5.0
Praised by couples for:
Amenities
Guests comfort
Unique aesthetic style
Woodland Weddings on the Water
Holds ceremonies and receptions
Working with Margaret and the OWA was the best decision I made for our wedding! The venue is absolutely stunning and Margaret was so easy to work with and so kind. I truly couldn’t recommend this venue enough. I want to relive our wedding day over again and again!
Brooke L.
5.0
We could not have imagined a more beautiful place to celebrate our daughter’s wedding than Old Wide Awake. From the moment we arrived, we fell in love with the beauty and charm of the property. The house is absolutely stunning, full of character, and the grounds provided the most gorgeous setting. It’s truly so timeless and elegant.
Many guests told us it was the most beautiful wedding they had ever been to. It truly felt like a dream come true. Every detail came together beautifully, and Old Wide Awake was perfect for all of the wonderful memories we made with our family and friends.
All the staff were so kind and helpful throughout the whole process. We are incredibly grateful that we were able to celebrate our daughter and son-in-law at such a beautiful place.
Kim W.
5.0
AWARD WINNER (6X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
The Old Wide Awake is a wedding venue located in Hollywood, SC. Situated just off of Route 17, the property lies between Charleston and Savannah. This waterfront estate has undergone a number of renovations since it first opened its doors in 1991. Today, the extended patio and sheltered, two-tiered porch provide guests with a substantial amount of space to host outdoor events.
This mansion has been the host of many events since the early 90s. Overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway at the Stono River, this venue offers wide views of the calm waters. The ivy-covered walls provide a setting for photos of the wedding party. Guests can unwind with a game of golf at the nearby Stono Ferry Golf Course.
This estate caters to both small and large wedding and rehearsal events. The tall trees that line the entrance to the property create a natural setting for an intimate ceremony. The addition of outdoor market lights creates a suitable setting for late-evening alfresco parties, as the bright reflections bounce across the dark water. Sheltered space outdoors can be arranged to accommodate a variety of weather conditions. A large tent/gazebo can be assembled over the recently installed patio area to establish an outdoor space for dining and dancing. The mansion itself sits in the center of the property, surrounded by a porch that wraps around the entire exterior of the building. This 2,500-square-foot deck area can accommodate a variety of celebrations from cocktail hours to wedding toasts. The brick steps leading up to the main entrance are covered in dark green ivy, quite familiar around Charlestons most historic homes and properties, and can be bedecked with glowing lanterns in the evenings.
The Old Wide Awake wedding venue offers a separate wedding-planning service, where their experienced staff can assist in finding the right setup for your event. You and your partner will be given a tour of the property and encouraged to discuss your ideas. This allows the team to gain a genuine understanding of your individual style and your expectations for the day. Sound and lighting apparatus can be added to parties to ensure that every aspect of the event is experienced through high-quality equipment. The wedding planner can take care of the setup and breakdown of the event to make the process easier for you on the big day. Our venue does ask that you have a professional wedding planner. This venue also accommodates pet-owners, ensuring that no member of the family is left out.
31+ years in business
Speaks English
Small team (2-10 members)
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
On-Site Accommodations
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Estate
Historic Venue
Tented
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Packages
Destination Wedding Planning
Planning
Destination Wedding Planning
Service Staff
Awards and Affiliations
6-Time 'Best of Weddings'
2026.2025.2022.+3 more.
Best of Weddings
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Hall of Fame
Earned by winning 'Best of Weddings' four or more times.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.092 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Old Wide Awake is a breathtaking Charleston venue with a historic house, tunnel of oaks, lush grounds, and spacious getting-ready rooms. Reviewers praised the professional, accommodating staff and coordinator for seamless planning and vendor coordination. The property’s flexibility, all-day access, and beautiful settings made weddings feel magical and stress-free.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
Brooke L
5.0
Working with Margaret and the OWA was the best decision I made for our wedding! The venue is absolutely stunning and Margaret was so easy to work with and so kind. I truly couldn’t...
recommend this venue enough. I want to relive our wedding day over again and again!
Kim W
5.0
We could not have imagined a more beautiful place to celebrate our daughter’s wedding than Old Wide Awake. From the moment we arrived, we fell in love with the beauty and charm of ...
the property. The house is absolutely stunning, full of character, and the grounds provided the most gorgeous setting. It’s truly so timeless and elegant.
Many guests told us it was the most beautiful wedding they had ever been to. It truly felt like a dream come true. Every detail came together beautifully, and Old Wide Awake was perfect for all of the wonderful memories we made with our family and friends.
All the staff were so kind and helpful throughout the whole process. We are incredibly grateful that we were able to celebrate our daughter and son-in-law at such a beautiful place.
Any questions?
Breonna M
5.0
Old Wide Awake was everything we dreamed of and more. From the moment we toured the venue, we completely fell in love with it. We knew right away it was where we wanted to get marr...
ied, and it exceeded every expectation on our wedding day.
