City of Isle of Palms, SC - Rules for Beach Weddings
Charleston is known as one of the top destination wedding locations in the nation. The Charleston Island Beaches (Isle of Palms and surrounding areas) are a beautiful setting for just that. Unfortunately, due to past issues, we no longer allow the Casas to be used for weddings, rehearsal dinners, or receptions. No worries, there are great venues on the Isle of Palms that would be a perfect setting for your beach wedding. With that said, the City of Isle of Palms is pretty specific on their rules for beach weddings as their main concern is to protect our beautiful island so everyone can enjoy it for years to come.
Wild Dunes
From elegant and formal affairs to beach chic events, at Wild Dunes Resort, we know a thing or two about weddings. Choose from an array of charming and picturesque ceremony and reception venues – including those with views of the pristine Isle of Palms shores.
The Citadel Beach Club
The Citadel Beach Club is a beautiful oceanfront venue located on the Isle of Palms. There’s an indoor ballroom and a separate outdoor pavilion that are available to rent for weddings, social and corporate events. With ample parking, wonderful amenities, and beautiful ocean views, The Citadel Beach Club is a perfect place for your Isle of Palms Beach Wedding.
Surrounding area wedding venues:
Isle of Palms Beach Wedding Rules (per the City of Isle of Palms)
Weddings on the Beach
You and your guests must be careful of the dunes for protection of sea turtles and erosion. Anything that you take to the beach for the ceremony—flowers, chairs, arbors etc. may only be there for the ceremony and must expeditiously be removed. The beach is public, therefore, it is always a good idea to look at the IOP city calendar and see if there are other activities, such as beach runs, planned for your selected time for the ceremony.
Guests at the Casas
Be advised that City ordinances prohibit more than 40 people being at the Casas (a short-term rental property) at any time.
Parking
Please make sure that your guests are aware of parking regulations and that, where street parking is allowed, all four tires must be completely off of the roadway. Be sure to adhere to all parking signs. The Front Beach area of Ocean Boulevard, between 10th and 14th Avenue, has metered parking requiring you to pay for parking using one of the ten meter kiosks located along the main street. Please follow instructions on the kiosk for payment and display your receipt properly on your vehicle dashboard.
Professional Photography
Professional photography is allowed on the beach under limited conditions (see below). On September 28, 2010, City Council passed Ordinance 2010-12, which allows commercial, still photography on the beach for no more than one hour per day. Commercial photographers taking still photographs must have an Isle of Palms business license and may not solicit for clients on the beach. Filming, photo shoots lasting more than one hour per day and disturbing the dunes are prohibited. Contact the Isle of Palms Building Department at (843) 886-9912 to obtain a business license.
Catering
Catering and all other businesses are prohibited on the beach. If you are having an event catered at a location off the beach, your catering company must have an Isle of Palms business license and adhere to the islands’ hospitality tax ordinance.
Marriage License
For information about obtaining a marriage license, please call Charleston County Marriage Licensing at (843) 958-5183.
Alcohol on Beach
Alcohol is prohibited on the beach.
Tide Table Link for the Isle of Palms, SC
It’s a good idea to check the tide table and to advise the Isle of Palms Police Department, (843) 886-6522, the day of your event in case they receive any complaints.