Intimate Spring Wedding at The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes

I’ve had many beautiful weddings in Myrtle Beach during 2023, but I had little time to post them to my blog. I wanted to highlight this wedding from May 5th for Susan and Chris at The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach. It’s been a few years since I photographed a wedding here, so I thought it was time to feature this venue. The Marina Inn is a luxury hotel with beautiful views overlooking a marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, with the Grande Dunes golf course and bridge in the background.

This wedding with Susan and Chris was an intimate affair with close family and friends. They each had daughters they were bringing together in their newly blended family. When I arrived, I took a few detail shots of the flowers and jewelry and some getting-ready pictures with Susan and Chris. It’s always great to see Mary with Makeup Artistry on Location. She was doing the bride’s makeup. I had extra time at this wedding to take the bride outside for pictures with her daughters and a few bridal-style portraits on the compass pad and down by the marina.

Even though this was a small wedding, they picked some of the best vendors. Eric Hunt was the officiant, and Ryan with Globaltruth Entertainment was the DJ later in the evening. I always love working with them. The location for the ceremony was beautiful under the pavilion between two Crepe Myrtle trees that were beginning to blossom. Chris was very emotional when he saw his daughters and bride walk down the aisle. That is why I always turn around and get some shots of the groom’s face.

Since it was a small ceremony, I took a quick picture of the entire group after the ceremony, and then we took the family pictures. Even though it was still a while before sunset and the sun was still intense, I took some pictures with Susan and Chris, hoping we could come out for a few more photos at sunset. I always love the views of the boats in the marina, the intricate concrete railing, and the boardwalk down by the water.

Usually, my receptions at the Marina Inn have been in the main ballroom. Since this was a small event, they had dinner in a restaurant near the pool. The first dances were sweet. The bride danced with her father, and the groom danced with each of his daughters. I was able to pull Susan and Chris out after dinner for a few more pictures at sunset. Now that the light was soft, I got some beautiful photos with the Grande Dunes bridge in the background and a few more down by the water. After this, everyone went in for dinner, and they had me stay just long enough to capture some fun dancing before I left.

Returning to The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes for a wedding was great since it’s been a few years. I hope you enjoy the pictures below. If you are planning a wedding at this venue, please let me know. I would be happy to help!