Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the top wedding destinations in the United States, celebrated for its historic charm, coastal beauty, and vibrant wedding industry. This guide highlights 20 beautiful wedding venues in Charleston, categorized by style: gardens, historic homes, waterfront, modern, and rustic. These venues provide exceptional settings for weddings and stunning backdrops for photography. For a more comprehensive list, visit our full venue directory on our website.
Garden Wedding Venues
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Overview: A historic garden venue with centuries-old live oaks, Spanish moss, and waterfront settings on the Ashley River. Offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Carriage House and sprawling lawns.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens offers countless breathtaking backdrops for romantic garden wedding photos. Iconic features like the Long White Bridge, vibrant blooming gardens, serene cypress lakes, and picturesque waterfront views create a dreamy setting for your special day. For the most vibrant foliage and colorful blooms, consider planning your celebration in March, April, or October.
Middleton Place
Overview: Home to the oldest landscaped gardens in the U.S., Middleton Place offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Pavilion and historic gardens.
Capacity: 300+ guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Middleton Place is the perfect venue for a formal garden wedding, offering a symmetrical, colonial-era atmosphere steeped in history. The venue’s stunning Butterfly Lakes, dramatic Spanish moss-draped oak trees, and blooming azaleas and camellias provide a romantic garden wedding backdrop. Couples can also incorporate iconic elements such as a charming carriage ride and the venue’s resident sheep for unique, timeless photos. With the Ashley River as a picturesque setting, Middleton Place truly captures the elegance of the Lowcountry. For the most vibrant seasonal beauty, consider winter or spring.
Historic Wedding Venues
The Governor Thomas Bennett House
Overview: A stunning circa-1825 mansion featuring architectural elegance and traditional gardens. Offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including grand interiors, a piazza, and a courtyard.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: The grand staircase is a breathtaking centerpiece for timeless portraits, while the spacious piazza provides stunning views of the immaculately landscaped gardens. The brick courtyard, complete with a charming fountain, adds an intimate and elegant touch to your wedding photos. This historic house is also an excellent choice for bridal portraits, offering a blend of refined interiors and classic Southern charm. Its downtown Charleston location provides easy access to other beautiful and photogenic landmarks, making it a versatile option for capturing a variety of stunning shots. For more examples of photography at The Governor Thomas Bennett House, including photos and videos, visit our dedicated article.
The William Aiken House
Overview: A national historic landmark offering indoor ballrooms, outdoor private grounds, and open-air piazzas in the heart of downtown Charleston.
Capacity: 300+ guests.
Accessibility: No on-site parking; nearby paid parking available.
Best for Photography: The William Aiken House offers a perfect blend of lush gardens, stunning architecture, and sweeping ballrooms, creating timeless and sophisticated settings for your wedding photos. Its convenient downtown Charleston location allows easy access to other iconic landmarks, enhancing your wedding photography options. The venue’s symmetrical gardens provide a polished and refined backdrop, while the elegant architecture adds a sense of grandeur and charm to every shot.
Historic Rice Mill
Overview: A waterfront venue featuring historic charm with indoor and outdoor event spaces. Its classic design includes exposed brick, wide plank wood floors, and pressed tin ceilings.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Accessibility: Paid parking available nearby.
Best for Photography: Historic Rice Mill combines the charm of a historic waterfront venue with a unique, old-world atmosphere. The marina views and breathtaking harbor sunsets provide stunning backdrops for romantic and timeless photos. Its textured indoor spaces, featuring exposed brick and wide plank wood floors, add character and depth to your gallery. Conveniently located near downtown Charleston, this venue offers easy access to other iconic locations, making it a versatile choice for capturing a variety of memorable moments.
Waterfront Wedding Venues
Lowndes Grove
Overview: Downtown Charleston’s last great waterfront estate, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces, including an expansive lawn, piazzas, and 18th-century architecture.
Capacity: 300+ guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Lowndes Grove offers an unparalleled setting for wedding photography, blending historic charm with waterfront elegance. Its grand lawn, framed by panoramic views of the Ashley River, provides a breathtaking backdrop, especially during sunset. The 18th-century architecture of the Main House, complete with sunlit terraces and a stately piazza, adds timeless sophistication to your photos. Conveniently located near downtown Charleston, Lowndes Grove also offers easy access to other picturesque locations, making it a versatile and stunning choice for capturing every moment of your special day.
