Highlighting Kiawah Wedding Venues from our photographers perspective. The River Course, The Ocean Course, The Sandcastle, Osprey Clubhouse and The Sanctuary. We hope this helpful in discerning which spaces best suit your needs and resonate with your vision.
The River Course
…is a private Kiawah Island Club with Lowcountry views in all directions. Couples most often speak their vows facing the 18th hole, Kiawah river and marsh grasses. Between the grand oak and a few Palmetto trees in the distance, it is quintessentially Southern. A handful of our clients have opted for the front lawn with surround sound grand oaks softened by the moss facing the shingle-style clubhouse. Depending on the time of year, cocktail hour on the porches and back lawn at sunset on the river is it’s own entertainment. The clubhouse ballroom is an open, neutral space that is welcoming as understated elegance or can easily get dressed up fancy-like. In house catering maintains excellence again and again. Guests who wish to visit or enjoy a quieter experience can peel off into the verandas or bar area. Most of our River Course weddings average approximately 150 guests. Although, we have documented cozier, more intimate gatherings as well as closer to 200 guests with tenting.
Images of the River Course Venue and Set-up Options :
Favorite elements of the River Course :
men’s locker room, once you see it…you will understand
grand oaks in the sand near the marsh grasses
rain or shine, the photo experience still works
balcony from men’s locker room is a perfect birds eye view for ceremonies and large group photo
The Ocean Course
….is a blend of golf lawns, marsh grasses and stunning Ocean views. It is a space that has something to offer for a variety of needs, sizes and budgets. More often than not, you will have the porch diners cheering you on and wishing you well. It can also be rented out for privacy or a full club buyout. Ceremony sites most frequently face the ocean which has it’s own wow factor. Ceremony aisle, arbors, hair, veils and decor should pass the wind test. Cocktail hour is almost always on the back lawn and porches facing the ocean and when the sun sets everyone takes it in. For larger receptions, tents are constructed on the lower lawn. For smaller receptions, The Atlantic Room (swanky vibe) or the PGA Room (elevated with balconies) make for connected, intimate gatherings. Their in-house kitchen is delish.
Images of the Ocean Course Venue and Set-up Options :
Favorite elements of the Ocean Course :
front porches for light and elegant coastal feel
everyone can get ready onsite
sunsets
balconies for a birds eye view of ceremony and cocktail
kid-friendly
feet in the Sand if desired
The Sandcastle
…is an ocean-side Kiawah community (KICA) building. It has a relaxed, coastal feel with welcoming rocking chairs on the Veranda. The pool deck and infinity pool are where the ceremony magic happens with a raised platform for the couple. The Sandcastle has a private boardwalk where we whisk the couples away for sunset. The boardwalk is framed in by dunes and grasses. We can stop at the edge and get the ocean sensation or go all in ‘feet in the sand’ and head to the water’s edge. The ballroom is sectioned so your guest list can match the size of the space. Caterer are brought in, so you can find the flavor and budget that suits you.
Images of the Sandcastle Venue and Set-up Options :
Favorite elements of the Sandcastle :
stairs and balconies - elevation makes for a new perspective
causal, relaxed flow
rental houses for getting ready next door to venue
boardwalk and beach access
Osprey Clubhouse
…is a scenic, tucked away golf course clubhouse with open green spaces. While it is not a private club, it might be the one to afford the most privacy. The ceremony site has a vast, spacious feel of greens, trees and ponds. The ballroom feels like a masculine study with dark wood accents. The covered back porch makes is a great spot for cocktail hour and also a space where guests can step outside if they want a dance break.
Images of the Osprey Clubhouse Venue and Set-up Options :
Favorite elements of Osprey Clubhouse :
wooden golf cart bridge for photos
privacy while not being a private club
get ready on site
gators sightings get everyone pumped
making an entrance to the ceremony site
The Sanctuary
…is an Oceanside luxury resort that embodies Southern hospitality from the bones of the building to the wallpaper in the bathrooms. It is luxe, yet welcoming. Some of our clients get ready in their honeymoon suites while others book a hospitality room for all ladies to gather together. The ceremonies often take place on the Grand (center) lawn, side lawn or the latest addition of the chapel. Between the side lawn and multiple ballrooms, you are sure to find a combination that best fits the size and flow your wedding day.
Images of the Osprey Clubhouse Venue and Set-up Options :
Favorite elements of Osprey Clubhouse :
grand staircases and lowcountry murals
rock garden for couple photos
best option for large weddings
the beach is at our feet
rain or shine, no stress
Additional Kiawah Real Wedding blog posts.