If you have been Dreaming of getting married on the beach in Charleston look no further – you have found your Charleston Beach Wedding Photographer right here! Charleston has five beautiful beaches, all of which would make for a fantastic destination wedding weekend. If you want to get married on the beach itself, right on the sand, you should first check with the municipality of the beach you’re interested in. There are some restrictions for what you can do regarding décor and such. However, the restrictions are a small price to pay when you can say your vows with the calming, rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean right behind you.
Here is our guide to Charleston’s beaches:
Folly Beach
This was Erin’s go-to beach when she was growing up. Casual and unpretentious, this is where Charleston’s locals and surfers hang out. There will be lots of people here, playing beach games, trying to hide the beer in their cups. Tip: The surfers all congregate at the Washout, at the north end of the beach. If you want to surf or just watch people surf this is the place to go. When you arrive at Folly on Center Street, turn left on East Ashley Avenue, and just keep going until you can’t go anymore. That’s the Washout. Here’s a map of Folly Beach: http://www.follybeach.com/islandmap.php Most couples who marry at Folly Beach rent a vacation home and have a small wedding on the lawn or on the beach in front of their house. If you would prefer to marry in a church at Folly Beach, there are three: Folly Beach Baptist Church, Folly Beach United Methodist Church, and Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church
If you want a Folly Beach wedding at a hotel, you’re limited. There is The Tides, which is a large beachfront resort with a nice restaurant on-site. You’ll run right into The Tides while driving down Center Street toward the beach. There is also the beautiful Regatta Inn. This is a Bed and Breakfast but also has special-event space, including a big lawn. And if you need overflow accommodations for your guests, you can try the Regatta Inn’s sister property, Water’s Edge Inn. However, most Folly Beach weddings are on the smaller side, on the lawns on the larger rented beach vacation homes.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms is a gorgeous beach near Mount Pleasant, and is a little more upscale. You’ll find a mix of vacationers and locals here. Isle of Palms makes it easier to have a resort wedding, with the huge, high-end Wild Dunes Resort. There is a Tom Fazio golf course here, several restaurants, and two 4-Diamond properties to choose from.
If you’re looking for a unique Isle of Palms wedding venue off the beaten path, look into Goat Island Gatherings. This little island is accessible only by boat (fun!!) and is perfect for an oyster roast rehearsal dinner, or even a more upscale wedding.
The Citadel Beach Club is a great venue for weddings with a Southern, beachy feel, that you could dress up or dress down. We love the rustic wooden ceiling and the spacious dance floor and dining area. Easy access to the beach as well, if you want to have your ceremony there.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island is quiet and less populated. This is another locals beach for people who want to get away from the crowds. Most weddings here will be at private vacation rental homes. There is an event venue right on the beach, the Sand Dunes Club, but it is privately owned by SCE&G so you would need an SCE&G employee to vouch for you.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is without a doubt the nicest, most luxurious beach vacation you can have in Charleston. And the same can be said for weddings there. Kiawah Island features a pristine 10-mile stretch of beach, golf courses, nice restaurants, luxury vacation rentals and hotels, and luxury event space. If your budget can accommodate a wedding on Kiawah Island, we can’t recommend it highly enough!
Whatever beach or island you choose, we’re looking forward to being your Charleston Beach Wedding Photographer and hope to hear from you soon!
Contact us today and lets start talking about how we can capture your beach wedding!