18 Best Charleston Beach Wedding Venues
"So, where are you getting married?" This is pretty much the first question everyone asks a bride-to-be, right after "Congratulations!" and "Show me the ring."
And, if you're anything like our family of beach babes, you probably can't imagine anything as romantic and breathtaking as having your big day against an epic backdrop of surf and sand.
But where's a bride to start? The Holy City is awash in stunning wedding venues and beautiful beaches, but Google has nothing on insider knowledge. Today, we're diving into all the ins and outs of our favorite Charleston beach wedding venues, and there's something for even the choosiest bride-to-be on our comprehensive list.
Fancy a gorgeous luxury resort overlooking the sea? Read on, sweet friends. On the hunt for charming seaside cottages for an intimate affair? We know just the spot. Ok, but what about a secret island you can only access by boat? We've got you, girl, and you're going to love it. Scroll on down!
18 Unforgettable Charleston Wedding Venues for Your Beach Wedding
They named it “The Sanctuary” for a reason: Kiawah’s premier luxury resort is a breathtaking oasis that will make you feel like your wedding weekend is your honeymoon.
photo credit: @brandonlataphoto
The crown jewel of the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Sanctuary offers a lush lawn, oceanfront views, Forbes 5-star service, 255 guest rooms, gorgeous ballrooms, and a 3,000-square-foot Presidential Suite.
Your wedding guests will delight in the luxury spa, multiple pools, fitness center, resort shopping, and, of course, you’ll probably need to drag the groomsmen away from the world-renowned, oceanfront golf courses.
Say your vows right on the shores of Charleston’s most lavish barrier island or opt for the stunning Grand Lawn or Terrace Lawn (and leave the sand where it belongs: the beach, and not all over your gown). The warm breezes, roar of the sea, immaculate service, and in-house catering make for the relaxed, elegant beach wedding of your dreams.
photo credit: Jamie Vinson Photography
As you stroll The Sanctuary’s grounds, notice the delicate beauty of the sea oats against the shimmering waves: this is the inspiration behind our beloved bridal earrings, the Kiawah Island Earrings.
The 24k gold-plated sea oat chains give way to aqua hydro quartz pendants, capturing the timeless elegance and grace of the island while incorporating a sophisticated “something blue” into your wedding day attire. $74
Seas the day with an oceanfront ceremony and reception at one of Charleston’s most beloved beach resorts, Wild Dunes. This colorful, classic resort offers surfside ceremonies and receptions for up to 200 guests for an unforgettable affair filled with gorgeous ocean views and watercolor sunsets.
Expect your wedding guests to make a vacation of it! Wild Dunes offers a variety of hotel and vacation rental options, as well as delightful amenities. The resort’s proximity to Charleston makes for convenient sightseeing, dining, and shopping as well, should you choose to leave the island.
photo credit: Dear Elizabeth Photography
As you design your Charleston beach wedding, let our Gilded Oyster Garlands bring a touch of coastal elegance to your reception table decor, wedding arbor, or cake table.
We hand-paint each gilded oyster shell with an ocean of love, and this elegant, handcrafted garland is also a gift that gives back. Grit & Grace Studio recycles 10 oyster shells from local restaurants to Charleston’s oyster reef restoration projects for each oyster product purchased. $96
Love will be in the air, riding on warm island breezes at your Seabrook Island Club wedding. One of Charleston’s most elegant, private, and timeless beach wedding venues, the Seabrook Island Club lets you get away from it all while leaning into comfort, luxury, and Southern Hospitality.
Your friends and family are sure to love the gorgeous vacation rental homes and extensive bike paths in this quiet, peaceful community.
photo credit: @julielivingstonphotography
The Ocean Terrace’s palm tree-lined patio frames the Atlantic Ocean for an astonishing backdrop for your wedding vows, and beach access is just a few steps away for that perfect photo op.
