The Atrium by Ligon Flynn: A Must-See Outdoor Wedding Venue in Wilmington
The Atrium by Ligon Flynn is a wedding venue situated in the HEART of Wilmington, North Carolina.
This semi-outdoor wedding venue feels like you’ve been transported to an abandoned European-style church, making it a one-of-a-kind spot for couples wanting something truly unforgettable. There were so many things that stood out when photographing this venue!
Vines crawling up the bricked walls, a goldfish pond with fountains adding a serene touch, and string lights strung diagonally across the ceremony area. The red-bricked pavement, paired with outdoor church-style seating, creates a space that’s both charming and memorable.
If you’re still exploring your options, check out our Top Wedding Venues in Wilmington here for a full rundown.
Why get married There?
You want to get married at the Atrium because
- You want an outdoor ceremony
- You want an outdoor reception with string lights
- You love a venue that gives off an abandoned European-church vibe
- You want something intimate but still can hold a modest amount of guests
- A getting ready area for your bridesmaids
Who may not this be for
- Larger bridal party of 12+ (getting to fit them at the ceremony will be challenging)
- 175+ guests
Why The Atrium Is One of the Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Wilmington
The Atrium gets its name from the open ceiling design that lets natural light flood the venue, making it perfect for capturing photos any time of day.
Large trees grow within the space, acting as a natural canopy and creating beautiful, diffused light.
Ponds are serendipitously placed, offering a zen garden atmosphere for your guests, while vines weave in and out of the red-bricked garden, adding a lush, magical vibe.
How do you get married at The Atrium by Ligon Flynn
- Schedule a tour by reaching out to Laura, the venue coordinator, at 910-777-9701 or email info@atriumwilmington.com to set up a tour.
- Check availability and pricing by filling out the inquiry form on their website to get details on available dates and pricing.
- Secure your wedding date with a refundable $500 damage security deposit.
- Plan your setup with a day-of-coordinator. The venue provides benches, walnut folding chairs, various tables, and a movable bar.
- Choose caterers and other services from their Preferred Vendor List. You'll have to contact them for this list.
- Finalize your plans with Devon, submit the final event plan, guest count, and day-of planner details at least two weeks prior to the event. Coordinate your rehearsal time with Laura Horton, ensuring your day-of coordinator is present.
- Event Day Setup. Enter the venue at the start of your rental period for setup. An optional bridal suite is available for an additional fee.
Curfew: All activities must conclude by 10 PM due to city noise ordinances.
When to Get Your Marriage License in Wilmington, NC
Once you’ve booked your wedding venue (seriously, lock in The Atrium by Ligon Flynn first!), it’s time to handle the marriage license. Here’s how:
- Go visit the New Hanover County Register of Deeds office in person. Both you and your partner must be present.
- Make sure to bring your photo IDs (like a driver’s license or passport) and $60 for the fee. They only accept cash or credit.
- Marriage licenses in North Carolina are valid for 60 days. Plan to get yours 1-2 months before your wedding day to avoid any last-minute stress.
- You can start the application online to speed up the process when you get to the office.
For more detailed guidance, check out the full blog post: How to Get Married in Wilmington, NC.
Cleanup and Departure
- Responsibilities: Ensure the venue is cleaned, and all personal items are removed by the end of the rental period.
- Trash Disposal: Coordinate trash disposal and equipment removal with your caterer and vendors.
- Furniture: Return all benches and furniture to their original positions to avoid additional fees.
Let's Talk about the wedding
Getting Ready at the Atrium
My team and I arrived at 12:30 PM to greet the bride. We officially started at 1:00 PM. The hair and makeup team was putting on the final touches, and we snapped photos of her getting her makeup done. We also captured those small, detailed shots of the wedding rings, the wedding vow book, her perfume, and more. The little things that add so much meaning.
The bridesmaids began getting dressed, and the energy in the room was building. My second photographer headed downstairs to capture table placements, flowers, and all the other beautifully arranged details waiting to wow the guests.
