Planning Your Myrtle Beach Destination Wedding: 5 Essential Tips Before You Book

You’re engaged! (Congrats cuties. <3) You’ve always dreamed of a destination wedding in your favorite vacation spot. As a wedding and elopement photographer living and working in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; I decided to make a quick list of some of the most common aspects couples overlook when planning their special day here. If you’re a bride or groom who loves to have a plan, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Plan for Rain: Be Prepared for the Weather

If you’ve spent a lot of time at the beach, you know the weather can be unpredictable. I can’t tell you the number of photo sessions I’ve had to reschedule, and weddings that have had to move inside at the last minute because the weather app lied to us. I made sure my own wedding was completely inside for this reason.

If you’re having a beach wedding, it can be harder to find somewhere to run when the rain comes. I would always recommend thinking this through ahead of time just in case!

Tip: Myrtle Beach State Park has covered pavilions that can be used as last minute cover!

2. Get your Permit

If you’re hoping to get married on the beach, make sure you know exactly what types of permits you will need! The last thing you need is the added stress of being kicked off the beach in the middle of your vows. Visit Myrtle Beach has an exhaustive list of all of the different guidelines you will need to follow to ensure you’re in the clear!

3. Get Out of Town

If you’ve traveled to Myrtle Beach before, you’re likely familiar with the busy downtown and boardwalk areas of the city. When on vacation with your family, there are plenty of exciting things to do. But when planning your wedding or elopement, you may want to consider somewhere more low-key.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite beaches in the area:

• Litchfield: Beaches lined with beautiful dunes and greenery

• North Myrtle Beach: Still close to some of the tourist attractions, while also providing some more isolated beach scenes.

• Pawley’s Island: Gorgeous small southern town vibes with access to the marsh and inlet. Not to mention all of the Live Oaks and Spanish moss your little heart could desire.

These areas offer much more scenic views and room for a more intimate ceremony!

4. Consider the Off-Season

In relation to the last point, getting away from the excitement and heavy traffic are ideal for planning a stress-free wedding day. This might mean scheduling your ceremony for a time of year that may be less popular for beach vacationers.

Best Times of Year to Get Married in Myrtle Beach:

• Springtime (March-May): Fewer beach-goers and some cooler weather before that unforgiving humidity hits.

• Autumn (September-November): Most of the tourists have gone home at this point, and the weather stays nice and temperate late into the fall.

Getting married during these times will not only help you avoid the crowds, but also that sweltering summer heat!

5. Book your Vendors Early

Myrtle Beach is a popular wedding destination, so vendors will fill their calendars quickly! Make sure you contact your preferred photographer, videographer, florist, and venue as soon as possible to avoid any stress as it gets closer to your big day.

If you're having trouble finding the right vendor for each important aspect of your wedding, hiring a wedding planner or asking the vendors you do like who they recommend is always a great idea.

While you’re here, let’s go ahead and check photographer off of your list. ;)

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Hi. I'm Carly.

My passion as a photographer is to capture all of the best memories of your biggest milestones. Your engagement, your wedding, your first child, even starting your own business. When you hire me, I don’t just want to be your photographer, but your friend!

Let's Book!