Margaret is truly one of the sweetest and most wonderful people you'll ever meet. She was there every step of the way, always happy to answer my many questions and offer guidance whenever I needed it. She made the entire planning process so much less stressful, and she will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
The venue itself is absolutely breathtaking. While the ceremony and reception spaces are outdoors, having the beautiful historic house to get ready in (with much-appreciated air conditioning!) was perfect. The house is stunning, and the outdoor spaces are just as incredible. Everything was so green, lush, and full of natural beauty. We received countless compliments from our guests, who were all in awe of how gorgeous the venue was.
One of the things we loved most was the location. It may be a little farther out than some other venues, but that's part of what makes it so special. The drive is absolutely worth it. Once you arrive, it feels like you've escaped into your own private, peaceful world, making the entire day feel even more magical.
If we could do our wedding day all over again, we would choose Old Wide Awake every single time. If you're considering booking this venue, let this be your sign... do it! You won't regret it. It truly is the most beautiful place to celebrate one of the best days of your life.
Blair H
5.0
f we could give Margaret Mackenzie 10 stars, we would. From the very beginning, Margaret felt less like a wedding planner and more like a fairy godmother who somehow made every sin...
gle dream we had not only possible, but even more beautiful than we imagined.
Planning a wedding at Old Wide Awake already comes with the advantage of one of the most stunning venues in Charleston — but having Margaret as both our planner and the venue’s event manager was absolutely invaluable. Her knowledge of the property, her deep experience planning weddings there, and her incredible vendor relationships made the entire process feel seamless. She knew every detail, every possibility, every logistical consideration, and every person needed to bring our vision to life.
And to say we had ideas would be an understatement.
We came to Margaret with so many concepts that pushed beyond the “standard” wedding setup at the venue, including one particularly ambitious vision: a single 140-person dinner table running down the iconic Avenue of Oaks. Instead of hesitation or limitations, Margaret’s response was always: “Yep, let’s do it.” Her “say yes” attitude made the entire experience feel exciting, collaborative, and creative. She never made us feel like our ideas were too complicated or too unconventional — she embraced them wholeheartedly and then worked tirelessly behind the scenes to actually make them happen.
What truly sets Margaret apart is that she goes far beyond logistics and timelines. Her calm, friendly demeanor and genuine excitement for our wedding carried us through every stressful moment of planning. You could feel how much she cared, and that energy made all the difference. She celebrated alongside us, reassured us when we needed it, and somehow made the entire process feel joyful instead of overwhelming.
By the time our September 2025 wedding arrived, everything felt effortless — and that’s entirely because Margaret had thought through every detail with such care and expertise. Our wedding was beyond anything we could have imagined, and so much of that magic came from her.
We truly cannot say enough wonderful things about Margaret Mackenzie. If you are planning a wedding in Charleston, especially at Old Wide Awake, hiring her is one of the best decisions you could possibly make. We would recommend her 10,000 times over without hesitation.
Response from Old Wide Awake
Blair and Zack, Without a doubt...
OLD WIDE AWAKE was the most beautiful backdrop for your...
vision. I was certainly blessed to be a part of it. It was my pleasure, my joy - I promise!
Thank you for listing some of your incredible photos which certainly reflect how gorgeous your day was, and just what you envisioned.
The southern charm and grace of Old Wide Awake set the day up to be just perfect for you both, in my opinion.
Stay in touch with me, as you can:) Margaret McKenzie
Sophia R
5.0
This was a dream venue from start to finish. The venue coordinator, Margaret, was so easy to work with. She helped me every step of the way with the planning and details and was ve...
ry responsive when I needed her. The beauty of the location is unmatched. It’s on a quiet piece of property right outside of Charleston and has an old southern charm that is unique and special. I would choose Old Wide Awake again and again!!
Susan C
5.0
A True Fairytale, Saved in the Final Hours
We cannot say enough about Margaret McKenzie and her team who stepped in and transformed what could have been a crisis into the fairytale...
our daughter had always dreamed of. With just over three weeks to go, our original planner walked away — and in stepped someone who not only took the reins with grace and confidence, but elevated every detail beyond anything we imagined.
From the moment she arrived, she brought calm, clarity, and a sense of “we’ve got this” that our whole family desperately needed. She learned our daughter’s vision overnight, advocated for her at every turn, and coordinated vendors, timelines, décor, and logistics with the kind of professionalism and heart you rarely find. The venue staff worked seamlessly with her, and together they created a day that felt magical from start to finish.
Our daughter’s wedding was truly a fairytale — elegant, joyful, and beautifully orchestrated — and it simply would not have happened without her stepping in when she did. We are forever grateful for her talent, her kindness, and her ability to turn a stressful situation into the most unforgettable celebration.
If you’re looking for someone who can deliver beauty, organization, and genuine care — even under pressure — look no further. Margaret is extraordinary!
Old Wide Awake is an amazing venue and was the PERFECT setting for our daughter's black tie wedding. Our friends and family can't stop talking about how stunning the venue was and the amazing meal and service provided by Cru Catering!
