We are Kiawah wedding photographers based in Charleston, South Carolina. If you’re already planning your wedding at Kiawah, you know what a serene, beautiful place it is. We love Kiawah weddings because of their more relaxed pace and the focus on the natural beauty of the environment. If you’re still searching for a Charleston wedding location and are curious about Kiawah, here are some things to know:
- Kiawah is a resort community 27 miles outside of downtown Charleston. It’s generally a 45- to 50-minute drive.
- Although Kiawah is privately owned, visitors can stay at the luxury oceanfront hotel The Sanctuary or rent vacation homes or condos. You can also reserve guest passes for anyone not staying on property who wants to come join you for the day.
- Kiawah is pretty remote, which is why many people like being there. However, if you’re craving bigger crowds and more dining options, there is a popular shopping and dining complex very close by called Fresh Fields Village.
- It’s totally possible to have all of your wedding events right there on Kiawah without having to go into Charleston. There are many restaurants and venues on the property to choose from for your rehearsal dinner, getting ready location, ceremony and reception. Keep reading below!
Kiawah Island Wedding Locations
Kiawah Island River Course: The big, beautiful lawn on the River Course is so perfect for wedding ceremonies. Your ceremony will face the Kiawah River to the west, which gives you the potential for a beautiful sunset. Furthermore, no one has to go anywhere for the reception! Guests will simply walk inside the River Course Clubhouse for dinner and dancing. Our favorite part of the wedding we photographed at the River Course was cocktail hour. Guests took their time and meandered around the beautiful lawn, sipping cocktails and enjoying the sunset.
Kiawah Island Ocean Course: For your wedding on the Ocean Course, you’ll get the ocean experience but without the messy sand. Your ceremony will be on the lawn facing the ocean. However, one thing to note: The Ocean Course has the potential for heavy wind. It’s just something to be aware of as you’re making your plans for an outdoor wedding at Kiawah. Most people choose to do a tented reception afterward.
The Sanctuary: The Sanctuary oceanfront hotel is a five-star luxury property catering to your every whim. You can get married outdoors on the Grand Lawn and then have your reception inside the Grand Oaks Ballroom, Terrace Ballroom or Heron Room. Outdoor cocktail hour can be on the Grand Lawn or Terrace Courtyard. Another ceremony option is the chapel at The Sanctuary.
Kiawah Rehearsal Dinner Locations
Cassique Golf Club: For a more formal dinner, the Cassique Golf Club is a great option.
Mingo Point: Mingo Point, a completely outdoor space, is more casual and relaxed, so it’s perfect for a rehearsal dinner. You can have a bonfire in the fire pit, roast oysters, and have a live band on the deck. This is a true Lowcountry experience.
The Ocean Room at The Sanctuary: It doesn’t get much fancier than the Ocean Room, and the menu options are out of this world.
Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary: Less formal but equally delicious, Jasmine Porch is popular for bridal luncheons and rehearsal dinners.
Choose Charleston Photographers for your Kiawah Wedding
If you’re getting married at Kiawah, you likely have high standards and love to splurge on luxury experiences. You need a team around you that gets that and knows how to deliver on the highest level. You will want Charleston’s most experienced wedding photographers for your Kiawah wedding, and that’s where we come in. We have been photographing weddings all over the world since 2005. Based in San Francisco for many years, we moved to Erin’s hometown of Charleston in 2015 to be closer to family. We’re used to clients with high standards, and we love creating photos for them that are authentic, unobtrusive, glamorous and true to who they are.
We do not charge travel fees or mileage to Kiawah – we’re just happy to be there for you. We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
Planning to propose on Kiawah or take engagement photos on Kiawah? Check out this Kiawah proposal and engagement session.