Small & Intimate Weddings at Kingston Resorts: What to Expect

Not every wedding needs a long guest list, a grand ballroom, or months of complicated planning.

For some couples, the perfect celebration is something smaller. A ceremony overlooking the ocean, a handful of your favorite people, and time to enjoy the occasion without feeling rushed.

That’s part of the appeal of planning an intimate wedding in Myrtle Beach.

With its beautiful coastline, oceanfront venues, and relaxed atmosphere, Myrtle Beach offers a setting for couples who want their wedding to feel personal, from a simple ceremony for two to a celebration shared with close family and friends.

At Kingston Resorts, you can bring that vision to life with flexible wedding venues, customized catering, and a dedicated events team.

Here’s what to expect when planning a small wedding or Myrtle Beach elopement.

Elopement vs. Small Wedding: What’s the Difference?

The terms are often used together, but elopements and intimate weddings aren’t quite the same.

• Elopement: Traditionally a private wedding with just the couple and an officiant. Today, the term often describes a simple, personal wedding that focuses on the ceremony rather than a large celebration.
• Small or intimate wedding: A limited guest list, perhaps immediate family and a few close friends, with a reception or gathering afterward.

Neither has to follow a set of rules. You might exchange vows with just the two of you before a private dinner, or invite 20 of your closest people for an oceanfront ceremony and a relaxed reception.

If you’re researching a Myrtle Beach elopement but would still like a venue, catering, and planning support, a customized intimate wedding may be the right fit.

Why Choose Myrtle Beach for an Intimate Wedding?

There’s something special about exchanging vows by the ocean.

The natural scenery creates a beautiful backdrop without needing elaborate decorations, while the relaxed coastal setting makes the day feel like a getaway as well as a celebration.

Myrtle Beach also gives couples plenty of flexibility.

You can plan a simple ceremony and enjoy the rest of the day together, or turn the occasion into a longer stay with family and friends. Our destination wedding guide has more ideas for planning around a longer stay.

For guests traveling from out of town, there’s plenty to enjoy before and after the wedding, from beach days and restaurants to shopping, golf, and spa experiences.

At Kingston Resorts, couples can bring these elements together in an oceanfront setting on the north end of Myrtle Beach.

Rather than treating the wedding as one standalone event, you can create a relaxed experience around the people who matter most.

Small Wedding Venues at Kingston Resorts

Choosing the right venue is particularly important for an intimate wedding.

When you’re celebrating with fewer guests, the atmosphere and setting often become the main focus.

Kingston Resorts offers a variety of indoor and outdoor wedding venues, allowing couples to explore different ceremony and reception arrangements.

An Oceanfront Ceremony on the North Lawn

For couples dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, the North Lawn offers a sweeping backdrop of palm trees and the ocean.

This space provides a coastal setting for exchanging vows, with room for up to 200 guests.

Although the venue can host larger celebrations, couples planning a smaller ceremony can discuss suitable arrangements with the events team.

It’s an option worth considering if you want the ocean to be part of your wedding without organizing a large beachside production.

A Relaxed Celebration at Currents Lawn

Currents Lawn is another outdoor setting, on the event lawn at Black Drum, with the ocean and palmettos as the backdrop.

The space can accommodate ceremonies and cocktail receptions, giving couples flexibility to create a celebration that feels relaxed and social.

For a smaller wedding, you might choose a simple ceremony followed by drinks and time with your guests outdoors.

The events team can advise on suitable layouts and whether the space is appropriate for your guest count.

Ocean Views at Land’s End

If you’d prefer an indoor setting, Land’s End offers floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views and space for up to 175 guests.

It’s an option to discuss for couples looking for an indoor reception with coastal views.

An indoor celebration can also be appealing if you’re planning your wedding outside the warmer months or would rather not depend on the weather.

A Traditional Reception in the Dunes Ballroom

For couples who want an intimate wedding with a more traditional reception atmosphere, the Dunes Ballroom offers an ocean backdrop from the 16th floor of Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort.

With space for up to 200 guests, it is a larger venue, but its position on the 16th floor may appeal to couples who want a seated dinner or a more formal celebration.

The events team can help determine whether the space and available layouts suit a smaller guest list.

