Oldfield Archives | Wedding Planner Hilton Head, Savannah, Charleston

10 Best Wedding Venues in Hilton Head and Bluffton

After establishing a detailed budget with my clients, the next big step in wedding planning is to pick the venue. Hilton Head and off island Bluffton have some of the Lowcountry’s most beautiful venues with views to die for. From beach front to historic plantation, I’ve rounded up the best spots to say, “I Do” and celebrate the night away in our area.

Located in Bluffton, SC

1. Oldfield Plantation Club – There is no place more charming than Oldfield’s River House for your ceremony and reception. Ceremonies typically take place on the front steps, but offer more options too. The reception can take place inside for intimate gatherings or beneath a tent on the sprawling lawn out back, which sits right on the water. Oldfield holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I married my best friend and husband of 8 years!

Oldfield-plantation-Bluffton-SC-wedding-planner-210

Billie Jo and Jeremy Photography for Studio Mynt

Suggs Photography

2. Colleton River Plantation Club – Colleton offers two gorgeous clubhouses for your wedding, the Nicklaus and the Dye. The venues can accommodate both intimate and large weddings. Depending on your vision and guest count, you may decide to take advantage of the view at the Nicklaus clubhouse and host your event on the spacious lawn. The sunset is magical and something you’ll want to build your wedding day timeline around.

Tim Willoughby Photography

Tim Willoughby Photography

3. Palmetto Bluff Resort – Follow the road less traveled through live oaks and red cedars all the way to where the land ends. Here you’ll find the Lowcountry’s hidden gem for luxury weddings. Once your guests come inside the gates, they’ll neither need nor want to leave until it’s time to catch their flight home. With so many new additions being added to the resort, you’ll have a wide variety of spaces to choose from for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception.

The Wedding Chapel

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff

4. Historic Rose Hill Mansion – Built in the late 1850’s, the mansion sits on a large piece of land near the Equestrian Center inside Rose Hill Plantation. Intimate weddings may hold their reception inside while larger events take place under a tent on the sprawling lawn, which is sprinkled with oaks. Due to the level of planning involved and the historic nature of the house, couples are required to hire an approved wedding planner upon booking.

Hopkins Studios

5. Belfair Golf Club – Belfair is the perfect venue for larger weddings. The ceremony can take place on the back lawn, which provides a beautiful view of the golf course and marsh. The lawn is expansive so you may choose to hold cocktail hour out there well. If you envision a tented wedding, but want the comfort of having a beautiful backup space indoors that can accommodate up to 200 guests, Belfair is a great venue to consider.

Peachtree Photography

Location on Hilton Head, SC

1. Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa – The Westin has really exciting renovations happening at their oceanfront pavilion (shown below). From what I hear, the space will be elevated and climate controlled, while still offering up to 300 guests that picturesque Hilton Head beach view. I’m SO excited to see the completion, expected in April 2017!

Hopkins Studios

2. Omni Oceanfront Resort – The Shorehouse at the Omni offers guests a beautiful view of the dunes and beach. Your ceremony can take place on the beach, which offers a private boardwalk for you and your guests next to the reception venue. The Shorehouse is perfect for groups between 100 and 125. The openness of the venue makes for a clean canvas to build your dream wedding upon. I also want to point out that their team is incredible in flipping space faster than lighting should you elect to have your ceremony beneath the Shorehouse as well as your reception.

Photography by Anne

3. Sonesta Resort – This resort underwent a HUGE renovation several years ago and has since become a top contender on Hilton Head as far as venues are concerned. The pavilion on the beach is spacious and offers both indoor and outdoor dining options. If you’re hosting a group of 125-150 for a seated dinner and want to be on the water, this is a great option to consider for your wedding.

Brandon Lata Photography

4. Sea Pines Resort – When you think of Hilton Head, more than likely a red and white striped lighthouse comes to mind. This is the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse and is the backdrop for some of the island’s greatest traditions and events. Sea Pines offers so many options for venues and guest accommodations/activities, it’s no wonder it is Hilton Head’s top destination wedding venue.

Hunter McRae Photography

5. Haig Point (on Daufuskie Island) – Last but not least is Haig Point, a private golf community on Daufuskie Island. If you’re interested in having your wedding here, you’ll be happy to know the club does NOT require you to be a member. I absolutely love the lighthouse for ceremonies. The canopy of trees provides the most romantic setting and perfect lighting for exchanging vows. The best spot for the reception? Why tented of course. The spacious lawn in front of Strachan Mansion not only features historic ruins, but it’s also situated right smack on the water. The best advice I can give is to try to book a date that falls on a full moon. SWOON!

The Reason Photography

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Planning & Design for the Modern Bride
(843) 290-2590
Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

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Clean, Crisp and Fresh! Fall Wedding Design Board

Cat and Jeff brought me on to assist them in pulling together the design concept for their Big Day on October 19th. You see, they both have very demanding careers in NYC and haven’t had the time to nail down all of these details. It really takes a lot of time to research what’s available out there and then pull together all of the ideas into a look that makes sense.

Cat had one thing picked out when she hired me…her bridesmaid’s dresses. They will be dressed in various shades of purple, from lilac to burgundy, designed by Jenny Yoo. They wanted to keep everything simple and classic and take a “less is more” approach to their centerpieces, which will be created by CCF Designs.

The reception will take place under a clear top tent beneath the oaks at Oldfield’s River Club. JLK Events is installing a plethora of cafe lights to give it a “backdoor” Southern feel.

What do you think of the design concept I created for them? Would you do anything different?

I am so honored to have the opportunity to assist Cat and Jeff in creating the most important day of their lives! I can’t wait to share the beautiful images from Suggs Photography!

Embellished Events
Phone: (843) 757-7762
Email: Hello@EmbellishedWeddings.com

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5 Tips For Planning Your Lowcountry Wedding

Oceans, rivers and marshes define the Lowcountry area that stretches the 200 miles between Charleston, SC to St. Mary’s, GA. Filled with history, culture, natural beauty and the friendliest people in America, it’s no wonder engaged couples flock here year after year for their destination weddings.

There are several important things to consider when planning your Big Day in the Lowcountry:

Time of Year – The best months to get married are April-June and September-October. March and November are close runner-ups because I consider them to be transitional months between the extreme seasons. July and August is by far the hottest and most humid time of year. If your wedding day vision entails the outdoors, avoid these months at all costs. You want your guests to remember the kiss, food, music and decor…NOT how hot and sweaty they were.

Massive Tides – Tides average 6-8 feet here in the Lowcountry so be sure to check when high/low tides will take place on your wedding day so you can plan accordingly (Here is the site I refer to).

Pesky Pests – Mosquitos, no-see-ums and palmetto bugs are sure to pay a congratulatory visit to your outdoor wedding. While it’s nearly impossible to completely eradicate them, there are a few things you can do to help the situation:

Hire a professional to spray the morning before and morning of your wedding.
Buy a few of these and place them around the perimeter of your wedding site.
Provide guests with a few bottles of herbal, scent-free insect repellant such as this one.

Afternoon Showers – The weather forecast changes constantly here so do yourself a favor and try to avoid checking NOAA until about 3 days prior to your Big Day. When the forecast says 30-40% chance of rain, it’s probably because a brief 5 minute shower is expected. Be prepared with a backup plan just in case. I also like to have plenty of beach towels in the trunk of my car in case a quick downpour drenches the ceremony chairs.

Embracing the Culture – Incorporate the Lowcountry history and culture into your wedding via menus, cocktails, decor, welcome bags, organized activities and music. When I think Lowcountry, I think of the following: