Top 5 Wedding Planners in North Carolina
-
Content Marketing Manager -
Editor & Publisher
- February 26, 2026
- 18 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
North Carolina is a state defined by its stunning variety, stretching over 500 miles from the mist-covered peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the windswept barrier islands of the Outer Banks. This geographic diversity creates a spectacular backdrop for weddings, but it also presents unique logistical challenges.
Planning a wedding here means navigating distinct regional weather patterns, understanding unique North Carolina wedding venue regulations, and managing vendor availability in competitive markets like Asheville, Raleigh, and Wilmington.
The wedding planning market in North Carolina is robust, filled with talented professionals who specialize in everything from logistics-heavy private estate weddings to intricate floral designs. The right planner acts as your advocate, your localized expert, and your logistical safety net. They know which tent companies have the best hurricane ratings and which caterers can seamlessly serve a four-course meal on a mountain ridge.
We’ve identified the top five wedding planners in the state who bring local expertise, vendor relationships, and logistical precision needed to turn your vision into reality. Whether you envision a black-tie affair at the Biltmore Estate or a relaxed, tented gathering on the coast, these professionals understand the North Carolina landscape intimately.
How we curate our list
We vetted each planner on this list to ensure they meet high standards of professionalism and creativity. Our selection process is rigorous because we know that your wedding planner is the most critical investment you will make in your event experience.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback from couples on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction. We look for patterns in reviews that highlight responsiveness and stress reduction.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations and wedding publications. Features in major publications like Southern Living or The Carolinas Magazine indicate a planner producing work at a high industry standard.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, and verified business operations are factors we consider. We value professionals who treat their work as a career, not just a hobby.
Every planner featured here has a proven track record of turning complex ideas into seamless experiences. We regularly update this list to reflect the evolving talent within the North Carolina event industry.
Best wedding planners in North Carolina
1. Mary Bell Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Mary Bell Events / Mary Bell
Mary Bell established her eponymous firm with a vision to bring high-end, artistically driven event production to the mountains of Western North Carolina. Based in the Asheville area, Mary has cultivated a reputation for excellence that extends to the luxury markets of Highlands and Cashiers. Her background combines a sharp eye for floral design with the logistical rigor required to execute events in remote locations. Unlike planners who focus solely on timelines, Mary approaches weddings as immersive visual experiences. Her team is dedicated to full-service production, handling every detail from initial design concept to final load-out.
Specialty/niche: Mary Bell Events specializes in luxury weddings requiring complex design installation and logistical mastery in Western North Carolina. Their niche lies in creating visually stunning experiences that blend the raw, natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with sophisticated, high-fashion elements. They excel at managing multi-day wedding weekends with intricate transportation logistics.
Notable projects or signature style: Mary Bell’s portfolio showcases stunning events at prestigious venues including the Biltmore Estate, Castle Ladyhawke, and the Grand Bohemian Hotel. A signature element is her use of transformative floral installations that turn rustic mountain venues into elegant, garden-inspired settings. Her team excels at executing elaborate timelines for weddings across multiple locations.
Pricing: Mary Bell Events creates custom packages for each client based on specifications, guest count, and design complexity. As specific package rates are not listed publicly, we recommend contacting the firm directly for a personalized quote.
Why we love them: We love Mary Bell’s dual focus on artistic vision and military-grade organization. Clients consistently mention that Mary advocates fiercely for them, managing vendor negotiations and unexpected hiccups without couples ever feeling the stress. Her deep knowledge of the Asheville venue landscape saves clients time and money. Clients consistently describe her work as “flawless” and “top notch.” Reviews highlight her team’s ability to be “extremely flexible” while remaining the “nicest and sweetest to work with” from the very first inquiry call.
Connect with them: Follow Mary Bell Events (@marybellevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. Southern Skies Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Southern Skies Events / Jen Shaefer
Jen Shaefer founded Southern Skies Events to serve the vibrant Triangle area, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. With a background emphasizing organization and hospitality, Jen has built a team that excels at the moving parts of wedding planning. She understands that modern couples are often juggling busy careers alongside wedding planning, and her goal is to remove the logistical burden entirely. Southern Skies Events is built on the philosophy that a wedding should be a joyful celebration, not a stress test.
