KINDRED: Where Heritage, Hospitality, and Coastal Elegance Meet

Set along the shoreline of Carolina Beach, Kindred is a venue shaped as much by its history as by its coastal surroundings. Once a long-standing community gathering place where generations marked life’s most meaningful moments, the building has been thoughtfully reimagined into a modern wedding and events space that still carries the imprint of its past. Original architectural details sit alongside a bright, coastal-chic design, creating a setting that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary. To learn more about the vision behind the space, we spoke with Owner Michael Urti.

At its heart, Kindred is defined by connection—between people, place, and memory. That philosophy guides every detail of the guest experience, from the way couples are welcomed into the planning process to the seamless flow of celebration on the day itself. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity, care, and collaboration with trusted local vendors, each wedding is designed to feel deeply personal while remaining effortlessly executed.

The result is a venue that doesn’t just host weddings, but actively shapes them—offering couples a flexible, character-rich canvas where history and celebration meet. Whether understated and elegant or bold and highly customized, every event at Kindred reflects both the individuality of the couple and the enduring spirit of the space itself.

Kindred has such a distinct sense of place—what feeling do you hope couples experience when they celebrate here?

Kindred’s vision really grew out of the building itself—its history, its character, and the role it has played in this community for generations. Long before it became a wedding and events venue, it was a place where people gathered—couples had their first dates here, families attended church services, and milestones were shared within these walls. That legacy of connection and community became the foundation for everything we set out to create. During the renovation, our goal was to honor and preserve that history. We were intentional about preserving original elements, such as the flooring and other architectural details that carry the building’s story, while thoughtfully introducing a bright, coastal-chic aesthetic that feels fresh, elevated, and welcoming for today’s celebrations. It was never about replacing the past—it was about building on it.

At its core, Kindred has always been, and continues to be, a place that brings people together. That sense of gathering, celebration, and contribution to the surrounding community is woven into every event we host. For our couples, we want the experience to feel meaningful and deeply personal from the very beginning. We place a strong emphasis on inclusivity, genuine connection, and a high level of care throughout the entire process. When couples celebrate here, we hope they feel a sense of warmth, history, and connection—not just to each other, but to the space itself and the many memories it has held over time.

What types of weddings or aesthetics do you feel the space lends itself to best?

Kindred naturally lends itself to a classic, modern, and coastal-chic aesthetic. The architectural details—like the Crawford ceilings, original hardwood floors, and the statement mantel—create a timeless foundation that feels both elevated and inviting. Paired with the light, airy design, the space captures that relaxed beach vibe, giving guests an immediate sense of “island time” from the moment they arrive. At the same time, the venue is intentionally versatile. It truly acts as a blank canvas for each couple. Some choose to lean into the building's natural character, letting its history and design speak for themselves without much added décor. Others take it a step further, layering in more personalized, elevated design elements. We support that flexibility through strong partnerships with local planners, florists, speciality rental companies, and design teams, allowing couples to fully customize their experience. Whether the vision is minimal and timeless or more curated and detailed, the space adapts easily—making each wedding feel distinct while still grounded in Kindred’s signature style.

Can you walk us through the guest experience—from arrival to last call—and what makes a wedding at Kindred stand out from others in the Carolina Beach area?

At Kindred, we focus heavily on connection and customer care, ensuring every couple feels supported, and every guest feels welcomed. From arrival, guests step into a space that feels both elevated and relaxed, setting the tone for a seamless, enjoyable celebration. Behind the scenes, our event managers, operations team, and bar staff execute with precision, keeping everything flowing effortlessly from the ceremony to last call. We also lean on a curated network of top local vendors, allowing us to consistently deliver a high level of service and a well-rounded experience. Our bar program and service approach are customized for each event, adding another layer of personalization. What sets Kindred apart in the Carolina Beach area is the consistency of care—from sales through event day. It’s not just the charm of the building, but the level of attention, connection,  and execution that truly define the experience.

What are some of the most memorable or unique weddings you’ve hosted so far, and what made them special?

Some of the most memorable weddings at Kindred are the ones that truly reflect each couple’s story. We pride ourselves on inclusivity—welcoming all couples regardless of budget, race, or gender—and that openness naturally leads to a wide range of unique, meaningful celebrations. What makes these weddings stand out is the level of personalization. We’ve seen everything from custom bar programs with signature cocktails to four generations of family wedding gowns on display, to fully themed holiday weddings like Christmas and Halloween. Couples have incorporated antique getaway cars, decorated golf carts, floral installations on chandeliers, and even brought in personal pieces like curated art walls for the courtyard. We’ve also hosted industry couples who chose Kindred for their own weddings, which speaks to the experience we provide. From recreating a Queen Victoria–inspired wedding cake to disco ball installations and creative seating layouts, no two weddings look the same. That’s really what makes them special—Kindred is a canvas, and with the help of our vendor partners, each couple can create something completely their own.

For couples planning a destination wedding in Carolina Beach, what should they know about working with Kindred—from logistics to local partnerships?

Couples can expect a smooth, inclusive, and care- driven process from start to finish. Our sales and operations teams work in sync to ensure expectations are clear—and consistently exceeded on the wedding day.

Visit KINDRED for more information and to book the venue.