How to choose the best Charleston Beach Proposal Location
As a Charleston Proposal Photographer (and beach lover!), I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many Beach Proposal Locations! From Folly Beach to Botany Bay to Sullivan’s Island and Beachwalker Park … we have so many incredible choices! How do you choose the best beach for your proposal?
If you’re like my husband, and you spend hours comparing espresso machines or hotel reviews (and honestly, this is one of the many reasons I love him)… well, welcome. This one’s for you!
Today we’re reviewing Charleston beach proposal locations the way the internet reviews electronics and cars: criteria, pros, cons, and of course, a final score. No fluff. No vague “it’s so pretty.” Just a clear breakdown so you can confidently choose the beast beach spot to ask the biggest question of your life.
This guide compares:
- Sullivan’s Island
- Folly Beach
- Isle of Palms
- Kiawah Island (Beachwalker Park)
- Seabrook Island
- Botany Bay (Edisto)
And yes… we crown a winner at the end.
1. Sullivan’s Island
Overall Vibe: Refined, romantic, residential Charleston coastal
Drive Time from Downtown (Sunset): ~15–20 minutes
Pros
- Some of the prettiest dunes in the Charleston area with soft curves and sea oats
- Neutral, light-colored sand that photographs beautifully
- Charming boardwalk entrances that feel intimate and intentional
- Walkable, iconic restaurants like Obstinate Daughter for immediate celebration
- Quiet, residential feel—no pier, no music venues, no chaos
Cons
- Limited parking during peak summer weekends
- Popular with locals, so timing matters
Scored Highest For: Dunes, Sand, Boardwalk Experience, Restaurants, Drive Time
Lost Points For: Peak-season parking limitations
Total Score: 88/100
2. Folly Beach
Overall Vibe: Fun, eclectic, energetic, quirky, no pretense
Drive Time from Downtown (Sunset): ~25–35 minutes
Pros
- Easy public access points
- Lively, carefree energy
- Plenty of nearby food and drinks
Cons
- Boardwalks and entrances are more functional than romantic
- Heavy crowds near the pier
- Sand is darker, not as pretty in photos
- Not a lot of beach at low tide
- Parking can be difficult during summer
Scored Highest For: Energy, Dining Options
Lost Points For: Privacy, Boardwalk Experience, Dune Beauty
Total Score: 70/100
3. Isle of Palms
Overall Vibe: Polished, classic resort beach vibe
Drive Time from Downtown (Sunset): ~25–30 minutes
Pros
- Wide beaches with flexibility for privacy
- Clean, consistent sand
- Reliable access and parking
Cons
- Boardwalks are straightforward and less charming
- Not a lot of dunes
- Parking Fee at each Access Point, but is free along side streets
Scored Highest For: Reliability, Sand Quality, Ease of Access
Lost Points For: Boardwalk Charm, Emotional Atmosphere
Total Score: 78/100
4. Kiawah Island (Beachwalker Park)
Overall Vibe: Natural, elevated, peaceful
Drive Time from Downtown (Sunset): ~50–60 minutes
Pros
- Beautiful boardwalk through maritime grasses
- Quiet shoreline with natural scenery
- Clean sand and soft, beautiful reflector
Cons
- Long walk from parking lot to beach
- Parking fee required
Scored Highest For: Natural Beauty, Boardwalk Scenery, Privacy
Lost Points For: Drive Time, Distance from Parking
Total Score: 78/100
5. Botany Bay (Edisto Island)
Overall Vibe: Wild, adventurous, nature-forward
Drive Time from Downtown (Sunset): ~90 minutes
Pros
- Feels like a mini getaway rather than a quick outing
- Incredible for outdoorsy couples who love exploring together
- Unique driftwood, shoreline, and raw coastal scenery, and unbelievable seashells (Seashells are protected and can’t be collected.)
Cons
- Long drive time and long walk from parking to the beach
- Strict rules
- Not ideal for same-night celebration dining (unless this were an early morning proposal)
Scored Highest For: Uniqueness, Adventure, Natural Drama
Lost Points For: Convenience, Celebration Logistics
Total Score: 68/100
🏆 The Winner: Sullivan’s Island (87/100)
Sullivan’s Island wins for ease, beauty, and post‑proposal celebration. The combination of stunning dunes, neutral sand, short drive time, and walkable, iconic restaurants makes it the most well‑rounded and romantic public beach proposal location near Charleston.
Isle of Palms takes the top spot for balanced accessibility, consistent beauty, and ease of execution. It offers wide beaches, predictable logistics, and strong post‑proposal dining—making it the most reliable public‑access option overall.
Kiawah’s Beachwalker Park and Botany Bay in Edisto take the top spot for nature forward, privacy, and visual impact. While it requires more planning, it delivers the most elevated, cinematic proposal experience overall.
Okay … but the real truth is: I love each and every beach on this list!
At the end of the day, this isn’t about finding the highest-scoring beach to propose at in the Charleston area. It’s about choosing the place that fits your relationship, personality, and the experience you want this moment to hold.
Part of why I love planning and photographing proposals is discovering which location feels like the best fit. The truth is … what photographs best at the end of the day, is the place that feels like the best fit for you! Yes, Sullivan’s Island may have outscored the others (barely!) … I’ve had the honor of photographing so many beach proposals in the Charleston area.
And if you’re reading this thinking, “I want someone who knows these beaches inside and out helping me plan this,”—that’s exactly why I’m here. Whether you grew up vacationing at Folly Beach, want a mini-beach getaway, or love the idea of a walk on the beach and dinner on Sullivan’s Island: Charleston has so many incredible opportunities for unforgettable proposals!
Are you considering a Charleston Beach Proposal and looking for a photographer? If so, I would absolutely love to connect! Click here for more details on pricing and reach out here for availability and how to book!
