There are SO many fantastic Charleston wedding venues to choose from. Historic homes, a former cigar factory, boutique hotels, high-end resorts, museums, churches – even an old movie theater. There’s a lot to explore here, and something to suit every taste and preference. Below are our favorite Charleston wedding venues. Click each of the Charleston wedding venues below for more information – and more photos – so you can be inspired to plan your own Charleston wedding. Once you have your date and location booked, check your date with us! We’d love to be there for you as your Charleston wedding photographers.
The Cedar Room – Located in the historic Cigar Factory, it’s a beautiful blank canvas of high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, wood floors, exposed brick and original wood columns from the 1881 building. It works for a modern wedding or a classic wedding, and it’s a good size for large weddings and events.
Lowndes Grove – One of the most popular Charleston wedding venues, Lowndes Grove is a historic home, built in 1786, on the Ashley River in downtown Charleston. Ceremonies right by the river are peaceful, and the early evening light is sublime. Sip cocktails on the lawn, and dine and dance under a tent right by the house. Lowndes Grove will let you feel like you’re at a grand waterfront lawn party from another era.
William Aiken House – This 1807 home has been restored to its original state by owner Patrick Properties. Your guests will dine under stunning chandeliers, surrounded by colorful walls, period furniture and family portraits. Get married in front of the reflecting pool in the courtyard or in front of the Gothic-style carriage house, then head inside for dinner. If the weather is good, stay outdoors right under the sky or a tent.
Runnymede – Runnymede is unique because of the ruins of the old Victorian home that once graced the property. All that’s left are the brick structure of the fireplace and chimney and the ancient giant oaks that are hundreds of years old. Get married by the Ashley River, right under those beautiful oaks. Have cocktails by the fireplace ruins. Then dine and dance under a clear tent the rest of the night.
Gibbes Museum – We love the Gibbes Museum because it’s not your typical Charleston wedding venue. Instead of pastels, you get earthier colors, wood accents, and a more modern look. There’s a beautiful room inside where you can have an indoor ceremony. Guests can have cocktail hour inside as well. And then most people have the reception under a tent in the courtyard.
The Restoration – A swanky boutique hotel; 360-degree rooftop views of Charleston; gorgeous exposed-brick suites; and a luxury experience all around. As a small hotel, The Restoration is perfect for micro-weddings and elopements. It also makes a great getting-ready location for your wedding day.
The Cottages on Charleston Harbor – The Cottages on Charleston Harbor is under the radar as a Charleston wedding venue since it’s technically located in Mount Pleasant. However, it’s only 5 minutes from downtown and sits right on Charleston Harbor. Guests can stay in unique waterfront cottages. It’s a peaceful refuge away from the busy downtown.
The American Theater – Off-beat and unique, The American Theater is a former 1940s movie theater with art-deco design. Have your ceremony in the movie theater itself, with the reception in the expansive checkerboard-floor ballroom. Cocktail hour is fun inside the Stars Lounge, where the former popcorn and candy bar is now a cocktail bar. You can even get your names on the marquee outside!
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens – Magnolia is more well-known for its expansive gardens than the house or even its history. But even still, instead of hiding it, Magnolia puts its history right up front. It pays homage and respect to the slaves who worked the property, planting and maintaining the famous gardens. It has also made great strides in educating about slavery.
Kiawah Resort – For higher budgets and the desire for privacy, Kiawah Resort is a Charleston-area wedding venue about 45 minutes outside of town. You have the river, ocean, marshland and golf courses as your backdrop. It’s a natural-feeling, organic place. But make no mistake. Kiawah is all about luxury and top-notch service.
Legare-Waring House – Located within Charles Towne Landing, South Carolina’s first permanent settlement as one of the 13 original colonies of England, the house dates back to the 1840s. But the real reason to get married here is to have the lush gardens and giant, moss-draped oaks of the park all around you. It’s a peaceful, beautiful place with endless photo locations.
Trying to decide whether Charleston is a good location for your destination wedding? Check here for a list of things your guests can do while in Charleston!