White wedding tents stand against a dramatic sunset sky with pink and blue clouds on an open field.
charleston venues

The ocean course

The Ocean course at Kiawah is easily one of the most beautiful places to get married in Charleston and your guests will enjoy the sunset by the ocean and cool breeze! You'll need a planner, generators, and a tent!


THE OCEAN COURSE, KIAWAH SC


The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is one of the most dramatic waterfront wedding venues on the South Carolina coast. Located about an hour from Charleston on Kiawah Island, the venue sits directly along the Atlantic Ocean with sweeping views of the shoreline, maritime grasses, and the wide coastal sky that defines the Lowcountry. The clubhouse lawn is a natural ceremony setting, positioned so couples exchange vows with the ocean just beyond the dunes. Having photographed many weddings on Kiawah Island, I’ve found the Ocean Course offers some of the most dynamic light anywhere near Charleston. Late afternoon ceremonies transition beautifully into sunset portraits along the dunes, where the light softens across the beach and the landscape opens up in every direction. For couples planning a coastal wedding that feels both refined and connected to the natural beauty of the Carolina coast, the Ocean Course is one of the most striking venues in the Charleston area.

Aerial view of a golf course venue with thatched roof gazebo and gathering of people during sunset.

 

Top spots at The Ocean Course


Stunning locations

 

A couple embraces on a sandy path at sunset with a golf course and coastal house in the background.

Location 01

Dune Paths

The paths between the dunes and leading to the beach create strong leading lines for portraits and work especially well with sunset light coming off the Atlantic.

A scenic panoramic view of a vast desert landscape with golden sand dunes stretching to the horizon.

Location 02

Beach Portraits


A quick walk to the sand gives couples a completely different look from the ceremony space.

Large group photo of wedding guests gathered on a scenic golf course overlooking the ocean on a sunny day.

Location 03

Oceanfront Lawn


  Wide open views behind the clubhouse allow for dramatic couple portraits with the coastline stretching into the distance.

A panoramic view of a luxurious estate with white columns and wraparound porch overlooking scenic countryside.

Location 04

Covered Porch and Side Lawn


The perfect spot for a cocktail hour! Located right between the ceremony site and the reception tent!  Indoor room adjacent to the piazza is available for cocktails and bar service and the lawn is perfect for a few tables and some lawn games while guests enjoy appetizers and the ocean breeze.

Wedding party in yellow and floral dresses gathered outside a white colonial-style venue with arched windows.

Location 05


Between the dock and tented veranda  is a row of Oaks that serves as the perfect backdrop for bridal party and family portraits with easy proximity and filtered side light.

White wedding tents stand against a dramatic pink and blue sunset sky on an open field during golden hour.

Location 06

The Tent


Every Ocean Course wedding will need a tent!  Even though there are great rooms for trial party prep and a guests to mingle, there are no rain plans at the Ocean Course.  You'll need a tent!  Make sure yours is beautiful so that it matches the magnificent scenery.

Ceremony Lighting Conditions

• Most ceremonies take place on the clubhouse lawn overlooking the ocean.

• Late afternoon ceremonies photograph best, allowing the sun to drop lower over the coastline and soften the light.


Sunset Opportunities

• Kiawah sunsets at the Ocean Course can be spectacular, particularly when the sky reflects off the water and marsh areas nearby.

• Plan 10–15 minutes of sunset portraits just after dinner begins for the best light.


Wind Considerations

• Because the venue sits directly on the Atlantic, coastal winds are common.

• Hairstyles, veils, and ceremony decor should be planned with wind in mind.


Planning Insight

• Allow extra time for guest transportation since the Ocean Course is located at the eastern end of Kiawah Island. The extra travel is worth it—the scenery here is unlike any other wedding venue near Charleston.

 

A few of my favorites


See what’s possible

 