Hope R
5.0
Old Wide Awake is a wedding venue we would choose over and over again! Margaret is a kind and professional venue operator who guided us through the process step-by-step with so muc...
h grace and poise. Everything that was presented on the venue contract was followed through with the upmost integrity and professionalism from start to finish! At Old Wide Awake, the natural beauty of the space is overwhelming. The tunnel of oaks that the bride walks through, the gorgeous century-dated house that sits on the property, down to the green grass and beautiful trees is a serene space that the wedding party and wedding guests can “breathe in.” You park your car and experience your dream day without having to move across town and fight for parking spaces at another post wedding activity. You will not be disappointed with Old Wide Awake! Weddings by nature can often create stress and anxiety for the wedding party, but because of the beauty and wide open space of this venue you can literally fill your body relax and calm down. Call Margaret today and get on the books at Old Wide Awake! You will not regret spending your money and making wedding memories at this incredible property. We are thankful to the Lord for leading us there. Hope, MOB April ‘26💐🩷💐
Soleil B
5.0
Old Wide Awake was the perfect backdrop and partner for our wedding. Having Margaret as our fearless wedding planner was an added bonus. She was so knowledgeable about the property...
, and knew how to make every last detail work: from timeline to reception layout, getting ready to guest arrivals, all the way to our departure. All of the staff at OWA were so friendly and easy to work with, and as one of the first weddings under new ownership, it was absolutely seamless. We were so honored to be under their care, and they truly gave us one of the best and most memorable days of our lives. I hope one day we get invited to another OWA wedding just so we get to experience the magic again!
Preston C
5.0
We had our winter wedding at Old Wide Awake. The venue itself is beautifully kept, the driveway lined with oaks gives the perfect back drop with a true low county feel. Margaret wa...
s extremely helpful in the process from start to finish. She was communicative throughout the process and if we ever had questions all we had to do was reach out. If you are looking for a venue that still has the low county feel and avoids most of the hustle and bustle of Charleston traffic, I would absolutely recommend this venue.
H. Timothy G
5.0
I did not get married at OWA but I did help produce a photo shoot there and it went great and was pleasure to deal with and we got some amazing pictures for my client!! I can’t say...
enough good things and I am not great with my words.
Francine W
5.0
Our September wedding at Old Wide Awake exceeded our expectations!!! The property offers multiple distinct spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing, with the hi...
storic home and beautifully landscaped grounds as the backdrop.
Margaret was wonderful to work with from the start. She accommodated multiple site visits after booking and follow up locations to plan layouts and logistics with ease. Partnering with Cru as the owner/bar manager and preferred food service vendor added tremendous value; their communication (shoutout to Sabine and Reilly) and execution were seamless.
The venue’s all-day access from 9 AM to 10 PM is a standout feature compared to many Charleston options that limit time or charge extra. While located about 30 minutes outside downtown, we easily accommodated guests with a downtown room block and shuttle service, and others enjoyed Airbnb stays in Seabrook and West Ashley. That way our guests could enjoy downtown Charleston as well. About 90% of our guest list traveled from out of town.
Finally, the bridal suite is stunning and provided the perfect setting for getting ready and photos. This venue is truly a rare gem for couples seeking flexibility, beauty, and exceptional service.
Amy M
5.0
Old Wide Awake is the kind of venue that instantly takes your breath away--especially the first time you see it in person. As the mother of the bride, I couldn’t have imagined a mo...
re perfect setting. The historic home and beautifully kept grounds created an unforgettable backdrop and the photos are absolutely stunning! Getting ready there was an exceptional part of the day—the rooms were lovely and spacious enough to accommodate a large wedding party along with the hair and makeup team. Margaret was professional, responsive, and consistently supportive throughout the entire process. She worked seamlessly with our wedding planner and the vendors. From the ceremony to the farewell, the whole experience felt warm, joyful, and genuinely magical! The wedding was October 12, 2025, and our hearts are still overflowing with the memories, and our guests are still raving about the day—it truly left a lasting impression.
Jamie B
5.0
Had an amazing wedding experience. Super helpful staff with good communication. Great pricing for how beautiful the venue is tucked away outside of Charleston!
Michael C
5.0
My husband and I got married here on October 18, 2025 and to say it was a dream would be an understatement!!!!! Everything from start to finish was such a smooth process. Our prope...
rty manager on the day of was a gem - she was amazing vibes and so helpful. All of our vendors worked together so easily here. The set up was perfect and our guests were amazed by the beauty of this venue. Thank you for our dream wedding Old Wide Awake, we will cherish this place forever!
Eve B
5.0
Ms. Makenzie and the whole team at Old Wide Awake were exceptional in hosting our wedding day. From start to finish, they were professional, caring, and great communicators. I came...
by several times throughout the year to show my family the venue, and they were always so helpful and accommodating. I wish I could get married here a million more times!!
Kimberly H
5.0
Old Wide Awake was the absolute BEST June wedding venue. The grounds and the house were immaculately cared for. There was no detail left to chance. The grass was luscious green and...
freshly mowed, while the Crepe Myrtle and other flowers were bursting with vibrant color. The downstairs, stone Speak-Easy-style bar added a unique ambiance to our wedding reception and the fountain surrounded by the spectacular pond left us feeling cool, despite the Charleston summer temperature. Inside OWA, each room is filled with the charm and character of bygone days. From the covered wrap-around porches to the Bridal Dressing Suite, there was attention to every detail. I cannot recommend this breathtaking gem enough.
