The Complete Guide to Hiring a Live Wedding Painter in Charleston, SC (And Beyond!)
So you just got engaged — first of all, CONGRATULATIONS! You deserve all the champagne and happy tears. Now that the ring is on and the excitement is settling in, you’re probably deep in the rabbit hole of wedding planning, trying to figure out how to make your day feel completely, unmistakably *you*. If you’ve stumbled onto this post, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen a live wedding painter at work somewhere on your Pinterest feed or Instagram or even live at a wedding and thought — wait, that’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. Can I have that?
Yes. Yes, you absolutely can. And here’s everything you need to know about making it happen!
What Even Is Live Wedding Painting?
A live wedding painter is an artist who comes to your wedding and paints a scene from your day — in real time, right there while you two tie the knot and celebrate the night away. Whether it’s your first kiss at the altar of a grand Charleston church, the two of you swaying under Spanish moss at a Lowcountry estate, or the movement and joy of your first dance — your live painter captures it all as it unfolds, creating a one-of-a-kind heirloom you’ll have forever.
Guests love it. They’ll drift over throughout the night, watching the painting come to life, marveling at the process. It’s entertainment and keepsake art all in one. Honestly? It might be the most talked-about decision you make for your whole wedding.
Step 1: Find Your Painter (And Don’t Settle!)
Here’s the thing about live wedding painters — we are not a one-size-fits-all bunch. Every artist has a completely different style. Some work in soft, impressionistic watercolors. Others paint bold, expressive oils or acrylics! Some lean romantic and dreamy; others are more detailed and realistic. Take your time exploring, because the painting style that makes your heart skip a beat matters just as much as anything else.
A few things to consider as you browse:
Do you want someone local?
If you’re getting married in Charleston or anywhere along the South Carolina or Georgia coast — Hilton Head, Beaufort, Bluffton, Savannah, St Simons Island — a Charleston-based painter (hi, that’s me!) will know the light, the venues, and the Lowcountry magic intimately. There’s something special about working with someone who loves this place as much as you do.
Or are you drawn to a painter from somewhere else?
That is completely valid and honestly, kind of wonderful. If you fall in love with an artist’s style and personality no matter where they’re based, it might be worth the travel fee to bring them in. Many live wedding painters — including me! — travel all over the country and the world for weddings. I’m based in Charleston but I’ve painted at weddings far and wide, and I’ll hop on a plane in a heartbeat.
The most important thing: personality matters.
This person will be at your wedding. They’ll be set up in the corner of your venue, painting through your vows, your first dance, your toasts. You want someone who genuinely cares about you and your day — someone who’s rooting for you, not just executing a job. When you’re looking at artists, read their posts, watch their stories and reels, get a feel for who they are. Does their energy feel right? Do you think you’d enjoy chatting with them? Trust your gut.
(Psst — if you’re curious about my style and what I’m like to work with, I’d love for you to explore my website and my Instagram! I post on my stories all throughout wedding days, so you can really get a look at the process and get to know me through it all!
Step 2: Send in an Inquiry
Once you’ve found a painter (or a short list of painters!) whose work genuinely moves you, the next step is simple: reach out. Most artists have an inquiry form on their website where you can share your wedding date and details.
Don’t be shy! This is the beginning of what could be a really fun relationship. When you reach out, share your date, your venue, and a little bit about the vibe you’re going for. The painter will come back to you with information about their availability, pricing, travel logistics if needed, and their process.
If that’s me you’re reaching out to — I would absolutely love to hear from you.
You can fill out my availability form here and I’ll be in touch!
Step 3: Hop on a Call Together
If your inquiry goes well and you’re feeling the connection, ask about scheduling a phone call or Zoom! This step is so important and so underrated in the vendor hiring process.
Hearing someone’s voice (or seeing their face!) changes everything. You get to feel their enthusiasm for their work, ask any questions you have, and — just as importantly — let them get to know you. What’s your venue like? What moments matter most to you? Are you picturing something grand and sweeping or intimate and quiet?
