There are two airports you can fly into: Charleston International Airport (1 hour and 20 min drive to Beaufort) or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (1 hour drive to Beaufort). Both airports do provide shuttle services to Beaufort. Feel free to also coordinate pick up with the bride or groom as there may be other guests you could carpool with.
If you are staying in downtown Beaufort, having a personal vehicle is not necessary, but if you are staying on any of the surrounding islands it is encouraged as you will need to travel to both Beaufort and St. Helena Island for wedding festivities.
For our Tennessee/Virgina folks it is about a 6-6 1/2 hour drive if you feel like making the trip.
Each of the recommended hotels are conveniently located in Downtown Beaufort -near plenty of shops, restaurants and the water front. The majority of the bride and grooms family will be staying in Beaufort, and all wedding festivities outside of the ceremony + reception will be held here. It is a beautiful 20 minute drive from the wedding venue. You are more than welcome to find a place on St. Helena's Island or one of the other surrounding islands (Fripp, Dataw, Pritchards, Lady's, etc.) if you would prefer.
Beaufort - It is about a 20 minute drive, there will be transportation provided for those staying in downtown Beaufort as well.