A Castle In South Carolina?
Vic and Abigail’s Atalaya Castle elopement took me from Charleston to Murrells Inlet, and I’m still wondering how I lived in South Carolina my entire life without knowing this place existed. A castle near the beach with weathered brick, green ironwork, and palm-filled courtyards? I feel like it’s the closest thing resembling a desert in the low-country you can find. Absolutely my kind of place.
If you’re looking around Murrells Inlet or the Myrtle Beach area for an elopement location with a little moodiness and a lot of character, this one deserves a look.
Where Is Atalaya Castle?
Atalaya Castle is inside Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, south of Myrtle Beach. Built between 1931 and 1933, it was the winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband, Archer Huntington.
Today, its textured walls, open courtyards, and beautiful archways make it such an interesting place to photograph. You get that coastal South Carolina setting, but with architecture that gives the photographs a completely different feel.
You can learn more about the building through the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Vic and Abigail’s Atalaya Castle Elopement
Vic and Abigail found me through social media, and I’m so glad they did. They were such a sweet queer couple, and getting to explore this location with them made my first visit even better.
They grew up in the area and used to visit the castle all the time, which made photographing their elopement here even sweeter. Meanwhile, I was discovering it for the first time. Apparently, I had some catching up to do.
We photographed them along the brick walkways, beneath the arches, and beside those gorgeous green window grilles. Abigail’s white dress and red-and-white bouquet stood out beautifully against the walls, while Vic’s dark outfit and hat added their own personality to the photographs.
There were little hand kisses on the steps, twirls in the courtyard, and moments tucked close together by the windows. It was such an honor to document such a raw and soft love.
A Castle Near Myrtle Beach with So Much Character
What stood out to me most about Atalaya was how much variety we found within the building.
Outside, the palms and green ironwork gave the photographs this romantic, almost storybook feeling. Under the covered walkways, the repeating brick arches framed Vic and Abigail so beautifully.
Then we stepped into darker rooms where tall windows brought in pockets of light. Some of my favorite photographs show their silhouettes close together by the open shutters. Those images have such an intimate, cinematic feel.
For couples exploring elopement locations near Myrtle Beach, that variety is part of what makes Atalaya worth considering. If weathered architecture, brick hallways, and dramatic light sound like your thing, you’ll understand why I was so excited to photograph here.
Photographing Atalaya in Bright Sunlight
This session was on the very last day of September, and it was still hot. South Carolina apparently had not received the fall memo. If you’re planning an elopement in Murrells Inlet or Myrtle Beach, keep in mind that even late September can be very warm. Bring water and give yourselves time for shade breaks.
It was also very bright. The strong sunlight created deep shadows across the courtyards, so I had to pay close attention to how the light fell as we moved.
It challenged me creatively, and I enjoyed that.
The window grilles cast patterns across the walls, while the courtyard architecture created bold shapes around the couple. In the photographs taken from above, those shadows became such a big part of the composition.
Meanwhile, the shaded archways and window light gave us softer moments. Having both in the same gallery made the whole session feel even more interesting.
Your Murrells Inlet and Myrtle Beach Elopement Photographer
I’m based in Charleston, but I love traveling to photograph couples throughout South Carolina, including Murrells Inlet and the Myrtle Beach area.
My work is for people who love photographs with feeling, movement, and a little moodiness. Whether we’re exploring a castle or making something beautiful in a place that means a lot to you, I want your photographs to feel like you belong in them.
If you’re planning an Atalaya Castle elopement or looking for a photographer for your Murrells Inlet or Myrtle Beach celebration, I would love to hear what you’re dreaming up.
Tell me what you’re dreaming up! →
For current information about ceremonies, photography requirements, fees, and availability, check directly with Huntington Beach State Park before making your plans.
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