i'm new to this, but iwas wondering if anyone knew where i could find an off the beaten path cottage on the beach in the SC, NC, or GA coastal areas. I am getting married in aug. and she really wants to go to a cabin on the beach like in the movie " The Patriot", but we're limited to a much cheaper budget,basically a comfortable but quaint non-tourist, non-resort cottage out of the way to be alone. thanks, farmboy

What time of year and what is cheap?

Is $600 - $800 for a week high or low for your budget?

I can think of places on the Florida panhandle. I'll put my thinking cap on for the Atlantic coast.

Try The Outer Banks in NC. The Islands of Hatteras or Ocracoke would be my suggestion as they are not as crowded as Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, etc. Check it out at: http://www.outerbanks.com/

No such thing as a budget cottage on the South East coast in August. For a three bedroom house, your minimum fee would be around $2,500 with a seven night Sat-Sat or Sun-Sun rental.

Also, rental agencies forbid 'house parites' which is what they would consider a wedding.

My suggestion is call Litchfield Plantation (www.litchfieldplantation.com) as they have as a hotel amenity an oceanfront house on Pawleys Island. The plantation itself is gorgeous and your aren't stuck with a 7 night rental. You can get married on the beach and don't have to worry about all the other crap involved with a house rental.

Word of warning, because of extreme humidity in August (temps will stay in the upper 80s lower 90s past midnight) hair and makeup are difficult.

This town could have drastically changed over the years, but try Long Island, NC. It's near the border of SC, and it wasn't touristy at all when I was there with my family. Thus, it was cheaper than the other beach towns.

I think Ann might mean Long Beach on Oak Island NC and I agree it is very, very nice. Our family has rented cottages there a few times and enjoyed it. Go to: http://www.capefear-nc.com/longbeach/