Then, larger weddings may consider retiring to the Atlantic Ballroom for their reception to enjoy ocean views and the magnificent wraparound veranda. For more intimate gatherings, the Carolina Room and Deveaux Room each offer beautiful views and can accommodate up to 50 guests.
photo credit: Dana Cubbage Weddings
Set your alarm for a seaside sunrise, and you’ll experience first hand the hope, clarity, and joy that inspired our Seabrook Earrings.
Let the promise of new beginnings buoy your spirits and wash over you with these handcrafted bridal earrings, which feature translucent quartz pendants as a delicate “something blue” for your bridal look. $74
Life’s a beach at the Citadel Beach Club! This 5-acre waterfront property is one of Charleston’s sought-after beach wedding venues for its flexible indoor and outdoor spaces and ability to accommodate up to 250 people.
Guests will love the extensive porches, expansive lawn, and immediate access to the popular Isle of Palm beaches, as well as the on-site parking and proximity to the town of Isle of Palms (Did someone say “after-party?”).
photo credit: Priscilla Thomas Photography
Whether you’re hosting a laid-back, more casual wedding or a preppy, nautical-inspired reception, the Citadel Beach Club is a must-see as you hunt for the perfect wedding venue.
Let us customize one of our handcrafted Gilded Oyster Ring Dishes to celebrate your big day! Our in-house calligraphy team would love to add your names, initials, wedding date, or new last name to create an heirloom keepsake of your wedding.
The world is your oyster at the Cottages on the Charleston Harbor! This Charleston wedding venue is ideal for more intimate, personal gatherings. The picturesque slice of shoreline backs up to a vibrant green lawn and adorable, cozy cottages, which are quaint lodgings for your bridal party, family, and dear friends. You’ll probably have to pry your bridal party from the hammocks (and mimosas from their fingers) to get ready for the day’s festivities!
photo credit: Riverland Studios
Recite your vows on the small, private beach before heading to the reception lawn of your choice. The Cottages on the Charleston Harbor offer your choice of two lush green spaces or the use of their elegant poolside clubhouse, all of which can accommodate up to 125 wedding guests.
Good Food Catering, the in-house catering company, was created by the minds behind some of Charleston’s long-standing and most popular restaurants, such as 39 Rue de Jean, Coast, and Virginia’s on King.
photo credit: 1 Life Photography
The Cottages on the Charleston Harbor seamlessly merge vacation rental privacy with resort amenities. Add a personal touch when you save your guests a seat at the table with our Gilded Oyster Place Cards.
Our calligraphy team is here to customize each oyster shell place card with your guests’ names, your wedding date, or other special words, and these place cards are a thoughtful piece of Lowcountry coastal decor for your loved one to enjoy for years to come. From $7
If a destination wedding vibe is what you seek, you’ll be happy as a clam at Wild Dunes Resort’s Grand Pavilion. The Grand Pavilion sits adjacent to both the resort’s pools and the beach, and the covered gazebo can easily accommodate up to 200 of your loved ones - but if you’re a “go big or go home” kinda gal, it can accommodate up to 600 guests for a cocktail-style reception.
You can say your vows and host your reception at the Grand Pavilion, which is only steps away from Wild Dunes Resort’s central hub.
photo credit: Southern Vintage Photography
Guests who fancy a stay with valet offerings and concierge services may opt for lodgings at the Boardwalk Inn, while those seeking quality time and quiet may delight in the resort’s many vacation rental offerings.
Incorporate a token of Lowcountry living into your wedding day with our Customized Clam Shell Jewelry Dish. This dazzling jewelry holder, salt cellar, soap dish, or catchall is a celebration of the South Carolina shores: these beauties are only found under the right light and water conditions. $30
Nothing is as romantic as sailing off into the sunset with your love, so why not do it on your wedding day?!
One of the most unique Charleston wedding venues, The Carolina Girl comfortably fits up to 150 of your nearest and dearest for dinner and dancing while cruising the Charleston Harbor. The luxury yacht offers a unique 360-degree perspective on the Lowcountry’s most iconic scenery, and you can opt for narration from a local historian.
