Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
Whalehead in Historic Corolla Park is recommended by 95% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in flexibility, 4.8 in professionalism, 4.7 in average response time and 4.7 in value.
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