Specialty/niche: Based in the Triangle, Southern Skies Events excels at logistics-heavy coordination for couples who prioritize a stress-free engagement. They specialize in managing complex events, from tented outdoor affairs on private property to modern celebrations in downtown industrial spaces. Their niche is the “invisible hand” of planning—creating calm environments where logistics happen seamlessly in the background.
Notable projects or signature style: Southern Skies Events is known for balancing traditional Southern hospitality with modern efficiency. Their weddings feature seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Jen’s signature style is characterized by ironclad organization, managing complex vendor teams for private estate weddings where every detail must be brought in. Her team pivots quickly when weather threatens, executing backup plans with precision.
Pricing: Event management starts at $3,500. Event management and design starts at $9,000. Full service planning starts at $12,000. Get in touch with them through their website for a customized quote.
Why we love them: Jen Shaefer brings invaluable calm to the planning process in a busy market like the Triangle. We appreciate her focus on the guest experience. Her reputation for reliability makes her a favorite among local vendors, which translates to better service for her clients. When you hire Southern Skies, you’re hiring peace of mind. Customer reviews reinforce this, frequently describing the team as “super quick with communication” and praising their ability to keep couples “confident, calm, cool and collected” throughout the entire process.
Connect with them: Follow Southern Skies Events (@southernskiesevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
3. Knot Too Shabby Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Knot Too Shabby Events / Melissa Burton
Founded in 2014 by Melissa Burton, Knot Too Shabby Events has grown from a solo operation into a powerhouse all-female team dominating the Wilmington and coastal Carolina market. Melissa’s background in venue management gives her a unique advantage—she understands the operational side of events, from power requirements to noise ordinances, better than almost anyone. Her firm is dedicated to redefining the beach wedding, moving away from casual themes toward sophisticated, high-end coastal designs.
Specialty/niche: Knot Too Shabby Events is a boutique luxury planning firm specializing in timeless garden and high-end coastal weddings. They serve Wilmington, the Outer Banks, and the broader coastal Carolinas. Their niche is producing elevated events that honor the seaside setting without relying on clichés. They’re experts in venue management for historic properties and outdoor estates.
Notable projects or signature style: Melissa’s portfolio includes stunning work at premier coastal venues like Wrightsville Manor, Airlie Gardens, and the Brooklyn Arts Center. A signature wedding often features lush organic florals, open-air dining under sailcloth tents, and refined color palettes complementing the natural seaside environment. The team manages everything from humidity-proof hair schedules to intricate lighting setups.
Pricing: According to their official website, clients invest a minimum of $4,000 for their planning services. They also offer a variety of add-on services. Contact them directly for a quote.
Why we love them: We love that Melissa Burton combines a fun, approachable personality with a serious, high-end product. Her venue management background gives her unique perspective on what’s actually possible within a space. Knot Too Shabby strikes the perfect balance between luxury and livability—ideal for couples wanting a coastal wedding that feels elegant rather than casual. Testimonials back this up, with clients calling Melissa a “rockstar” who makes the process “so much fun.” Reviewers consistently mention that their weddings ran “smoothly and stress-free,” allowing them to enjoy every minute.
Connect with them: Follow Knot Too Shabby Events (@knottooshabbyevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
4. P3 Weddings & Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: P3 Weddings & Events / Pearlice Diggs
Pearlice Diggs, founder of P3 Weddings & Events, brings distinct discipline and excellence to the wedding industry, informed by her background as a U.S. Army Veteran. Based in the Fayetteville and Sandhills area, P3 stands for “Power, Passion, and Purpose,” serving as the guiding philosophy for every event they produce. Pearlice has built a brand synonymous with sophistication and bold elegance. She’s passionate about creating events that are visually stunning and run with military-grade precision.
Specialty/niche: P3 Weddings & Events specializes in producing elegant, bold, and culturally rich celebrations. They excel at multicultural weddings and large-scale celebrations requiring detailed guest management and complex timelines. Pearlice’s niche is the “P3 Experience,” which emphasizes executing a client’s vision with authority and flair while honoring every cultural tradition.
Notable projects or signature style: Pearlice’s signature style involves sophistication and elegance with a touch of glam. Her events often feature bold color palettes, dramatic drapery, and custom floor plans transforming standard ballrooms into luxury experiences. As a veteran, she brings unmatched discipline to timelines, ensuring ceremonies start exactly on time and receptions flow without a lull.
