how to plan a lowcountry wedding in Georgetown, Charleston. mrtle beach or hilton head island,sc
Planning a wedding in the Lowcountry of South Carolina at The Venue at Springfield Estates in Georgetown, SC offers a blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and southern hospitality. South Carolina is known for its moss draped oaks, tidal marshes, beautiful beaches, historic and southern charm. Whether you choose a venue in Georgetown, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Hilton Head, you'll find stunning backdrops for your special day. Keep reading for a step by step guide for your perfect Lowcountry Wedding!
Define your vision for your dream wedding
Do you desire southern elegance, beachy, rustic-chic, garden, historic plantation, marshfront?
Determine how many guests you’ll invite. This affects your venue and budget.
Spring and fall are most popular due to heat and hurricanes. Avoid peak summer unless you’re prepared for humidity.
Determine a budget
Outline how much you can spend overall, and allocate for: Venue & Rentals, Catering & Bar, Attire & Beauty, Photography/Videography, Florals & Decor, Entertainment, Planner/Coordinator, Lodging & Transportation
Some of the top venues in the Lowcountry include:
The Venue at Springfield Estates, The Kaminsky House, Wedgefield Country Club, Litchfield Country Club, Brookgreen Gardens in the Georgetown area.
The historic town of Georgetown offers a picturesque setting with its waterfront, charming downtown, and historic estates.
The Venue at Springfield Estates is situated on 250 acres of historic rice fields, blooming gardens, and over 400 live oak trees. The estate is located along the Great Pee Dee River, and you even have the option to arrive at your event by chartered ferry. It offers a private and luxurious setting with a rich family history.
Other Georgetown Venues: Georgetown has other scenic locations for weddings, including spots on the waterfront, society halls, and yacht clubs. The Kaminski House Museum, for instance, provides a romantic waterfront view.
Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place, Lowndes Grove Estate, Legare Waring House, The Cedar Room in the Charleston area
Sea Pines Resort, Sonesta Resort, Harbour Town Clubhouse in Hilton Head Island
Important Considerations
Does the venue have marsh/ocean views?
Are permits needed for beach or public park weddings?
Is there backup for rain or storms?
Hire a Local Wedding planner
A Lowcountry-based planner can help navigate:, Local vendor relationships, Permits and weather risks (especially hurricane season), Cultural traditions and etiquette There are many wonderful and talented planners!
Book your vendors early! Plan your Lowcountry menu!
Top vendors, such as Photographers / Videographers, Caterers (Lowcountry boil, oyster roast, Southern cuisine?),Florists (local blooms like magnolia, hydrangea, palmetto fronds), Bands/DJs (jazz, bluegrass, or beach music?), Rentals (tents, chairs, lighting—especially for outdoor weddings) and Officiants can book out 12–18 months in advance:
Plan your Lowcountry menu!
Lowcountry wedding staples include, Shrimp & Grits, Oysters (raw bar or roast), Fried Green Tomatoes, Crab Cakes, Sweet Tea & Bourbon cocktails and Groom's cake (traditionally chocolate or Southern-themed)
Make your guests experience something they will never forget!
Create welcome bags to Include local snacks (benne wafers, pralines), mini sunscreen, bug spray, custom maps.Set up transportation for your guests, consider shuttles, especially if venues are rural. Block hotel rooms and recommend local Airbnb’s in Georgetown, Charleston, Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head Island.
Create a flawless timeline!
12+ Months: Book venue and planner, 10 Months: Book vendors, 8 Months: Buy dress & send Save-the-Dates, 6 Months: Menu tasting & order rentals, 2 Months: Final dress fitting, finalize guest count, 1 Month: Create timeline, confirm with vendors, 1 Week: Arrive early (if destination), host welcome party or oyster roast
Always have a backup plan!
Weather in the Lowcountry is unpredictable. Always budget for a tent or indoor backup, purchase wedding insurance (especially during hurricane season: June–Nov)
Infuse local charm with some of these ideas!
Have a ceremony under hundred year old live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, serve hush puppies or biscuits at cocktail hour, hire a Gullah choir or have a carriage send-off in Charleston, use sweetgrass basket centerpieces or favors
Planning a Wedding in Georgetown, SC
The historic town of Georgetown offers a picturesque setting with its waterfront, charming downtown, and historic estates.
The Venue at Springfield Estates: This venue is situated on 250 acres of historic rice fields, blooming gardens, and over 400 live oak trees. The estate is located along the Great Pee Dee River, and you even have the option to arrive at your event by chartered ferry. It offers a private and luxurious setting with a rich family history.
Other Georgetown Venues: Georgetown has other scenic locations for weddings, including spots on the waterfront, society halls, and yacht clubs. The Kaminski House Museum, for instance, provides a romantic waterfront view.
Wedding Venues in Charleston, SC
Charleston is a top destination for weddings, known for its iconic architecture, cobblestone streets, and stunning water views.
Historic Plantations and Homes: Venues like Lowndes Grove Plantation, Boone Hall Plantation, and Middleton Place Plantation offer sprawling lawns, magnificent oak trees, and historic buildings that provide a classic Lowcountry feel.
Waterfront Venues: The Historic Rice Mill Building and The Gadsden House offer beautiful waterfront settings, with the latter featuring grand parlor rooms and lush courtyard gardens.
Other Unique Venues: The city also has unique options like the Gibbes Museum of Art, The Cedar Room (in the historic Cigar Factory), and modern venues that offer a contemporary feel with southern charm.
Wedding Venues in Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach and the surrounding "Grand Strand" area offer a variety of options, from oceanfront resorts to country clubs.
Oceanfront Resorts: Venues like the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront and the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes provide a beach wedding experience with convenient amenities for guests.
Golf and Country Clubs: Many golf clubs in the area, such as Pine Lakes Country Club and Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, offer manicured landscapes, elegant clubhouses, and beautiful settings for ceremonies and receptions.
Other Venues: You can find a range of other options, including banquet halls, historic farm venues, and even botanical gardens like Brookgreen Gardens.
Wedding Venues in Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head Island is a popular destination for those seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed coastal wedding.
Resorts with Oceanfront Options: Resorts like the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, and The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa offer multiple venues within their properties, including oceanfront decks, lush gardens, and elegant ballrooms.
On-the-Beach Venues: The Beach House, Hilton Head is known as the island's only true "on the beach" wedding venue, providing a perfect spot for a casual and elegant affair.
Private Estates and Clubs: For a more exclusive feel, consider private islands like Buck Island or country clubs such as the Port Royal Club House.
General Tips for Lowcountry Wedding Planning:
Hire a Local Planner: The Lowcountry has many experienced wedding planners who can help you navigate the unique challenges of the area and recommend trusted local vendors. They are familiar with the best venues and service providers.
Book Early: The Lowcountry is a popular destination for weddings, so it's essential to book your venue and key vendors well in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons (spring and fall).
Consider the Weather: The Lowcountry's climate can be unpredictable. Be prepared for heat and humidity, especially in the summer, and have a rain plan in place for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
Embrace the Lowcountry Vibe: Incorporate local flavors and traditions into your wedding. Think shrimp and grits at the reception, Spanish moss in your decor, or a welcome bag filled with local goodies.
Think about Guest Accommodations: If you are planning a destination wedding, provide your guests with a list of recommended hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals in the area.