The Island House
Overview: A private island venue with indoor and outdoor spaces, offering panoramic views of the Stono River, flower fields, and exclusive privacy.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: The Island House is a photographer’s dream, offering stunning river sunsets, vibrant flower fields, and intimate waterfront backdrops that create unforgettable images. The venue’s exclusive private island setting ensures privacy and serenity, enhancing the beauty of your wedding photos. To see more examples of photography at The Island House, including galleries and detailed insights, visit our dedicated article.
Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Overview: Charleston’s only harbourfront resort, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a private beach, marina, and golf facilities.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina offers endless opportunities for breathtaking wedding photos. The private beach provides a serene and romantic backdrop, while the marina views and stunning harbor sunsets add a touch of coastal elegance. This waterfront venue’s unique charm and dynamic scenery make it a perfect choice for capturing timeless memories. To learn more about this venue and see examples of my work, check out my detailed post about Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina on my website.
Creek Club at I’On
Overview: A waterfront venue featuring marsh views, an open floor plan, and both indoor and outdoor spaces, including a grand lawn.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Creek Club at I’On offers an array of picturesque settings for your wedding photos. The serene marsh views and golden sunsets over Hobcaw Creek provide a romantic and tranquil backdrop, while the inviting lawn is perfect for capturing timeless outdoor moments. Beyond the venue, the I’On neighborhood itself is fantastic for photos, with its charming architecture, scenic pathways, and unique character, adding even more variety and elegance to your wedding gallery. You can see more examples of my work at this venue in the Wedding Venue Directory on my website.
Wild Dunes Resort
Overview: A luxurious beachfront resort on Isle of Palms, offering multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces, including rooftop oceanfront ceremony options.
Capacity: 300+ guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Wild Dunes Resort offers endless opportunities for stunning wedding photos, with a variety of picturesque locations to choose from. The beachfront provides a romantic and serene coastal backdrop, while the rooftop offers sweeping ocean views for dramatic and timeless images. Lush gardens and beautifully designed resort spaces add further versatility, ensuring every moment is captured with elegance and charm. Whether on the beach, at the resort, or atop the rooftop, Wild Dunes delivers iconic coastal scenery perfect for your wedding gallery. To learn more about this venue and see examples of my work, check out my detailed post about Wild Dunes Resort on my website.
Golf & Waterfront Venues
Dunes West Golf Club
Overview: A picturesque golf club venue with an avenue of 300-year-old live oaks and waterfront settings along Wagner Creek.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Dunes West Golf Club is a stunning location for wedding photography, offering a blend of natural beauty and Southern charm. The majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss create a timeless and romantic setting, while the scenic waterfront provides serene and picturesque backdrops. With its lush golf course and charming landscapes, this venue ensures breathtaking photos that capture the essence of your special day. For more insights and examples of my work at this venue, explore the comprehensive guide to wedding venues on my website.
The Pavilion at Patriots Point Links
Overview: An outdoor-only venue with a ceremonial lawn and reception area overlooking Charleston Harbor.
Capacity: 250–300 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: The Pavilion at Patriots Point Links offers exceptional outdoor settings for your wedding photos. The open ceremonial lawn, with its sweeping views of Charleston Harbor, creates a breathtaking backdrop for both intimate moments and grand celebrations. The combination of waterfront scenery and the lush greenery of the golf course ensures your wedding gallery is filled with timeless and picturesque images.
Hotel Venues
Francis Marion Hotel
Overview: A historic hotel in downtown Charleston with grand interiors and a variety of indoor event spaces.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
Accessibility: Paid parking available nearby.
Best for Photography: The Francis Marion Hotel exudes timeless elegance, making it a perfect setting for sophisticated wedding photos. The soaring ceilings, monumental windows, and antique chandeliers provide a grand and refined backdrop. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, this historic venue also offers easy access to nearby picturesque locations, adding versatility and charm to your wedding photography. You can explore more about this venue and see examples of my work in a dedicated piece on my website.
