Kiawah Island Weddings: Where Coastal Beauty Meets Timeless Celebration

Destination Weddings
Written By Reagan Prechter

There is something about Kiawah Island that feels both untamed and intentional. The long stretches of shoreline, framed by moss-draped oaks and salt marshes, create a rhythm of calm that sets the stage for a wedding experience rooted in both natural beauty and elevated design. For couples seeking a destination that feels like a retreat yet remains accessible, Kiawah offers an unparalleled canvas.

The Setting: Untouched Coastal Grandeur

Only 21 miles from Charleston, Kiawah Island is a private enclave where Atlantic waters meet wild dunes. Weddings here don’t need much ornamentation—nature does the work. Ceremonies can unfold beneath towering oaks, at the water’s edge, or within the manicured grounds of some of the island’s most iconic venues.

Venue Highlights

  • The Ocean Course
    Famous for its sweeping Atlantic views, The Ocean Course offers a setting that feels as expansive as it does intimate. Ceremonies by the dunes, cocktail hours overlooking the shoreline, and tented receptions on the lawn create a seamless connection between the event and the sea.

  • The Sanctuary Hotel
    Kiawah’s grand hotel brings a sense of Southern elegance to the island. Its manicured oceanfront lawns and ballrooms pair panoramic views with refined interiors, ideal for couples seeking both outdoor and indoor moments within the same celebration.

  • Cassique Clubhouse
    Nestled along the Kiawah River, Cassique is a members-only club that offers a more private, serene atmosphere. The clubhouse feels refined yet welcoming, with sweeping golf course backdrops. It’s a natural choice for couples drawn to understated sophistication and a setting that balances elegance with intimacy.

  • River Course Clubhouse
    Known for its Lowcountry charm, the River Course blends marshland scenery with a classic Southern setting. The expansive verandas and sweeping lawns of this members-only club house create a backdrop that feels timeless and versatile.

  • The Dunlin at Kiawah River
    Just across the waterway, The Dunlin is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection and extends Kiawah’s reach with a boutique property that is ideal for full buyouts. Couples can host a multi-day experience with guests staying together on-site, creating continuity across every event—from welcome dinner to farewell brunch.

Newlyweds walk hand in hand across Kiawah Island’s greens, celebrating joyfully after their ceremony.
Live musicians play double bass and guitar during a Kiawah Island wedding celebration outdoors.

Multi-Day Celebration Potential

What makes Kiawah particularly compelling for weddings is its capacity for a full weekend experience. Guests are not simply attending an event; they are invited into a world apart. From welcome cocktails on a breezy veranda to a beachside bonfire under the stars, the island lends itself to layered experiences that extend far beyond the ceremony and reception.

Golf, spa days, kayaking, and biking are woven seamlessly into the weekend itinerary, allowing guests to feel both cared for and entertained. A private villa rental or a property buyout ensures privacy and continuity—everything unfolding in one self-contained, thoughtfully curated environment.

Design Opportunities

A Kiawah wedding calls for design that honors its surroundings while also elevating them. Tented celebrations here can feel ethereal, with fabric-draped ceilings mirroring the soft tones of sea and sky. Florals often draw from the coastal palette—creamy neutrals, wisps of greenery, muted pastels—layered with intentional textures like rattan, linen, and candlelight to create a sense of refined elegance.

Sunset oyster staions, champagne bars tucked into verandas, or a jazz trio playing beneath the canopy of live oaks transform simple moments into unforgettable touchpoints.

Wedding ceremony at The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island with floral arch, wooden chairs, and sweeping ocean views.
Bride and groom share a kiss beneath a flowing veil on Kiawah Island, holding a pastel bridal bouquet.

Why Kiawah Resonates

For couples balancing Southern roots with a love of travel, Kiawah offers the perfect in-between. It feels destination-worthy without requiring a passport. It is intimate yet expansive, polished yet wild. Most importantly, it allows for intentional pacing—a wedding that doesn’t rush but unfolds like a well-told story, from arrival to departure.

We believe Kiawah Island weddings are less about orchestrating a single day and more about crafting an immersive guest journey. A gift of not only a beautiful curated wedding experience, but a personal vacation with freedom to explore on their own.

Curious about planning an event on Kiawah Island?  Inquire HERE.

Want more behind-the-scenes stories, trends, and inspiration?

Reagan Prechter
Next

Experience, Boundaries, and Bold Choices: My Conversation on Persephone Says