I know that this is a weird topic for this forum, but you've been so helpful in planning our trips so I thought I'd throw this out. Does anyone have first hand knowledge of a good location for a beach wedding in spring in SC or GA? We're looking for someplace nice, but not as expensive as the Sanctuary on Kiawah or the Cloisters. Thanks in advance for your help.

I was ready to post recommending the Cloisters.

If you want to go just a LITTLE bit further south (just over the GA line into FL), consider the Ritz on Amelia or the Elizabeth Poine Lodge.

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Proper...on/Default.htm

http://www.elizabethpointelodge.com/

Another option would be Jekyll Island, GA. I've seen gorgeous wedding parties posing for pictures at the Jekyll Island Club and the hotel is very nice, but the location is on the marsh - not the ocean.

I've seen countless weddings at the Beachview Club (as a guest at the hotel next door). They do a nice wedding with beautiful beach wedding pictures just steps away.

http://www.beachviewweddings.com/

Here's a link to Jekyll Island wedding info, but I'd limit to those two Jekyll options (I can give you reasons if you want them)

http://www.jekyllisland.com/weddings/

Look at the photo gallery at the Beachview Club.

You might investigate the LItchfield Plantation at Pawley's Island. There is the gorgeous old original plantation house, complete with the long driveway leading through an avenue of trees. There is a modern restaurant/reception area on the property, and then there is a beach house on the beach at Pawley's. It is a lovely property.

Loved Litchfield and second Gretchen's recommendation.

Mobile Marriage in Charleston can help you plan a destination wedding here in Charleston. Many of the houses downtown can be rented for weddings and parties. Best wishes!

What scale? Are you looking for a venue for a dozen people or 200?

BTW. I liked Starrs suggestion of Jekyll. They have a darling chapel with stain glass made by Tiffany himself.

I was married on Jekyll, and I think it was a great option. We arranged our wedding through the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, but we went with the very casual option of having the ceremony and reception at their beach pavilion. We wanted a casual, beach-front wedding, but the hotel seemed much more suited to handling the reception in one of the more usual spots (e.g., one of the lovely old historic homes on their grounds). It worked great for us, but probably not the vibe you're going for; unfortunately, I can't comment on the chapel or other reception options, but they did look lovely. I did love having our wedding photos on the grounds of the hotel, around trees with lots of Spanish moss, very nice.

The guests seemed to enjoy the outdoor options at Jekyll, such as bike riding, beach, croquet at the hotel, etc. Many guests stayed at the Club Hotel, as we did, but many others opted for lower-price hotel options on the beach, so it was nice to have those options available. This was all in early May, so perfect weather.

If you like Kiawah, you might consider next door neighbor, Seabrook Island. The club has just built a new ocean front restaurant and huge club house. Check out the club's site at www.discoverseabrook.com.

Because there are no hotels on SBI, you and your guests will need to rent homes or condos. I can put you in touch with my neighbor who is the booking agent for almost 50 properties.

Are you planning for spring 2010?? Be aware of holidays e.g. Easter weeks. Many of these weeks are rented by the week only.

We had snow flurries, sleet and strong winds in Charleston when we were visting one April. I would look at weather records very carefully before I committed to an outdoor wedding in the spring.

Yes, do have a backup plan. Sleet anytime in Charleston is very rare, but rain is not.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

Do let us know what you decide. And don't forget-it's supposed to be fun !

We have expanded the search to include North Florida and will make a decision later this month. Thanks again.