Francis Marion Hotel Weddings: Photos & Venue Guide — Charleston, SC

Name: Charleston Photo Art
Price range: $$$

At Charleston Photo Art, we pride ourselves on capturing the magic of weddings through our lenses. As seasoned Charleston wedding photographers, we’ve had the privilege of working at many breathtaking venues across this historic city. One of our absolute favorites is the Francis Marion Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, this venue offers a perfect blend of elegance, history, and Southern charm. If you’re considering the Francis Marion Hotel for your special day, here’s an in-depth look from our perspective, highlighting its stunning features and why it’s an excellent choice for your wedding.

Charleston wedding photographers: Francis Marion Hotel

Preparing for Your Big Day

One of the significant advantages of the Francis Marion Hotel is its convenience for bridal preparations. Being a hotel, it provides numerous getting-ready locations that are both luxurious and practical. The penthouse suites on the 12th floor are particularly noteworthy. These suites offer remarkable views of Charleston, providing a serene backdrop for those intimate moments as you prepare for your big day. The spacious and elegantly decorated rooms are perfectly suited as bridal suites, offering ample space for you and your bridesmaids to get ready, share laughs, and enjoy some pre-ceremony champagne.

Bride in a floral robe opening the curtains of her suite at the Francis Marion Hotel on the morning of the wedding

Bride with her gown hanging in the window and a portrait in her dress inside the Francis Marion Hotel suite

Bridesmaids in light blue dresses cheering as they see the bride for the first time at the Francis Marion Hotel

Bride getting her makeup done and posing with her bridesmaids in pajamas in a Francis Marion Hotel room

Bride with her bridesmaids by the window and a portrait with her bouquet in the lobby of the Francis Marion Hotel

Groom in a tuxedo sitting on a sofa in the lounge of the Francis Marion Hotel before the ceremony

Elegant Ceremony Spaces

When it comes to the ceremony, the Francis Marion Hotel offers several exquisite options, each with its unique charm. The Colonial Ballroom, Gold Ballroom, and Carolina Ballroom are all perfect indoor ceremony locations. These ballrooms feature antique chandeliers, 20-foot high ceilings, monumental windows, and marble-accented fireplaces, creating a breathtakingly romantic setting for your vows. As photographers, we love the way the natural light pours in through the large windows, enhancing the beauty of every moment. Each ballroom has its own distinct personality, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your vision for your wedding day.

Ballroom at the Francis Marion Hotel with gold walls, mahogany doors, sconces and white flower arrangements set for a ceremony

Indoor wedding ceremony in the gold ballroom of the Francis Marion Hotel with bridesmaids in light blue

Bride and groom exchanging vows between the mahogany columns of the Francis Marion Hotel ballroom

Getting married at the Francis Marion Hotel?

Outdoor wedding ceremony under live oaks draped in Spanish moss at a Charleston venue, with a floral arch and seated guests

Bride getting ready with her bridesmaids adjusting her gown before a Charleston wedding

We photograph weddings at the Francis Marion Hotel and across the Lowcountry — see our Charleston wedding photography and wedding pricing, or check if your date is still open:

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Ideal Portrait Locations Nearby

The Francis Marion Hotel’s prime location in the historic district of Charleston means you have access to some of the most picturesque spots in the city for your portrait sessions. Renting a trolley or other transportation can make it even more fun and convenient to explore these nearby locations. From the cobblestone streets and historic architecture to the lush greenery of nearby parks, the options are endless. Marion Square, just steps from the hotel, is a favorite for its beautiful landscapes and versatility. Nearby, the gardens of the Governor Thomas Bennett House offer another historic downtown setting we love to photograph. Whether you prefer the classic charm of Charleston’s historic buildings or the natural beauty of its parks, we can create stunning portraits that capture the essence of your love story.

