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Updated Oct 14, 2024These 13 Charleston Wedding Venues Have the Southern Charm You're Looking For
Plan your big day at one of these beautiful Lowcountry locales.
Rich in history and oozing with Southern charm, many people dream of saying 'I do' at a wedding venue in Charleston, South Carolina. As you drive through King Street, along the oak groves and the cobblestone streets, you'll be swept back to 1670, when the city was originally founded. Unlike some like towns of Savannah or New Orleans, Charleston has a more understated glamour, offering classic pastel homes, horse-drawn carriage rides through the French Quarter, and of course, waterfront elegance.
You and your soon-to-be spouse decide to have a wedding experience by the ocean in Folly Beach, Johns Island or Kiawah Island. Or, if you prefer, plan your big day in the heart of downtown Charleston, dotted along Cooper River, inside or near historic homes. No matter what you choose, these wedding venues in Charleston, SC will impress for local gatherings and destination weddings alike.
Here, our guide to the most amazing options in this romantic Southern oasis:
The William Aiken House in Charleston, South Carolina
If you're unfamiliar, Williams Aiken was the 61st governor of South Carolina, holding office in the 1840s. He was one of the wealthiest residents in the area, and thus, his home offers grandiose Southern hospitality, among the oak trees. Originally built in 1810, the owners have worked tirelessly to maintain period artwork and antiques, as well as formal dining rooms and the health of a two-century-old magnolia tree in the courtyard. They have various wedding venue options, including ballrooms with hardwood floors, private gardens, courtyards, piazzas, and more. Also, consider using one of their drawing rooms as your bridal suite! Since it's a historic landmark, you'll feel part of its story, all while enjoying the touches of modern luxury.
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The American Theater in Charleston, South Carolina
Fans of 'The Notebook' may recognize this Charleston wedding venue since it was the first date location for Noah and Allie. And perhaps, it can be the dreamy start to your marriage with your person. Also offering historic Southern charm, this was the city's first movie house, opened in 1942. The style has remained much of the same, including touches of Hollywood glamour and Art Deco architecture fit for the Oscars themselves. For couples who want speeches, slideshows, movies or videos as part of their celebration, you can use their stadium seating to screen anything. (Might we suggest that for the rehearsal dinner, or potentially as your bridal suite while getting ready with bridesmaids!) For tying the knot, you can book the Grand Ballroom that features — wait for it — chandeliers made out of handmade milk glass!
The Creek Club at I'On in Charleston, South Carolina
For a destination wedding, The Creek Club might be your best bet! A hop and a skip from historic downtown Charleston, this part-indoor, part-outdoor wedding venue option has 2,000 square feet of space to design your special day. Your wedding ceremony will be in front of beach and marsh views, and your reception could be held on a sweeping porch that oozes Southern hospitality. While they do offer many wedding packages, including food and drink, they also allow couples to bring in their own alcohol, which could be a big plus if you're picky about what is served to your guests.
The Vendue in Charleston, South Carolina
If you desire sophistication for your wedding day, The Vendue could be the venue you say 'I do' at! It's in the heart of downtown Charleston's French Quarter and offers two former warehouses that are across the street from another. Rather than having to transport guests between locations, they can simply take a stroll! The two warehouses are similar but distinct, with one built in the 19th century and another in the 1780s. They are part of the National Register of Historic Buildings and continue to be immaculately maintained. For venue spaces, consider the private dining option of The Gallery Room for up to 75 guests. It offers exposed bricks, original artwork and other smart touches. Another more modern option is their restaurant, Revival. For your rehearsal dinner? Ask about their wedding packages that include cocktails on the roof!
