Venue Files: The Dunlin, Weddings in Southern-Style Luxury by Auberge
PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, is already generating tons of buzz for destination weddings after its summer debut in the Southeastern US. As destination wedding planners and luxury travel advisors, we vet properties early and meticulously — we like to stay a step or two ahead.
We’ve anticipated our clients’ questions about this exciting new property, and we’ve gone straight to the source for answers. If you’re considering The Dunlin for your wedding, your question is likely answered below. Let’s get into it.
The Basics
Where is it?
The Dunlin is located in South Carolina on Johns Island, one of Charleston’s Sea Islands. Johns Island is part of the Lowcountry — rich in Gullah Geechee culture and known for live oak trees, salt marshes, and lots of sweetgrass baskets. The Dunlin itself is perched on the bank of Kiawah River, and the views are fantastic.
So is it a former plantation?
No. While most of Johns Island was once made up of plantations with enslaved people, The Dunlin itself is not a former plantation nor is “plantation-style” in design.
What’s the vibe like?
The Lowcountry has its own distinct energy: peaceful, relaxing, and welcoming without being overwhelming. The Dunlin feels luxurious yet approachable and comfortable, much like its sister properties in the Auberge Resorts Collection.
The spaces are thoughtfully designed with sophisticated Southern charm in mind, featuring warm wood tones and marsh-inspired greens. It’s perfect if you love relaxing outdoors (and enjoying delicious Southern food), and want to bring that easygoing energy to your wedding weekend.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS
The Dunlin Property & Auberge Brand
What kind of accommodations are there?
The Dunlin offers 72 rooms and suites on property, each one feeling like a friend’s stylish beach cottage. All of the interiors were designed by the incomparable Amanda Lindroth, with soft greens, board and batten details, four-poster beds, and deep soaking tubs. Plus, the true luxury of a screened-in porch to protect you from the Southern bugs we know and love down here.
The largest suite has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, which is spacious enough for getting ready on your wedding day with your closest friends and family members.
Bonus detail: the accommodations are spread among guest house-style architecture — there isn’t one main building so-to-speak — which enhances the neighborhood-like, approachable feel of the property.
Do they have venue options for hosting a wedding?
They sure do. One of the things we love about The Dunlin is the fact that there’s more than one way to host a wedding on property: there are four venues that can accommodate up to 525 guests. There’s so much versatility!
You’re able to host wedding ceremonies and receptions any of the below spaces:
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.
Maximum capacity: 525, although we could certainly design a reception space for 150-200 with ease.
Lime House, a smaller space that has an airy feel similar to that of The Shippon, but with the addition of a fireplace lounge.
Maximum capacity: 236.
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.
Maximum capacity: 15.
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.
Yarrow Field, a 7,000 square foot lawn framed by live oak trees and cordgrass. A gorgeous ceremony location.
Auberge designs their gathering spaces well — they feel modern and elegant, without the typical ballroom feel. You benefit from the extraordinary hospitality of a resort wedding, in venues that have character without overbearing design aesthetic.
Speaking of hospitality, can we trust the Auberge brand?
Absolutely. Auberge Resorts are renowned worldwide for their hospitality and thoughtfully-designed approach to luxury. You and your guests will be treated to a best-in-class experience by some of the finest hospitality professionals in the business.
Multi-day Weddings at The Dunlin
Is there enough to do on property to make a weekend of it?
Yes, but we’d encourage an offsite activity during your wedding weekend if you decide to host here! Charleston is just 30-45 minutes away, and we don’t have to tell you how much that city has to offer.
On property, you can find all of the amenities you’d hope for at a high-end resort: Aster, an Auberge Spa; 2 outdoor pools; 4 dining venues, including poolside dining; and a fully-equipped fitness studio.
The Dunlin also offers dozens of experiences and activities, including but not limited to:
Boat excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fly fishing along 20 miles of waterfront
Hiking and biking along 20 miles of nature trails
Tennis and pickleball
The Goatery and Kiawah River Farm (yes, there are chickens!)
How much should we budget for a wedding at The Dunlin?
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!
PHOTO COURTESY OF AUBERGE RESORTS
Planning Your Wedding at The Dunlin
We’ve done the research and we’re confident: The Dunlin should be an immediate-shortlist property for any couple considering a Southern destination wedding, and is a fantastic first pick.
You’re going to need an experienced wedding planner to support you along the way, through every detail. Like our style? Let’s chat — send us a note about your celebration.