Katlyn M
5.0
OWA was the perfect venue for our wedding! We absolutely loved the space and its southern charm. Margaret was so accommodating too, especially with the unexpected snow that we had ...
on our wedding day. OWA let me come a few weeks before the wedding and do my bridal portraits on site for free and they let us use some of their heaters the day of, which we were extremely grateful for! Thank you a million times!
Hailee G
5.0
Old wide awake met every single expectation of mine regarding my wedding. From the beautiful venue, to Margaret helping every step of the way. The day felt like a dream 💭
Maddie L
5.0
I truly couldn’t have asked for a more perfect wedding venue than Old Wide Awake. The property is absolutely stunning and captures that timeless Charleston charm. My wedding felt l...
ike it belonged in a classic Southern story — elegant, romantic, and full of historical beauty.
Margaret and the entire Old Wide Awake team were phenomenal. They went above and beyond to make sure I felt special every step of the way. Their balance of professionalism and warmth was unmatched. They were incredibly accommodating while making me feel like the absolute center of attention on my big day.
They even allowed me to bring my goats to be part of the celebration, which meant the world to me and made the day feel uniquely ours.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking location and a team that genuinely cares, look no further. I’m forever grateful to Old Wide Awake for helping bring our wedding dreams to life.
Cassidy S
5.0
We are beyond thrilled with how our wedding turned out, and we owe so much of its success to both our incredible venue and our fantastic wedding planner, Margaret.
From the moment...
we stepped into the venue, we knew it was the one. The location was stunning, with breathtaking views and the perfect ambiance to make our day unforgettable. The attention to detail, the beautiful setting, and the seamless coordination of the staff all helped create the magical atmosphere we had envisioned.
But what truly made everything come together was Margaret, our wedding planner. Her expertise, organization, and unwavering support throughout the entire process were invaluable. She was always available to answer questions, offer suggestions, and ensure everything was running smoothly—down to the tiniest details. Thanks to Margaret, we were able to relax and enjoy every moment of our special day without worrying about logistics or timing.
Our wedding was everything we had dreamed of, and we can't recommend both the venue and Margaret enough. If you're looking for a flawless, stress-free wedding experience, this is the place to be, and Margaret is the person you want by your side!
Carilee C
5.0
Book Old Wide Awake, you won't regret it! From the beginning, the staff was so wonderful and helpful to work with. Margaret answered all our questions and made the planning process...
seamless. As a wedding planner, I thoroughly enjoyed working at this venue for my clients wedding and would absolutely love to work there again. From the gorgeous getting ready rooms/balcony upstairs, to the updated catering area in the back, to the endless beautiful locations to take photos, to the built in bar under the house, this venue has it all! You won't be disappointed with this venue!
Response from Old Wide Awake
Thank you Carilee for your kind words!
Our team does work very hard to ensure the best da...
y ever, for each of our couples. You certainly did a great job for Laura and Joe and we hope to see you again very soon! We strive to surround ourselves with only the best in the business! Thank you again, Margaret McKenzie
Caroline H
5.0
We got married at Old Wide Awake on 9.21.24 and it could not have been a better venue for our special day. Margaret is wonderful to work with. She is professional, quick to respond...
, caring and compassionate. She put us at ease throughout the whole planning process. Every single guest was in awe of the venue. It is the perfect tucked away hidden gem and made the perfect back drop for our southern garden party wedding. We cannot recommend Old Wide Awake enough!!
Allison V
5.0
My husband and I just got married at Old Wide Awake and truly could not have been more impressed with the entire process. Margaret is amazing, the venue is stunning, and all of the...
guests had nothing but wonderful things to say. Couldn't recommend a wedding day here more!
Amanda L
5.0
We just got married June 2024 at OWA! We had an out of town wedding because we love the Charleston area. We stumbled upon the venue online then scheduled a tour, we immediately fel...
l in love. The venue manager, Margaret McKenzie was amazing. She was very responsive throughout the whole process and made sure to provide thorough details on what to expect. Being an out of town bride, i had no issues with OWA or any of the vendors they recommended. Highly recommend using this property for your wedding. Everything was perfect thanks to the beautiful grounds and their upkeep as well as all those involved in facilitating the day of events!
Maeson C
5.0
Old Wide Awake is breathtaking from the moment you drive up on the property. It is a beautiful, historic charm located between Charleston and Edisto, South Carolina.
My husband a...
nd I were honored to have Margaret McKenzie as our wedding planner. She takes pride in getting to know not only the bride to be, but the groom to be as well. Once she establishes a relationship with both parties, she so easily guides you on where to begin building your dream wedding.
Throughout the entire wedding process, Margaret was readily available, had an answer to every question, detail-oriented, and proactive. I am so happy to know that as I look back on the days leading up to my wedding, that I was truly able to enjoy that season in my life due to Margaret’s calming and reassuring presence throughout it all. If you want a timeless, classy wedding, Margaret McKenzie is the perfect match!
Erin B
5.0
My husband and I got married at Old Wide Awake Plantation in April and it was an absolute dream! The venue is gorgeous and Margaret is great to work with. All of our guests raved a...
bout the place and thought it was the best time! The perfect venue for a small and intimate wedding! I highly recommend Old Wide Awake for your wedding venue!
