If Charleston South Carolina isn't on your destination wedding radar, here’s why it should be. This coastal town is full of stunning historic buildings and classic southern charm. From amazing culinary hotspots nestled around the city, to quaint, colorful houses lining the roads – Charleston is a picturesque city for a memorable wedding day.
Reasons to Visit Charleston, South Carolina
In Charleston there's something for every type of couple, no matter the style of event you'd like to host. The Spanish moss lining the streets of South Carolina’s lowcountry gives a rustic and romantic backdrop that feels right out of a fairytale. But if that isn’t your style for an outdoor wedding, you’ve also got access to the beautiful beaches of the Carolina coastline or quaint parks and squares throughout the city.
Prefer an indoor Charleston wedding venue? From museums and historic homes to chapels and romantic restaurants, you can confidently choose a venue perfect for your wedding no matter the time of year.
Photo by Kelsey Schisler on Unsplash
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Destination Wedding Planning
Planning a destination wedding comes with its own unique set of challenges. Which is why hiring a wedding event planner based in the area will ensure you get exactly what you're looking for on the special day. These planners have their fingers on the pulse of Charleston weddings!
A Charleston Bride
A Charleston Bride, is an event planning team that has been crafting luxury events since 2001. Featured in Brides, Carrots & Cakes, and other notable wedding publications – they pride themselves on years of service and impeccable design. When you work with them, you can expect a full handoff of all planning tasks – from setting up your dream reception space, to handling guest transportation.
Photo Credit: A Charleston Bride
Engaging Events
Based in the Charleston area, Engaging Events is a team of expert planners with over 16 years of event experience. Thanks to their knowledge of the area and relationships with local vendors, their team will be able to help you narrow down exactly who is best suited to bring your vision to life. Working with a variety of budgets, themes, and styles, they guarantee a unique wedding tailored to each couple.
Photo Credit: Engaging Events
Charleston Wedding Venues
Choosing a place to host your big day is a highly personal decision, and it truly comes down to the vision you and your partner share. Luckily, there is no shortage of wedding venues in Charleston to choose from. Below are some of our favorites!
Cannon Green
Cannon Green combines luxury and sophistication with hospitality and elevated comfort food. Popular for couples planning weddings, this Charleston wedding venue offers an all-inclusive, bespoke package – focused on attention to detail and style. This package also includes an event team, who will personally tend to all venue details, such as decor, rental pieces, and more!
Photo Credit: Cannon Green
Lowndes Grove
If you're looking for a venue space with a bit of history, look no further than Lowndes Grove. With traditional 1700s architecture and 14-acres of live Oak Groves, this waterfront estate has been hosting decadent events for centuries. Depending on the size of your wedding, there's both indoor and outdoor event space and your guests will be able to enjoy picturesque coastal views of the Ashley River.
Photo Credit: Lowndes Grove
Emeline
Emmeline is an incredibly trendy boutique hotel, located in the heart of downtown, steps away from the Charleston City Market. It makes for a great urban wedding venue! The hotel offers various event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, as well as on site accommodations. This is something to consider if you have friends and family traveling in from out of state!
One of our favorite features in this cozy Charleston venue is the large outdoor fireplace in the courtyard, which makes for an extra romantic wedding ceremony space.
Photo Credit: Emeline
The Historic Rice Mill
Another popular waterfront event venue in Charleston is The Historic Rice Mill. With flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, this spot is perfect for large weddings – seating up to 300 people. If you like classic exposed brick and historic rustic features, you'll love it here. Time it right and you just may say ‘I Do’ right with a beautiful coastal sunset as your backdrop!
Photo Credit:The Historic Rice Mill
Stunning Accommodations
Something to consider when destination wedding planning for Charleston is where you'll stay after tying-the-knot. If you're planning to have a lot of guests in from out of town you’ll want to make sure that they have somewhere comfortable to stay as well. Below are some popular hotels in the area that we know you'll love!
The Ryder Hotel
A stunning boutique hotel in downtown Charleston, offering guests modern, clean finishes with a welcoming and laid-back energy. Enjoy carefully decorated rooms that are as comfortable as they are aesthetically pleasing. Once you’re checked in, pop down To Little Palm – the bar/restaurant on property, for delightful bites and delicious craft cocktails!
Photo Credit:The Ryder Hotel
The Vendue
The Vendue in Charleston is a self proclaimed ‘art hotel’ focused on showcasing 200 pieces of original art amidst top-notch hospitality. The room offerings are split up into playful and eccentric at the Vendue or rooms more suited to a cozy sanctuary at the Enclave. Carefully decorated spaces to retreat to, split between two historic buildings – we guarantee you've never stayed anywhere quite like this.
Photo Credit:The Vendue
The Cottages on Charleston Harbor
If you and your partner are looking for lodging that feels a bit more secluded and relaxed, consider staying at The Cottages on Charleston Harbor. Nestled right on the water with stunning views of the harbor and a quiet atmosphere, the spacious cottages are a perfect sanctuary still near the excitement of Charleston proper.
Sip your coffee in a rocking chair and enjoy the fresh air from the privacy of your own space. Plus you can encourage your family and wedding party to rent cottages as they sleep up to six people.
Photo Credit:The Cottages on Charleston Harbor
Local Vendors to Make Your Day Perfect
While we do recommend working with your wedding planner to find the perfect vendors for your day, we've sourced a few popular picks in the area, so you can start your research strong!
- Rosemary & Rye Catering
- Flora Fine Wedding + Event Flowers
- Squeeze Cocktails & Beverage Catering
- Julie Livingston Photography
- Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal
- Meg Workman Hair & Makeup
Start Planning Your Destination Wedding Today!
I don't know about you, but seeing these photos makes me want to get married all over again, just to enjoy a classic Charleston wedding. Fill out our form today to work with our expert travel planning team. Also, be sure to create a free Celebration Wishes account today and use our top-notch tools to start planning your special day!
