Weddings on a Beach Paradise

The gentle tides and swaying palmettos of Hilton Head Island provide a beautiful setting for a destination wedding. From grand ballroom receptions, a ceremony on a sailboat, to secluded beach vows the Island caters to weddings of all tastes, styles and budgets.

Hilton Head allows wedding guests to enjoy a variety of activities and Lowcountry treasures. From world-class golf, fine dining and shopping and water sports to arts and cultural events – choosing the Island for a destination wedding will create lasting memories for a lifetime.

Brides and grooms can say their vows at the top of the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse, in front of a sand dune on the beach, next to a lagoon shaded by tall oaks and Spanish moss, on a boat in the evening breeze or on secluded Daufuskie Island. The sky is the limit. Big, small, traditional or contemporary, couples will not lack for choices when planning any type of wedding.

Licensing
Here are a few things you should know before planning a Hilton Head Island wedding:

• Both applicants must apply in person at the Office of the Judge of Probate at the county courthouse or the Probate Court Satellite office on Hilton Head Island.
  
  Beaufort Office
  The Beaufort County Courthouse is located at 102 Ribaut Road, at the Government Center at the corner of Ribaut Road and US Hwy. 21 in Beaufort, SC and is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 843-470-5319
  
  Hilton Head Island Office
  The Probate Court Satellite Office is located at 539 Wm. Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC (US Hwy. 278 Bus. across from the First Presbyterian Church) and the Judge is available only Wednesdays or Fridays, 9:00 am -2:30 pm, by appointment only. 843-341-8413
• Valid identification is required, including Social Security card and another form of ID, such as a state driver's license with picture, birth certificate, passport, military ID, military department's ID or state ID. A marriage license is good for three months and may be used statewide. The cost of the license is: $50.00 if either applicant is a resident of Beaufort County. $75.00 if neither applicant resides in Beaufort County, but at least one resides in the state of South Carolina. $95.00 if both applicants reside outside of South Carolina. Cash and correct change is required.
• A blood test is not required.
• There is a 24-hour waiting period. The Probate Judge enforces this state requirement by holding the license until 24 hours following the application.
  The ceremony may be performed by a minister or Notary Public.
• South Carolina does not have Justices of the Peace. The person performing the ceremony returns one of the certificate portions of the license package to the Office of the Probate Judge that issued the license for the recording in official records
• The minimum age for applicants is 18 without parental consent and 16 with parental consent. A CERTIFIED copy of the BIRTH CERTIFICATE issued by a state or other appropriate agency is required for proof of age for applicants under the age of 18. The court will retain all certified copies permanently if either party is under 18 years of age. Applicants over 18 may furnish other forms of documentary evidence such as passport, driver’s license, military ID or state ID. All applicants are required to furnish proof of Social Security Number, if any.
• To hear a recording about this information, please call (843) 470-5322.

Beach Vows

Wedding ceremonies that will be performed on the beach require a permit from the Town of Hilton Head Island. To apply for a permit, please submit a the Wedding Ceremony on the Beach Request Form which includes the Time, Date, Location, duration, number of expected guests and any other information that may be relevant. Please include a current mailing address and a daytime telephone number.

Requests should be addressed to:

Nicole Solaro, Facilities Clerk
Town of Hilton Head Island
One Town Center Court
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Plan your Wedding

Come to Hilton Head Island and create memories for you and your wedding party. These are just a few of the many options available.