Nicole M
5.0
Perfect backdrop for our wedding. I like that it is just the house/grounds, which allowed us to build the wedding we wanted. Building and grounds are kept in excellent condition. M...
argaret McKenzie is very easy to work with and great with communication. Simple process for booking. Would do the day over again to enjoy the porches even more!
Response from Old Wide Awake
Thank you so much, Nicole, for these kind words. It is so important to us that our couples...
have an easy and fulfilled experience with us at Old Wide Awake. It was our pleasure from start to finish and I hope you come spend some anniversaries with us! Warmly, Margaret McKenzie
Jannah K
5.0
Old wide awake is affordable comparative to other venues in Charleston, plus you get the entire day there. They were accommodating and super helpful throughout the day. The propert...
y is absolutely beautiful and well maintained. We got married at the park and had our reception at the house and it was absolutely perfect. On top of that Margaret took over our wedding planning after we had issues with our original planner! She is so kind, organized, ready to jump in when needed and does a great job getting the crowd to listen and staying on time throughout the day! She made our day of dreams come true!
Mackenzie S
5.0
The owners, planner, and vendors went above and beyond to make our day as special as possible. They checked in with us through the planning process and made sure everything was exe...
cuted to perfection. We cannot be more thankful for their hospitality and allowing us to use their venue!
Mark C
5.0
OWA is the best wedding venue in the Charleston area hands down. They are extremely well priced and you get the use of the entire grounds and house for the whole day! It was perfec...
t for us to get ready on the day of the wedding and not have to worry about logistics of getting ready some where else. Hair and makeup were done on site and it was so easy to be able to use the first floor for the guys and the second floor for the ladies. There are several gorgeous locations on the property to have the ceremony as well. By the pond or trees but we chose on the steps as we felt it was the best location for our time of year (October)! The staff at OWA is absolutely the best! They will help you with anything you need and Margaret is the amazing! Bonus if you are lucky enough to book her as your wedding planner too!
Kyrsten J
5.0
Choosing Old Wide Awake was one of the best decisions we made and I truly cannot think of a better and more perfect place for us to have had our special day. Not only is the venue ...
absolutely stunning, it is also super affordable compared to a lot of other venues in Charleston. Our planner Margaret McKenzie made the wedding planning process a lot less stressful and the day was so seamless. She definitely knows what she is doing and I highly encourage anyone looking to go with this venue and have her as your planner. I promise you will not regret it!
Response from Old Wide Awake
What a lovely review, Kyrsten. We do love sharing that family feel at Old Wide Awake.
You...
r wedding was beautiful and perfect, as our newly posted pictures should show. Wishing you all the best. Please stay in touch! Margaret
Olivia P
5.0
OWAP is an absolute dream venue. It’s the most beautiful plantation home and gives the feel of a charming, elegant southern wedding. The beautiful ivy stairs and arches around the ...
home along with the home itself, made the most beautiful backdrop. We also loved the fun atmosphere below the home where the bar was located. The grounds and house are well maintained and provide lots of space to get ready and party all night with your guests. Margaret McKenzie, the venue coordinator and also my wedding planner deserves more than 5 stars. She was beyond helpful and gave the best and most professional advice during our wedding planning process. She went above and beyond as a coordinator and also as a planner. She was very quick to communicate and was always one step ahead of the game which made the process so much easier and enjoyable. If you are looking to get married at OWAP I highly highly recommend Margaret to bring your wedding planner as well. I can’t say enough great things about the beautiful property and the people who work there to maintain the property. Thank you OWAP and Margaret for making our wedding dreams come true!!!
Response from Old Wide Awake
Olivia and Andrew!
Thank you so much for such an opportunity and these kind words! It was ...
absolutely a pleasure to help you bring your gorgeous vision to life. ...and gorgeous it was!!! Old Wide Awake prides itself on being chosen as the host site of the best day in your life, and for me to be put in your path on such an occasion only brings me pride and joy! Do come see us when you are back down south, and best to you both - always! Please leave some photos on the site here, if you have a chance!
Margaret McKenzie
Grace C
5.0
My husband and I got married here in May after having to reschedule our wedding due to Covid. Booking this venue and choosing Margaret McKenzie as our planner was the best decision...
we ever made! Margaret felt like family from day one and we simply could not have done it without her. She guided us throughout the entire planning process, even making the date change as smooth a process as possible. On the day, she expertly orchestrated every moving part and I could totally relax knowing she had it all taken care of. There is no place better for a wedding and no better planner! We love you Margaret!
Alan H
5.0
Our son, Brendan and now daughter-in-law, Katti were married at OWAP last December under the guidance of Margaret McKenzie as our wedding planner. As a wedding planner, Margaret i...
s a "maestro" . She conducted and shepherded us through a detailed and compelling planning process and expertly coordinated all the moving parts the "week of" and "day of"; the wedding took on the dimensions of a world class symphony orchestra whose music was as fragrant and graceful as the setting of the Old Wide Awake Planation. She plans weddings held at OWAP as well as at other wedding venues around the Charleston area.
I worked with all the vendors behind the scenes on behalf of the wedding party, learning that securing a place on Margaret's "rolodex" of vendors is a coveted goal as her planning and communication/connection skills are second to none in this global class wedding venue of Charleston.