Pricing: Event management starts at $2,500. Partial planning starts at $3,700. Full planning services start at $5,000. They also do vow renewals starting at $3,000. Send them an email, give them a call, or submit a form on their website for a quote.
Why we love them: We’re huge fans of the discipline and structure Pearlice brings to the creative process. P3 Weddings & Events is ideal for couples wanting a planner that commands the room and manages vendors with authority. Pearlice’s ability to blend strict logistics with genuine Southern warmth makes her a standout in the North Carolina market. Clients describe the experience as “seamless,” often noting they were left “speechless” by the design reveals. Reviews consistently praise the team’s punctuality and ability to execute the day with zero stress for the couple.
Connect with them: Follow P3 Weddings & Events (@p3weddingsandevents) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
5. Two Sweet Sparrows
Company name and founder/lead planner: Two Sweet Sparrows / Nicole Bloom
Nicole Bloom founded Two Sweet Sparrows after a distinguished career as a senior events manager at the Biltmore Estate, where she managed over 80 weddings a year. This incredible background gives her an insider perspective few other planners can claim. Based in Asheville, Nicole has transitioned from high-volume venue management to boutique, high-touch planning for a select number of clients. Her firm rejects cookie-cutter templates in favor of bespoke experiences that truly reflect each couple.
Specialty/niche: Two Sweet Sparrows specializes in intimate, romantic, and highly personalized weddings in the Asheville and Blue Ridge Mountain region. Nicole’s niche is the “Biltmore Insider” experience—bringing a decade of expertise from running weddings at America’s largest home to her private clients. She focuses on vendor curation, hand-selecting creative partners matching each couple’s specific vibe and budget.
Notable projects or signature style: Nicole’s style is defined by ironclad organization paired with deep emotional intelligence. She creates weddings that feel organic to the setting, utilizing the mountains’ natural beauty while ensuring high-touch hospitality. Because she limits weddings each year, her signature is direct access—clients work directly with her, not rotating assistants. She’s known for anticipating problems before they happen.
Pricing: Two Sweet Sparrows creates custom proposals for each client. Reach out directly for a quote tailored to your specific needs.
Why we love them: We love the insider advantage Nicole offers. Having managed thousands of guests and complex logistics at the Biltmore before launching her own firm, she’s seen every possible wedding scenario. Two Sweet Sparrows is perfect for couples wanting a planner that acts as a true advocate and confidant, offering etiquette advice and honest feedback throughout the process. Client testimonials frequently refer to Nicole as an “absolute lifesaver” and a “dream” to work with. Reviews specifically highlight her reliability, noting she is “quick to respond” to calls and texts, ensuring you never feel alone in the planning process.
Connect with them: Follow Two Sweet Sparrows (@twosweetsparrows) on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
Finding the right North Carolina planner
Choosing a planner in North Carolina can be overwhelming because the talent pool is so deep. However, the state’s diverse geography and climate mean you need someone whose expertise aligns with your specific location and date. Here’s how to narrow down your options.
1. Test their knowledge of regional logistics
North Carolina is over 500 miles wide, and the logistics of a mountain wedding are vastly different from a coastal one. Ask prospective planners specific questions to gauge their local expertise. For a mountain wedding, ask, “How do you handle guest transportation on winding roads at night?” For a coastal event, ask, “What are the noise ordinances for outdoor tented weddings in this specific beach town?” A planner with real local experience will have immediate, specific answers. If they’re based in Raleigh but you’re getting married in the Outer Banks, ask them to walk you through how they manage remote vendor teams.
2. Assess their weather contingency plans
The weather in North Carolina is beautiful but unpredictable. The mountains see snow and ice in winter, while the coast faces hurricane risks from June through November. The Piedmont is famous for its humidity. Ask prospective planners, “What is your specific Plan B for a hurricane warning the week of the wedding?” and “How do you handle guest comfort during high-humidity outdoor ceremonies?” Listen for specifics. Do they have relationships with tent companies that can deploy sidewalls and AC units on short notice? A “we’ll figure it out” attitude is a red flag. You want a planner who has successfully pivoted events during severe weather. Check the National Weather Service Raleigh forecast office or National Weather Service Wilmington forecast office for regional climate patterns.
