It’s wedding season, Charleston. (You probably have two invitations on your fridge + a response card you meant to mail last week on your kitchen counter as we speak).
With Charleston being a top wedding destination for this year, we are helping you check off a nuptial necessity from your checklist – the venue.
The question has been asked, the ring is on your (or your fiance’s) finger, and people are starting to ask – when + where? Whether you’re planning to elope or have a formal 300 guest affair, one of the first things to consider is the ceremony + reception venue(s)– which will serve as a prime memory when you look back on your wedding photos in years to come.
As you know, there is an infinite number of venues around the Lowcountry– so not to overwhelm y’all, I’ve compiled just a handful of locales, broken them down by size.
Scroll on to view the venues that are sure fit your style, budget, + make your Pinterest wedding dreams come true.
Elopement:
Magnolia Plantation, 3550 Ashley River Rd., West Ashley
While this venue can accommodate up to 250 guests, one of their best features is their willingness to open their beautiful gardens for your intimate elopement. You + your future spouse can capture your vows nestled under swooping oak trees or anywhere else on the property that you’d like.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Guest Count: Four– the couple, photographer, + officiant
Flat fee: $500
White Point Gardens, 2 Murray Blvd.
Located at the tip of the peninsula next to the Battery, White Point Gardens’ large gazebo is the perfect location for a quintessential Charleston elopement – complete with stunning waterfront views. A city permit is required to reserve the gazebo.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Guest Count: 25 maximum
Starting cost: Permit prices vary based on the complexity of the event
Other parks to consider: Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, Pelican Watch Pavilion, Old Towne Creek County Park, Cypress Hall
Small
The Vendue Inn,19 Vendue Range
If you have a love for art, boutique hotels, rooftop bars, + waterfront views – then this is the venue for you. Their art gallery, which features work from artists throughout the year, can be transformed into a formal affair for your ceremony, reception, + rooftop after party.
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Guest Count: 25-75
Rental fee: $200+
Other Art Galleries to consider: The Gibbes Museum of Art
Edmund’s Oast, 1081 Morrison Dr.
For those willing to think outside of the traditional wedding venue, this restaurant can accommodate up to 100 guests in a private event. Their outdoor space has its own bar and is temperature controlled – to make sure you + your guests have the time of your lives.
Indoor/Outdoor: Both options available
Guest Count: 30-100
Starting cost: $2,000
Other restaurants to consider: High Cotton, Cannon Green, Five Church, 39 Rue De Jean, Circa 1886, McCrady’s, Poogan’s Porch, Stars Rooftop Bar & American Grill
Medium
Merchants Hall | Photo by @aaronandjillian
Merchant’s Hall, 36 North Market St., Second Floor
A circa 1856 building in the heart of downtown. With luxurious interiors, history, + a large, open floor plan, this venue is sure to check all the boxes on your list.
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Guest Count: 210
Rental fee: $1,800-$4,000
Upstairs at Midtown, 559 King St.
Wow your guests with a rooftop ceremony followed by dinner in a circa-1760 building. Included in the rental rate is an in-house coordinator to make sure your event is perfect from beginning to end.
Indoor/Outdoor: Both options available
Guest Count: 60-150
Rental fee: $1,000-$1250
Hall’s Signature Events, 5 Faber St.
This renovated warehouse in the heart of the French Quarter features a full bar with marble top, a beautiful lobby with a piano, + a petite mezzanine lounge.
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Guest Count: 250
Rental fee: $1,500-$2,500
Others downtown venues to consider: The Room on Meeting
Hall’s Signature Events– This renovated warehouse in the heart of the French Quarter features a full bar with marble top, a beautiful lobby with a piano, + a petite mezzanine lounge.
Where: 5 Faber St.
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Guest Count: 250
Rental fee: $1,500-$2,500
Carolina Girl Yacht, St. John’s Yacht Harbor, 2408 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island
Castaway with your love – and with all of your closest family + friends – on this gorgeous three-story yacht. Say your vows overlooking the Battery, and then head down to the lower level for a full reception + dancing.
Indoor/Outdoor: Both options available
Guest Count: 150
Rental fee: $2,500-$3,600
Other vessels to consider: Charleston Harbor Tours
The Dewberry, 334 Meeting St.
A Southern modernist’s dream – this 5-star hotel combines timeless elegance + historic charm. With multiple rooms + seating options, you’re sure to find a space to meet your nuptial needs.
Indoor/Outdoor: Both options available
Guest Count: 150
Rental fee: $3,500+
Other hotels to consider: Belmond, Francis Marion, The Mills House, The Elliott House Inn, Planters Inn, Hotel Bennett
Large
Dogwood Downs, 7058 Old Jacksonboro Rd., Ravenel
Whether you’re looking for an intimate affair or a large party, this beautiful landscape is surrounded by serene woodlands, historic oaks, + stunning gardens.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Guest Count: 500
Rental fee: $2,000-$3,500
Boone Hall Plantation, 1235 Long Point Rd, Mount Pleasant
A favorite amongst celebs, Blake Lively + Ryan Reynolds were married here in 2012, the plantation’s famous ‘Avenue Of Oaks’ includes ¾ mile of giant oak trees + Spanish moss to set the backdrop for your special day.
Indoor/Outdoor: Both options available
Guest Count: 300
Rental fee: $1,500-$4,600
Other plantations + parks to consider: Old Towne Creek County Park, Lowndes Grove Plantation, McLeod Plantation, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, The Lake House at Bulow, Founders Hall, Edisto Hall at James Island County Park, Middleton Place, Laurel Hill Plantation, Alhambra Hall
The Cedar Room, 701 East Bay St., #200
Located in the celebrated Cigar Factory, this industrial space– circa 1881– includes historic elements, floor-to-ceiling windows, a bridal suite, + courtyard.
Indoor/Outdoor: Both options available
Guest Count: 550
Rental fee: Contact sales manager for pricing
Other industrial venues to consider: Historic Rice Mill Building, Macintosh
William Aiken House, 456 King St.
Ballrooms, private gardens, + piazzas make will make your event the perfect Southern affair. This 18th-century mansion is handicap accessible + sits right in the middle of bustling King St.
Indoor/Outdoor: Both options available
Guest Count: 500
Rental fee: Contact property manager for pricing
Other historic homes to consider: The Parsonage, The Gadsden House, The Governor Thomas Bennett House, The Wickliffe House, Legare Waring House
For the beach brides + grooms
The Island House, 2658 Swygert Blvd.
Say “I do” at sunset with breathtaking views of the Stono River + the quiet sounds of Lowcountry wildlife. The island house has plenty of space for your bridal party to get ready + can accommodate parties large + small.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Guest Count: 300
Rental fee: $2,200-$5,500
Other beachfront venues to consider: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, The Cottages On Charleston Harbor, The Citadel Beach Club, Wild Dunes Resort, The Tides at Folly, The Creek at I’On, Dunes West Golf Club, Patriots Point Links
Please note: This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list. If we missed you, let us know by commenting below. Additionally, pricing varies based on rental fee, day of the week, guest count, + other factors. We recommend calling with your wedding details for a personalized quote.
