Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Wedding Guide
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends coastal elegance with refined, country club sophistication, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island might be your perfect match. It’s that rare venue that feels both luxurious and relaxed, the kind of place where polished golf resort energy meets soft ocean breezes and endless horizons.
With views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic 18th hole of Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s most famous course, this clubhouse is the epitome of Lowcountry coastal charm. The wraparound veranda, coastal architectural details, and breathtaking scenery make it an unforgettable setting for rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or a grand celebration beneath a tent filled with glowing light, this venue adapts beautifully to your vision. One of the best things about this venue is that you can curate a whole wedding weekend experience.
Table of Contents:
- About Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
- Ceremony + Reception Spaces at Ocean Course
- FAQ’s About Weddings at Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
- Real Ocean Course Wedding Photos
- Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Wedding Cost
- Kiawah Island Wedding Photographer
- Learn About More Charleston Wedding Venues
About Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Think of Kiawah Island Resort as an escape from reality; a place where time slows down and everything feels beautifully intentional. When you host your wedding at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, you’re not just getting a ceremony site; you’re unlocking a destination that encourages you to celebrate for more than one day.
The day before your wedding, imagine being pampered with your bridesmaids at the resort spa, while your fiancé and their friends head out for a morning golf outing. In the evening, you could host a rehearsal dinner or welcome party on the clubhouse veranda, overlooking the water. The Kiawah team is known for helping couples create a wedding weekend that reflects their personalities and priorities.
Where Is Kiawah Island?
Kiawah Island is one of South Carolina’s barrier islands, located about 25 miles southwest of downtown Charleston. It’s a luxurious coastal community known for its ten miles of pristine beaches, peaceful marsh views, and world-class golf courses.
For couples looking for a destination wedding that’s both exclusive and convenient, Kiawah Island strikes that perfect balance.
How to Travel to Kiawah Island, South Carolina
If you’re flying in for your Ocean Course wedding, the closest airport is Charleston International Airport (CHS). From there, it’s roughly an hour drive to Kiawah Island, depending on traffic.
For simplicity, most couples and guests choose to stay directly on the island at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Once you check in, you’ll have everything you need for your wedding weekend right there, so there’s no reason to leave the resort. They’ve got many restaurants, golf, spa services, pools, and beaches.
To make travel as seamless as possible for you and your guests, it’s a good idea to arrange room blocks at the resort so everyone can stay close together. Guests can easily take a rideshare from the airport to the resort. Once you’re on the island, transportation needs are minimal, as everything you’ll need for the wedding weekend is conveniently within reach.
Having your ceremony, reception, and accommodations all within one destination keeps your wedding weekend stress-free and lets everyone fully relax during the celebration.
Ceremony + Reception Spaces at Ocean Course
One of the biggest reasons I adore photographing weddings at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is the space’s incredible versatility. The venue’s design creates an open, coastal, and timeless atmosphere, giving you the perfect canvas to bring your dream wedding to life.
Ceremony Options
Most couples choose to host their ceremony overlooking the golf course, with the ocean visible in the distance. It’s a breathtaking view, the lush greens roll gently toward the horizon, and the ocean glimmers just beyond. It’s elegant, natural, and feels distinctly Charleston-coastal all at once.
Ocean Course Wedding Reception Options
Receptions at the Ocean Course can be held indoors or outdoors, depending on your style. Inside, the clubhouse offers beautiful, polished spaces with classic architecture and panoramic views. But if you’re dreaming of a tented reception under the stars, this venue absolutely delivers.
A sailcloth tent on the golf course lawn, with the sound of waves in the background, is pure magic. You can customize the tent with lighting, draping, chandeliers, or florals to match your aesthetic, whether you’re going for coastal chic, classic southern, or modern minimalism.
FAQs About Weddings at Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
What’s the Guest Capacity of the Ocean Course?
If you’re using The Atlantic Room alone, the capacity is 120 guests. If you’d like a larger celebration, the tented lower lawn allows you to expand up to 300 guests, giving you plenty of room for dinner, dancing, and cocktails beneath the stars.
Are There Getting-Ready Spaces On-Site?
I highly suggest exploring the getting-ready spaces at the Ocean Course to see if they align with your vision for the morning of your wedding. Some couples love the idea of getting ready on-site, while others prefer the comfort and privacy of their resort suite or villa at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Both options are beautiful, but it depends on your style and what feels most relaxing for you. You can get ready at the resort and then head to the Ocean Course after you put on your wedding attire for portraits or your first look!
Can We Hire an Outside Caterer?
No, the Ocean Course offers in-house catering, meaning you’ll have access to an experienced culinary team who can help design a menu that fits your tastes perfectly. Instead of being limited to a preset menu, you’ll work with their staff to customize your selections, whether that’s classic Lowcountry dishes, fresh seafood, or elegant plated dinners.
Handling on-site catering streamlines your planning process and ensures everything runs smoothly on your wedding day.
How Can We Take a Tour of the Ocean Course?
Booking a tour is super simple. Just fill out the information request form on the venue’s website, and a member of their team will reach out to learn more about your vision and walk you through the details. They can help you explore layout options, check date availability, and personalize the space for your day.
Is the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Handicap Accessible?
Yes, the property provides wheelchair accessibility and features a layout that allows guests to move comfortably throughout the space. If any of your guests have mobility needs, the venue staff can guide you on the best access points for both the ceremony and reception areas.
Will Golf Members Have Access During My Wedding?
Such a great question! The Ocean Course is part of the larger Kiawah Island Golf Resort, a lively and active destination where guests enjoy the golf courses, restaurants, and beautiful scenery. While it’s a bustling place, you can work with the venue’s team to ensure your wedding feels private and personalized for your celebration. You can arrange a complete buyout for your wedding day. That means your guests will have exclusive access to the clubhouse during your event, no interruptions, no onlookers. Confirm the buyout details with the venue during your planning meetings so you understand exactly what the package includes.
Real Ocean Course Wedding Photos
From a photographer’s perspective, this venue is a dream. There are so many beautiful spots around the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island for portraits. You can slip away to the beach for romantic photos, where the golden hour light casts a warm, soft, and absolutely stunning glow. The nearby dunes offer a natural, coastal feel with tall grasses and muted tones. On the golf course, the lush greens and open skies make for classic, refined portraits, especially with the ocean glimmering in the background. And, of course, the clubhouse and veranda provide an elegant architectural backdrop, with soft neutral tones, stately columns, and iconic wraparound views.
Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Wedding Cost
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island doesn’t list pricing publicly on its website, which means your overall cost will depend on several key factors. Your guest count plays a significant role, as larger weddings often require additional rentals, catering, and staffing. The season and day of the week also influence pricing. Peak-season Saturdays are typically more expensive than off-season or weekday celebrations. And if you’re planning to host additional events, such as a welcome dinner, rehearsal dinner, golf outing, or farewell brunch, those will add to your overall weekend investment.
Because the Ocean Course is part of a luxury resort, pricing tends to reflect that level of service and exclusivity. However, the value lies in convenience and experience; your ceremony, reception, catering, and accommodations can all be handled in one place, making the planning process smoother and more enjoyable.
If you’re seriously considering this venue, I recommend reaching out early for a customized proposal. The team will explain each inclusion and show you how to make the most of your budget.
Kiawah Island Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning your wedding at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, I’d love to be the one to photograph this big day for you. My approach to wedding photography is about creating timeless, authentic images that feel true to who you are, all while showcasing the natural beauty of your surroundings.
So, if you’re ready to start planning your dream wedding at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s turn your vision into a gallery of images you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
