15 BEST WEDDING VENUES IN CHARLESTON
Searching for the perfect Charleston wedding venue? Charleston, South Carolina is known for gorgeous chapels, beaches, plantations, museums, and historic homes. Because of these beautiful destinations, Charleston has been consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities to have a wedding. It’s hard to choose just one wedding venue in Charleston because you will love them all. This state is full of unique and charming places to say “I do.” So whether you’re planning a sweet celebration or an opulent affair, here’s a look at some of the dreamiest spaces Charleston has to offer.
Every wedding decision you make is important of course, but not all decisions are created equal! One of the biggest you'll need to make? Your wedding venue. Wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes. From small, atmospheric locations to sprawling event spaces for huge guest numbers and a big party, finding the right wedding venue for you comes down to personal style, season, and budget. Here, you'll find suggestions for unique wedding ceremony and wedding reception venues in Charleston...
Charleston Wedding Venues
Boone Hall
About: The famous Avenue Of Oaks at Boone Hall is a ¾ mile of 280 year old giant live oaks draped with Spanish moss that is one of the most breathtaking wonders of nature anywhere in the world. It is an awesome spectacle and creates a spectacular backdrop and the perfect setting to let those memories for a lifetime unfold in a variety of ways.
Location: 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, South Carolina 29464
Guest count: Up to 500
Price range: $$
Hotel Bennett
About: Hotel Bennett will surpass your dreams of what a Charleston wedding can be. From the elegant Crown Ballroom and stunning outdoor wedding locations reflecting Charleston's charm and elegance to the world-class overnight accommodations offered to your guests and bridal party, Hotel Bennett creates a wedding experience you have yet to imagine. Bridal showers at Afternoon Tea, spa pampering for the ladies, customized celebrations for the gentlemen. Let the hotel's wedding specialists assist with all of your wedding planning needs to ensure a unique ceremony and reception that reflect your personal taste.
Location: 404 King St, Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Guest count: Up to 350
Price range: $$$$
Runnymede
About: This charming, private property lies between Magnolia and Middleton Plantations in St. Andrew's parish. Like those gardens, Runnymede can be accessed from Ashley River Road. Your guests' experience begins as soon as they enter through the iron gates, down a proper, picturesque dirt path surrounded by a canopy of centuries old trees, twisting vines and Spanish moss. At the road's end, the forest opens up to reveal a vast meadow displaying pristine lawns and punctuated with magnolia trees and an oak tree so large it is a sight upon itself. Beyond the meadow, an unobstructed view of the Ashley River, lazily floating by provides the perfect backdrop for any event. The rich, Southern history is apparent through the brick ruins of the old Victorian style Estate, creating a romantic mystique, intensified as the night falls and the dramatic landscape lighting is cued.
Location: 3760 Ashley River Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29414
Guest count: Up to 500
Price range: $$
The Cedar Room
About: The Cedar Room at Mercantile and Mash, located in the celebrated Cigar Factory is an open and airy space, featuring historic wood columns, hardwood floors and original elements of the circa 1881 building. The walls consist of rustic brick and floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal a view of the architecturally acclaimed Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
The 8,000 square foot private event venue can accommodate parties and celebrations of up to 550 guests, from intimate cocktail receptions to seated dinners for 300 guests. The space features a bridal suite, built-in bar, warming kitchen and a courtyard with 1,500 square feet of additional event space. Onsite parking for guests is available after 5:00 pm.
Location: 701 E Bay St, No 200, Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Guest count: Up to 550
Price range: $$$
The Dewberry
About: A luxury escape in the heart of downtown Charleston, The Dewberry boarders historic Marion Square and is just steps from the shopping and dining on King Street. With world-class service and unparalleled views, The Dewberry occupies the former Mendel L. Rivers federal building (circa 1964), which owner, real estate developer and preservationist John Dewberry meticulously restored to glory.
Location: 334 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Guest count: Up to 300
Price range: $$
The River House
About: The intimate River House at Lowndes Grove is nestled between centuries-old live oak trees and the Ashley River waterfront in downtown Charleston - but it feels miles away from everything. Perfect for occasions of fewer than 100 guests, the River House offers casual, intimate space and a scenic backdrop with sweeping views of the Ashley River. The private venue is located on the lush grounds of historic Lowndes Grove, the last great waterfront estate of its kind on the Charleston peninsula.
Location: 266 Saint Margaret St, Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Guest count: Up to 100
Price range: $$$
Middleton Place
About: Creating lasting memories for over 250 years, Middleton Place offers ceremony and reception sites, superior catering services and relaxing accommodations — all that will be remembered for years to come. Choose an intimate garden setting under one of the hundreds of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, or perhaps the privacy of one of the Secret Gardens. A grand house built in 1755, terraced lawns and blooming color, all combine to provide a location of exceptional beauty and charm. Celebrate the wedding of your dreams at Middleton Place.
