Charleston, South Carolina, is a top destination for couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries, offering a blend of rich history, charming architecture, and romantic experiences. As a professional photographer based in Charleston, SC, with Charleston Photo Art, I specialize in capturing these unforgettable moments. One of the most iconic spots for an anniversary photo session is Rainbow Row. This vibrant stretch of historic homes is not only a visual feast but also steeped in fascinating history, making it the perfect backdrop for your anniversary photos.
The Magic of Rainbow Row
Rainbow Row, a series of thirteen colorful historic houses, is located on East Bay Street between Tradd and Elliott Streets. These pastel-painted homes, restored in the 1930s and 1940s, are one of Charleston’s most photographed attractions. Originally commercial buildings with shops on the ground floor and living quarters above, these houses faced the Cooper River before the land was filled in. Their vivid colors, inspired by a colonial Caribbean palette, not only help keep the interiors cool but also add a whimsical charm to the area.
Historical Highlights of Each House
79-81 East Bay Street
This building combines two structures: a three-story brick building from 1845 and another from 1778, both rebuilt after the 1886 earthquake. It served various purposes over the years, including housing the Gaud School and later a residence.
83 East Bay Street
Known as the William Stone House, built around 1784, it has served multiple purposes, including a residence and various commercial uses. Restored by Susan Pringle Frost in 1941, it features a distinctive fan lighted doorway.
85 East Bay Street
Built by Smith, DeSaussure & Darrell around 1785-87, this four-story, stuccoed brick building showcases Georgian and Neoclassical woodwork, reflecting its mercantile origins.
87 East Bay Street
The James Gordon House, built circa 1792 by a Scottish merchant and planter, features a second-floor balcony added by Susan Pringle Frost, who purchased the house in 1920.
89 East Bay Street
The Deas-Tunno House, built around 1780-87, was home to prominent merchants John Deas Jr. and Adam Tunno. Tunno, a wealthy Scots merchant, was influential in Charleston’s commercial scene.
91 East Bay Street
This house, known as the Inglis Arch House, stands on the site of a pre-Revolutionary building. Rebuilt by the firm Leger and Greenwood after the Revolution, it features Greek Revival styling and a remodeled facade.
93 East Bay Street
Built to replace a house destroyed in a 1778 fire, the James Cook House features a Greek Revival facade and a central balcony added during a renovation in the 1940s.
95 East Bay Street
Part of a mid-18th-century row built by Col. Othniel Beale, this house survived the 1778 fire. It features a distinctive curvilinear gable and arched entrance with rope molding, restored in the 1930s.
97 East Bay Street
Constructed around 1741 by Othniel Beale, this three-story brick house features a Neoclassical revival fanlighted doorway and a balcony on the second story front, restored in the early 20th century.
99-101 East Bay Street
Built circa 1740 and restored in the 1930s, this house served as Col. Othniel Beale’s family residence. It retains early woodwork, a wrought-iron balcony, and a courtyard designed by Loutrel Briggs.
103 East Bay Street
Joseph Dulles House, built around 1787, was renovated in the 1930s. The off-center gable and garage door openings are notable features from this period.
105 East Bay Street
The Dutarque-Guida House, built in the early 1780s, retains its Victorian storefront added in the late 19th century. It served various commercial purposes and was restored in the 1970s.
107 East Bay Street
The John Blake Building, constructed around 1792, features a gable roof added after the 1886 earthquake and retains evidence of its Victorian-period cast-iron facade.
More Beautiful Spots Near Rainbow Row
While Rainbow Row is a stunning location for anniversary photo sessions, there are several other must-photograph spots nearby that offer equally enchanting backdrops. As a photographer, I love taking my couples to these hidden gems to add variety and charm to their sessions. Here are some of the beautiful buildings and streets near Rainbow Row that are perfect for capturing more of Charleston’s historic and picturesque essence.
71 East Bay Street
Built as a commercial building before 1900, this three-story masonry structure was converted into a residence for Mrs. Nicholas Roosevelt around 1930 by architect Albert Simons.
73 East Bay Street
Built around 1918-1920, this house was considered the “ugly duckling” of the Rainbow Row neighborhood. It replaced an older structure with a two-story brick house built on the old foundations.
76-80 East Bay Street
Constructed between 1798-1800 and restored in the 1930s, this triple tenement built by Gov. Arnoldus Vanderhorst features Neoclassical design with splendid Flemish-bonded brickwork and marble detailing.
Longitude Lane
A short, narrow alley measuring approximately 540 feet long and just over ten feet wide. It’s parallel to Tradd Street and was named in 1762 to honor John Harrison. This charming alley exudes romance and offers perfect lighting for intimate, timeless photos.
Elliott Street
Located just off East Bay behind Rainbow Row, Elliott Street offers a European-like atmosphere with potted plants, colorful window boxes, wrought-iron balconies, and pastel colors. The street’s romantic ambiance and perfect lighting make it an ideal spot for enchanting couple photos.
Suggestions for Your Photo Session
Outfits: To complement the pastel colors of Rainbow Row, I recommend wearing light, pastel colors without patterns or prints. This ensures that your outfits harmonize with the vibrant backgrounds without any visual distractions.
Timing: The best times for your photo session are in the morning or about an hour before sunset. These times provide the most flattering natural light, creating a soft, romantic glow for your photos.
Your Anniversary Photo Session
Each of these historic houses offers a unique backdrop for your anniversary photos, capturing the charm and history of Charleston. At Charleston Photo Art, I aim to create timeless images that reflect your love story amidst the vibrant colors and historical significance of Rainbow Row.
Whether you’re celebrating your first or fiftieth anniversary, a photo session at Rainbow Row is a perfect way to commemorate your journey together. Let the charm of these historic houses and the beauty of Charleston create the perfect setting for your anniversary memories.
