The Southeast coast offers four distinct wedding settings within a few hours of each other: Charleston for historic gardens and open spaces perfect for that tented reception, Savannah for oak-lined squares, Hilton Head for beachfront properties or private communities with endless wedding possibilities, and Jekyll Island/St Simons for quiet coastal landscape. The best choice depends on the weekend you want your guests to have, because the setting shapes the schedule, the light, and the pace.

Charleston, South Carolina

Historic churches, grounds, gardens, and the harbor give Charleston the widest range of venues. It is walkable, which makes a welcome party and ceremony easy for guests to reach. For the photography and film this means formal architecture and layered garden light, with a strong sense of place. Some of our favorite locations include the Dunlin and Lowndes Groves for their unique and private settings.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is known for its live oaks, Spanish moss, and a grid of historic squares, which make shaded, romantic portrait settings in softer light. Because many squares are public and well used, there are some private options we love like HollyOaks on the Marsh or just down the way in Bluffton, Palmetto Bluff.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head weddings often center on a beachfront or marsh front golf course or resort, with guests staying together for the weekend. That favors relaxed, family-centered coverage: a welcome evening, a ceremony close to the water, and time for generations to be together. We also photograph family portrait sessions on the island, so we know its light and its beaches.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Jekyll Island offers coastal scenery, wide skies, and a quieter pace than the larger cities. It suits couples who want the setting itself to carry the day. We have filmed a Jekyll Island wedding, and the combination of marsh, oaks, and water makes for naturally cinematic footage.

Planning any coastal wedding weekend

• Hurricane season runs June through November, with the peak from roughly August to October. Build in flexibility and consider cancellation coverage.
• Plan for heat and humidity in summer. Shade, water, and a late ceremony keep guests and the wedding party comfortable.
• Choose a team that knows the region, its planners, and its rules for public spaces.
• Cover the whole weekend. Welcome party, ceremony, reception, and farewell brunch tell the full story.
• Book early. Popular coastal venues fill 12 to 18 months ahead.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Southeast coastal city for a wedding? There is no single best. Charleston suits historic elegance, Savannah suits shaded old-town romance, Hilton Head suits family-centered beach weekends, and Jekyll Island suits quiet, natural settings.

Do you photograph and film weddings throughout the Southeast? Yes. We work across the Southeast and the East Coast, including the Carolinas and Georgia.

Do you travel for destination weddings? Yes. [Add your travel policy and whether travel is included.]

How early should we book for a coastal wedding? As soon as you have your date and venue, ideally 12 to 14 months ahead for peak seasons.

About The Hulls: The Hulls is an East Coast wedding photography and film studio. Hilary photographs and Randy films as one team, across film, digital, and motion, for thoughtful, design-minded couples.