Aerial panoramic view of a golf course with white buildings and sand traps under a cloudy blue sky.
A couple shares a romantic dance moment under white flowing tent drapes at an elegant outdoor wedding reception.
A wedding party group poses outside a white colonial-style venue with arched windows and covered portico.
Elegant white tent wedding reception setup with hanging drum shade chandeliers and round tables on a grassy lawn.
White wedding reception tents set up on a lush green lawn with elegant table settings and decor.
Guests walking towards a large white wedding tent set up on a scenic grassy hilltop during golden hour.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with white tables and wooden chairs under a tent overlooking a scenic landscape.
A white lace wedding dress hangs from a balcony railing overlooking a scenic coastal landscape on a sunny day.
Three-tiered white wedding cake with delicate lace pattern details displayed on a table with floral accents.
Close-up view of white angular shelving brackets mounted on a wooden beam with soft lighting.
A beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony takes place on a hilltop with rolling countryside views in the background.
A romantic wedding couple shares intimate kisses in a series of outdoor portraits at sunset.
A black and white wedding photo series showing a couple running playfully through a field with the bride's dress flowing.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with wooden chairs and floral centerpieces under white tent canopy.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with rustic wooden benches and natural decor overlooking rolling countryside hills.
Illuminated white wedding tents glowing warmly at night with string lights creating a romantic outdoor reception atmosphere.
Newlywed couple embraces on a golf course at sunset while holding a delicate white floral bouquet.
Large wedding party gathers for group photo on scenic golf course overlooking the ocean on a sunny day.
Scenic desert landscape at sunset with golden light illuminating rocky terrain and distant mountains.
A series of black and white photos showing people dancing energetically at what appears to be a concert or party.
A couple in wedding attire walks together on a lush green hilltop during golden hour sunset.
Elegant golf club venue with a covered veranda overlooking a sunset ceremony setup with mountain views.
A wedding party stands in a line during an outdoor reception ceremony at sunset.
Panoramic view of a wedding ceremony at a hilltop venue with a white gazebo and guests seated outdoors.
A couple walks together on a grassy hillside at sunset creating a romantic silhouette against the sky.
A romantic outdoor wedding ceremony on a lush green golf course with elegant white floral arrangements.
A series of elegant white wedding tents set up on a lush green lawn with guests mingling and hay bale seating.
Wedding ceremony taking place on an elegant columned porch overlooking scenic grounds with guests gathered around.
A wedding venue with white columns and elegant architecture is shown from multiple angles on a sunny day.
A graceful sequence of ballroom dancers in flowing white dresses performing elegant spins on a dance floor.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a winding path through a scenic coastal landscape at sunset.
A panoramic view of a luxurious estate with white columns and wrap-around porch overlooking scenic countryside.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with long wooden tables and upholstered chairs on a manicured lawn under white tents.
A couple in wedding attire walks along a palm-lined sandy path at sunset during their beach wedding photoshoot.
White chairs arranged for an outdoor wedding ceremony on a lush golf course with a white arch at sunset.
A series of four photos showing someone in a floral dress bending down to adjust their sandal on a wooden floor.
Black and white portrait showing elegant lace details of a wedding dress against a light background.
White wedding ceremony setup with chairs and arch overlooking a scenic coastal landscape on a sunny day.
A couple in wedding attire embraces and laughs together in a sunlit field during golden hour.
A couple in wedding attire stands in a golden field at sunset while their long veil flows in the wind.
A black and white series of bridal portraits showing a strapless white wedding dress and bouquet in an outdoor setting.
Panoramic view of an outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs on a grassy hillside overlooking scenic farmland.
Aerial view of wedding guests gathered on a lush green golf course with ocean views and blue skies in the background.
A person wearing a white dinner jacket with black bow tie smiles while standing outdoors at dusk.
A flowing white wedding dress with lace details is shown in multiple angles on a bright porch with white columns.
A bride in a flowing white gown holds a bouquet while standing on a lush green golf course under blue skies.
A row of bridesmaids in navy blue dresses stand with a bride in a white gown holding floral bouquets outdoors.
A couple dances together on a sandy beach path surrounded by palm trees and coastal vegetation at sunset.
People practicing ballet moves at a dance studio with sunlight streaming through windows.
White wedding tents stand against a dramatic pink and blue sunset sky on an open grassy field.
Outdoor wedding ceremony overlooking the ocean with white chairs and aisle runner under clear blue skies.
A bride in a flowing white wedding gown gets ready with bridesmaids in floral robes in a sunlit room.
Illuminated festival tents glowing orange and red against the dark night sky during an outdoor event.
A series of black and white bridal portraits showing a strapless wedding dress and floral bouquet in an outdoor setting.
Rolling green hills meet the ocean with tall grasses swaying in the coastal breeze at sunset.
A panoramic view of a white colonial-style country club building with covered porches and manicured landscaping.
Interior of an elegant white wedding tent with round tables, chandeliers, and pole draping for a luxurious reception setup.
A series of artistic portrait photos showing a blonde model against a light background in various elegant poses.
A series of black and white photos showing illuminated wedding tents at night creating a dramatic silhouette effect.
A wedding party poses in front of white tents on a grassy field during sunset.
Glowing lanterns line a grassy lawn at dusk with an illuminated party tent in the background creating a romantic ambiance.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with white linens, floral centerpieces and round-back chairs under a white tent.
Aerial panoramic view of a scenic golf course with lush greens, sand traps, and clubhouse facilities.
Aerial panorama of a golf course clubhouse and driving range with people practicing their swings at sunset.
Illuminated wedding tent glows warmly against dark night sky during outdoor evening reception celebration.
Elegant appetizer plate featuring crispy shrimp lollipops garnished with green herbs on a white serving dish.
Wedding guests seated in white chairs watch an outdoor ceremony overlooking a scenic coastal landscape at sunset.
A black and white photo sequence showing people sitting in chairs by a window in dramatic lighting.
A covered veranda with white columns and navy blue tablecloths overlooks a scenic coastal golf course on a sunny day.
A series of delicate white tulips with yellow centers arranged in glass vases against a soft neutral background.
Large white wedding tent reception setup on green grass lawn with elegant decor and tables at sunset.
Wedding ceremony guests seated in white chairs overlooking a scenic coastal landscape at sunset.
Elegant white floral centerpieces and crystal chandeliers decorate a luxurious wedding reception venue.
A couple in wedding attire embraces on a scenic coastal golf course with ocean views at sunset.
Rows of wooden chairs arranged on a lush green lawn overlooking a pristine beach and ocean on a sunny day.
Fresh green asparagus spears with delicate white blossoms arranged in a clear glass vase against a soft light background.
Large group photo of wedding guests gathered on a lush green golf course with ocean views in the background.

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

 

Check out the rest of our Portfolio!

 

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Panoramic view of an elegant white mansion wedding venue illuminated at dusk with string lights and guests on the lawn.
A panoramic view of a golf course with rolling green fairways and dramatic cloudy skies above.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup on a scenic golf course overlooking water with guests seated in curved rows on green lawn.
A crowd gathers on the lawn of a grand historic Southern mansion with white columns and wraparound porch at dusk.