May I join the chorus of others who endorse her planning practices.
Caitlin R
5.0
This wedding venue was stunning! It embodies the southern charm of Charleston while also being in a quiet location!
Margaret McKenzie manages the site and was wonderful to work w...
ith! She made the venue available to us at all times during the planning stage and even let us bury a bottle of bourbon on the property as a southern tradition for no rain on your wedding day! (It definitely held back some rain on our big day) As a bonus to the venue, We actually hired Margaret as our wedding planner since she made booking the venue such an easy process. She helped us pull off a wedding in less than 6 months while everyone was also rebooking COVID weddings at the same time. She offered great vendor suggestions and managed our vendors excellently on our wedding day.
On our wedding day, the venue was immaculate! The bridal suite was a great area for the bridal party to get ready in while letting the guys run wild downstairs! The grounds keeper also executed the ceremony perfectly by making sure no cars entered down the long driveway during our ceremony. Needless to say this venue made our day special and we will always cherish the help Margaret gave us to execute/create a perfect wedding! I would highly recommend the venue and Margaret to anyone looking to plan a wedding in Charleston! (Some of the photos attached of our wedding were taking by Sharon Albright)
Response from Old Wide Awake
Caitlin! - Thank you for such kind words! Your wedding day and the journey leading up to i...
t was such a joy for me! Your Hawaiian theme, burying the bottle of bourbon, and all the amazing food were all so special and representative of what was important to you and Steven. ....and now we have the beautiful pictures to enjoy and remember how very wonderful it all was. Thank you again, and we are so glad you found and chose Old Wide Awake to celebrate this very special day in your lives. Stay in touch with me! Margaret
Christen E
5.0
Our wedding at Old Wide Awake this past fall was absolutely beautiful! From the very beginning Margaret McKenzie (venue coordinator) was incredibly responsive and made me feel comf...
ortable when inquiring about the venue. After booking a date, I decided to hire Margaret as my wedding planner as well and that made all the difference! She knows the venue inside and out, as well as so many vendors in the Charleston area. She made wedding planning so much easier. And all her suggestions paid off because on the day of the wedding everything fell into place perfectly and was just amazing. You cannot go wrong with this venue! I am still receiving compliments from guests about how gorgeous everything was. And your pictures will turn out gorgeous, there are so many photo opportunities all over the grounds. The venue is also unique in that you get it for the entire day! I have only the best things to say about Old Wide Awake, Margaret, and the rest of the team. They have beautiful weddings down to a science.
Ryan N
5.0
Last November, my fiancée at the time and I visited Old Wide Awake Plantation as we tried to find the perfect venue for our wedding. Margaret showed us around the house and grounds...
- with the oaks, moss, lake, and fountain, not to mention the beautiful house with multiple porches, we knew we had found our perfect venue. We quickly got our date set on the calendar as venues black book up quickly (especially coming off a Covid year).
Our wedding finally arrived last weekend, and everything about the venue was absolutely perfect. We loved it, our guests were in awe of the venue in all the same ways we were when we initially chose OWA. My wife and I were incredibly pleased with the entire ordeal - including having the rehearsal on-site the nite before.
Working with Margaret only added to the magic as she is genuinely excited and happy for all the couples who pick OWA for their wedding venue. We cannot say thank you enough!
Response from Old Wide Awake
Ryan and Jess, we are so thrilled that you found Old Wide Awake and chose us to host this ...
most important day in your life.! Our goal is for each couple to have a perfect day, and we try to help you any way we can. Your words are so kind and appreciated! Please stay in touch with us, and congratulations on your gorgeous and special day!
Kat P
5.0
We have been working closely with Margaret at Olde Wide Awake for years! As a small bakery in Charleston, we get asked to do wedding cakes pretty frequently - and Margaret has alw...
ays made the process so smooth and easy for us. She facilitates conversations with the couples, and makes sure we are aware in the beginning of all their wants and needs, and making sure our needs are met as well. The process couldn’t be easier. Many couples don’t realize how important vendor relationships are, being “behind the scenes,” but it does make the day efficient and enjoyable for everyone involved in putting the wedding day together. We’re very happy to provide desserts for Olde Wide Awake - always a pleasure!
Rachel M
5.0
Old Wide Awake Plantation is Charleston wedding venue perfection. The house was a perfect getting-ready location and served as a stunning backdrop for the ceremony, cocktail hour, ...
and reception. The grounds were meticulously maintained with fresh flowers planted the day before our wedding. Margaret was easy to work with and day-of venue POCs were available to support throughout wedding day. Our guests were blown away by the wow-factor of OWA paired with the venue's ability to create an intimate setting for festivities. Zero regrets!
Response from Old Wide Awake
Thank you Rachel for these lovely words! We are honored and thrilled that you chose Old W...
ide Awake to host your very special day.!!! We hope you and Alan stay in touch with us as you can! Many Blessings, Margaret
Courtney V
5.0
The most perfect venue for our special day! It was the first venue I toured. I didn’t need to see any others after that! I knew it was the one! The tree-lined drive leading up to t...
he historic house with its beautiful stairway is breathtaking. I even used minimal decor and florals to let the grounds speak for itself. Our guests raved over how stunning it was. It truly was the perfect place for our fairytale wedding.
