The Most Beautiful Wedding Venues in Charleston
A wedding expert shares 10 luxurious locations to say "I do" in the Holy City.
Photo By: ©iStockphoto.com/Alex Potemkin
Photo By: Courtesy of the William Aiken House
Photo By: Sara Bee
Photo By: Hannah Alyssa Photography
Photo By: Courtesy of the Gibbes Museum of Art
Photo By: Courtesy of the Cedar Room
Photo By: Courtesy of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Photo By: Courtesy of the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Photo By: Courtesy of Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
Photo By: Peter Frank Edwards/Wild Dunes Resort
Photo By: Courtesy of the Francis Marion Hotel
Southern Beauty
Known as the Holy City, Charleston, South Carolina, plays host to a treasure trove of beautiful wedding venues. To help select the 10 very best ones in the city and surrounding Lowcountry, we reached out to Della MacNicholas, a luxury wedding consultant who contributes to Explore Charleston, Charleston Weddings magazine and is the creative founder and director of Charleston Wedding Week. Click through the gallery to see her picks and details about what makes each venue special.
William Aiken House
"The 1810 National Historic Landmark in the heart of downtown Charleston blends Old World charm with modern sophistication. Complete with museum-caliber artwork and antiques, sweeping ballrooms, lush private grounds, open-air piazzas and a two-century-old magnolia tree as the courtyard centerpiece, the mansion makes for timeless (and picture-perfect) nuptials."
Cannon Green
"Cannon Green is an innovative space tucked into downtown Charleston. The space is designed to give guests stunning indoor and outdoor entertaining options. The unique venue combines the elements of quintessential Charleston ambiance, southern hospitality and exceptional food and wine pairings to ensure the Big Day is one for the books."
Cotton Dock at Boone Hall Plantation
"After marveling at the ancient Avenue of Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation, you arrive at the Cotton Dock. A rustic venue nestled in a majestic setting on a tidal marsh amongst over three centuries of history, beauty and grace. Stunning sunsets over the creek are a trademark and guaranteed crowd pleaser for all of the wedding guests."
Gibbes Museum of Art
"Located in the historic district, the Gibbes Museum of Art offers a setting rich with history and elegance. Exchange vows under the opulent glass dome or host a reception in the classical garden. This exceptional venue will transform your special day into a one-of-a-kind celebration."
The Cedar Room
"The Cedar Room, located in the celebrated and restored Cigar Factory, is an open and airy space that features historic wood columns, hardwood floors and original elements of the circa 1881 building. The walls consist of rustic brick and massive floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal a view of the iconic an architecturally acclaimed Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge."
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
"Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a one-of-a-kind matrimonial destination. Situated on nearly 500 acres and recognized with the distinction of being America's oldest public gardens, the expansive views of the Ashley River, the ancient live oaks and the intimate garden walkways set an unforgettable stage to say 'I do.'"
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
"Just a hop, skip and jump away from downtown Charleston, luxury beckons. The Sanctuary marries award-winning luxury and a romantic seaside setting together to create the celebration of a lifetime."
Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
"Overlook the scenic Charleston skyline from this seaside wedding haven. Offering 10 distinctive venue choices that can accommodate 15 to 1,000 people, the sky is the limit for an effortless destination wedding rife with luxury and style."
Wild Dunes Resort
"Embrace beach casual, revel in Lowcountry elegance, soak in panoramic ocean views or host an intimate gathering on the croquet lawns. From elegant and formal affairs to beach chic events, this oceanside resort offers a collection of wedding venues to make anyone’s Big Day dreams come true."
Francis Marion Hotel
"Step inside the grandeur of a storied landmark and the historic epicenter of weddings and social events in Charleston society. Since 1924, the property has celebrated over 90 years of unforgettable weddings and boasts beautiful grand ballrooms with antique chandeliers, soaring 20 foot-high ceilings and monumental windows overlooking the city."