Set on a historical 20,000-acre preserve in Bluffton, South Carolina, Montage Palmetto Bluff offers lush accommodations with spacious cottages and suites – not to mention, miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails winding through ancient moss-draped oaks, set along the banks of the May River. Shannan Caldwell, Senior Sales Manager of Catering, gives us more insight about planning a gorgeous southern destination wedding at this luxury resort.

GO: If you had to describe the property in three words, what would they be?
A: Authentic, captivating, magical.
GO: How far in advance does a couple needs to reserve a wedding date?
A: Typically, six months to a year.
GO: Are onsite wedding planners available for the wedding process?
A: No, we require the client to secure a full-service wedding planner.
GO: Are accommodations and buyouts available? What is the capacity?
A: Absolutely! We can sleep over 400 guests.

GO: What spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions?
A: The world is your oyster! Our most popular spots for the ceremonies are either our May River Chapel (seats 120) or the Somerset Chapel (seats 200), and there are a couple different spots along the water that are breathtaking!

For receptions, we have the perfect spot to tent, the Village Green. It faces the May River and has the majestic ruins from the Wilson Mansion that frame it. We have had a reception as large as 500 there before. We also have the Oak Ballroom that has a gorgeous wrap around Veranda with Haint Blue ceilings, tons of natural light, and it seats about 100 for a plated dinner and 150 for a stations style reception. Lastly, the Wilson Ballroom, at almost 7,000 square feet, can accommodate a reception of about 325 for a plated dinner.

GO: What are some of the amenities, incentives and activities that Montage Palmetto Bluff offers a couple?
A: This is an outdoorsman paradise and couples often compare the property to an adult camp! There are tons of activities – golf, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, tennis, spa, pool lounging, fishing, shooting club, equestrian center, biking, dining, and a little shopping, etc.!

GO: Food is such an important element at a wedding. Tell us about your menu customization.
A: We have created packages to make it easier for clients, but we definitely allow customization! Our Executive Chef is open to suggestions that will help put the couple’s stamp on their menus.

GO: What are some of the spa options for the bride/groom, bridal party and guests?
A: We have fabulous services for the bride and groom in our couple’s treatment room as well as services for the bridal party such as hair, make-up and nails. Our spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, etc. and we have relaxing wet areas where we encourage guests to participate in The Art of Wellness, a combination of steam and sauna, as well as cold plunge pool and whirlpool.

GO: Service is imperative in the wedding industry; what does the property offer couples and their guests that set you apart?
A: Couples have a full team on their side, from the beginning stages where they have a dedicated Catering Sales Manager that will assist them with reserving their wedding weekend and navigate them through selecting their venues; then a Catering Service Manager is introduced and this person helps them detail their food and beverage choices for their wedding weekend events; and lastly they will have a Group Reservation Coordinator that will work with them to ensure their guests are all accommodated.