A charming garden wedding venue with stone paths and lush greenery creates an enchanting outdoor setting.
Southern venues

The Cloister  




Originally opened in 1928, The Cloister is part of the larger Sea Island resort, a private coastal destination known for its five‑star accommodations and service. The property includes multiple event spaces, guest accommodations, and access to miles of coastline and riverfront. Located about 1.5 hours from Jacksonville, Florida, The Cloister offers a balance of accessibility and seclusion, making it well‑suited for multi‑day destination weddings where guests stay on property.


The Cloister  |  Sea Island, GA


Located on the Georgia coast at Sea Island, The Cloister is one of the most established and luxurious wedding venues in the Southeast. The property blends Mediterranean‑inspired architecture with classic Southern coastal landscapes, including live oaks, waterfront views, and manicured gardens. Weddings at The Cloister often take place across multiple locations, with ceremonies held beneath oak trees or along the water and receptions hosted in elegant indoor or tented outdoor spaces. From a photography perspective, the variety of backdrops—from structured architecture to natural coastal scenery—creates a polished, timeless look throughout the day.

A couple walks together through a scenic garden pathway during a wedding photo session at sunset.

 

Top spots at The Cloister


Stunning locations

 

Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup with rows of black chairs facing a Mediterranean-style mansion under mature oak trees.

Location 01

Garden Courtyards


Manicured gardens and quiet courtyards throughout the property offer more intimate spaces for portraits, cocktail hour, and smaller gatherings.

A couple shares a romantic moment by an ornate stone fountain surrounded by palm trees in an elegant courtyard at dusk.

Location 02

Cloister Architecture


The resort’s Mediterranean‑style architecture features archways, courtyards, and detailed interiors that provide a more structured and refined backdrop for portraits throughout the day.


Elegant bridal photoshoot on a wooden boardwalk with Mediterranean-style architecture in the background.

Location 03

The Dock


Evenings at Sea Island bring soft, warm light across the water and landscape. The combination of open sky, reflective surfaces, and natural surroundings creates ideal conditions for sunset portraits.

 

A few of my favorites


See what’s possible

 

