The Dunlin Kiawah wedding offers couples a rare blend of coastal beauty, thoughtful design, and Southern elegance. Set along the Kiawah River in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, the property feels immersive and refined, while remaining deeply connected to its natural surroundings. For Maddie and Peter, it was the perfect setting to host a wedding weekend that balanced their love for modern style with the charm of a coastal destination.
As their photographer, I had the opportunity to document a celebration that felt intentional from start to finish. Every design choice, location, and experience reflected both the couple’s story and the landscape that surrounded them. Maddie & Peter’s wedding weekend is featured on STYLE ME PRETTY!
A Wedding Weekend Rooted in Place and Personal Style
Although Maddie and Peter now call New York City home, they loved the Lowcountry for its warmth and scenery. Their wedding weekend thoughtfully blended coastal influences with modern fashion and design elements inspired by their city life.
Working alongside the team at Alexandra Madison Weddings, the bride envisioned a weekend filled with playful textures, patterns, and organic florals that complemented the Kiawah River setting. Rather than overpowering the landscape, the design felt integrated, allowing guests to fully experience the beauty of the surroundings.
A Waterfront Welcome Party at Kiawah River
The weekend began with a waterfront welcome party at the Spring House pool deck, located on the grounds of Kiawah River. This space offered sweeping marsh views and an open, relaxed atmosphere, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Guests gathered around a single long table dressed in patterned green and blue linens, rattan accents, and seasonal florals. Fresh wood-fired pizza from Coastal Crust’s vintage mobile oven added a playful, communal element to the evening. As the sun dipped lower, heartfelt speeches unfolded before Maddie and Peter slipped away for golden hour portraits along the riverfront dock.
An Outdoor Ceremony on the Grounds of The Dunlin
The wedding day itself took place on the grounds of The Dunlin at Kiawah River, one of the newest and most distinctive venues in the Charleston area. Known for its sweeping river views, live oak trees, and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, The Dunlin offers couples the opportunity to host an entirely outdoor celebration while still feeling polished and intentional.
Maddie and Peter exchanged vows during a lawn ceremony beneath the oaks, surrounded by a half-moon of floral compotes placed at ground level. The ceremony design felt intimate and grounded, allowing guests to feel close to the moment while remaining immersed in the Lowcountry landscape.
An Al Fresco Reception Beneath the Oaks
Following the ceremony, guests transitioned seamlessly into cocktail hour and dinner, both hosted outdoors under the oak trees. Long king tables were set parallel to the river, creating a strong sense of symmetry and flow. Guests found their seats via a Topo Chico escort card display, the couple’s favorite seltzer water.
Patterned Stradley Davidson linens, rattan chargers, and soft green napkins layered the tablescape. Whimsical floral compotes and bud vases added color and texture. As daylight faded, candlelight transformed the space into a warm, inviting environment.
Dinner was served al fresco as the sun set over the river, giving guests the opportunity to fully enjoy the setting before the evening continued.
A Sailcloth Tent Reception and Dance Floor Celebration
After dinner, guests were guided beneath a sailcloth tent where the dance floor and lounge area awaited. The tent provided a natural transition from dinner to dancing, while still maintaining a connection to the outdoor surroundings.
As the celebration continued, Maddie changed into a playful, fashion-forward reception dress that reflected her personal style. Surrounded by friends and family, the evening unfolded with energy, laughter, and joy.
Why Couples Choose a The Dunlin Kiawah Wedding
A The Dunlin Kiawah wedding offers couples the opportunity to host a full, thoughtfully paced celebration in one cohesive location. From waterfront gatherings to oak-shaded ceremonies and outdoor receptions, the property allows events to flow naturally throughout the day and evening.
For couples seeking a venue that balances design flexibility with an unforgettable locale, The Dunlin at Kiawah River is an exceptional choice. Its layout, scenery, and atmosphere create an experience that feels elevated, welcoming, and deeply memorable.
A Coastal Celebration with Lasting Impact
Maddie and Peter’s wedding weekend was a beautiful reflection of who they are and the environments that have shaped them. By blending modern style with Lowcountry charm, they created a celebration that felt personal, immersive, and timeless.
Photographing a The Dunlin Kiawah wedding like this one is a reminder of the power of intentional design, thoughtful planning, and a setting that truly supports the experience.
FAQ: Getting Married at The Dunlin at Kiawah River
Where do weddings typically take place at The Dunlin?
Weddings at The Dunlin often take place outdoors on the grounds overlooking the Kiawah River. Couples frequently host lawn ceremonies beneath the oak trees, followed by cocktail hour and al fresco receptions nearby, allowing the day to unfold naturally within one setting.
Can both the ceremony and reception be hosted outdoors?
Yes. One of the biggest draws of a The Dunlin Kiawah wedding is the ability to host an entirely outdoor celebration. Many couples choose an outdoor ceremony, candlelit dinner under the oaks, and a sailcloth tent for dancing later in the evening. The Dunlin also offers many indoor reception spaces nearby, including The Shippon and the Lime House, next to their shaded lawn spaces.
Where do couples typically get ready for a Dunlin wedding?
While The Dunlin offers accommodations, many couples choose to get ready at private homes within the Kiawah River neighborhood. This provides additional space, privacy, and flexibility for wedding morning preparations.
Is The Dunlin a good venue for a destination wedding?
Absolutely. The Dunlin at Kiawah River is ideal for destination weddings thanks to its coastal setting, on-site accommodations, and proximity to Charleston. Guests are able to enjoy a full weekend experience without needing to travel far between events. There is so much to do, eat, and drink on site, your guests will never get bored!
What season works best for a The Dunlin Kiawah wedding?
Spring and fall are especially popular due to mild temperatures and lush greenery. However, with thoughtful planning and shade-focused layouts, summer weddings can also be beautiful at The Dunlin. Be careful when considering an early fall wedding date in the Lowcountry, as this is hurricane season.
Why do couples choose The Dunlin at Kiawah River for their wedding?
Couples are drawn to The Dunlin for its balance of natural beauty, design flexibility, and relaxed coastal elegance. The venue allows weddings to feel immersive and personal while still offering a refined, intentional guest experience. The Auberge group properties are known for their world-class guest experiences, making it the perfect location for a destination wedding.
Want more resources about the Dunlin property? Head over to our Venue Spotlight blog post, The Dunlin Kiawah River!
If You Are Planning A Wedding at The Dunlin Kiawah, a Wedding In Colorado, The East Coast, Or At A Destination Worldwide, And Looking For A Destination Wedding Photographer, Let’s Get In Touch Today!
Photography: Sarah Nann Photography | Planning: Alexandra Madison Weddings | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rehearsal & Wedding Venue: The Dunlin at Kiawah River | Floral Design: Festoon Charleston | Wedding Dress: Suzanne Neville | Cake: Sweet Rhi | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Faithfull the Brand | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Reformation | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Significant Other | Catering: Rosemary & Rye Catering | DJ: Bunn DJ Company | Wedding Venue: Kiawah River | Rehearsal Dinner Outfit: Acler | Ceremony Musicians: Adore Duet | Rehearsal Dinner Suiting: Bonobos | Rehearsal Dinner Catering: Coastal Crust | Rentals: Curated Events Charleston | Rentals: Eventworks | Bridal Pajamas: Kat the Label Beauty: Lashes & Lace Charleston | Rehearsal Dinner Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Bridal Outfit Change Designer: Milly | Film Processing: Rewind Film Lab | Rehearsal Dinner Floral Design: Rosebank Farms | Linens: Stradley Davidson | Bridal Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
