Elopements

Stunning Folly Beach Wedding at Morris Island Lighthouse

Man in a suit spinning woman in wedding dress while standing on a rug on the beach with ocean and lighthouse behind them and trees in the foreground.

Hey y’all!!! Today, we’re diving into Christine + John’s Folly Beach Wedding—a celebration that’s all about sandy toes, ocean views, and the kind of laid-back charm that only a beachside wedding can bring. Picture this: soft waves lapping at the shore, a gentle sea breeze rustling through palm trees, and love in the air as two souls unite in one of Charleston’s most enchanting settings. Whether you’re planning your own seaside wedding or simply craving some coastal inspiration, let’s explore what makes a Folly Beach Wedding so unforgettable.

A Magical Summer Beach Elopement at Sunrise

Getting Ready by the Moonlight

Moon in the pink and blue sky with a palm tree in the foreground.

Before the sun peeked over the horizon, Christine and John started their day by getting ready at their car by moonlight. The waves whispered nearby as they laughed and fixed up—Christine with her beachy waves and John making sure his tie was just right. It was a calm, exciting moment before their big day, full of anticipation for the sunrise and the start of their journey together.

First Look at the Lighthouse

Man and woman in wedding attire hugging and kissing on the beach with ocean and lighthouse behind them.

After a short walk, Christine finally met John for their first look right in front of the iconic Morris Island Lighthouse. She walked up behind him as he stood looking at the beach. They shared a special moment right as the sun was rising over the ocean.

Beach Elopement Ceremony

Close up photo of man putting wedding ring on woman's hand.

As they exchanged vows, Christine and John stood surrounded by weathered driftwood, with the Morris Island Lighthouse behind them. The salty air carried their promises to each other, the sound of crashing waves providing a natural rhythm to their heartfelt words. Seagulls soared overhead, adding a touch of coastal charm to the intimate ceremony. After exchanging their vows + rings, they did a fun champagne pop and toasted to the rest of their lives.

Sunrise Beach Portraits

Woman in wedding dress holding a bouquet in the foreground with man in the background in suit looking at her.

After their heartfelt ceremony on Folly Beach, Christine and John took a moment to capture some stunning sunrise portraits. With the sky painted in shades of pink and gold, they walked along the shore, hand in hand. The morning breeze played with Christine’s hair as John couldn’t stop smiling at his new wife. Against the backdrop of the Morris Island Lighthouse and the sun rising over the horizon, they laughed, kissed, and simply enjoyed being together in this beautiful, peaceful moment.


Folly Beach Wedding Timeline

12:00 PM: Photographer Arrives at Accommodations

12:15 PM – 12:45 PM: Getting Ready & Details

12:45 PM – 1:15 PM: Partner 1 Puts on Attire

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM: Partner 2 Puts on Attire

1:45 PM – 2:15 PM: First Look at Accommodations

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM: Travel from Accommodation to Folly Beach

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM: Ceremony

3:45 PM – 4:15 PM: Group Portraits

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Picnic w Cake

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Activity Time

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Sunset Couples Portraits

8:00 PM: Photographer Departure Time


Elegant Beach Elopement Aesthetic

Man and woman in wedding attire sitting on driftwood on the beach with colorful flowers around them.

The elegant beach aesthetic of Christine and John’s elopement was a vision brought beautifully to life by their choice of details and vendors. Christine wore a silky, flowing dress that perfectly captured the laid-back yet elegant vibe of a beach wedding. Her beachy waves complemented the dress, creating a natural and effortless look that suited the seaside setting of Folly Beach. Adding to the charm were the vibrant florals and intricately woven rugs provided by Hudugi Designs, a local vendor known for their artistry in coastal-themed decorations. The florals, bursting with hues of coral, and turquoise created a picturesque altar against the backdrop of the lighthouse. The rugs added a touch of bohemian chic, grounding the ceremony in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Man and woman in wedding attire sitting on driftwood in with colorful flowers around them.

