In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in South Carolina.
Weddings in South Carolina: What You Need To Know
A destination wedding in South Carolina is the perfect way to say “I do” to the love of your life.
With its gorgeous sandy beaches, stunning coastal scenery, and mild climate, South Carolina provides the perfect setting for a romantic and unforgettable wedding.
Plus, there are plenty of activities and attractions for guests to enjoy during their stay.
From golfing and fishing to exploring the Lowcountry’s charming towns and plantations, there’s something for everyone in South Carolina.
Carolina also offers a wide variety of venues for weddings, from elegant ballrooms to rustic outdoor locations, and you are sure to find the perfect place to exchange vows.
So whether you’re looking for a fairytale castle, picturesque plantation, or maybe a traditional church ceremony, a destination wedding in South Carolina is sure to be a day you’ll never forget.
But first: you need to know where in the world South Carolina is…
Where is South Carolina?
South Carolina is a southern state of the United States, and one of the 13 original colonies. The state is shaped like an inverted triangle, and it is bordered in the north by North Carolina, on the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the southwest by Georgia.
Area: 32,020 sq mi (82,933 sq km). Population: (2020) 5,118,425. Capital: Columbia.
South Carolina Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Airports:Charleston International Airport (CHS), Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
- Official Tourism Website:https://discoversouthcarolina.com/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting South Carolina for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in South Carolina
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in South Carolina:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in South Carolina or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a South Carolina wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in South Carolina:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in South Carolina
South Carolina Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in South Carolina:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in South Carolina?
- What are the marriage requirements for South Carolina?
- What is the weather like in South Carolina?
- What should you pack for a trip to South Carolina?
- What things are there to do in South Carolina?
- What are the best South Carolina wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in South Carolina Cost?
In South Carolina the marriage license cost is $30 – $100. The cost varies by county and residency.
Both parties must present proof of identity – a picture ID with date of birth like a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in South Carolina
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- No witnesses are needed to get married in South Carolina.
- The license is valid for 6 months from the issue date, but there is a 24 hour waiting period.
- A South Carolina marriage license can be used in any county in the state.
- A marriage license cannot be obtained without the presence of both parties.
- When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide a photo identification that proves your identity and age.
- Proof of divorce may be needed, but it varies by county so make sure to contact the appropriate county probate judge beforehand.
- Blood tests are not required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in South Carolina, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All additional documents (like a certified copy of your birth certificate) need to be translated into English.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in South Carolina?
Should you decide to go to South Carolina, the best time to go is between the middle of March and the middle of April.
May is a fantastic month to travel to the beach since the weather is often nice and there are less chances of thunderstorms than in the summer. On the other hand, it may become a bit chilly at night.
What should you pack for your trip?
Pack breathable, light clothes. Also dresses, shorts, and light pants are perfect for the warmer months.
When traveling in the spring or fall, a classic blazer and a pair of linen pants is the ideal outfit for cooler evenings. Additionally, a shirt dress paired with a pair of white shoes is an excellent option for warmer days, whether you intend on going shopping or exploring a plantation garden.
In the winter you will want to pack pants, light sweaters, and a coat. In case the weather turns chilly throughout the day or night, or if you want to visit the beach at any time, you may wish to pack a warmer jacket and gloves. Also, put a scarf in your bag; it won’t take up much space and you might be very glad you brought it.
South Carolina Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit South Carolina:
Average Temperatures in South Carolina
The table below shows the average temperatures in South Carolina each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 3.8 | 15.7 | 9.8 | 39 | 60 | 49.6 |
| February | 5.3 | 17.7 | 11.5 | 42 | 64 | 52.7 |
| March | 8.5 | 21.2 | 14.8 | 47 | 70 | 58.7 |
| April | 12.5 | 25.1 | 18.8 | 54 | 77 | 65.8 |
| May | 17.2 | 28.7 | 22.9 | 63 | 84 | 73.3 |
| June | 21.3 | 31.4 | 26.4 | 70 | 88 | 79.5 |
| July | 23.2 | 32.9 | 28.1 | 74 | 91 | 82.5 |
| August | 22.8 | 32.1 | 27.5 | 73 | 90 | 81.4 |
| September | 20.2 | 29.7 | 24.9 | 68 | 85 | 76.8 |
| October | 14.3 | 25.5 | 19.9 | 58 | 78 | 67.8 |
| November | 8.4 | 20.8 | 14.6 | 47 | 69 | 58.2 |
| December | 5.3 | 17.1 | 11.2 | 42 | 63 | 52.2 |
| Year | 13.6 | 24.8 | 19.2 | 56.5 | 76.7 | 66.5 |
Average Rainfall in South Carolina
The table below shows the average rainfall in South Carolina each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 85 | 3.3 | 9 |
| February | 75 | 3 | 8 |
| March | 85 | 3.3 | 8 |
| April | 85 | 3.3 | 8 |
| May | 85 | 3.3 | 8 |
| June | 160 | 6.3 | 12 |
| July | 170 | 6.7 | 13 |
| August | 175 | 6.9 | 13 |
| September | 155 | 6.1 | 10 |
| October | 110 | 4.3 | 7 |
| November | 70 | 2.8 | 7 |
| December | 85 | 3.3 | 9 |
| Year | 1335 | 52.6 | 114 |
Sunshine Hours in South Carolina
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in South Carolina each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 6 | 180 |
| February | 6.5 | 190 |
| March | 8 | 245 |
| April | 9 | 275 |
| May | 9.5 | 295 |
| June | 9.5 | 280 |
| July | 9.5 | 290 |
| August | 8.5 | 255 |
| September | 7.5 | 220 |
| October | 7 | 225 |
| November | 6.5 | 190 |
| December | 5.5 | 170 |
| Year | 7.7 | 2810 |
Sea Temperatures in South Carolina
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in South Carolina each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 21 | 69 |
| February | 20.5 | 69 |
| March | 20 | 68 |
| April | 21 | 69 |
| May | 23.5 | 74 |
| June | 26.5 | 80 |
| July | 28 | 83 |
| August | 28.5 | 83 |
| September | 27.5 | 82 |
| October | 25.5 | 78 |
| November | 23 | 73 |
| December | 22 | 71 |
| Year | 23.9 | 75 |
What To Wear in South Carolina? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in South Carolina so that you can make the most of your time there.
- The weather can be quite hot and humid, so it’s important to pack light, breathable clothing.
- Since much of the state is located near the coast, it’s a good idea to pack swimwear and sunscreen.
- Insect repellent is also a necessity, as mosquitoes and other bugs can be a problem in certain areas.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll want to pack comfortable shoes for walking, hiking, or any other activities you have planned.
- Sunscreen: If you are planning on doing any hiking, outdoor activities or going to the beach, make sure to pack sunscreen.
- Hat and sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses will help you in the hot Carolina sunshine.
- Camera: And of course, don’t forget your camera!
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
Things to Do in South Carolina
There are many different things to do in South Carolina, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Middleton Place
- Broadway at the Beach
- Hilton Head Island Bike Trails
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Coligny Beach
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- Falls Park on the Reedy
- Cherry Grove Beach
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Charleston Historic District
- Boone Hall Plantation
- Congaree National Park
Best South Carolina Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in South Carolina?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in South Carolina
- Harbor Town Yacht Club
- Aurora Farms
- Greenbrier Farms
- Harborside East
- The Cottages On Charleston Harbor
- Lowndes Grove
- Magnolia Plantation And Gardens
Hotels in South Carolina
- Tru By Hilton Charleston Ashley Phosphate
- Staybridge Suites – Florence Center
- Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown the Vista
- Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston
- Avid hotels – Summerville
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Latta
