The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Dream Wedding at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head Island
- Palmetto Dunes
- 23 hours ago
- 7 min read
Dreaming of a wedding with golden sunsets, swaying palms, and timeless coastal charm? Hilton Head Island, SC offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and Southern hospitality, making it one of the most sought-after destination wedding locations in the Southeast.
At Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, we’ve planned hundreds of unforgettable weddings here on the island—from beachfront ceremonies to elegant receptions overlooking world-class golf courses. This ultimate guide brings together everything you need to know about getting married at Palmetto Dunes, including where to tie the knot, when to plan your celebration, how to find the best local vendors, and tips for creating a wedding that feels uniquely you.
Whether you're just starting your wedding journey or finalizing the details, this guide will make your big day everything you’ve imagined—coastal, carefree, and completely unforgettable.
Wedding Venues at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
Choosing the perfect venue is one of the most important (and exciting!) parts of planning your wedding. Whether you’re envisioning an oceanside “I do,” a classic Lowcountry celebration under moss-draped oaks, or a stylish indoor reception, Palmetto Dunes offers a wide variety of breathtaking venues to match your vision.
Here are some of our favorite wedding venues at the resort:
The Arthur Hills Golf Course at Palmetto Dunes
Set on one of Hilton Head’s most iconic courses, this venue blends natural elegance with resort-style comfort. Ceremonies often take place overlooking the rolling greens followed by receptions at The Veranda—a light-filled space perfect for dinner and dancing.
Why we love it:
Outdoor cocktail hour with sweeping golf course views
Indoor reception space with full-service amenities
Ideal for intimate gatherings and larger celebrations alike
The Dunes House
The Dunes House is a casual, beachfront venue just steps from the ocean. It’s perfect for couples seeking a relaxed, coastal vibe without sacrificing style. With a spacious deck, oceanfront access, and nearby lodging, it’s a favorite among our destination couples.
Why couples choose The Dunes House:
On-the-sand ceremony options
Easy transition from ceremony to reception
Sunset views over the dunes
With so many venue options, it can be tough to choose. That’s where we come in! At Palmetto Dunes, we’ll walk you through each location, help with tours, and ensure your venue matches your vision, guest count, and budget. Contact us to start planning your dream Hilton Head wedding today!
Best Times of Year to Get Married in Hilton Head
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Hilton Head Island, timing can make all the difference—from weather and light conditions to guest travel ease and vendor availability. Luckily, Hilton Head is beautiful year-round, but certain months offer especially ideal conditions for weddings.
Here’s a breakdown of each season to get married on the island:
Spring (March – May)
Spring is one of the most popular times for Hilton Head weddings—and for good reason. With mild and comfortable temperatures (60s-70s), island flora in full bloom for great photos, and lower humidity than summer, be sure to book early as dates fill quickly and Spring Break can bring more visitors to the island.
Summer (June – August)
Summer brings sunshine, long days, and a festive island atmosphere. It’s peak tourist season, which can be a plus for guests looking to turn your wedding into a vacation. Summer months are great for beach weddings and oceanfront receptions and perfect lighting for golden hour ceremonies. However, summer in Hilton Head brings high humidity and high temps in the 80s–90s as well as sporadic afternoon showers.
Fall (September – November)
Many couples overlook fall, but it’s actually one of our favorite wedding seasons on Hilton Head. With cooler temperatures, but still warm (60s–70s) and lush scenery with fewer crowds, fall weddings can enjoy off-peak rates on accommodations and vendors as well as that gorgeous golden light. A few considerations for fall weddings is the potential for hurricanes (mostly September) as well as shorter days which will affect ceremony timing.
Winter (December – February)
Though less common, winter weddings on Hilton Head can be intimate, elegant, and budget-friendly. With a quiet, peaceful island atmosphere and off-season discounts on lodging and venues, a winter wedding isn’t something to dismiss. However a few considerations are chilly evenings (50s-60s), limited outdoor ceremony options and shorter daylight hours for photography.
Local Wedding Vendors We Love in Hilton Head
Your Hilton Head wedding venue sets the stage for your wedding day, but it’s your vendors who bring the vision to life—from the flowers you hold to the music that fills the dance floor. Choosing local Hilton Head vendors not only supports small businesses but also ensures you’re working with professionals who understand the island’s unique charm, weather patterns, and logistics.
