We are a Runnymede Wedding Photographer studio based in Charleston, SC.
Runnymede weddings in Charleston are set among the ancient oaks, sunlit Spanish moss, and the alluring brick ruins of the last home to grace this property on the Ashley River.
Runnymede got its name because of its similarity to Runnymede, a meadow by the River Thames in Surrey County, England. Both places have a giant oak tree in the center of the property, with meadows that open up to a river. In Runnymede Charleston’s case, its giant oak is believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
However, there are huge, beautiful ancient oaks and Magnolia trees ALL throughout Runnymede. In the early evening, sunlight lights up the cascading Spanish moss, bringing an ethereal effect to wedding photos here.
The Beauty of Runnymede
There are no physical structures at Runnymede anymore except for a small bridal room, which is new, and the ruins of the last home, built in the late 1800s after the Civil War. Runnymede has been home to several families through the centuries, beginning in 1705 as an original land grant from England. (Read more about Runnymede’s history HERE.
However, Runnymede’s beauty lies not in manmade structures, but in the towering oaks dripping in Spanish moss; the gentle flow of the Ashley River; and the big, beautiful green lawn and meadows. It’s a breathtaking place, and the embodiment of that Lowcountry vibe that’s more easily felt than described in words.
Runnymede Weddings: What to Expect
As a Charleston wedding venue, Runnymede is also convenient. Its size allows for large weddings and parking for up to 250 cars (so hard to find in Charleston!). You can have your ceremony in a few different spots. The one we photographed was right by the river under a tree. It was peaceful, calm and beautiful.
Cocktail hour is perfect set amid the ruins of the former home, where the brick fireplace extends two stories tall.
For your reception, Runnymede includes a 5000-square-foot clear tent complete with flooring. The wedding designer and planner we worked with, Fox Events, transformed this blank space into a richly hued, lush, orange-and-blue themed, classic Southern dinner party.
It has become common for the bride and groom’s Runnymede send-off to feature fireworks and a convertible getaway car. Again, this is only possible because of the empty expanse of the Runnymede property – a unique benefit of having your wedding here!
Tips for Getting Married at Runnymede
- The bridal room is very small, meant as a place to stash bags and do makeup touch-ups. We recommend you and your bridesmaids get ready off-site. Our bride, Mackenzie, got ready at The Restoration hotel in downtown Charleston.
- Since this property is a blank slate, hire a wedding coordinator and designer with an impressive portfolio. Our couple used Fox Events, a planning and design company we’ve worked with for years. Another standout and highly reputable event design company is Loluma, whom many wedding planners partner with for their design skills and enormous rental inventory.
Book Runnymede for your Charleston wedding HERE. If you’re in the early stages of wedding planning and still exploring venues, check out our other favorite Charleston wedding venues!
