Atalaya Castle Wedding Photographer

Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet · Featuring Orlaith & Craig and Danielle & Jordi

Atalaya (pronounced Ah-ta-LIE-yuh, Spanish for “watchtower”) is one of the most distinctive wedding settings on the Grand Strand. The Moorish-style home was the winter residence of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington and is now a National Historic Landmark inside Huntington Beach State Park. As a Myrtle Beach wedding photographer, I love its long walls, its tower and the green, natural setting around it.

Atalaya on the wedding day

A toast with her bridesmaids

Photographing a Wedding at Atalaya Castle

Atalaya is at 16148 Ocean Highway in Murrells Inlet, inside Huntington Beach State Park, south of Myrtle Beach. The property includes two courtyards along with the bear pen yard, the oyster shucking yard, studios and stables, and it can host up to 200 guests.

For photos, the textures do the work. Weathered brick, deep green ivy and open lawns give strong, simple backdrops that keep the focus on you.

Pearl earrings

Craig gets ready

Orlaith & Craig's Atalaya Castle Wedding

Orlaith and Craig celebrated at Atalaya, with its long walls and tower as the backdrop. Orlaith’s morning was easy and full of smiles as she raised a toast with her bridesmaids, and her pearl drop earrings waited on a gold tray among blush roses.

Craig chose a tan suit with a green tie, and we used a wall of ivy as his backdrop while he adjusted his tie and stood with his best man. One of the sweetest moments of the day came when he knelt to give a little one a big hug. Later, Orlaith and Craig found each other on the lawn by the ivy, and those portraits capture how relaxed they were together.

Craig with his best man

A hug for a little one

Orlaith and Craig

Danielle & Jordi's Atalaya Castle Wedding

Danielle and Jordi said their vows on the lawn in front of Atalaya’s brick tower. Wooden chairs faced a low bank of white flowers, and the castle wall rose behind them as they held hands and smiled through the ceremony.

Danielle wore a strapless gown with a long train and carried a white bouquet; Jordi wore a blue suit with a white boutonniere. Afterward we made portraits on the grass beside the lattice arches and palms, her train spread across the lawn, and another set closer to the tower, where the long walls and the palms fill the frame.

The ceremony lawn

Vows at the castle wall

By the tower

Danielle and Jordi

Photo Tips for Atalaya Castle Couples

Plan a sparkler send-off. By send-off time it’s dark, and a tunnel of sparklers glows beautifully as you leave.
Look for shade. On bright days, the walls and greenery give soft spots for portraits.

Atalaya Castle Wedding FAQ

Where is Atalaya Castle?

Atalaya is at 16148 Ocean Highway in Murrells Inlet, inside Huntington Beach State Park, south of Myrtle Beach.

How many guests can Atalaya host?

Atalaya can host up to 200 guests.

How do we receive our wedding photos?

You receive your edited images in a private online gallery that is easy to share and download.

Planning a wedding at Atalaya Castle? I would love to hear about your plans. Browse more real weddings, see other Myrtle Beach area wedding venues I photograph, or check your date with me.

TOGETHER

Together, let’s craft a narrative that is timeless, impactful, and beautifully refined. Let’s create something truly special.