Here are a few favorite local wedding vendors who help create magical Palmetto Dunes weddings:
Hilton Head Photographers
Hilton Head Island, SC offers stunning backdrops—sunset beaches, moss-draped oaks, and golden golf course views—so having the right photographer is essential. We love local photographers as they are familiar with the best lighting spots and hidden locations as well as experience shooting in coastal weather and sandy conditions
A few we’ve worked with:
Hilton Head Island Florists
Whether you dream of a lush Lowcountry bouquet or minimalist coastal greenery, Hilton Head Island’s florists know how to design arrangements that thrive in our warm, sometimes breezy climate.
A few we’ve worked with:
Contact us to learn more about our preferred local vendors in planning your special day.
Real Wedding Inspiration: Palmetto Dunes Love Stories
Every love story is unique, and at Palmetto Dunes, we believe your wedding should be, too. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of helping couples bring their dream Hilton Head weddings to life—each with its own style, personality, and heartfelt moments.
If you’re searching for inspiration for your own celebration, these real weddings offer ideas for everything from ceremony settings to reception details.
A Joyful Coastal Celebration with a Beach Ceremony and Reception at the Veranda
This couple exchanged vows on the sand with the ocean as their backdrop—a dreamy coastal setting with vibrant, Southern-inspired flair. After the ceremony, guests continued the celebration at the Veranda at the Arthur Hills Golf Course, where guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour overlooking the lush, sunlit greens.
An Elegant Destination Wedding at the Arthur Hills Golf Course
One of our favorite love stories began with a winter ceremony overlooking the lush greens of the Arthur Hills Golf Course, followed by an outdoor cocktail hour under string lights before moving under the tent for dinner and dancing.
Beach Ceremony & Coastal Chic Reception
This couple said “I do” with their toes in the sand then celebrated at The Dunes House with ocean views in every direction. They also hosted their Welcome Reception at the Toptracer Range allowing guests to mingle while hitting a few balls or playing corn hole.
Making the Most of Your Wedding Weekend in Hilton Head
One of the biggest perks of hosting your wedding in Hilton Head Island, SC? You’re not just planning a single day—you’re creating an entire getaway for you and your guests. With pristine beaches, award-winning golf courses, and plenty of coastal cuisine, Hilton Head offers endless opportunities to turn your celebration into a full weekend experience.
Kick Things off with a Welcome Party
Start the festivities early with a casual welcome party the night before your wedding. This is a great way for guests to mingle and relax before the big day. Ideas include:
Plan a Pre Wedding Activity
Give your guests a taste of what makes Hilton Head special. Schedule a group outing for the morning or afternoon before the wedding. Popular options include a round of golf at one of Palmetto Dunes’ championship courses, Dolphin-watching or a sunset cruise, and bike rides along the beach or shaded trails.
Provide Wedding Transportation
Island Buggy takes the stress out of your big day at Palmetto Dunes with their dependable wedding transportation services. Whether you’re planning a romantic beachfront ceremony or a lively celebration at one of our stunning venues, they'll ensure your guests arrive on time and in comfort.
Add a Post-Wedding Brunch or Farewell Gathering
Say goodbye to your guests in style with a relaxed brunch or coffee meet-up the morning after.
Brunch ideas:
Catered Southern Breakfast at your vacation rental. View our Hilton Head Breakfast Catering Menu
Coffee and breakfast to-go from Palmetto Dunes General Store followed by a beach walk
Planning your wedding in Hilton Head Island is more than just choosing a venue—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that reflects your love story. From dreamy beachfront ceremonies to elegant receptions overlooking the greens, Hilton Head Island, SC offers endless ways to make your day unique. With the right guidance, local expertise, and a trusted planning partner, every detail can fall seamlessly into place.
At Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, we’re here to help you every step of the way—whether you’re still exploring ideas or ready to book your perfect date. Let’s turn your vision into reality and make your Hilton Head wedding as beautiful and effortless as the island itself. Contact our team today to start planning your dream celebration.