Beach Weddings Charleston SC

Many brides inquire with us about beach weddings here in Charleston, SC.  Having your wedding on the beach could be absolutely gorgeous, but you should definitely consider a few things first.

Where can I have a beach wedding? Charleston, SC?

We have three beaches that are convienient to Downtown Charleston.  The Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach.  All are about 20-30 minutes from downtown. 

Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is one of the prettiest beaches in South Carolina. They are, however, one of the strictest when it comes to weddings on the beach.  They have ordinances that restrict "conducting business" on the beach, which includes paying a minister, photographer, videographer, catering company, or chair rental company. 

So, unless your wedding is being performed by all volunteers, you may want to steer clear of the Isle of Palms.  Too many brides have felt the sting of renting a home for several thousand dollars only to find out later that they cannot hire anyone to help them with their wedding.

Sullivan's Island

Sullivan't Island is located just to the West of the Isle of Palms.  Also considered one of SC's most attractive beaches, Sullivan's Island is beautiful.  However, the same ordinance that exist on the IOP exists on Sullivan's.  SI doesn't seem to currently be enforcing this ordinance and many of our local vendors will still work with brides on this beach.

Folly Beach

The least restrictive of all three Charleston area beaches, Folly Beach is still very beautiful.  They don't have any ordinances that restrict vendors on the beach and couples can enjoy hiring whoever they please to shoot their wedding, perform the ceremony, set up chairs and cater the event. 

Many brides will rent a large home on Folly Beach and have the ceremony and reception in the same place to save their guests from having to travel.

Ten things to consider before planning your beach wedding Charleston SC

When you are going to have your wedding on the beach, you should remember several things.

1. Contact the township of each beach island town PRIOR to booking your rental house and planning your wedding.  You can find their contact information on this page
2. Consider the weather.  Charleston's weather can change rapidly, especially at the beaches.  You also have to consider the heat and the bugs.  Both can put a serious damper on your guests' enjoyment.
3. Find your planner.  Having a wedding planner allows you to enjoy your wedding.  Sure, many brides that we have met will plan their own event.  But those brides become the center of the planning for the wedding and all questions the day of default to her.  Many brides report that they are so glad that they hired a planner so that they could really enjoy the day without being bothered with questions all day long.
4.