This thoughtful theme made Christine and John’s day not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. The beachy elements reflected their love for the ocean and the relaxed, carefree spirit they wanted to embody on their wedding day. The soft colors of the florals and the natural textures of the rugs complemented the natural beauty of Folly Beach, making their wedding feel like a serene escape into paradise.

Man and woman sitting on a piece of driftwood looking at the ocean with colorful flowers beside them.

For couples looking to recreate a similar elegant beach aesthetic for their own special day, here are a few tips: Embrace the natural beauty of your chosen beach location by incorporating local flora and beach-inspired decor. Opt for attire that is comfortable yet elegant, such as flowing dresses and lightweight suits in soft, beachy colors. Work with local vendors who specialize in coastal themes, like Hudugi Designs, to bring your vision to life with colorful florals, rustic driftwood accents, and cozy rugs that create an inviting atmosphere. Lastly, don’t forget to prioritize personal touches that reflect your unique love story and the relaxed vibe of a beach celebration. By infusing your day with these elements, you can create a memorable and meaningful beach wedding that captures the essence of love, nature, and seaside serenity.

Elopement at Morris Island Lighthouse

Man and woman in foreground looking at lighthouse in the ocean.

Choosing the Morris Island Lighthouse for their ceremony location added a touch of historic charm and natural beauty to Christine and John’s elopement. Located just off Folly Beach near Charleston, South Carolina, this iconic lighthouse provided a stunning backdrop that perfectly complemented their elegant beach wedding aesthetic. One of the key advantages of Morris Island Lighthouse is its accessibility and versatility for ceremonies. Couples can obtain a permit through the Charleston Parks Conservancy for a nominal fee, which helps maintain the area’s natural beauty and historical integrity. The location offers a variety of ceremony backdrops, from the serene beachfront with views of the Atlantic Ocean to the rustic charm of weathered driftwood and the lighthouse itself standing proudly in the background.

Man and woman in wedding attire walking down beach with palm trees in the foreground.

The walk to Morris Island Lighthouse adds a sense of adventure to the experience, taking approximately 20-30 minutes along a concrete path. This short trek enhances the anticipation and allows couples and their guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings before arriving at the picturesque ceremony site. Whether you envision exchanging vows with the lighthouse bathed in golden sunlight at sunrise or framed by a spectacular sunset over the horizon, Morris Island Lighthouse provides a memorable and romantic setting that captures the essence of coastal beauty and historical significance.

Folly Beach Wedding Photographer

Woman sitting on couch with camera in her hand.

Hey y’all, I’m Tessa – your Folly Beach wedding photographer, adventure buddy, right-hand woman, and lover of all things outdoors! I’m a big believer in the power of crafting an intentional elopement day that represents you & your partner in the most authentic way possible, so that’s why I’m here.

Not only will I capture the moments of your day for you to cherish forever but I’m here to encourage you to build a day that looks & feels like YOU, and no one else!

Folly Beach Wedding Packages & Pricing

Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about a Folly Beach wedding & have gotten to know me a little bit, you might be wondering what it would be like having me as your wedding photographer!!

You can take a look at my Folly Beach Wedding packages & pricing below, and then head to my contact page to get in touch about your wedding – I’d be SO honored to photograph your epic day!

4 hours to Multi-Day Coverage Includes:

  • Engagement session 
  • 60+ page Planning Guide w Vendor Recommendations 
  • Custom Location Guide
  • Timeline Planning
  • Professionally Edited, High-Resolution Images
  • Sneak Peeks within 48 hours
  • Online Gallery with Unlimited Downloads
  • Printing Rights
  • Unlimited Number of Photos
  • Travel anywhere within South Carolina

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TESSA

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I'm a micro-wedding and elopement photographer in Upstate, South Carolina. My style is documentary—I love capturing the in-between, unposed moments between you and your love. I strive to know you and capture you at your most authentic.

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