For the ultimate in smooth sailing, The Carolina Girl also offers wedding coordination services, chair and lounge rentals, a non-skid dance floor, mixing booth and sound system, and a 55” flat screen and microphone (for that secret slideshow the best man is plotting).
photo credit: Fiddlehead Photography
Celebrate a love built to withstand the sands of time with our hand-painted Golden Tide Oyster Earrings. We carefully match the shells in our Golden Tide Oyster Earrings before painting these delicate designs and pairing them with iridescent rose pendants for a romantic, ethereal effect perfect for any beach wedding. $110
Make waves on your wedding day with sweeping views of the Charleston Harbor and a manicured white sand beach. The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina is one of the most popular wedding venues in the Lowcountry for its oceanfront vistas and proximity to the historic district. The resort’s Harborside Beach overlooks the harbor and downtown Charleston and can accommodate an impressive 500 people.
photo credit: @alweddings
Party the night away on the Harborside Beach or Harborside Lawn, both of which overlook the water, or move the party to one of the venue’s chic indoor options.
Either way, don’t be surprised when your guests arrive a couple of days early and leave a few days late to soak up the sun and make the most of the resort’s extensive amenities, such as the Estuary Spa, multiple pools, life-sized chess board, and waterfront Tiki bar.
photo credit: Sara Boyd Photography
Amid the wedding day hustle and bustle, remember to take a moment to practice gratitude for your joy, blessings, and, most importantly, sharing your life’s journey with your soulmate.
Place a strand of our Decoupage Oyster Blessing Beads on your bridal suite door, coiled on your cake table, or draped over a cherished reading or Bible verse as a beautiful nautical reminder that a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. $60
Take the road less traveled, when it comes to your wedding, and it will make all the difference. If you’re craving something distinctive and utterly memorable for your Charleston wedding venue, set your sights (and sails) for Goat Island.
Located only minutes away from the Isle of Palms Marina, this rustic, bohemian venue is only accessible by boat. Your guests will love the one-of-a-kind vibe, colorful aesthetic, tiki bar, and hammocks, as well as the sandy beaches and ancient live oaks. We love the idea of an oyster roast, Frogmore stew, or BBQ to capitalize on the unique Lowcountry culture in this unforgettable locale.
photo credit: 13:13 Photography
Embrace the island vibe and keep your bridal baubles in our Banana Leaf Decoupage Oyster Ring Dish, or purchase a set for your bridesmaids. We handcraft each Decoupage Jewelry Dish with an ocean of love right here in our Charleston Studio, and every oyster product contributes to our in-house oyster shell recycling program. $40
The grass is greener on the other side of Wild Dunes Resort: if a pool-side or ballroom reception (additional resort offerings) isn’t your thing, scope out the lovely Croquet Lawns! This Charleston wedding venue offers ocean views, dense palms, and ancient live oaks, all on various sides of both the well-manicured North and South Croquet Lawns.
Tie the knot between the palms or out on Wild Dunes’ expansive beach and then host your reception under a tent or dine under the stars on the Croquet Lawn. Each lawn can host 200 guests for a seated reception or up to 400 guests for a cocktail-style fete.
photo credit: Kailee DiMeglio Photography
For the beachside bride, the Moxie Sea Glass Necklace makes a wonderful wedding day accessory. This handcrafted necklace honors your strength and fortitude, and the gilded sea glass pendant is available in several luminous hues. The delicate wire-wrapped pearl chain is an elegant accent and contemporary twist on traditional wedding pearls. From $80
Celebrate a lifetime of summer lovin’ by saying “I do” in Charleston’s most charming and eclectic beach town, Folly Beach. The Tides Folly Beach Hotel rests at the end of Center Street’s colorful array of shops and restaurants, which your bridal party will love, and boasts oceanfront views and an expansive stretch of beach.
