We have a list of hotels in the Carolina and Kure Beach area under the "travel tab", but you may look at Vrbo or Airbnb to find something that meets your needs. Everything is fairly close together and you will likely not be more than 15 minutes away from the ceremony location. If you choose not to stay at the beach, Myrtle Grove (which is a few miles inland) is close by and a great mostly quiet residential area.
Kure Beach - Parking enforcement is set to end 09/30/2026, so parking should be free at the ceremony location. If this changes, the information would be available here: https://www.townofkurebeach.org/parking Carolina Beach - Most street parking and parking lots are around $5 per hour, or $25 per day. More information and a parking map can be found here: https://carolina-beach.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/blog/post/a-guide-to-parking-in-carolina-beach/
Traffic is still fairly congested in Wilmington in October even though it is in the off season. Traffic will be heavier during rush hour times. Note: Ironman triathlon is Saturday 10/17/26 which will cause road closure and additional traffic near downtown Wilmington and the surrounding area.
No, unfortunately the NC aquarium at Fort Fisher is closed for a 3 year expansion project.