3. Evaluate their vendor network depth
In popular wedding hubs like Asheville and Wilmington, top vendors book up 12–18 months in advance. Ask, “Which florists and caterers do you work with regularly?” and “If our first choice photographer is booked, who’s your immediate backup recommendation?” Strong planners will name three to five vendors instantly and explain why they work well together. In North Carolina’s tight-knit wedding industry, relationships are currency. A planner who is well-liked by caterers and rental companies can often secure better pricing or priority scheduling for you.
4. Measure budget realism for the market
North Carolina offers a wide range of price points, but “Southern charm” doesn’t always mean “low cost.” Share your budget range and ask, “What is realistic for a guest count of [Number] in [City] with this budget?” Good planners will be honest. They might tell you that a waterfront venue in Wrightsville Beach will consume 50% of that budget, leaving less for decor. They should offer strategies to save, such as choosing a venue in a neighboring town or utilizing a non-traditional venue for the rehearsal dinner.
5. Review their portfolio for specific challenges
Request to see examples of weddings they’ve planned in your specific season or venue type. Ask, “What is the biggest challenge you faced at this wedding, and how did you solve it?” Strong planners will share stories about managing sudden downpours, fixing broken generators, or handling vendor cancellations. These stories reveal their problem-solving skills and ability to stay cool under pressure.
Tips for NC wedding planning
Timing is everything when planning a North Carolina wedding. The state has four distinct seasons, and each region has its own peak times and challenges.
Factors to consider
- Weather patterns:
- Mountains: October is the busiest month due to fall foliage. It’s crisp and beautiful, but venues book years out. Winter can be icy and limit access to some venues.
- Coast: Spring (April/May) and late fall (September/October) are ideal. Summer (July/August) is intensely hot and humid, and hurricane season peaks in September. Monitor updates via the National Hurricane Center active storm tracking.
- Piedmont (Charlotte/Raleigh): Summers are hot. Spring and fall are mild and perfect for outdoor events.
- Tourism peaks:
- High Point Furniture Market: Twice a year (April and October), this event takes over the High Point/Greensboro area. Hotels are sold out, traffic is heavy, and venue prices skyrocket. Check dates on the High Point Market official schedule.
- NASCAR: In the Charlotte area, race weeks (especially the Coca-Cola 600 in May) can impact hotel availability and traffic.
- University graduations: In the Triangle (Duke, UNC, NC State), graduation weekends in May make hotels and restaurants impossible to book.
- Traffic: The I-40 corridor connects the mountains to the coast and can be prone to jams, especially on holiday weekends.
- Alcohol laws: NC has specific ABC laws. If you’re hosting at a private estate or a venue without a liquor license, you may need a “Limited Special Occasion Permit” through the NC ABC Commission.
Expert advice
If you’re not local, don’t underestimate the “humidity factor.” A buttercream cake sitting outside in a July wedding in Wilmington will melt. Paper programs can wilt. Local planners know these nuances and will steer you toward fondant, climate-controlled tents, and hardier floral arrangements that can withstand the Southern heat.
Before you book, obtain your North Carolina marriage license through the Register of Deeds in any NC county. The license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in the state.
FAQs: weddings in North Carolina
When should I hire a North Carolina wedding planner?
You should hire your planner as soon as you have a date in mind, ideally 12–18 months in advance. North Carolina is a top destination for weddings, and prime dates in October (mountains) and May/June (coast) are extremely competitive.
How much does a wedding planner cost in North Carolina?
Costs vary by region and service level. Full-service planning typically starts around $5,000 and can go up to $10,000+ for luxury events. Partial planning or month-of coordination usually ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. Most planners charge a flat fee or a percentage (15–20%) of your total budget.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue—their job is to ensure the lights work, the food is served, and the building operates properly. An independent wedding planner works for you. They manage your timeline, your photographer, your decor, your family dynamics, and your budget.
Why hire a local NC planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners have established relationships with vendors, which can save you money and stress. They also know the local regulations, traffic patterns, and weather quirks that an out-of-towner might miss.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Your wedding is a story told through location and logistics. North Carolina offers endless possibilities for that story, from the rustic elegance of the Blue Ridge to the historic charm of the coast. The planners on this list are the experts who can take the raw energy of any North Carolina wedding venue and refine it into a celebration that feels effortlessly you. They handle the pressure so you can handle the joy.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
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