Only a short drive from downtown Charleston, the Tides Folly Beach Hotel offers catering, ballroom reception options, and beach ceremony sites. Your loved ones can stay right at the hotel and walk to all of Folly’s beach shops, delicious restaurants, and vibrant bar scene, or retire to one of the area’s many beautiful rental properties.
photo credit: Sydney Rae Photography
Folly Beach’s laid-back atmosphere and gorgeous scenery inspired our Little Folly Oyster Necklace, which is the perfect bridesmaids’ gift for your Charleston beach wedding. These delicate hand-painted oyster pendants rest on elegant wire-wrapped pearl chains for a sophisticated necklace that celebrates Lowcountry living and can easily accent a summer cocktail dress or elevate your favorite linen sundress. $90
Bohemian beach brides will love the Pelican Watch Shelter on Folly Beach. This Charleston County Parks venue offers a two-story open-air structure with direct beach access, on-site parking, grills, 6 picnic tables, restrooms, and a horseshoe pit.
One of the more budget-friendly beach wedding venues in Charleston, the Pelican Watch Shelter is ideal for a casual, intimate wedding. It can also be jazzed up with vibrant florals and creative accents for a more festive tropical theme.
photo credit: @wearepetaloso
Add our Gilded Oyster Shell Candles to your table decor for a touch of coastal glamor. We hand-pour each of these 100% soy wax candles in our King Street Flagship, and the purchase of these nautical tea candles supports our oyster shell recycling program and helps restore the very marshes visible from the Pelican Watch Shelter. $25
Charleston Beach Vacation Rentals
Backyard weddings are making a comeback, and those planning a smaller gathering should make a point to peruse some of Charleston’s Beach Vacation Rentals during their Charleston wedding venue search. You’ll find incredible homes to accommodate various sized groups, and these rentals often have their own amenities, beach views, decks, game rooms, and more!
photo credit: Nancy Lempesis Photography / @nancylempesisphotography
Enjoy the peace and serenity of Seabrook Island, or indulge in the perks of a luxury resort community at Kiawah Island. Looking to get away from it all and soak up some sun? Edisto Beach may be your spot.
Folly Beach is known for its funky, charming vibe and proximity to downtown Charleston, while Sullivan’s Island is a local’s favorite for its chill beach town vibes and great eateries. Isle of Palms is beloved by tourists, and the rentals at Wild Dunes are a great place to kick back and relax.
Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, “The Gold-Bug,” which takes place on beautiful Sullivan’s Island, our Gold Bug Necklace is a sweet bridal necklace or bridesmaid gift. The characters in Poe’s story go on an adventure searching for buried treasure, but our braided pearl necklace reminds you that your real treasure is your ability to turn any hardship into a pearl on your life’s adventure. $70
If you’re hunting for a bird’s eye view of the ocean for your wedding day, look no further than Wild Dunes Resort’s newest wedding venue, the Indigo Room & Rooftop at the Sweetgrass Inn. The newest addition to the Wild Dunes Resort complex is slated to open in the spring of 2021.
Along with the resort amenities and beautiful beaches currently offered by Wild Dunes, the Indigo Room & Rooftop Terrace will offer breathtaking horizon views through floor-to-ceiling windows, a veranda, balcony overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and oceanfront terrace.
There’s only one thing better than a glass of champagne: a bottle. Set aside a bottle of your special vintage for your cake table or reception seats and make it a part of the decor by adding one of our striking Oyster Wine Charms.
Let us customize your wine charm your names, wedding date, or the words “Happily Ever After”, “His” and “Hers”, or “Best Day Ever” for a celebratory accent at your head table. From $20
Have your cake and eat it too at the magnificent, world-renowned Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort. The luxurious clubhouse overlooks the 18th hole and the Atlantic Ocean beyond that, and the wraparound veranda is a contemporary nod to traditional Southern hospitality.
photo credit: Priscilla Thomas Photography
A private dining room is ideal for parties of up to 20, and the PGA room above, which overlooks the Ocean Course and the beach, is a wonderful option for seated dinners of up to 80 guests, including space for a dancefloor and DJ.