And Margaret McKenzie with Old Wide Awake was a phenomenal wedding planner and ensured my day flowed perfectly. 10/10 would recommend her for your special day as well!
Response from Old Wide Awake
Courtney! Thank you so much for your kind words. Your day was quite magical and I loved be...
ing a part of the fun journey and your fabulous wedding. weekend! So many congratulations to you and Billy, and your precious Charlie!
Lisa H
5.0
My daughter fell in love with OWA on our first visit and we were not disappointed! We decided on the venue approximately a year before the wedding, then extended the date another 5...
months (Covid). From our first meeting through the event date, Margaret was so helpful and patient. She was pleasant and timely in her responses, offering advice and recommendations along the way. On the wedding day, John went over and above to ensure we had everything we needed and he assisted our family and coordinator with anything we asked.
The venue itself is stunning. It is clean and well cared-for. It offers the rustic elegance that just makes everyone comfortable. Photography opportunities are plentiful within the beautiful rooms, the expansive porches and the lovely grounds.
We very carefully planned every detail of our event, but Mother Nature offered up the coldest, wettest day of the season. The versatility of the venue allowed us to quickly pivot and relocate the ceremony from the front steps to the porch. (I highly recommend placing a tent on rain hold regardless of the season!) We tented the travertine patio, extending 15 feet beyond the end to allow distancing between dining tables. The set-up was lovely and easily accommodated our guests (approx. 120).
The terrible weather prohibited full use of the property. We planned a cigar bar on the dock, a lounge setting near the arbor, and many other details that had to be relocated. The ample space under the house and on the porch allowed us to do this quickly and easily. I feared my daughter and son-in-law would be disappointed, but they both say they wouldn't change a thing. Despite the cold and rain, the vast majority of our guests stayed until the end of the reception. Our ceremony was at 4:30 and we all had a blast until 10 PM.
I cannot say enough to convey how pleased we are with Old Wide Awake, the staff, and our experience. The entire event exceeded our expectations and I would highly recommend this venue.
Stephanie C
5.0
My daughter truly had a fairy tale wedding in November at Old Wide Awake. On the day we visited the venue as a potential site for her wedding, we knew right away it was the perfect...
spot. The location is beautiful, with spacious grounds and a lovely historic home, restrooms and a terrace level bar (all of which are included in your venue fee.) As wonderful as the venue is, Margaret McKenzie, the venue manager, takes the experience to the next level. During the tour, we were thrilled to learn (in her understated way) that Margaret is an experienced wedding planner. She was truly a delight to work with. Every vendor we spoke to told us how much they enjoy working with Margaret. We had several elderly grandparents attending and Margaret made sure they were able to enjoy everything safely. She graciously and unerringly guided my daughter when she had questions. Her planning is meticulous but unobtrusive. Our guests told me over and over again what a wonderful time they had. But most importantly, she helped my daughter and her new husband have the wedding of their dreams. When the fountain came on as my son in law kissed his new bride, it was magical and just the kind of detail Margaret makes happen!
Katherine U
5.0
Old Wide Awake Plantation was a beautiful venue to host our wedding! Margaret, the Venue Manager was flexible and great to work with too. I wish she would've been available on m...
y wedding date to hire her as my planner because she was so great. She was responsive and helpful, especially during the Covid craziness. We really enjoyed the venue and so did all of our guests!
Anna C
5.0
As soon as we drove through the gates at Old Wide Awake Plantation, I knew it was the one for us! The grounds are beautiful, and it was so nice to be able to get ready at the venue...
.
I could not be happier that we had Margaret directing our big day last weekend at Old Wide Awake! Planning a wedding is no small task, especially while balancing school and living in a different state, but with Margaret on your side anything is possible. I knew since the minute we met Margaret that we needed her as our wedding planner, and I am so very happy with that choice. Her name is well-respected among every vendor that we chose, and for a good reason. She kept us organized and made sure we had an all-together lovely experience throughout the planning process. She steered me in the right direction when I needed guidance, and I loved her elegant taste and eye for detail. On our big day, I was able to relax and not worry about anything because I had complete trust in her! Not only is she organized and efficient, but she cares about her couples and genuinely wants them to have the best day of their lives, which thanks to her we did!
Response from Old Wide Awake
ANNA!!! Thank you so much for your very kind words. Nothing makes me happier than to meet ...
and work with couples, like you and Riley, who are in such an exciting time in their lives. Your vision truly came to life and I'd say your day was nothing short of perfection!!! I look forward to more amazing pictures and please stay in touch with us as you can! We had such fun, didn't we?! Blessings Always! Margaret
Brenda G
5.0
Dream Wedding during the 2020 Pandemic!
My daughter's original wedding date was in May 2020 but was postponed due to COVID. We switched to Old Wide Awake at the last minute and we...
are SO thankful we did! Margaret is a joy to work with - very responsive and informative which made things much easier on the mother of the bride. It was so nice to be able to arrive at the venue at 9:00 am and the "getting ready" rooms were perfect, complete with a porch for brunch and lounging before the ceremony. The venue is unique and very spacious so allowed for all COVID safeguards during the ceremony and reception. After 2 years of planning a wedding during a pandemic, I'm so thankful to have found Old Wide Awake as my daughter FINALLY had her dream wedding and happy ending! As a local, I have been to most of the venues in Charleston and I cannot praise Old Wide Awake enough!
