Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Myrtle Beach Destination Weddings

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Myrtle Beach Destination Weddings



Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular, but a destination wedding at Myrtle Beach is giving couples everything they dream of and more. If you imagine a gorgeous sandy beach, exquisite garden, or rustic farm backdrop for your special day, or if greeting guests aboard a paddlewheel vessel offers all the fanfare you desire, there are plenty of places to pull off a memorable wedding in Myrtle Beach.

Traveling abroad for weddings is losing its luster, especially when you factor in the pricey locations, guest expenses, and navigating COVID travel restrictions. Skip on lugging your wedding dress and favors overseas and enjoy the same enchanting experience at a domestic destination right here in Myrtle Beach. These ideas offer affordable alternatives to wedding venues in Myrtle Beach, giving couples inspiration for personal and intimate ways to tie the knot without going over budget.

With miles of beautiful beaches, parks, and interesting locales like farms and plantations, the Grand Strand offers a variety of wedding destinations to please any bride or groom, plus the local resorts provide accommodating lodging and dining for the happy couple and their guests. 

What kind of destination should you seek? Here are a few popular, budget-friendly places to wed in Myrtle Beach: 

Beautiful Beach Weddings

It’s hard to beat the beauty of the beach when choosing a location in Myrtle Beach for your wedding. An oceanfront ceremony can capture the romance of the sea, evoke the party atmosphere of an island escape, and tap into the depth and power of Mother Nature in all her glory.

The beach is an ideal location for a smaller, DIY destination wedding. Because it is relatively easy to obtain officiant credentials to perform a wedding, these ceremonies are becoming more common. Public beaches in Myrtle Beach may be used for these non-commercial ceremonies, as long as a certified person (acquaintance, friend, or relative) performs the rites and a non-professional family member takes photos. Not only is a beach wedding cost-effective, but it’s also personal and intimate. Make sure you understand what’s involved in planning a Myrtle Beach wedding to make sure your day goes smoothly. 

For a slightly more upscale beach wedding that takes full advantage of the pristine white beaches and breathtaking views, consider hiring a local wedding provider. There are many tiers of services to balance your budget and your needs, whether you desire a low-key service at Myrtle Beach State Park, or you wish to marry your love in the elegant, historic setting of Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet.

Wedding Destinations With Southern Charm

Recapture the grace, elegance and romance of bygone eras with a plantation destination wedding at Myrtle Beach. Throughout the South, you’ll find gracious architecture personifying the classic southern plantation, with grand interiors and sweeping staircases, beautiful front porches, and sprawling green gardens to host the entire celebration.

Build your wedding theme around the destination using attire and favors that evoke the elegance of the Old South and selecting southern colors like peach and lavender. A simple online search will yield numerous plantation-style locations near Myrtle Beach, like Litchfield Plantation and Pawleys Plantation, both in nearby Pawleys Island.

Rustic Ranch & Farm Weddings

A rustic-style wedding at a farm or ranch makes a budget-friendly, yet stunning choice. Because the favors and table settings are made to look DIY,  you can choose to make some of the elements yourself to alleviate add-on expenses. These events thrive on a less-is-more look, so simplify your décor and flower arrangements to save money while sticking to your theme.

There are many locations to consider for your rustic wedding at Myrtle Beach. Thompson Family Farm in Conway offers a down-home destination to exchange your vows under blue skies with a barn that accommodates a reception, too. WildHorse at Parker Farms offers elegance in a casual setting surrounded by beautiful farmland.

Maritime Marriage Vows

If you relish in the beauty of the sea but not the idea of the sand that comes with it, holding your destination wedding on the sea rather than next to it might be the choice for you. A wedding cruise in Myrtle Beach is a lovely choice for a couple looking to tie the knot on the water. You’ll find cruise charter options along the Grand Strand to accommodate your entire party and still fit in your budget. The one-of-a-kind ceremony will make your special day even more memorable. 

Getting Married in Myrtle Beach

By choosing Myrtle Beach as a domestic destination for your wedding, you get the dream setting without a nightmare price tag or the inconveniences of traveling abroad. The region is a reasonable drive from just about anywhere along the Eastern Seaboard. Plus, you can find affordable direct flights to the nearby Myrtle Beach International Airport.

Keep in mind that weddings in Myrtle Beach still need to follow city and county rules, whether you hold them on the shore, in a garden, or at a venue. If you aren’t using a planner, it’s up to you to understand what public permits you’ll need for your location, and be prepared to arrive early enough to secure your wedding license ahead of time.

The nice thing about Myrtle Beach is that you don’t need to pay for an all-inclusive wedding package to treat your guests. There are tons of restaurants with fine seafood and southern cuisine to host a groom’s supper or happy hour before the big day. Hotels in the Grand Strand accommodate large parties and the amenities and accommodations won’t disappoint. Booking accommodations for yourself and your guests in an oceanfront hotel makes a beach wedding more convenient. Your guests will also appreciate all the things to do in Myrtle Beach, to make the most of their vacation. 

The best part about a destination wedding in Myrtle Beach is that your honeymoon can begin right away. With tons of Myrtle Beach resorts for romantic getaways, newlyweds can skip another travel day and stay put, enjoying all the area has to offer.