EMERALD ISLE, ATLANTIC BEACH, PINE KNOLL SHORES, MOREHEAD CITY, BEAUFORT and CAPE LOOKOUT, N.C., Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority beckons aisle-bound brides and grooms to enter the Crystal Coast "Vows on the Beach" Contest, with just one week left to submit, for the opportunity to say 'I do' with a view along North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks and win a happily ever-after grand-prize, including: a toes-in-the sand wedding ceremony; luxurious, seven-night wedding/honeymoon accommodations for the dynamic duo courtesy of Bluewater Vacation Rentals; Wedding and Events coordinator and $2,000 bridal registry at Belk (www.crystalcoastnc.org).

(Photo:   http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130220/CL63553 )

From comedic to heartfelt, and tear jerking to knee slapping, entrants must describe in 50 words or less why they deserve to win the "Vows on the Beach" Contest. All entries must be submitted on the Crystal Coast Facebook page – www.Facebook.com/CrystalCoast – by 11:59 pm on Feb. 28, 2013. Entries will be reviewed by The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority, and one winner will be chosen in March 2013.

"Our continued focus is to build awareness for the Crystal Coast as an emotion-evoking destination; it's a place all about memories," says Carol Lohr, executive director of the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority. "The most important day of one's life calls for a picturesque setting, along with precise planning and this contest allows us to share an unforgettable wedding experience set amongst an equally unforgettable backdrop."

Dangling like a delicate strand of pearls off the coast of North Carolina, the favored Atlantic beach destination of generations represents one of the only remaining natural barrier island systems in the world. The islands are strung together with 85 miles of silken coastline along the Southern Outer Banks, 56 miles of which are in the protected Cape Lookout National Seashore. Miles of shimmering water reflects countless tiny suns during the day and shatters the moon into a thousand pieces at night. Lush maritime forests edge the silken coast like emerald jewels studding a royal crown. The barrier islands take a curious southward curve, blessing the Crystal Coast with beaches that course east and west making it possible to admire the dazzlingly bright sun rise to greet the day and then slip into the shimmering translucent blue waters in the evening during a spectacular North Carolina sunset.

For more information on the Crystal Coast "Vows on the Beach" Contest, visit www.Facebook.com/CrystalCoast or call the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority at (800) 786-6962.

SOURCE Crystal Coast Tourism Authority