We met up with the groom shortly after, ready for what the rest of the day had in store.
We met up with the groom.
Bride getting ready, her mom is buttoning up her wedding dress.
Detailed shots of their invitation, wedding bands, and vows. She really liked ginko bilioba, a vibrant tree that turns yellow in fall.
Outdoor table placements at the Atrium, arranged by Dev by Detailed Event Vision
The Groom
The groom arrived with his best man, groomsmen, and his parents at a nearby hotel. We snapped photos of them while we covered our flat lays and placements. We made sure he didn’t get seen by the bride—there’s this giant window, and trust me, we don’t want to risk that first look happening too soon. To keep things under wraps, I photographed him next to the tables, making sure everything stayed a surprise.
We prepped for the first touch and private vows.
First touch with the bride and groom
They read their vows.
While the girls and mom watched in the back
First look with dad and mom
After the first touch and reading the vows, we captured a heartfelt first look with her dad and mom. The moment was full of anticipation and love, and we photographed her with her parents, soaking in their pride and joy. Then, her brothers joined in, followed by her bridesmaids, each adding to the beautiful, emotional atmosphere.
First look with mom and dad
Portraits of bridesmaids
Portraits with her brothers
The Line Up
The ceremony was at 4 PM. It was a fall wedding in early November, so the sunset came early. Guests started arriving about 30 minutes prior, taking their seats on the benches. The first two rows were reserved for the closest friends and family, while the rest of the seating was open for everyone else.
Everyone lined up according to the rehearsal plan from the night before, making sure everything went smoothly. The bridal party gathered behind the sliding glass door, waiting with anticipation. Finally, Dev, the wedding coordinator, called everyone into place, setting the stage for the big moment.
Father walked her daughter down the aisle while everyone watched
father walked her down
What the guests see at their wedding.
String lights zigzag between the aisle. The couple watched Sherri the officiant read their vows.
I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!
Newlyweds walk down the aisle
groom dip her for the kiss
groom spins her
Family Photos at the altar
Photos of David and Sarah's Banner
Newlywed photos and bridal party in front of the Atrium
The First Dance
When we finished getting photos of the couple and themselves with their groom and grooms men, we B-Lined with the groom and brides for their grand entrance then it transitioned to their first dance in front of the DJ.
Groomsmen line up walking into the reception
Bridesmaids walking into the reception
Bride and groom's first dance
Maiden of Honor's speech
Couples having ice cream instead of cake cutting with Bombolattis
Dance with Father at the reception
Dance with mom at the reception
Dance photos at the reception
Dj Mixing at the reception
Couple kissing at the benches
couples kissing on the benches
Black and white photo of couple at the benches in the Atrium
Night photos at the Atrium with the groomsmen
night photo of guest at the reception at the Atrium
guest dips plus one at the atrium
Recommended Wedding Vendors in the Atrium
Officiant: Sherri Crawford - officiantsherri.com
Caterer: A Thyme Savor - athymesavor.com
DJ: Absolute Best - DJ Jason - absolute-best.com
Photographer: Pink Penguin Studios (Glenn, Fia, Shannon) - pinkpenguinstudios.com
Videographer: Amanda Tripp (bride’s friend) Email: adttripp@gmail.com
Rentals: Party Suppliers - Amanda - partysuppliers.net
Draping: Design Perfection - designperfectionnc.com
Hair/Makeup: Alice Lawson Salon - Lawson - aledwards94@gmail.com
Venue: The Atrium by Ligon Flynn - atriumwilmington.com
Florals/Taper Candles: Sol - floraldesignbysol.com
Coordinator: Dev - detailedeventvision.com
Are you looking for a wedding photographer?
Hi! I'm Glenn, I am the owner/lead photographer/editor of Pink Penguin Studios. If you're looking for an easy going wedding photographer to photograph your wedding at The Atrium by Ligon Flynn.
Just fill out the form below to get started
