Southport Magazine

Just steps from the beach, the town-owned 801 Ocean Events Venue just may be the perfect place for your next celebration. 

When did you open, and who is the owner(s)? Do you have a background in this type of business?

801 Ocean is Oak Island’s premier beachfront venue. It is owned and operated by the Town of Oak Island. Lisa Mattiace serves as the Pier Complex Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the facility. While the Town hosts many special events each year, 801 Ocean is the Town’s only facility designed specifically and exclusively for hosting special events. In addition to the main event space, 801 Ocean has two dressing areas and an area for a private meeting or event. 

What is your primary business? Weddings, other gatherings?

The primary business is providing a first-rate facility for events. From class/family reunions, weddings and seminars, to business meetings and anniversary celebrations, 801 Ocean is designed to be the location of choice for Oak Island residents and property owners as well as visitors and other local residents. 801 Ocean offers:

•Room configurations for specific needs

•Weekend and weekday availability

•Partnerships with caterers and other vendors

•Spectacular views of the beach and the Oak Island Pier

•Professional staff to help in planning events

How do you work with clients to determine how the event should be done?

Event planning and execution involves an attention to detail, keen listening skills, creativity and understanding the opportunities and limitations of the event space. We listen very carefully to each client to understand his/her vision for the event and provide assistance in making that vision a reality. 801 Ocean can be transformed to provide an exceptional event experience for the client and for their guests. 

Do you offer catering services?

801 Ocean has a catering kitchen with equipment for caterers to use. While it is not a cooking kitchen, caterers have the space they need to accomplish the vision set by their clients.

Can you tell us about some of the events you’ve done? Has there been a lot of interst in this recently opened space?

Since opening in the fall of 2019, 801 Ocean has been the location for two weddings, two 50th anniversary celebrations, several public lectures hosted by Oak Island’s Beach Preservation Society, holiday parties and appreciation dinners for beach ambassadors and staff. Several weddings, family reunions and other events are scheduled for 2020 and for 2021. 

How can poeple get in touch with you to book this space?

Contact Lisa Mattiace at 801 Ocean (910-523-8166 or 801oceanoki@ci.oak-island.nc.us) to schedule a tour of the facility.