Kingston Resorts offers several venue options, but minimum guest requirements, rental fees, and suitability for very small ceremonies should be confirmed directly when requesting a proposal.

What to Expect When Planning an Intimate Wedding at Kingston Resorts

One of the benefits of planning a smaller wedding is having more flexibility over how you spend the day.

You might prefer a short ceremony followed by dinner with your closest family members, or a full afternoon of celebrations with a cocktail reception and a more traditional wedding meal.

At Kingston Resorts, the events team can help couples explore different arrangements based on their guest count, preferred venue, and overall vision.

Personalized Wedding Planning

Even a small wedding comes with details to organize.

From selecting the right ceremony space to arranging catering and coordinating the day’s schedule, having support can make the experience much easier.

Kingston Resorts has dedicated catering managers and event professionals who work with couples to customize their celebrations.

The team can also share the resort’s preferred vendor list, which covers wedding coordinators, rentals and linens, cakes, florists, photographers and videographers, officiants, hair and makeup, live ceremony music, DJs and entertainment, and chauffeur services. Couples book and pay vendors directly, and every vendor needs approval from your catering manager, along with a copy of their business license and liability insurance. Vendors who are not on the list are subject to an exception fee.

For couples planning their wedding from another city or state, this support can be particularly valuable.

Customized Catering for Smaller Celebrations

A smaller guest list opens up opportunities to make the dining experience feel more personal.

Rather than organizing a large reception, you might prefer a cocktail gathering with appetizers, a seated dinner, or a buffet shared with family and friends.

Kingston Resorts offers customizable wedding catering, including butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, plated meals, buffets, and culinary stations.

The culinary team customizes catering options to guests’ requests, so share any dietary needs early when planning your menu.

The exact catering arrangements, minimum guest requirements, and pricing will depend on your selected venue and proposal.

Accommodations for You and Your Guests

If you’re planning a destination wedding, having somewhere comfortable to stay makes the celebration feel more like a getaway.

Kingston Resorts offers hotel rooms, suites, condos, and villas, giving couples and their guests a variety of accommodation options.

For a small wedding, you might choose to spend a few nights at the resort with your closest family members, enjoying time together before and after the ceremony.

The resort’s team can also discuss guest room block arrangements where appropriate.

Time to Enjoy the Resort Together

One of the nicest things about an intimate destination wedding is having time to enjoy the experience beyond the ceremony.

You could arrange a couples treatment at Spa33, enjoy a relaxed dinner before the wedding, or spend the following morning walking along the beach.

Spa33 offers massages, facials, body treatments, and couples experiences, as well as customized group spa arrangements for six or more guests.

These experiences can help turn a small wedding into a memorable weekend without needing to organize a packed schedule.

How Much Does a Small Wedding in Myrtle Beach Cost?

A smaller guest list gives you room to be more intentional with your budget, but it doesn’t automatically lower every cost.

Kingston Resorts wedding packages currently run from $140 to $215 per person, depending on the tier and whether you choose a plated or buffet meal. This is a starting point, not a dedicated elopement package or a guaranteed total for a small wedding.

Your final cost will depend on:

• Guest count
• Venue, including any rental fees
• Catering selections
• Vendor costs and any minimum spending requirements
• Taxes and service charges, which are separate from the per-person range

For a very small ceremony, contact the events team to discuss options and request a personalized proposal. You can also read about our wedding packages and pricing and our guide to Myrtle Beach wedding packages.

How to Plan a Myrtle Beach Elopement or Small Wedding

Planning an intimate wedding can be simpler than organizing a large celebration, but there are still a few important decisions to make.

1. Decide What Your Ideal Wedding Looks Like

Start by thinking about what matters most to you as a couple.

Would you prefer a private ceremony with just the two of you, or would you like your closest friends and family to be there?

Do you want a reception afterward, or would a relaxed dinner feel more appropriate?

Knowing your priorities will help you decide which arrangements are worth investing in.

2. Choose Your Guest List

A small wedding might include ten guests, twenty guests, or a slightly larger gathering.

There’s no fixed number that makes a wedding intimate.

The important thing is choosing a guest list that feels comfortable and reflects the type of celebration you want.

Once you have an approximate number, Kingston Resorts’ events team can help you explore suitable venue arrangements.