I genuinely love these calls. I want to know what made you fall in love, what you’re most excited about on your wedding day, what you’re low-key nervous about, if I can help with anything (I recently got married also & totally understand how overwhelming wedding planning can be!). The more I know about you, the better I can serve you — and the more intentional and personal your painting will be.
Step 4: The Plan for Your Painting
Everyone’s process is a little different, but here’s how mine works once we’ve connected and you’re interested in moving forward:
We’ll chat through the details together. Canvas size is a big one — the size of the painting affects how many detail we can include in the painting and ultimately where it’ll live in your home. We’ll talk through what feels right for your space and your vision.
We will also begin chatting about the moment you want captured in the painting! But don’t worry – this doesn’t have to be set in stone until our 1 month out call!
We’ll explore any add-ons that interest you:
– Prints — so you can gift family members their own print of the painting
– Framing — I can help you with beautiful framing so it’s truly ready to hang or help you find a local framer
– Dress illustration — a stunning standalone portrait of your gown, perfect as a gift to yourself or your mom
And if you don’t decide on add-ons right away, no pressure at all — these can always be added later or gifted by loved ones!
Step 5: Lock in Your Date — and Pop the Champagne!
Once we’ve figured out size, any add-ons, and worked through travel logistics if needed, I’ll send over an invoice and contract to officially secure your date on my calendar.
And then? We are booked!! 🥂
From that moment on, I am your biggest cheerleader. I mean that. I love weddings deeply and I love the couples I get to work with. Have a question about your timeline? Ask me. Need a vendor recommendation in Charleston or Georgia or anywhere I have traveled? I’ve got thoughts. Just want to talk about ideas because you’re excited? I’m here for it. I love all of it.
Step 6: The Month-Before Call
About a month before your wedding, we’ll reconnect for another call to go through the logistics of your big day together. This is where the fun really starts.
We’ll talk through your timeline and figure out the details of what I’ll paint. And there are so many options:
– Your first kiss
– Your vows
– Your first dance
– A favorite venue detail — a grand staircase, a moss-draped oak, a candlelit tablescape.
As we chat, I’ll ask questions and really listen until I fully understand your vision. Whether we’re capturing a grand historic church in downtown Charleston or a golden sunset at a Hilton Head beach wedding, I want to paint your story — not a generic wedding scene.
(Have a dog you want included in the painting? A late grandmother’s brooch you’re wearing? A detail that means everything to you? Tell me. The options are truly endless.)
Step 7: Wedding Day — The Magic Happens
On your wedding day, I’ll arrive 2–3 hours before the ceremony to set up and begin on the background of the painting. By the time your guests arrive, there’s already something beautiful to look at — and they’ll be captivated all night watching it evolve.
When the moment happens — whether that’s your first kiss, your first dance, whatever scene we’ve decided to capture — I’ll take a reference video to capture your faces and the energy of that split second. Then I get to work adding the two of you to the canvas.
Throughout the evening, I’ll continue painting as guests wander over, watch, ask questions, and admire the work in progress. It becomes its own little hub of joy at your reception.
And then — the reveal. At the end of the night, we’ll do a big reveal of your finished painting. Most of the time, it’s complete and ready to go home with you or a family member that very night. On certain occasions, I will take the painting home with me – like if you book my 30×40 (the largest size) or if it is a shorter wedding, and I will ship it to you after I complete it in my studio!
Ready to Make It Happen?
If you’re dreaming of a live wedding painting at your Charleston wedding — or anywhere in the SC Lowcountry, Savannah, Hilton Head, or honestly anywhere in the world — I would absolutely love to be your painter.
I’m Kate Scrivner, a Charleston-based live wedding and portrait artist. I pour my whole heart into every wedding I paint, and I would be so honored to be part of yours.
Click here to check my availability and send in an inquiry!
Let’s make something beautiful together!
Want to see my of my work? Click here to open my portfolio page!
Photo by Lindsey Morgan Photography
