Wedding spots: Beaches, boats, and backyards
By Ashley Hamm | It’s wedding season across the Lowcountry once again. The time of year when the bride and groom are united as one, families double in size, and unforgettable memories are made. As Southern women, most of us have dreamed of a wedding with all the fixin’s: a stunning gown, a groom as handsome as Rhett Butler, ten bridesmaids, a gorgeous venue, and gourmet food.
There are certain venues here in Beaufort that have established themselves as the go-to venues for a typical Beaufort wedding; however, as ideal as these venues are, many brides – and their parents – find themselves passing out at the first glimpse of the price tag. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with following the formula for the typical Beaufort wedding, the fact remains that there are some who simply cannot, or perhaps refuse to, pay $20,000+ for a wedding and reception.
After talking to a few friends who have been there and done that, I came up with some “alternative” ideas for the brides and grooms who want to personalize their wedding without breaking their financial limits. As the weather is warming up, these may be the perfect alternatives to personalizing your special day:
Get married on the beach
What better backdrop for a laid back wedding than the beach?
Luckily, Beaufort has several to choose from. The cost of a having beach wedding is typically much less than even a less-expensive ‘more traditional’ wedding. Wedding attire is more relaxed, and there is no need to figure out a theme because everything you need is already there.
Beach houses are also available to rent and make a great setting for an intimate reception.
Get married on a boat
For those who desire a particularly intimate setting, put the boat in the water and anchor out in your favorite spot in the river. Or, time the tides just right and have your ceremony on the Beaufort Sandbar. Just picture exchanging vows as the sun sets over the river. Truly a breathtaking setting!
Have a backyard wedding
It is no secret that Beaufort boasts some spectacular landscapes. If you’re lucky, either you or someone 
you know already has the ideal property to host a wedding. I recently attended a wedding that was held on the bride and groom’s waterfront property just as the sun began to set. It offered the perfect amount of intimacy, and allowed for a big celebration with all of their friends and family at a separate location.
These are just a few of the many ideas for a Lowcountry wedding. If you choose to tie the knot outdoors, make sure you have plenty of sun screen, bug spray and Citronella handy for you and your guests.
No matter how you choose to get married, the important thing is to have fun and enjoy this time in your lives. Make your wedding an event to remember, and let your personalities shine through.
