The Cape Fear River winds along, sparkling, and sets the scene outside the windows of one of the most historic and iconic locations for weddings and events in downtown Wilmington, The River Room. Located on the corner of Dock and Water Street, you won’t find a prettier venue on the coast.

Constructed at the turn of the century, the building was originally called the JW Brooks Building and was a fish market. After a series of warehouse changes, it was converted to a space for weddings and events in late 2009.

When we took ownership in 2018, a refresh on the interior and the functionality was needed, and in early 2019 The River Room reopened, transformed into Wilmington’s most modernized riverfront event space. It was important for us to bring this venue back to life while retaining a nod to our coastal heritage and preserve its rustic vibe.

Now the River Room is everything modern couples need to host a perfect wedding and reception and is a welcoming and accessible space for local businesses to utilize for events.

2500 square feet of event space overlooking the river is what attracts us to people initially, but there are more amenities than immediately meet the eye at The River Room.

We’ll start with the view because it frankly cannot be overlooked!  With an expansive deck and a view of the placid blackwater Cape Fear, the room is filled with natural light, and sunsets are spectacular. Just off in the distance, the Battleship USS North Carolina can be seen, moored stately in the river ashore of Battleship Park.

This natural beauty that surrounds The River Room means that couples do not have to go far for beautiful photos. The ability to have a riverside ceremony, enjoy cocktail hour on the deck, and then a reception inside means the day flows smoothly from start to finish. 

And should you get married during a particularly hot and humid time of year, the floor to ceiling windows will allow you to take in the view, giving you the feeling of being outside without melting!

We can comfortably seat 80 outside for a ceremony, or up to 100 inside. Pine beam rafters and Edison Lights stretch out over a gleaming white epoxy floor, and the adjacent walls are whitewashed to complement any décor or to take on uplighting in your wedding day colors.

A quaint bridal suite is available for getting ready or last-minute touch-ups and your guests will love the accessibility of being able to walk to local bars and hotels, allowing them to take in our vibrant and eclectic downtown.

Each wedding we design, we start with a blank canvas. We can personalize tables, linens, and chairs to suit. From the elegance of round tables and linens to longer tables that give that farm to table feel, we are happy to help you come up with the perfect seating plan.

One of the unique features of our wedding and event space is that we allow you to bring in any vendors you desire, even bringing in your own bartenders or bar drinks.  We’re happy to make suggestions for some excellent local vendors.

The River Room is a perfect spot in Wilmington for premier weddings and receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, baby showers or corporate team building spaces and events. Let us show you this magical location; we know you’ll fall in love with its history, charm and rustic palette.

Contact us to find out more or call (910) 251-8902.

Photo credit: Cherry Bloom Photography