3. Find the Right Ceremony Setting

For many couples planning a Myrtle Beach elopement, the coastal scenery is a major part of the appeal.

Consider whether you’d prefer a beach ceremony, an outdoor lawn with ocean views, or an indoor venue overlooking the water.

Think about your wedding date, guest accessibility, and the atmosphere you’d like to create.

Kingston Resorts reserves indoor backup space for outdoor wedding events, providing reassurance if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

4. Arrange Your Wedding Vendors and Legal Requirements

If you’re planning an elopement or an intimate wedding, you’ll still need to consider the legal requirements for getting married in South Carolina.

Couples should confirm the current marriage license application process, waiting periods, identification requirements, and officiant arrangements with the Horry County Probate Court before traveling.

You’ll also want to decide whether to book a photographer, florist, hair and makeup services, or other vendors.

Kingston Resorts can assist with preferred vendor recommendations, but it’s important to confirm which services are included in your individual wedding proposal.

5. Make Time to Celebrate

Once the ceremony is planned, think about how you’d like to spend the rest of the day.

You might enjoy a private dinner together, gather with family for a small reception, or simply spend the afternoon relaxing by the ocean. For more dinner ideas, see our Myrtle Beach rehearsal dinner ideas.

If you’re staying for a few nights, consider adding a spa treatment, a beach day, or a special meal to make the most of your time in Myrtle Beach.

The beauty of an intimate wedding is that you can create a celebration around what you genuinely enjoy.

When to Plan a Small Myrtle Beach Wedding

Myrtle Beach offers opportunities for weddings throughout the year, although the season can influence the type of celebration you plan.

• Spring and fall are particularly popular for outdoor ceremonies.
• Summer offers long days and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast, although heat, humidity, and seasonal demand are worth considering.
• Winter may appeal to couples who prefer a quieter coastal setting, particularly if they’re considering an indoor venue with ocean views.

Whatever season you choose, discuss your preferred date, venue availability, and weather arrangements with the events team before finalizing your plans.

Plan Your Intimate Myrtle Beach Wedding at Kingston Resorts

A smaller wedding doesn’t mean making the occasion any less special.

Sometimes, having fewer guests simply gives you more time to appreciate the setting, enjoy the celebration, and focus on the people who matter most.

At Kingston Resorts, you can exchange vows against a beautiful coastal backdrop, enjoy a personalized reception, and turn your wedding into a relaxing Myrtle Beach getaway.

Whether you’re planning a small ceremony with close family or exploring options for a Myrtle Beach elopement, the events team can help you understand what’s possible and create a celebration that feels like yours.

Request a Personalized Proposal

Small Wedding & Myrtle Beach Elopement FAQs

Can you elope at Kingston Resorts?

Kingston Resorts offers intimate wedding ceremonies and customizable wedding arrangements. However, the resort does not currently advertise a dedicated elopement package. Couples planning a ceremony for two or a very small group should contact the events team to discuss availability, minimum requirements, and suitable options.

What are some small wedding venues in Myrtle Beach?

Kingston Resorts offers oceanfront lawns, beach ceremony settings, and indoor venues such as Land’s End and the Dunes Ballroom. Its events team can help identify which spaces are suitable for your guest count and celebration.

How many guests can attend an intimate wedding?

There is no official guest limit for an intimate wedding. Some couples invite only immediate family, while others celebrate with 20 to 50 guests. Venue capacities and minimum booking requirements should be confirmed directly.

Does Kingston Resorts offer small wedding packages?

Yes. Kingston Resorts offers buffet and plated wedding packages in three tiers. Every tier includes a four-hour bar, hors d’oeuvres and entrées, and the higher tiers add a champagne toast. The events team can also build a customized proposal around your guest count and budget, so ask how the packages work for a smaller celebration. See our wedding packages and pricing page for more.

Can we have a small wedding ceremony and reception at Kingston Resorts?

Yes, Kingston Resorts offers ceremony and reception venues alongside customizable catering services. The specific arrangements available for a smaller group will depend on your preferred date, venue, and event requirements.

Do we need a marriage license for a Myrtle Beach elopement?

Yes. Couples legally marrying in Myrtle Beach must meet South Carolina’s marriage license requirements. Check the current process with the Horry County Probate Court before your wedding, particularly if you’re traveling from out of state.