Rows of black chairs arranged on a lawn for an outdoor wedding ceremony with white floral arrangements and a mansion backdrop.
Elegant conservatory sunroom with herringbone brick floors, potted palms, and vintage furniture beneath a glass ceiling.
A figure in a flowing white dress walks along a lush garden path lined with tropical greenery and stone archways.
A bride in a sparkling sequined wedding gown stands in dramatic window light creating ethereal bridal portraits.
Romantic wedding couple shares intimate moments by a pool's edge in elegant formal attire.
Mediterranean style building with terracotta roof tiles and white stucco walls features lush tropical landscaping and arched walkways.
Art deco-style bar with gold geometric patterns and floral centerpieces illuminated under dramatic lighting at an elegant event.
A couple dances together at an elegant wedding reception with pink uplighting and white decor.
A couple dances on a black and white checkered floor under sparkling firework lights at an elegant party celebration.
Woman in white dress poses elegantly on a wooden bridge with Mediterranean-style architecture in background.
A bride in an elegant white off-shoulder wedding gown walks along a brick pathway holding a white floral bouquet.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a romantic garden courtyard with palm trees and illuminated arches at dusk.
Wedding party members in black tuxedos and blush pink dresses stand together during an outdoor evening ceremony.
Wedding guests gather outdoors under large oak trees at sunset during an elegant garden ceremony with white floral arrangements.
A bride in a white lace wedding gown and veil poses gracefully on grass for a series of black and white portraits.
Wedding party in formal attire poses together outdoors in a line formation at sunset.
Couple in formal attire stands on stage with purple neon lighting in background at an evening event.
Palm trees line a scenic outdoor wedding ceremony venue with guests gathering on a grassy lawn by the ocean.
Modern black and white tiered wedding cake displayed on a pedestal with glowing snowflake decorations in the background.
Classic vintage cars lined up along a tree-lined street during a sunny outdoor event.
Large outdoor chess set with black and white pieces on a patio surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and Spanish tile roof.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with crystal chandelier, black drapes, ornate chairs and floral centerpieces at dusk.
A bridal portrait session at a Mediterranean-style estate with stone pathways and lush gardens at sunset.
A panoramic view of an elegant wedding reception venue with gold chairs and ambient lighting creating a romantic atmosphere.
Wedding party poses outdoors in formal attire in front of a chapel with gothic architecture and greenery.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a rustic wooden bridge surrounded by lush garden landscaping.
A black and white photo showing people at an outdoor gathering, with a woman in white dress talking to others.
Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white floral arrangements and dark chairs beneath towering trees at a Spanish-style venue.
A bride in a sparkling purple gown stands in a sunlit room with striped vintage furniture and greenery.
Panoramic view of a Mediterranean courtyard with palm trees and fountains at dusk.
Wedding invitation cards displayed against green fern leaves background showing elegant typography and details.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place under a wooden pergola with Spanish tile roofing on a grassy lawn.
A bride in an elegant white dress holds a bouquet while walking across a lush green lawn at an outdoor venue.
A bride in an elegant lace wedding gown walks up a grand white staircase in a classic black and white photograph.
A couple in formal attire cuts into an elegant black and white tiered wedding cake at a candlelit reception.
A series of black and white portraits showing details of a groom in classic tuxedo with bowtie and boutonniere.
Elegant wedding reception setup with white oval chairs and gold accents against green carpet and bamboo backdrop.
A panoramic view of a rustic barn venue with palm trees and guests gathered for an outdoor celebration.
A couple shares a romantic moment at sunset on a wooden boardwalk in a coastal setting.
Aerial view of coastal homes along a sandy beach with rolling waves and lush vegetation on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
Newlyweds share tender moments on stone tiles with warm lighting and elegant wedding attire.
Elegant evening scene in luxurious hotel lobby with ornate staircase, warm lighting and plush red velvet furniture.
A bride and groom share romantic moments together during their winter wedding photo session at a rustic venue.
Series of close-up portraits showing blonde hair movement against dark foliage background.
A bride in a white dress walks along a garden pathway surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Bride stands on outdoor chess board surrounded by topiary gardens at dusk.
A person in a flowing white dress walks along a rustic wooden pier in black and white photography.
A wedding reception venue with pink uplighting illuminating the walls and guests dancing on the dance floor.
Mediterranean-style villa with palm trees and modern outdoor furniture setup on a manicured lawn.
Guests gather outdoors at a sunset wedding reception with string lights illuminating the garden space.
A couple shares a romantic moment by an ornate fountain in a Mediterranean courtyard with palm trees at sunset.
A black and white wedding photo collage showing emotional moments and candid interactions between guests and the couple.
A couple performs an elegant dip dance move on a black and white checkered dance floor at a wedding reception.
A stunning bridal gown with delicate lace details and flowing train captured in an elegant indoor setting with natural light.
A wedding ceremony setup outdoors with white floral arrangements and a clergyman in traditional robes.
A formal garden terrace with stone pavers, columns, and manicured hedges creates a symmetrical outdoor space.
A person in a white dress poses on a life-size outdoor chess board with large black and white chess pieces.
Bride in elegant white gown poses in front of Mediterranean-style mansion with lush gardens.
Black and white photo of a bride in a backless lace wedding gown ascending an elegant staircase with ornate railings.
A couple cuts their elegant three-tiered white wedding cake with black ribbons on a gold pedestal stand at night.

See more Charleston wedding venues photographed by Tim Willoughby or explore the full Charleston wedding portfolio

 

Check out our full portfolio

 

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Panoramic aerial view of a golf course with a white dome structure and groups of people gathered on the green.
A panoramic view of a golf course with rolling green fairways and dramatic cloudy skies above.
Elegant white mansion illuminated at dusk with string lights and guests gathered on the lawn for an outdoor wedding reception.
Panoramic sequence of an outdoor wedding ceremony on a scenic hilltop golf course with guests seated in rows.