Make the most of the scenery by tenting the lower lawn and reserving the Atlantic Room, and you can celebrate with up to 300 guests. For an indoor plated dinner of up to 300, you’ll want to reserve the Full Clubhouse option, which includes the Atlantic Room and Ryder Cup Bar.
photo credit: Priscilla Thomas Photography
We love the classic elegance and Southern hospitality of Kiawah Island, and our Angel Oak Bridal Earrings draw their inspiration from the iconic Charleston live oaks laden with Spanish moss that line the drive to Kiawah.
The wire-wrapped pearl chains support delicate, luminescent glass pendants designed to capture the light and enhance your natural beauty. $68
The Sandcastle on Kiawah Island will make you feel like a queen for your big day! This palatial Charleston wedding venue offers magnificent views of the ocean, impressive pools, chic lounges, and a beautiful ballroom with an adjacent veranda.
photo credit: Jennings King Photography
The ballroom can comfortably accommodate 180 of your nearest and dearest, and the Oceanfront Pool and Sandbar bar area are available for rent during the off-season, October 15 through March 15.
Your guests are sure to feel like royalty as well during their stay on Kiawah Island, due to all the incredible amenities of the resort and stunning vacation rental options.
photo credit: Jennings King Photography
Our Decoupage Oyster Shell Napkin Rings are the perfect nautical accent for your Charleston beach wedding. These thoughtful decor table elements also double as party favors, and your guests can drape these heirloom creations over a favorite vase, a bottle of wine, or living room mantle and enjoy them for years to come.
Looking for a more personal touch? Our in-house calligraphy team would love to embellish our Gilded Oyster Shell Napkin Rings with your guests’ names. $25
Where better to tie the knot than on an elegant luxury sailboat surrounded by your nearest and dearest?! Charleston Harbor Tours & Events offers three different vessels for your big day: the Carolina Belle, Charleston Princess, Schooner Pride, and Charleston Lady.
The Carolina Belle boasts an open Observation Deck and enclosed Main Salon, with dinner cruise capacity for up to 125. Make sure there’s space for everyone on your invite list by booking the Charleston Princess; this three-tiered ship has space for up to 300 partygoers.
For something more intimate (up to 49 people), we adore the charming Schooner Pride, whose design was inspired by 18th-century coastal trading schooners. The newest member of the fleet, the Charleston Lady, is perfect for intimate gatherings of up to 45 passengers.
photo credit: @rachelredphotography
Ahoy there, we can’t think of a more perfect accent for your wedding cruise than our Seahorse and Octopus Decoupage Oyster Ring Dishes.
Handcrafted with an ocean of love, these oyster jewelry dishes are perfect for keeping track of your wedding bands, engagement ring, or cufflinks on the big day… and for your shared life to come! From $40
Take the plunge beside one of Wild Dunes Resort’s most admired features: the Boardwalk Inn Pool. A central amenity of the resort, this stately pool features a picturesque bridge, lush palm trees, and private cabanas.
The Boardwalk Inn Pool sits right off the resort’s main beach access and only steps away from the colorful main corridor, which makes for adorable wedding photos. Use the beach for your ceremony site, and then host up to 60 of your loved ones for a seated reception dinner or up to 100 for a cocktail style soiree.
Incorporate the iconic colors of Charleston’s historic district - and Wild Dunes Resort’s beloved boardwalk - into your wedding details with our Rainbow Row Earrings. These sweet earrings remind the wearer to stay faithful to their own true colors. They are available in 8 different color combinations so you can tailor them to your gown, wedding colors, or bridesmaids’ dresses! $60
Whatever your creative vision is for your wedding day, we hope it is filled to the brim with an ocean of love, laughter, and blessings!
We hope you’ll join us for a Mala Workshop at our Charleston Flagship for a bridal luncheon, pre-wedding activity, or bachelor party. It would be our honor to tailor this transformative, creative experience to you and your tribe.
If you’re looking for the perfect bridesmaids’ gifts, welcome baskets, or nautical decor elements for your big day, please shop our Bridal Collection and connect with a team member to answer any questions you may have!
One Love & Blessings,