Response from Old Wide Awake
Thank you so much for your kind words, Brenda. It is always our mission to make sure we su...
pport each bride, groom and their families through such a special moment in their lives. I am proud to be a part of a family owned venue, that takes a real interest in taking care of our couples. I was delighted to meet you all and we are
so glad you ended up at Old Wide Awake on such a very special day! Please stay in touch! Margaret
Patton B
5.0
Old Wide Plantation made our wedding day perfect! Very beautiful area and the staff was so helpful and polite which made my day less stressful! Mrs. Margaret was amazing! And the p...
ictures came out gorgeous! So glad we went with this venue!
Jaime D
5.0
Old Wide Awake Plantation was an absolute dream venue to get married at for our intimate destination wedding. Margaret was SO wonderful to work with and constantly went above and b...
eyond for my wedding always willing to help us along the way (especially during the tough decision to postpone). She was booked for our wedding weekend so we weren't able to hire her as our planner but if she is available book her now!!! She is truly SO helpful and is as sweet as they come.
The venue was absolutely gorgeous and exceeded my destination wedding dreams. I visited 3 times before the wedding and every time it looked stunning and I knew I had chosen the right place. The day of the wedding was truly better than my wildest dreams and everything looked breathtaking. The plantation house has a beautiful getting ready area upstairs, a stunning staircase filled with greenery, a beautiful dance floor, a fountain, and SO many beautiful spots for photos (as a wedding photographer myself I appreciated this, my photos are gorgeous!) It was just perfect and I wouldn't have wanted to get married anywhere else. It's very private and it was wonderful having the getting ready, ceremony and reception all in one place!
If you are looking for a stunning Charleston venue with so much character & beauty- you've found it in OWA. The staff was amazing to work with and we had the best experience. Brides- you won't regret choosing OWA! We plan to visit again on our 1 year anniversary trip and we can hardly wait to go back and be reminded of the the sweet memories we made from 9/27/20!
Kellie D
5.0
Wow! What an amazing venue. Margaret was the easiest person to work with and the owner was very friendly. We had our original venue cancel a month out and Margaret and my wedding p...
lanner were able to pull it all together in a couple weeks. The venue is so beautiful and gives you the ideal Southern Plantation wedding day. I just watched the wedding video and it was so magical!
Response from Old Wide Awake
Thank you for your kind words, Kellie. That is exactly what we want for our couples!
Abby B
5.0
Old Wide Awake Plantation is an absolutely incredible venue. My couple was forced to reschedule their wedding venue approximately 3 weeks prior to their wedding, and Margaret absol...
utely saved the day!!! She was extremely flexible and accommodating, professional, had great suggestions, and was quick to reply in our super sped up planning. One thing that I love about the space is that there are so many different layout options for ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception. Having the large kitchen was perfect for all of us vendors to prep and hide our belongings in, and the multiple restrooms on different levels of the house were wonderful. The greenery on the steps and bottom level walls is just DREAMY. This is truly a special, unique property, and I cannot wait to be back!!
Mary C
5.0
My daughter and her fiance were married at OWA on August 28, 2020. They were supposed to get married May 8th and then June 19th. It is no small task to hang onto a wedding venue an...
d the myriad of vendors during a pandemic, especially a destination wedding such as this. We visited this and other venues in March of 2019. The only thing visiting other venues did was confirm that OWA was the perfect place for their wedding. It is a gorgeous setting, providing all of the beauty the South has to offer - proud old trees graced with Spanish moss, lush lawns and greenery, a pond with a fountain and a majestic house that will be yours and only yours for the entire wedding day. You will also get Margaret McKenzie, an extraordinary wedding planner. Margaret took the time to get to know this lovely couple, gave them "homework", and based on her knowledge and expertise, gave them a very thorough selection of recommended vendors for every component of their wedding. She has earned the respect of her vendors and they were all familiar with everything OWA has to offer; a plus when you are planning long distance and truly a life-saver when you are dealing with the heartbreak of postponements. Margaret stayed in close communication with our family and with the vendors. What great peace of mind during such stressful times! Additional but subtle safety measures were put into place by the venue and by our talented and capable vendors for all involved during this active pandemic. The wedding day was seamless and perfect (if it wasn't, we have no idea)! There were no uncomfortable and annoying lulls and in spite of the hot weather, our guests stayed for the entire celebration; no one wanted to leave. The key to a successful wedding is to surround yourself with great people. At this time in history, bridal couples are faced with unprecedented challenges. Having this wedding at Old Wide Awake Plantation with Margaret McKenzie graciously but firmly leading the way provided everyone with the only emotion a wedding should - great joy. We are all in agreement that we would do this all over again and wouldn't change a thing - well maybe the temperature.
Response from Old Wide Awake
How gracious, how lovely. Thank you MOB, Mary and the entire CABA family! WE love you and...
that is exactly what I want for my couples.
Congratulations Courtney and Joe!
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