Hotel Bennett in Charleston, South Carolina
Though you are in South Carolina, you may feel like you've been transported by to Europe when you step foot into this wedding venue located in the historic district. It's about as elegant as it gets for a dreamy wedding, offering more than 12,000 square feet of event space. The options are plenty: a Piazza with a view of downtown Charleston, the Crown Ballroom with 30-foot ceilings, or The Observatory for a more intimate, micro wedding or elopement. A fun distinction from other Charleston wedding venues is their creative menu options for a reception. Rather than only offering fish, chicken or steak, you can take it up a notch and choose a tapas station, a poke bowl station, or a roasted oysters display. (And of course, if you want Lowcountry noms, they can do that, too!) Yum!
Mills House in Charleston, South Carolina
Locals of Charleston can't get enough of Lowcountry fare. And they probably want to offer it to their wedding guests for their big day! Enter: the event venue of the Mills House, with an executive chef who leads a culinary team through creative and mouthwatering Southern-inspired eats. The house itself, dating back to 1853, is also impressive. And of course, romantic! It's in downtown Charleston, with a rooftop that overlooks Meeting Street. Whether you'd like an indoor or outdoor ceremony or reception, they can accommodate small to mid-size parties in a gorgeous, dreamy pavilion. As a bonus, it's near Wyndham Grand Hotel, so your tipsy friends and family can easily mosey home at the end of the night.
Cannon Green in Charleston, South Carolina
A country club is a nice idea, sure. But what's better? A hands-on Charleston wedding venue that goes above-and-beyond to make wedding planning easy and fun. Instead of stressing out during the wedding planning process, let this hands-on, full-service Charleston wedding venue take care of the details for you. Former brides and grooms rave about their 'turn-key' wedding experience, led by a fantastic team of wedding planners. You can choose from three event sites on the property or use all three if you'd like multiple areas. The Garden Room is great for your cocktail hour, The Courtyard is perfect for the ceremony, and the Trolley Room will fit the bill of your reception. All of the ingredients served by the on-site catering are created with local ingredients and pay tribute to the South Carolina region. Whether you are having an intimate wedding or a large celebration, you can find the right mix in this South Carolina gem.
Historic Rice Mill Building in Charleston, South Carolina
Drenched in history and nestled waterfront, you'll be in love with this Charleston wedding venue from the moment you step on the property. There are indoor and outdoor spaces, including the historic rice mill itself, which will dazzle you with wide-plank floors, a mahogany bar, and exposed bricks. (Not to mention oversized windows that let beautiful, picture-perfect natural light in.) Or, you can exchange vows and dance the night away outside, counting the endless tapestry of stars in the sky. For the food? South Carolina doesn't disappoint! It's handled by Events by Good Food, which specializes in French, Asian and classic, Lowcountry Charleston recipes.
Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Charleston is Museum Mile, where you can find multiple historic homes and modern buildings, all dedicated to telling South Carolina history. The Gibbes Museum of Art features — you guessed it — masterpieces but also places to become spouses. There is a glass dome in the rotunda, a 12,000-square foot garden, and more. This unique setting will make for incredible wedding photos since you can pose in front of sculptures, paintings and greenery.
Governor Thomas Bennett House in Charleston, South Carolina
If you're unfamiliar, Thomas Bennett was a prominent political leader in the early 1800s. Not only was he the Mayor of the City of Charleston, but he was also a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives for three terms. Plus, he later served in the South Carolina Senate and then governor of the state. His home is now part of a historical landmark and a picture-perfect setting for your wedding. For duos who crave the outdoors, this Crescent Garden is beautiful, including blooms, a fountain, and a 200-year-old oak tree that provides much-needed shade from the southern sun. This 1825 home offers a suite for both brides and grooms to get ready and parking for up to 200 guests. Best of all? It's in the heart of downtown Charleston, making it accessible for in and out-of-town guests alike.
Dogwood Downs in Charleston, South Carolina
A little south of Charleston is this rustic, charming venue that can host anywhere from 30 to 500 people. It's family-owned and operated and will make all of your guests feel right at home. This quiet retreat from the chaos of the city is surrounded by greenery, oak trees, a lush lawn and a pond, all ideal for an outdoor ceremony. They also offer 15 tables and 100 chairs, so you won't have to rent them yourself.
