Arguably one of the most charming destinations in the United States, Charleston is a popular choice for bachelor parties, bachelorettes, and weddings.
Because of its popularity and the deluge of visitors post-Covid, a typical Charleston/South Carolina wedding starts at around $25,000.
But don’t let the steep price deter you—the venues and scenery found in Charleston are unparalleled. Don’t believe us? Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin chose South Carolina’s Montage Palmetto Bluff for their dreamy 2019 nuptials!
Plus, the city oozes romance, having served as the background for movies like The Notebook and Dear John.
Read on to discover the many sprawling plantations, beautiful river backdrops, and stunning hotels available in Charleston—prepare to get inspired to plan your wedding day in South Carolina’s Lowcountry!
Boone Hall Plantation
Enjoy southern charm at its finest, just 7 miles from downtown Charleston. As seen in a few scenes of The Notebook, the 1681 Boone Hall Plantation offers a selection of whimsical locations for a wedding ceremony and reception.
The entrance features 3/4 of a mile of 270-year-old live oaks with draped Spanish moss. The drive opens up to Boone Hall—a working farm with large windows, hardwood floors, and exposed beams that has hosted presidents and celebrities.
Outside, couples can get married on the front lawn, in the dreamy backyard with tidal marshes and a patio, or on the renowned Cotton Dock.
Price Range: Starts at $6,000.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests.
Find Boone Hall Plantation at Boone Hall Plantation or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Cannon Green
With a breezy 19th-century façade surrounded by palm trees and string lights, Cannon Green offers a magical destination with exceptional event staff and amenities—all in the heart of Charleston.
The venue has three event sites, the Garden Room, the Courtyard, and the Trolley Room, all offering plenty of square footage and options for indoor and outdoor celebrations.
Need help choosing a menu for the big day? The onsite caterers offer curated menus featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
Price Range: $34,634 and up.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Find Cannon Green at Cannon Green or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Cypress Gardens
Are you a lover of nature? Just a short drive from Charleston, Cypress Gardens offers an unconventional, fairytale-like option for your big day.
Brides and grooms can say “I do” in the lush gardens or take stunning photos on a wooden paddle boat in the blackwater swamp.
Filled with picturesque cypress trees, the swamp also offers the perfect option for brides to make a grand entrance—via boat—to one of the beautiful outdoor ceremony locations. Or, opt for the romantic garden gazebo encircled in lush greenery.
Price Range: $1,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 250 guests.
Find Cypress Gardens at Cypress Gardens or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Harborside East
With unparalleled views of the Cooper River Bridge, Harborside East offers a beautiful outdoor deck and a full waterfront panorama from its banks.
The posh interior opens to a beautiful banquet area that can accommodate cocktails, dancing, and receptions.
During cocktail hour, many brides and grooms head to the lower grassy area to take sunset shots—with the Ravenel Bridge sparkling in the background.
Price Range: $3,000 and up.
Capacity: Up to 400 guests.
Find Harborside East at Harborside East or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Hotel Bennett
Perhaps one of Charleston’s most iconic luxury hotels with its yellow paint and green shuttered windows, Hotel Bennett is a wedding mainstay.
Looking for some pre-wedding pampering? The hotel offers gorgeous bridal teas and spa days, as well as customized bachelors’ celebrations and plenty of event space for the wedding day.
Planning woes be gone: The onsite specialists can cover everything, from a menu to parking options and table rentals.
Price Range: $1,000 to $5,000.
Capacity: Up to 350 guests.
Find Hotel Bennett at Hotel Bennett or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Cedar Room
This 1881 former cigar factory is the epitome of southern elegance, with its light and airy interior and overlook of the Ravenel Bridge.
The Cedar Room features hardwood floors, charming light fixtures, and a simple interior for full wedding day decor customization like florals, hanging vines, and twinkle lights.
Mercantile and Mash, the in-house caterers, also make it easy for couples to choose a reception menu—with plenty of fresh, locally-grown options.
Price Range: $3,500 to $9,000.
Capacity: Up to 500 guests.
Find The Cedar Room at The Cedar Room or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Lowndes Grove
Bordering the Ashley River, Lowndes Grove is a stately 1786 manor home that contrasts airy coastal views with historic elegance.
Many couples opt to say “I do” against the backdrop of the mansion and hold a reception on the peaceful terrace with the river behind.
Have a smaller guest list? Host your ceremony inside the South Carolina home, surrounded by natural light, intricate architecture, a three-story winding staircase, and beautiful period decor.
Price Range: $3,500 to $12,500.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests.
Find Lowndes Grove at Lowndes Grove or check out Facebook or Instagram.
Middleton Place
Similar to its name, Middleton Place is truly a venue fit for royalty. With moss-covered oaks, flower gardens, ponds, sculpted terraces, and plenty of lush property, this National Historic Landmark sees many weddings throughout the year.
Intimate or grand, Middleton Place can accommodate a variety of guest lists—with a combination of in- and outdoor grandeur.
The versatile 4,700-square-foot pavilion, for example, can host up to 200 guests while the tranquil lakes can be the site for smaller, more intimate nuptials.
Price Range: $5,000 to $12,000.
Capacity: Up to 400 guests.
Find Middleton Place at Middleton Place or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Ocean Course
Just 30 minutes from the heart of Charleston, the Kiawah Island Ocean Course is the definition of coastal beauty.
This specific ceremony spot is set on an expansive golf course, with bluff and ocean views—the perfect venue for sunset.
Even better? The course has private beach access, so guests and bridal parties can step even further into golden hour beauty while celebrating on the island.
Price Range: $2,500 to $12,000.
Capacity: Up to 600 guests.
Find The Ocean Course at Kiawah Resort or check out Facebook or Instagram.
The Governor Thomas Bennett House
From grand nuptials to intimate weddings, The Governor Thomas Bennett House—a restored 19th-century mansion—can accommodate every whim.
The home features stately columns, a Palladian window, an impressive staircase, and a pineapple fountain outside.
Because of its excellent outdoor spaces, many couples choose to wed under the 200-year-old oak tree with hanging lanterns and crystal chandeliers.
Price Range: $3,800 to $9,000.
Capacity: Up to 230 guests.
Find The Governor Thomas Bennett House at The Governor Thomas Bennett House or check out Facebook or Instagram.
