The Guide
a Hilton Head Beach Wedding
The permit, the license, the sunset and how I would photograph vows on the sand.
The Permit
The Town of Hilton Head Island says wedding ceremonies on the beach require a permit, free of charge. Apply online at least 30 days before your date. The form asks for the exact location, the date, the start time, how long it runs, the guest count and a daytime phone number. Questions go to the Town at 843-341-4600.
One thing to know now. Islanders Beach Park is closed from September 8, 2026 through May 31, 2027, and the Town will not approve beach wedding permits there during that time.
The License
Hilton Head is in Beaufort County, South Carolina, so your license comes from the Beaufort County Probate Court, not from Georgia. It is by appointment only, there is a 24 hour wait between applying and getting it, and you need a valid government ID. No blood test.
| Who Is Applying | Fee |
|---|---|
| Either of you lives in Beaufort County | $50 |
| Neither in the county, one of you in South Carolina | $75 |
| You both live outside South Carolina | $95 |
Cash, exact amount. Fees are from the court's fee page, so check it again close to your date.
Sunset On Hilton Head By Month
Sunset on the 15th of each month at Harbour Town, rounded to five minutes and worked out from the sun's position. Daylight saving is included. The oaks and dunes take the direct light earlier than this, so I plan portraits to start about an hour ahead.
How I Would Shoot It
- Set the ceremony time from the sunset, not the other way around.
- The beach is public, so people will walk by. A weekday or an early morning ceremony feels a lot more private.
- Wind is part of a beach wedding. Pin the veil, skip tall arrangements and keep a jacket nearby for the portraits.
- Bring the portraits back under the oaks if the sun gets hard. That is the great thing about this island, the shade is never far.
| Month | Sunset |
|---|---|
| January | 5:40 PM |
| February | 6:10 PM |
| March | 7:30 PM |
| April | 7:50 PM |
| May | 8:15 PM |
| June | 8:30 PM |
| July | 8:30 PM |
| August | 8:10 PM |
| September | 7:30 PM |
| October | 6:50 PM |
| November | 5:25 PM |
| December | 5:20 PM |
Beach Questions
Do you need a permit for a Hilton Head beach wedding?
Yes. The Town of Hilton Head Island says beach ceremonies need a permit. It is free, and you apply online at least 30 days ahead.
Can we get married at Islanders Beach Park?
Not right now. The Town says Islanders Beach Park is closed from September 8, 2026 through May 31, 2027, and it will not approve beach wedding permits there during that time.
Where do we get a marriage license for Hilton Head?
Beaufort County Probate Court. It works by appointment, Monday to Friday, at the Beaufort main office and the Hilton Head office. There is a 24 hour waiting period, and it takes cash in the exact amount.
How much is a marriage license in Beaufort County?
The court lists $50 if either of you lives in Beaufort County, $75 if neither does but one of you lives in South Carolina, and $95 if you both live out of state.
Your Date
I lived on this island for years. Tell me where you are getting married and I will tell you how I would photograph it.