Venue Files: The Dunlin by Auberge at Kiawah
Venue Files: The Dunlin by Auberge at Kiawah – A Curated Gem Among Luxury Lowcountry Venues
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, has sparked immense excitement for Dunlin weddings and other destination events since its summer 2024 opening in the Southeastern US. As dedicated wedding planners and luxury travel advisors at Wrennwood Events, we evaluate venues with scrutiny — always aiming to be one or two steps forward. Our role as event planner and your luxury travel advisor, allows us to curate bespoke itineraries that extend beyond the wedding day, incorporating exclusive experiences like private charters, gourmet excursions, and personalized concierge services to ensure every aspect of your destination celebration is seamless and unforgettable.
The Dunlin as an outstanding option for couples planning a Dunlin wedding that captures Southern sophistication and tranquil riverside vibes. Situated along the Kiawah River in Johns Island, South Carolina, this quiet haven accommodates everything from cozy elopements to elaborate receptions, ideal for extended celebrations amid shimmering marshes and timeless oak trees.
In this guide, we’ll explore why The Dunlin stands out as a top wedding venue, from its beautiful event spaces to on-property amenities that elevate your celebration. If you’re ready to plan your perfect Dunlin wedding, contact Wrennwood Events today for personalized guidance.
The Basics
Located just 45 minutes from the city of Charleston, The Dunlin provides a peaceful escape on Johns Island, overlooking the Kiawah River. This isn’t your typical resort—it’s a modern haven designed with Southern hospitality in mind, free from historical burdens like former plantations, ensuring a fresh and welcoming vibe for all guests. With capacities ranging from intimate groups of 40 to events for 500, The Dunlin caters to a variety of Dunlin wedding styles, whether you’re hosting a small elopement or a full weekend takeover.
The property boasts 72 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each featuring designs by acclaimed interior designer Amanda Lindroth, complete with screened porches for that quintessential Lowcountry feel. Additional cabanas and larger houses are also available for rent.
For couples prioritizing luxury and accessibility, this riverside gem combines seclusion with proximity to Charleston’s cultural scene, perfect for blending relaxation and adventure in your Dunlin wedding itinerary.
Exploring the Property for Your Dream Wedding
At the heart of any Dunlin wedding are the property’s versatile event spaces, each designed to capture the essence of Southern luxury. The Shippon, a 5,500-square-foot pavilion, can accommodate up to 525 guests for receptions, offering expansive indoor-outdoor flow with views of the river. For more intimate affairs, the Lime House seats up to 236, while the cozy River Cottage is ideal for smaller groups of 15 or rehearsal dinners.
Outdoor options shine with The Riverbank, a scenic lawn perfect for cocktail hours, and Yarrow Field, a picturesque ceremony site framed by marshes and oaks. As part of the renowned Auberge Resorts Collection, The Dunlin ensures top-tier service, from gourmet dining to bespoke decor that reflects your vision. Visit the official Auberge Resorts site for more details on these spaces.
For added inspiration, explore our wedding venue selection guide to see how The Dunlin compares to other Lowcountry favorites.
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The Shippon, roughly 5,500 square feet of indoor space with exposed wood beams, enormous windows, and sliding glass doors that open to the Kiawah River.
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Maximum capacity: 525, although we feel strongly about designing a reception space for maximum 300 for a plated/seated reception with band/stage and dance floor.
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Lime House, a smaller space that has an airy feel similar to that of The Shippon, but with the addition of a fireplace lounge.
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Maximum capacity: 270 for seated ceremony. A smaller reception in this space would be closer to a maximum of 120.
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River Cottage, the perfect place for you and your partner to lounge before the festivities on wedding day. A quaint 435 square feet with a sunny porch. This space is great for getting ready and also used as a vendor green room.
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Maximum capacity: 15.
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The Riverbank, a perfectly green, 5,000+ square foot lawn just outside the doors of The Shippon and Lime House. We like this space for cocktail hour.
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Yarrow Field, a 7,000 square foot lawn framed by live oak trees and cordgrass. A gorgeous ceremony location.
Multi-Day Experiences
A Dunlin wedding isn’t just about the big day—it’s about creating a memorable weekend for you and your guests. The property’s amenities make it easy to host welcome parties, brunches, and farewell events all on-site. Relax at the spa, take a dip in the pools, or enjoy fitness classes before the festivities begin. Adventure seekers can partake in boat excursions, kayaking, hiking trails, or tennis matches, all set against the stunning Lowcountry backdrop.
For off-property excitement, venture into nearby Charleston for historic tours, fine dining, or beach outings at Kiawah Island. Budgeting for a multi-day Dunlin wedding varies based on guest count, season, and customizations, but expect premium pricing that reflects Auberge’s exceptional standards.
How much should we budget for a wedding at The Dunlin?
Planning a Dunlin wedding requires expertise to navigate details like vendor coordination, custom timelines, and personalized touches. At Wrennwood Events, we specialize in luxury destination weddings, ensuring every element—from floral arrangements to transportation—aligns with your vision. We’ve vetted properties like The Dunlin to guarantee they meet our high standards for hospitality and aesthetics.
The cost of a wedding at The Dunlin depends on several factors: guest count, menu selections (both food and beverage), venue usage, and season if you’re exploring a full buyout of the resort.
You also may be eligible for promotional pricing, or benefits offered to travel agency partners like us. Because there are so many details at play it’s best to inquire for a quote based on the full picture. If we could give you an exact number, we would!
If a Southern-inspired celebration sounds like your dream, explore our portfolio of Lowcountry weddings or book a consultation. For more on Auberge’s offerings, visit The Dunlin’s events page. Let’s turn your Dunlin wedding into a timeless story of love and luxury.
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