Anniversary Photo Sessions at Rainbow Row: Capturing Memories in Charleston’s Most Colorful Landmark

Name: Charleston Photo Art
Price range: $$$

– IN THIS ARTICLE –

01 79-81 East Bay Street
02 83 East Bay Street
03 85 East Bay Street
04 87 East Bay Street
05 89 East Bay Street
06 91 East Bay Street
07 93 East Bay Street
08 95 East Bay Street
09 97 East Bay Street
10 99-101 East Bay Street
11 103 East Bay Street
12 105 East Bay Street
13 107 East Bay Street
14 71 East Bay Street
15 73 East Bay Street
16 76-80 East Bay Street
17 Longitude Lane
18 Elliott Street
19 Suggestions for Your Photo Session
20 Your Anniversary Photo Session

Couple sitting on garden steps between lush hydrangeas on Rainbow Row in Charleston

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.

Couple standing beneath green shutters and flower boxes at 79 81 East Bay Street

Man dipping his partner in front of the fanlight doorway at 79 81 East Bay Street

Couple leaning on the ivy covered wall beside a blue door on East Bay Street

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.

Couple laughing in front of the coral house at 83 East Bay Street

Couple posing by a black door and potted shrubs at 83 East Bay Street

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.

Couple beside the iron balcony and peach walls at 85 East Bay Street

Couple sharing a kiss and smiling together at 85 East Bay Street

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.

Couple walking hand in hand along Rainbow Row near 87 East Bay Street

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.

Couple beside the tall black door of the blue house at 89 East Bay Street

Couple cuddling in front of the ornate iron gate at 89 East Bay Street

Couple posing and laughing by the blue facade at 89 East Bay Street

Couple about to kiss beside the iron grille at 89 East Bay Street

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.

Couple posing on either side of the arched doors at 91 East Bay Street

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.

Couple kissing on the sidewalk beside window boxes at 93 East Bay Street

Couple in front of the yellow facade and black shutters at 93 East Bay Street

Couple walking together past the window boxes at 93 East Bay Street

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.

Couple leaning in close beside the black shutters at 95 East Bay Street

Couple strolling hand in hand along the sidewalk near 95 East Bay Street

Woman sitting on the steps of the gray house at 95 East Bay Street with her partner

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.

Couple at the arched black door of the white house at 97 East Bay Street

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.

Couple beside the green carriage doors and potted plants at 99 101 East Bay Street

Couple hugging and walking by the green doors at 99 101 East Bay Street

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.

Couple by a lamp post and the pink facade near 103 East Bay Street

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.

Couple embracing at the dark blue door of the mint house at 105 East Bay Street

Couple standing by the front door and lanterns at 105 East Bay Street

Woman kissing her partner’s cheek with the pastel houses blurred behind

Couple posing by black lanterns on the mint facade at 105 East Bay Street

Couple holding each other at the navy door of the mint house at 105 East Bay Street

Couple about to kiss and walking along the colorful sidewalk at 105 East Bay Street

Couple standing by the turquoise trim and blue door at 105 East Bay Street

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.

Couple seated on an iron bench by the gray house at 107 East Bay Street

Couple kissing and posing by the topiaries at 107 East Bay Street

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.

Couple smiling together in front of the lavender facade at 71 East Bay Street

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.

Couple laughing and a man proposing on one knee beneath the arches at 73 East Bay Street

Couple posing by the iron gate and ivy at 73 East Bay Street

Couple walking beneath the pink arches and lanterns at 73 East Bay Street

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.

Couple smiling behind greenery and walking past 76 80 East Bay Street

Couple at the fanlight doorway of the pale house at 76 80 East Bay Street

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.

Couple embracing beside a leafy wall on Longitude Lane

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.

Couple sitting in front of the pink facade and black shutters on Elliott Street

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.

Couple standing apart under flower boxes on a white house on Rainbow Row

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.

About the author

Dennis Aliaksandrou

Founder & lead photographer, Charleston Photo Art · Member of the Professional Photographers of America · The Knot Best of Weddings 2025

Dennis has photographed more than 350 weddings as lead photographer over the past ten years, along with countless elopements, proposals and engagement sessions across Charleston and the Lowcountry. Based in Mount Pleasant, SC, he writes about the venues, locations and planning details he has worked with first-hand.

More about Dennis →

Anniversary Photo Sessions at Rainbow Row: Capturing Memories in Charleston’s Most Colorful Landmark

The Magic of Rainbow Row