charleston venues
Brays Island is a 5,500‑acre private sporting community located near the town of Sheldon in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The property is known for its conservation land, equestrian facilities, and outdoor recreation, with large portions of the landscape preserved as natural habitat. Wedding events typically take place around the Plantation House and surrounding lawns, where the open spaces allow for tented receptions and large gatherings while still maintaining the secluded feel of the property.
Bray's Island | (Outside of CHARLESTON SC)
Located about an hour south of Charleston, Brays Island is one of the most private and naturally beautiful wedding venues in the Lowcountry. The property sits within a large conservation‑focused sporting community where live oaks, tidal marshes, and open fields define the landscape. Weddings here tend to feel relaxed and immersive in nature, with ceremony and reception spaces spread across a quiet, expansive setting rather than concentrated around a single building. From a photography perspective, the scale of the property allows for a wide range of backdrops—from oak‑lined drives to open marsh views and long sunset skies—which gives couples a very different feel from the more formal historic venues in downtown Charleston.
Location 01
The Dock
The dock at Bray's island is a wonderful spot for sunset photos or a quiet moment away from the crowd
Location 02
The Inn at Bray's Island
The Inn is an incredible getting ready location and backdrop to cocktail hour, and the reception.
Location 03
The Ceremony Site
There are multiple ceremony sites outside under the oaks and along the marsh. The best ceremony site faces west over the water and has incredible afternoon light.
Location 04
The Inn
Ancient brick pillars, a few gator filled ponds, 200 year old Oak trees, Azaleas, and Camelias provide excellent locations for portraits and photographs. Small garden paths around the property create private locations with beautiful backdrops.
Location 05
Back veranda of the Inn
Sunset light filtering through the moss creates warm, directional light perfect for couple portraits. Gorgeous ceremony location and photo spot.
Location 06
Reception Tent Atmosphere
When the reception tent is lit at night, the glow against the oak trees creates a completely different mood from the daytime portraits. Tents are a must at Bray's Island since the house is too small to accommodate more than a small group in the case of rain.
A few of my favorites
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FEATURES:
Oak‑Lined Drive
The long oak‑lined drives throughout Brays Island create classic Lowcountry scenery with Spanish moss hanging from mature trees. These locations work well for portraits that emphasize the scale and quiet atmosphere of the property.
Plantation House Lawn
The lawn surrounding the Plantation House is often used for ceremonies or cocktail hour. The open grass and surrounding trees provide a clean backdrop that still feels connected to the larger natural landscape.
Marsh Views
Several areas of the property overlook tidal marshland, offering wide open views and soft evening light. These locations work particularly well for sunset portraits when the sky opens up over the water and grasses.
Open Fields
The large open fields across Brays Island create a more rural Lowcountry look that’s very different from Charleston’s garden venues. These areas are especially good for sunset portraits with long horizon lines and warm evening light.
Sunset Landscape
Because much of the property is undeveloped conservation land, sunsets at Brays Island can be especially dramatic. The combination of open sky and natural surroundings makes golden hour one of the best times for portraits during weddings here
See more Charleston wedding venues photographed by Tim Willoughby or explore the full Charleston wedding portfolio
