COMMUNITY BUILDING
223 E. Bay Street, Southport, NC 28461
Where Every Event is Waterfront
The Southport Community Building is a multi-use facility located on the banks of the Cape Fear River where the Atlantic Ocean and the Intra-Coastal Waterway join.
The beautiful Southport Community Building is located in historic Southport and provides an impressive backdrop for all occasions. With over 2400 square feet of flexible space in the main hall, the Community Building offers the versatility to accommodate groups of up to 160 for seminars, conferences, company parties, annual meetings, reunions, weddings, banquets, trade shows, and entertainment events. Our friendly and professional staff will work with you from the pre-planning to the conclusion of your event to ensure that every detail is covered and everything is a success. We have the experience, expertise, and knowledge necessary to guarantee all will be in order and go off smoothly. You can be assured you have made the right choice when booking with us.
Location, location, location! Every planner knows that location is the main ingredient of a successful event. Our community building has it all – located at historic Ft. Johnston overlooking the mouth of the Cape Fear River, with North Carolina’s oldest (Old Baldy) and newest (Oak Island) lighthouses in view just offshore.
Uncompromisingly romantic! Our breathtaking sunsets and rare natural beauty makes us your perfect wedding day resource. We are a popular destination for couples wanting a truly unique setting for their special day.
Southport Community Building is coastal North Carolina’s hidden treasure. Contact Karen Martin, Building & Events Manager, at kmartin@cityofsouthport.com 910-457-0665, or 910-269-7265 to book your event today!
Rental Fees
Wedding Packages
Live Oak | Ceremony & Reception – 12-hours
$5,500 Per Day, Friday-Sunday
$2,750 Per Day, Monday-Thursday
This package includes use of the entire space – deck, side lawn, great hall, catering kitchen, bridal suite, and restrooms. Also includes tables and chairs (indoor use only).
Intracoastal | Ceremony – 12-hours
$4,000 Per Day, Friday-Sunday
$2,000 Per Day, Monday-Thursday
This package includes use of the deck, side lawn, bridal suite, and interior restrooms. Does not include tables and chairs.
All other events | hourly rates 2-hour minimum
$500 Per Hour, Friday-Sunday
$350 Per Hour, Monday-Thursday
All other events (Rehearsals, Anniversaries, Reunions, Birthday Parties, corporate events, etc.) are subject to the above rates. This rate allows the use of the entire venue.
Celebrations of Life This is an hourly package.
$200/hour if reserved within 30 days of the event. Subject to regular hourly rates if reserved more than 30 days prior to the event.
The Southport Community Building is grateful to offer a peaceful setting that allows us to help you celebrate the life of your loved one.
**Ask us about City of Southport taxpayer rates, and review the tab for more information
Rental rates and packages updated as of July 1, 2025
Rules & Regulations
AIR CONDITIONER: Building doors must remain closed to ensure the building remains cool.
CANDLES: “Flameless candles” which are battery operated are permitted for use. The use of any type of open flame is prohibited in all buildings and throughout the site unless a permit is obtained from the City of Southport Fire Department. Contact us at (910) 269-7265 or kmartin@cityofsouthport.com for more information.
CHILDREN: Children under the age of 18 are your complete responsibility. Please know where your children are at all times and make certain that they clearly understand The Rules. Children are not permitted near the waterfront.
CONTACT PERSON: You must designate one individual as your Contact Person. This must be someone able to effectively communicate with our on-site administrator the day of the event should they have problems/concerns/questions (do not designate any member of your bridal party, photographer, caterer, florist, or musician as your liaison. If not a wedding, do not designate a vendor at the event as your liaison).
COURTESY PROTOCOL: The Owner reserves the right to request any person or group of people acting unruly and contrary to rental regulations to leave the premises. Assistance from law enforcement agencies may be required if this request is not met immediately.
DELIVERIES / DELIVERY TRUCKS: We will need to know the delivery dates and times of any rentals.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: All electrical outlets on the property are available for use at an event. The vendors are welcome to inspect the locations and numbers of outlets prior to booking.
DECORATIONS: Due to the fire code, doors with exit signs above them may not be blocked. Only drafting tape and other non-damaging materials may be used to affix decorations and/or signs. Any other decorations, signage, electrical configurations, or construction must be pre-approved by the Owner. Decorations may not be hung from light fixtures. All decorations must be removed without leaving damages at the designated end time on the contract, unless special arrangements have been made between the Renter(s) and the venue.
Note – No masking tape, duct tape, electrical tape, transparent tape or double-stick tape is allowed. All other decorations must be freestanding. Nails and staples are not permitted at any location.
Note – The use of sparklers, fireworks, birdseed, rice, silk petals, glitter, or confetti is not permitted inside or outside the facilities.
EVENT ENDING TIME: All events must end by 12:00 a.m. Music outside must end at 8:00 p.m. and inside at 11:00 p.m. to comply with City sound ordinances.
FACILITATOR: Every event will have a building representative known as the administrator who will remain onsite during the event. The administrator will make all decisions concerning the building throughout the course of the event.