Emeline
Overview: A boutique hotel in Charleston with a private courtyard and multiple indoor event spaces, perfect for intimate celebrations.
Capacity: Up to 150 guests.
Accessibility: Paid parking available nearby.
Best for Photography: Emeline combines modern elegance with intimate charm, making it a stunning venue for wedding photography. The lush central courtyard creates a serene outdoor setting, while the cozy indoor spaces add a contemporary and stylish flair to your photos. Its prime location near Market and Church Street provides easy access to Charleston’s vibrant streets and scenic spots, offering endless possibilities to enhance your wedding gallery.
Modern Wedding Venues
Founders Hall
Overview: A sleek, modern venue blending wood, concrete, and glass elements, located in the historic Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. Both indoor and outdoor options are available.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Founders Hall offers a perfect combination of dramatic architectural details and lush greenery, making it ideal for creating dynamic and contemporary wedding imagery. Its location within Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site provides access to picturesque park settings, including historic pathways, ancient oak trees, and scenic marsh views. For more examples of photography at Founders Hall, including photos and videos, visit our dedicated article.
Trinity Hall
Overview: A contemporary venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering classic décor, natural light, and an open layout.
Capacity: 300+ guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Trinity Hall’s clean, bright interiors and scenic outdoor settings provide a polished and elegant backdrop for wedding photography. Its convenient downtown Charleston location offers easy access to the city’s historic charm and picturesque streets, giving couples additional opportunities to capture unforgettable moments. The venue’s timeless design and natural light make it a stunning choice for any wedding gallery.
Rustic Wedding Venues
Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens
Overview: A historic estate with both indoor and outdoor spaces, including the famous Avenue of Oaks and the rustic Cotton Dock.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens offers a variety of stunning settings for wedding photography. The iconic Avenue of Oaks provides a breathtaking and timeless backdrop, while the Cotton Dock adds rustic charm with its waterfront views and warm ambiance. The beautifully maintained gardens bring vibrant colors and elegance to your photos, and the historic stables offer unique and character-filled backdrops for memorable images. For an in-depth look at this venue and examples of my work, check out the full feature on my website.
Wingate Place
Overview: A quaint farmhouse venue surrounded by centuries-old oak trees and a saltwater pond. Offers both indoor and outdoor options.
Capacity: Up to 350 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Wingate Place offers enchanting rustic settings that make for stunning wedding photography. The majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the serene saltwater pond, and the charming farmhouse provide timeless and romantic backdrops. For more details and to view examples of my work at this venue, visit the Wingate Place feature on my website.
Hart Meadows Ranch
Overview: A unique and modern venue featuring fountains, a secret garden, and Sweetgrass Island. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are available.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Hart Meadows Ranch is a uniquely designed and thoughtfully planned venue, offering countless opportunities for stunning wedding photography. Capture magical moments next to the Rain Curtain, the charming arched footbridge, or the serene Sweet Grass Island. The venue’s enchanting features and meticulous attention to detail provide one-of-a-kind backdrops that make your wedding gallery truly unforgettable.
Eden at Gracefield
Overview: A sprawling 500-acre estate with luxury homes, an event barn, and scenic outdoor spaces.
Capacity: 300+ guests.
Accessibility: On-site parking available.
Best for Photography: Eden at Gracefield offers endless opportunities for stunning wedding photography with its rolling hills, tranquil ponds, and elegant barn that seamlessly blend rustic charm with natural beauty. The on-site chapel provides a picturesque and intimate setting for ceremonies, while the barn’s design offers a versatile and character-filled backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments. This venue’s thoughtfully designed spaces ensure a variety of beautiful settings for your wedding gallery. For more details and examples of my work at this venue, visit the Eden at Gracefield feature on my website.
Charleston’s wedding venues offer unparalleled charm, diversity, and beauty, making it one of the top wedding destinations in South Carolina. Whether you dream of a garden, historic, waterfront, or modern venue, there’s a perfect spot for your big day. As Charleston wedding photographers, we have extensive experience working at these venues and can help you choose the location that complements your style and vision. Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding!