Location: 4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, South Carolina 29414
Guest count: Up to 1,000
Price range: $$$
Cannon Green
About: Cannon Green is one of Charleston's most unique properties, and indeed, a microcosm of the city itself capturing its romance, history, preservation, beauty, charm and cosmopolitan style all in one extraordinary venue. Located in the Cannonborough - Elliotborough neighborhood, Cannon Green incorporates a 19th century Charleston Single House facade within a refined and airy 80-seat restaurant, along with two adjoining entertainment spaces and lush and intimate Courtyard and our spacious Trolley Room. The result is an innovative fusion of history, hospitality, function and charm to create a vibrant space for hosting your wedding events.
Location: 103 Spring St, Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Guest count: Up to 250
Price range: $$$
Emeline
About: Brimming with Southern charm and hospitality, Emeline sits in the heart of downtown Charleston. Every aspect of life in this hotel is influenced by its surroundings and the people who visit there. The historic Charleston City Market is just a short walk from the front door of the hotel and offers an authentic way to explore the area. The hotel offers a base for people who want to explore the city, from art galleries and boutique shopping to restaurants specializing in fresh seafood. With Charleston International Airport just a 20-minute drive away, this hotel becomes the perfect place for loved ones to turn your wedding into a vacation.
Location: 181 Church Street, Charleston, SC
Guest count: Up to 250
Price range: $$$
Founders Hall
About: Founders Hall is a modern event space surrounded by history and located in beautiful Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. With a blend of concrete, wood, and glass elements, it is easy to see why this venue is such a popular choice, and the blank space gives you leeway to really make it your own for the day! Located in the heart of Charleston, this historic property is the perfect place to celebrate your next special occasion!
Location: Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Charleston, SC
Guest count: Up to 1,000
Price range: $$$
The Gadsden House
About: Located in the heart of Downtown Charleston, full of southern charm and rich history, The Gadsden House is the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties and farewell brunches. As an heirloom property featuring a recent restoration, The Gadsden House offers a seamless blend of historic character, contemporary elegance and modern amenities. Four grand parlor rooms boast original heart pine floors, impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, beautiful fireplaces, crystal chandeliers and neutral “paper white” walls, as well as a sound system and adaptive climate control. Three intimate courtyards showcase a mix of bluestone, Charleston brick and oyster tabby surfaces. Magnolias, crepe myrtles and palm trees create an intimate urban oasis. Custom tenting options ensure versatile use of the outdoor spaces, rain or shine. Expansive Southern piazzas, complete with gas lanterns and traditional “haint blue” ceilings, offer views of the property’s lush courtyard gardens and Charleston’s waterfront. A beautifully furnished bridal suite and handsomely appointed groom’s quarters allow for all day relaxation for the entire wedding party!
Location: 329 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC
Guest count: Up to 180
Price range: $$$$
Legare Waring House
About: Hold your wedding or special event among the shady, moss laden ancient avenue of oaks, crystal lagoons and year round brilliance of flowers that surround the Legare Waring House. Steeped in history, this beautiful property is located in the heart of Charles Towne Landing, the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas. Ferdinanda Izlar Legare Backer Waring transformed the raw natural landscape into one of Charleston's best-loved suburban gardens.
Location: 1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, South Carolina 29407
Guest count: Up to 200
Price range: $$$
Lowndes Grove
About: Surrounded by 14 acres of live oak groves and peaceful river views, downtown Charleston's last great waterfront estate has enchanted visitors to this idyllic setting for more than four centuries. Lowndes Grove stands proudly along the oak-lined banks of the Ashley River. Distinguished on the National Register for Historic Places, this beautifully restored estate offers an unparalleled backdrop for one-of-a-kind meetings, weddings, corporate receptions and private celebrations. The Main House showcases 1786-era architecture with period furnishings, an expansive piazza, grand lawn and sunlit terraces made of bluestone, brick and oyster tabby. Within this relaxed and refined setting, the scenic beauty of the Lowcountry unfolds with panoramic sunset views along the waterfront.
Location: 266 Saint Margaret St, Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Guest count: Up to 300
Price range: $$$
William Aitkin House
About: Sweeping ballrooms, lush private grounds and open-air piazzas make this historic 1810 mansion one of Charleston's most sought-after venues for weddings and once-in-a-lifetime occasions. A seamless blend of 18th-century charm and modern sophistication, The William Aiken House welcomes guests into a peaceful retreat just inside its stately gates on Upper King Street. Formal dining rooms and parlors showcase a collection of museum-caliber artwork and antiques, while a two-century-old magnolia tree is the centerpiece of sunlit courtyards, manicured lawns and an elegant pergola.
Location: 456 King St, Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Guest count: Up to 400
Price range: $$$
Society Hall
About: South Carolina Society Hall is regarded as one of the most historic and beautiful buildings in the nation. There is plenty of elegant dining and dancing space for weddings so you can really make your wedding your own. You'll be celebrating in a space that has seen people meeting to socialise since the 1700s making Society Hall such a one-of-kind place to host your own celebrations.
Location: 72 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
Guest count: Up to 250
Price range: $$