FLAGS: The flags cannot be removed.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL: Trash disposal, other than the garbage disposal of items generated by the caterer, is your responsibility. Immediately following the event, please have your Clean-up Committee take a few minutes to walk all the areas of the building and property that have been utilized for the event and pick up any refuse that may have been dropped or blown around. This trash may be placed into the Owner’s dumpsters.
GARDENS: Our property has been designed to be enjoyed by all. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep their children out of the gardens and landscaped areas.
GUESTS: Please keep in mind when inviting guests to your event, that you are inviting them to our space. We will expect visitors to conduct themselves in a mature, responsible, and respectful manner.
HANDICAP ACCOMMODATIONS: We provide ramped walkways throughout the property along with suitable restroom facilities. Motorized and transport chairs can easily navigate the grounds. All venues on the property are handicapped-accessible.
ICE MACHINE: We encourage Renter(s) to bring their own ice. We do supply some ice on the premises. We are not responsible if the provided ice runs out.
LANDSCAPING: Do not disturb plants, rocks, or trees. Please do not nail anything to trees or hang any ropes, swings, or hammocks from tree limbs. Please do not walk or step in flower beds.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT: Due to the proximity of the Owner to the local neighborhood, sound considerations are a concern. Although music (both live and recorded) is permitted, the music must be contained at an acceptable sound level so as not to disturb the local surrounding area. There will be no music outside the building after 8 pm. Music inside is allowed until 11 pm. The on-site Administrator will help to establish acceptable sound levels. Any complaints from neighbors or other parties may require the levels to be reduced further. The owner reserves the right to require Renter(s) to cease the music it deems inappropriate, at its sole discretion. The owner also reserves the right to require the Renter(s) to lower the sound level or cease playing music, at its sole discretion.
PARKING: Parking is available at the designated areas on the side of the complex (please see the parking map under the tab “Plan Your Event”).
PETS: Absolutely no pets are allowed indoors. However, a family pet involved in an outdoor event will be considered by the Owner.
PHOTOGRAPHY: The many natural settings were maintained and developed for the enjoyment of all events. We reserve the right for each Renter the opportunity to use any area of the complex for wedding/reception photograph sessions. All times for utilization of different areas will be coordinated with the schedule for each venue’s Renter. We also reserve the right to use any photographs or other media reproductions of an event in our publicity and advertising materials.
REFRIGERATOR SPACE: The venue has a refrigerator available. Caterers are expected to make their own food/beverage accommodations off-site.
RENTAL SPACE CHANGES: Any contents or furniture movement must be pre-approved by the Owner. It is the Renter’s responsibility to restore all areas to their original appearance. Placements of tables, tents, live music, catering equipment, etc., must also be approved by the Building & Events Manager.
SIGNAGE: You may post your group’s sign or hang balloons at the front entrance, but please do NOT attach anything to or cover up our entrance sign, or nail or screw anything to the building or surrounding trees.
SMOKING: The Community Building is a non-smoking facility.
CATERING: The catering service area is not intended to be used as a kitchen for meal preparation.
TABLES AND CHAIRS: The tables or chairs provided by the facility may not be used outside of the building.
TOILETS: The venue has adequate toilets for their occupancy. They are handicap accessible.
WEAPONS: No handguns or weapons of any type are allowed on City property.
WEATHER: Should there be inclement weather on your reserved day, we will approve your last-minute rental of tents, canopies, or heaters, provided they are set up at an acceptable location.
Taxpayer Rental Policy
It is the policy of the City of Southport to offer the use of the Southport Community Building at a reduced rate
to City of Southport real property taxpayers.
The following are regulations for use of the Community Building by a Southport property owner:
- A valid real property tax bill must be presented by the property owner as well as your photo ID. The
first page of a valid lease agreement must be presented if you rent from a property owner, as well as
your photo ID. - The applicant must be onsite during their reserved time.
- Applicants may only rent for themselves or an immediate family member. Immediate family members
are defined as an individual’s children, parents, sisters, or brothers. - You may not rent on behalf of an immediate family member if you are a renter.
- You must present taxpayer proof, either a real property tax bill or the first page of your current
lease, alongside your signed contract.
A violation of any of these regulations will result in the cancellation of your reduced rate and you will be billed at
the regular non-resident rate.
The taxpayer/non-profit/City employee rates are as follows:
Weddings
Live Oak-
Friday-Sunday – $2,750
Monday-Thursday – $1,500
Intracoastal-
Friday-Sunday – $2,000
Monday-Thursday – $1,000
Hourly Rates
Friday-Sunday – $250
Monday-Thursday – $150
Welcome to the Southport Community Building!
With stunning views of the Cape Fear River and surrounded by our ancient oak trees, you’ve found the perfect spot for your celebration or event.
Watch this online tour of the facility to see a sample of our gorgeous vista and special ambiance.
2023 Sip and Sea Event Video Recap
Event hosted by Blue Satin Bee Weddings and Events
Video created by Ralph Angeles Wedding Films
Whether you’re planning your wedding, anniversary, family reunion, class reunion, military reunion or any other type of celebration, the Southport Community Building is the perfect setting. Contact us today to get started on planning your special occasion!
Office | 910-457-0665
Mobile | 910-269-7265
223 E. Bay Street
Southport, NC 28461
Venue Information Request
Please use this form to request more information about renting the Community Building











