This state’s gems start along the northern coast with Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, boasting over 60 miles of beachside bliss. To the south is Hilton Head, a beautiful barrier island with upscale resorts and world-class golf. And sandwiched in between these two hot spots is Charleston -- a city steeped in history, culture and Southern sophistication. SC’s midlands and upstate are all about the Great Outdoors, with state parks and forests begging to be explored.
Wedding Requirements
Brides and grooms must apply for a license in person with a South Carolina probate judge (go to sccourts.org to find a judge in the county where you plan to marry). You will need to show a driver’s license, state I.D., passport or birth certificate. There is a waiting period before you can obtain your license, which varies from county to county. Once issued, it’s only valid in South Carolina and has no expiration date. For more information, visit scdhec.gov.
What to Do
Myrtle Beach & Hilton Head Couples planning a destination wedding can’t go wrong with a celebration in Myrtle Beach or anywhere else along the Grand Strand. There are literally endless ways to entertain your guests, including every kind of water sport imaginable and more than 120 golf courses. For less hustle and bustle, consider Myrtle Beach’s cabana district or head to Southern Grand Strand. Be sure to make a side trip to Murrells Inlet, where you’ll find more than 550 sculptures in Brookgreen Gardens. If Hilton Head is more your style, there’s plenty of fun to be had there, too, just on a smaller scale: they have 12 miles of beach, along with superb golf (Harbour Town Golf Links is a must) and some romantic places to dine, such as Old Fort Pub. Another sensational setting is nearby Beaufort, with its 19th century mansions-turned-, small-town charm and cinematic history (both The Big Chill and The Prince of Tides were filmed here).
Charleston Everything about this city says romance. Host your affair at one of the city’s antebellum mansions; historic William Aiken House or Mills House Hotel are two beautiful options located in the heart of downtown. Or consider Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, a sprawling property four miles outside the city that’s famous for its dramatic Spanish moss–covered oaks. Add South Carolina-style BBQ to your menu and send guests home with the state’s boiled peanuts. Honeymooners will also delight in this town. Spend a day taking in the city’s claim to fame -- over 2,000 historic homes, churches and hotels. Then take a cruise in the harbor (some stop at Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired) before perusing the art galleries and antique shops South of Broad. Charleston is also known for its countless gastronomic delights, offering up classic Low Country fare like fresh oysters and shrimp and grits with an elegant Continental touch.
Outdoors Active types will fall in love with upstate South Carolina. Hikers can wander through 20 miles of dramatic forest at Congaree Swamp National Park or 50 miles of scenic trails at Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Or take your group on a rafting trip down the Chattooga River, an adrenaline rush they won’t soon forget. Quaint towns worth a stop in between adventures include Camden for quality antiques, Greenville for fine dining, shops and galleries, and Abbeville for Civil-war sites.
Off the Beaten Path
Daufuskie Island For an unforgettable day trip (or an even longer stay), take a 45-minute ferry ride from Hilton Head to Daufuskie Island. Praised by devoted return visitors as enchanting, secluded and serene, it couldn’t be more ideal for honeymooners. Once you settle in to paradise you can visit Haig Point Lighthouse, tour the local winery, horseback ride along the beach or do nothing at all. Everything slows down here, including transportation, as golf carts make their way along the sandy lanes lined with Spanish moss-covered oaks. — Anita K. Henry