Bride and groom portraits on King Street outside the Francis Marion Hotel with her veil blowing in the wind

Bride and groom holding hands on the Battery seawall in Charleston after their Francis Marion Hotel ceremony

Bride with bridesmaids in light blue dresses under the oaks in Marion Square across from the Francis Marion Hotel

Groom among the azaleas and with his groomsmen in a Charleston park near the Francis Marion Hotel

Wedding party in rose dresses and black tuxedos in front of a white trolley outside the Francis Marion Hotel

Groom and groomsmen at the Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park, a short ride from the Francis Marion Hotel

Capturing the Reception Highlights

The Colonial Ballroom, Gold Ballroom, and Carolina Ballroom also serve as magnificent reception venues. These spaces can be transformed to reflect your style, whether you’re going for a classic, modern, or whimsical theme. The high ceilings, grand chandeliers, and elegant décor provide a sophisticated backdrop for your celebration. As Charleston wedding photographers, we thrive on capturing the energy and joy of receptions. The Francis Marion Hotel’s ballrooms offer ample space for dancing, dining, and all the special moments that make your reception unforgettable. We also take advantage of the hotel’s beautiful architecture to create striking reception photos that highlight the grandeur of the venue.

Head table with white linens and flowers under the tall draped windows of the Francis Marion Hotel ballroom

Wedding party seated at the head table between the mahogany columns of the Francis Marion Hotel ballroom

Francis Marion Hotel ballroom set for a reception with round tables, pink sashes and chandeliers

Guests lifting the bride on a chair during the reception dance in the Francis Marion Hotel ballroom

Reception tables with blush florals and pink chair sashes in the chandelier-lit ballroom of the Francis Marion Hotel

First dance under the chandeliers in the Francis Marion Hotel ballroom with guests seated around the floor

Breathtaking Sunset Photography

Charleston is renowned for its stunning sunsets, and the Francis Marion Hotel is perfectly situated to take full advantage of this natural beauty. Marion Square, located nearby, is an ideal spot for sunset photography. The soft, golden light at dusk creates a romantic and ethereal atmosphere that is perfect for capturing those intimate, post-ceremony moments. Additionally, the vibrant city lights that come alive as night falls provide a magical backdrop for evening photos. Whether you prefer the warm glow of sunset or the sparkling lights of the city at night, we can create beautiful, timeless images that you’ll treasure forever.

Bride and groom kissing under the awning and by the hotel doors of the Francis Marion Hotel at night

Newlyweds embracing on King Street at night with the Francis Marion Hotel and city lights behind them

Bride and groom under the lit awning outside the Francis Marion Hotel on Calhoun Street at night

Memorable Grand Exit Options

The Francis Marion Hotel offers several memorable grand exit options for the bride and groom. Imagine a grand send-off with bubbles floating through the air or a classic exit in a beautifully decorated car. These moments provide a perfect conclusion to your wedding day and offer wonderful photo opportunities. As you make your grand exit, we’ll be there to capture every detail, ensuring that the final moments of your celebration are as magical as the rest of your day.

Guests tossing petals over the bride and groom at their grand exit from the Francis Marion Hotel

Bride and groom with their wedding party cheering inside the trolley after leaving the Francis Marion Hotel

Choosing the Francis Marion Hotel for your wedding guarantees a day filled with elegance, history, and timeless beauty. As experienced Charleston wedding photographers, we at Charleston Photo Art are dedicated to capturing every special moment, from the excitement of getting ready to the romance of your sunset portraits. The Francis Marion Hotel offers a stunning setting for your wedding, and we’re here to ensure that every moment is beautifully documented. If you’re looking for a venue that combines historic charm with modern luxury, the Francis Marion Hotel is the perfect choice for your Charleston wedding.

Venue | Francis Marion Hotel

Real Weddings at Francis Marion Hotel

We have photographed these weddings at Francis Marion Hotel — each story opens the full gallery: Charles & Sarah’s Francis Marion Hotel wedding and Nicole & Jason’s Francis Marion Hotel wedding.

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.

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