oldfield and Bluffton weddings

Spanish moss, tidal marsh and quiet old roads, just across the river from Savannah. I have shot at Oldfield about 3 times, and about 10 weddings at Palmetto Bluff.

Couple under an ivy covered arch outside the club

Oldfield

The photos here come from two different days at the River Club. Some are from Abby and Ben's wedding, and some are from a styled editorial shoot I made there. Look at the color in both. This is what happens when moss, marsh and low sun all work together, and it is the softest light you will find in this part of the world. White columns, ivy on the walls, a boardwalk out over the grass. It feels like a private house, not a venue.

That privacy is also the catch. Oldfield's page says, "Due to its exclusive status as a private community, Oldfield hosts a limited number of weddings each year." Its address is 130 Oldfield Way in Okatie, and it names the River Club as its venue. Call early, and ask who can host.

Montage Palmetto Bluff

I am an official preferred vendor of Montage Palmetto Bluff, and I have been photographing and filming weddings here for over 10 years, about 10 weddings in all. Twenty thousand acres between Hilton Head and Savannah gives you chapels, ballrooms, river lawns and whole villages to work with.

"Vitor is incredibly passionate about his work."
Keila and Jameson, Palmetto Bluff

Bride and groom touching foreheads under Spanish moss at Oldfield

White columned Lowcountry house with a fountain in its brick courtyard at Oldfield

Couple walking away down a wood boardwalk toward the marsh at Oldfield

The River Club sign framed in ivy at Oldfield

Dinner table with flowers set under moss filled oaks at Oldfield

Long wooden dock running out over the marsh

Bride and groom about to kiss in soft golden light

Two horses grazing under a live oak on a green pasture at Oldfield

Two story white porch over ivy covered arches at Oldfield

Golden marsh grass and blue sky with white clouds at Oldfield

Black and white photo of the couple standing beneath the oaks

Tall white and blush floral arrangement on a soft blue table setting

Bouquet of peach poppies and pink flowers held close

Couple embracing beside moss draped branches at Oldfield

Low sweeping live oak limb hung with Spanish moss at Oldfield

White wedding cake with pale blue sugar flowers

Close photo of a bride and groom with their foreheads together

See The Whole Wedding Of Abby And Ben

The Palmetto Bluff Spaces

From the Montage wedding page.

Space	Guests
Somerset Chapel	Up to 185
May River Chapel	Up to 120
Wilson Ballroom	Up to 500
Oak Ballroom	Up to 175
Village Green	Up to 500
Sunrise Lawn	Up to 400
May River Lawn	Up to 350
Moreland Landing	Up to 350
Boat House Lawn	Up to 300
Moreland Green	Up to 300
May River Golf Lawn	Up to 100

How I Would Plan It

I like a short portrait window in the late afternoon light, instead of pushing every couple portrait right after the ceremony. And if your reception has alcohol and your guests are staying somewhere else, I would strongly consider organized transportation.

Bluffton Questions

Can you get married at Oldfield?

Oldfield says it hosts a limited number of weddings each year because it is a private community. Call the club at 843-645-4600 and ask whether you need a member connection, because its page does not say.

Are you a preferred vendor at Montage Palmetto Bluff?

Yes. I am an official preferred vendor of Montage Palmetto Bluff and have been photographing and filming weddings there for over 10 years.

Where do we get a marriage license for Bluffton?

Bluffton is in Beaufort County, so go through Beaufort County Probate Court, which has a 24 hour waiting period. Oldfield has an Okatie address near the county line, so confirm the county with the court.

Your Date

Tell me where you are getting married and I will tell you how I would photograph it.

Check Your Date