Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens is one of the most iconic wedding venues not only in Charleston but in the United States. As a Mount Pleasant wedding photographer and videographer, working here is always inspiring. The historic plantation, beautiful gardens, and natural Lowcountry scenery create an incredible setting for Boone Hall wedding photography and videography.
Every corner of the property offers unique backdrops, from the famous Avenue of Oaks to the waterfront views near the Cotton Dock. Because the venue is large and open to the public during the day, planning the timeline and photo locations carefully helps couples get the best possible images while keeping the wedding day relaxed and enjoyable.
Below is a practical photography guide to Boone Hall to help couples understand how the day usually flows and where some of the best photo opportunities are located.
Getting Ready Locations
Boone Hall does not offer getting-ready spaces on the property, so couples usually book nearby accommodations in Mount Pleasant.
When choosing a getting-ready location, I always recommend selecting a place with plenty of natural light and enough space for all guests and vendors. Large windows and neutral interiors help create clean, beautiful photos.
Booking a location close to Boone Hall is also helpful because travel time between getting ready and the ceremony can affect the photography timeline. The shorter the travel time, the more relaxed the schedule will feel.
First Look Locations at Boone Hall
Since Boone Hall is open to the public until 5pm and you will probably arrive before that for the first look, it’s helpful to plan the first look in quieter areas of the property. This creates a more intimate moment for the couple and allows for better photo opportunities.
Some great first look locations include:
- Under the live oaks near the main house
- The gardens near the mansion
- Under the oak trees near the barn fence
These locations offer beautiful shade, soft lighting, and privacy while still keeping the historic Boone Hall atmosphere in the background.
Ceremony Locations
Boone Hall offers several ceremony locations, each with a slightly different atmosphere and beautiful backgrounds.
The Front Lawn
This is a more open and versatile ceremony location and provides a stunning view of the historic home and the iron gates. Located between the gardens, it’s very symmetrical and has a lot of natural lighting.
The Side Lawn
Located between the Avenue of Oaks and the stables, this location has a very unique ceremony background — hundred-year-old oak branches create a natural arch draped with Spanish moss.
The Cotton Dock
The Cotton Dock has a rustic waterfront atmosphere that creates a romantic and relaxed feeling for the ceremony.
The Back Lawn
Located behind the plantation house near the old oaks and the creek, this open and picturesque location is very versatile. Since this area allows tents, it can create a perfect reception space and also work well as a rain plan option. The Pavilion, a 40’ × 40’ clam shell tent located nearby, can also be an ideal addition for the reception.
Sunset Photos
Sunset portraits are one of the most important parts of Boone Hall wedding photography and videography. Even if the couple chooses to do a first look earlier in the day, stepping away for a few minutes during sunset creates some of the most beautiful images of the entire wedding day.
Two of the best locations for sunset photos are:
- The Cotton Dock, where the water reflects the warm sunset light
- The Avenue of Oaks, where the long oak-lined road creates beautiful soft lighting in the evening
These photos usually take about 10–15 minutes and are often the most dramatic portraits of the day.
Reception Space and Lighting
Receptions at Boone Hall take place at the Cotton Dock, on the Back Lawn, or at The Pavilion. The Cotton Dock is a rustic wooden structure with a waterfront location that creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. When the dock is decorated with string lights and soft lighting, the space becomes incredibly romantic for both photos and video. Choosing warm, natural light tones in the reception décor often photographs best in this setting.
The Back Lawn is where couples can place a tent for larger celebrations. This option provides a brighter and more open setting for reception photos.
Must-Use Photo Locations at Boone Hall
Boone Hall has several iconic locations that couples almost always include in their wedding portraits.
Some of the most popular photo locations include:
- The Avenue of Oaks
- The oak trees near the barn fence
- The gates near the mansion (featured in the movie The Notebook)
- The gardens near the mansion
- The Cotton Dock
These locations capture the historic character and natural beauty that make Boone Hall wedding photography so unique.
Rain Backup Plan
Weather is always a possibility with outdoor weddings, but Boone Hall still offers great options for photography even if it rains. The Cotton Dock works very well as a rain backup location because it is covered while still allowing natural light. The oak tree areas around the property can also create beautiful photos in light rain when using clear umbrellas. I always bring clear umbrellas to weddings so couples can still have elegant outdoor portraits even if the weather changes.
Tents are also a great backup option. Not all ceremony locations at Boone Hall allow tents, so this is another point to consider when choosing the ceremony location at this venue.
FAQ
What is important to know about photography at Boone Hall?
- Boone Hall does not allow photographers to block traffic on the Avenue of Oaks during open hours, so portraits there are best scheduled after the ceremony when the venue is closed to the public
- Boone Hall requires couples to hire a day-of wedding planner
- Golf carts can be added to help move around the property
- The main house and museum buildings cannot be used for photography
- Drone use is allowed
What is the best time of year to get married at Boone Hall?
Spring and fall are usually the most beautiful seasons for weddings at Boone Hall.
Spring is especially lovely because many flowers are blooming throughout the gardens. The live oaks also produce fresh new leaves in early spring, creating a soft pastel green color that looks beautiful in photos. Fall is also stunning, with deeper green tones and golden colors in the landscape while the gardens continue to bloom. Winter is usually the most challenging season for weddings at Boone Hall because the daylight hours are short. Since the plantation is open to the public during the day, the shorter daylight can make the wedding timeline more difficult to plan.
If you’re planning a wedding here and looking for a Mount Pleasant wedding photographer experienced with Boone Hall wedding photography and videography, feel free to explore more examples of real weddings at this venue on my website. Boone Hall is truly one of the most beautiful places in the Charleston area to celebrate a wedding day.
