The Best Select Services Wedding Venues in Charleston, SC

The Best Select Services Wedding Venues in Charleston, SC

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25 Wedding Venues in Charleston, SC

Select services
Quick responder
Charleston Rifle Club 

5.0

Charleston, SC
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,500

The Charleston Rifle Club is a beautiful recreational facility located on 14 acres on the banks of the Ashley River. Established in 1855, it has been a gathering place of families for decades. It boasts an outdoor pavilion, fishing dock and picnic area on a private island, as well as a Ballroom. While most of these amenities are for members only; the Ballroom is available as a rental for weddings, parties, and other events. The venue is gated, and free parking is available onsite, which offers convenience and exclusivity for your guests. The Charleston Rifle Club offer's access to a full-service kitchen onsite and couples have the flexibility to bring in their own preferred caterer for a truly personalized event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Has a dance floor for celebration

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Best for events with big guest lists
Awarded Best of Zola
great site great view one of few sites in Charleston with its own free parking
Steve, 4 months ago
Quick responder
Upstairs at Vincent Chicco’s 

5.0

Charleston, SC
  • Up to 80 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $1,750

Vincent Chicco’s is tucked along charming Hutson Alley, in the heart of downtown Charleston. The Upstairs private banquet space is ideal for rehearsal dinners, cocktail style receptions and corporate gatherings. Enjoy Italian American cuisine featuring fresh ingredients, handmade pastas and house made sauces. Vincent Chicco's is the perfect place to wine and dine with family and friends and celebrate special occasions!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Has an energetic and exciting atmosphere

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • Not wheelchair accessible
We had a wonderful Rehearsal Dinner at the restaurant in the upstairs room! The food, service, and the bar tender made the night and everything went smooth as could be. The family style dinner menu we put together with Sass was fantastic! Everything came out hot and delicious (including the sides and bread baskets). I would (and have recommended) the restaurant to people and will definitely be back to dine there when we head back to Charleston!
Jami C., 8 months ago
Quick responder
Upstairs at 39 Rue de Jean 

5.0

Charleston, SC
  • Up to 120 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $5,000

The Upstairs at Rue event space offers a private dining room that can be transformed to host professional gatherings or celebratory affairs, accommodating up to 200 guests. This unique space, overlooking Upper King street, features vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and a private entrance.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Classic elegance
  • Has an energetic and exciting atmosphere
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Does not allow pets
  • On-site parking not available
We hosted my husbands military retirement party at Upstairs at Rue de Jean and to say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made is an understatement. Sass made communication and planning so easy. There were no hidden costs, what was quoted to us is what we paid. The bartenders and staff took care of everything. The venue is so beautiful we kept our own decor minimal. We are so thankful we got to relax and spend a night we won't forget celebrating my husband's accomplishments with friends and family.
Elizabeth R., 10 months ago
New
Francis Marion Hotel 

4.9

Charleston, SC
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $10,500
  • Offer

Since it originally opened its doors over 90 years ago, the Francis Marion Hotel has been the epicenter of weddings and social events in Charleston society. The tradition of elegance and grandeur live on in two of the most elegant ballrooms in Charleston. With unique features like antique chandeliers, 20-foot high ceilings, monumental windows, and marble accented fireplaces, the Francis Marion Hotel provides the ideal location for a romantic Charleston wedding. Let us show you why generations of Charlestonians continue to select the Francis Marion Hotel for their wedding festivities.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Provides catering services

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
The team at the Francis Marion Hotel was an absolute pleasure to work with. Their communication was prompt, attentive, and highly detailed throughout the entire planning process. The venue itself is large, elegant, and impeccably clean - the perfect backdrop for our special day. They were extremely accommodating, working closely with my mother and other guests who had major food intolerance issues. The hotel also provided amazing vendor referrals that helped make our wedding day run seamlessly. I cannot recommend the Francis Marion Hotel highly enough to any couple looking for a beautiful, stress-free venue with a top-notch staff.
Eliana C., a year ago
Ritual Rooftop Bar, Downtown Charleston 

5.0

Charleston, SC
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Whether it’s an intimate family gathering, a corporate team retreat, or an extravagant welcome party, Ritual is the perfect place to host your special events. Nestled high above the corner of King & Calhoun, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking views and vibes inspired by the lush beauty of Tulum. Our specially curated event menus consist of Latin-American-inspired bites your guests will love. Pair this with excellent bar service and you're left with an event that will be remembered for years to come.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Provides setup and cleanup

Venue considerations

  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No all-inclusive dining options
  • On-site parking not available
Ritual is a great venue overlooking one of the most beautiful parts of the city. We’ve done at least 4 events there with groups ranging from 60-185. Staff are all super nice and if they are willing to work with fraternities they can work with anyone ;)
Meritt D., a year ago
The South Carolina Aquarium 

5.0

Charleston, SC
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $4,500

With unrivaled panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor and Ravenel Bridge, breathtaking living sea life, indoor and outdoor ceremony options and sleek open architecture that suits any vision, the South Carolina Aquarium is a unique wedding venue sure to wow your guests! Enjoy private access to the Aquarium galleries for up to 500 guests (up to 200 seated), with customization for table placement, catering stations, bar service, entertainment and more. Your wedding at the South Carolina Aquarium is guaranteed to make waves!

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No all-inclusive dining options
We have worked many times with the Aquarium and their staff and communication is always very good and we enjoy working with them. Their is a tight turnover for the set up but the staff do everything they can to facilitate an easier set up in a short space of time. We have had many happy clients and many beautiful weddings at the aquarium
Pinnacle Weddings, SC, 2 years ago
Quick responder
Lowndes Grove 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor

Host your wedding at Lowndes Grove, downtown Charleston’s last great waterfront estate. This picturesque peninsula venue offers a relaxed and refined Lowcountry setting, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy exclusive use of the circa 1786 Main House and its 14 acres of private grounds. Exchange vows on the grand lawn, then celebrate on expansive terraces and piazzas while taking in iconic, one-of-a-kind sunset views over the Ashley River. It’s an unparalleled, private backdrop for your special day.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides catering services
  • Provides event staff
  • Space for a large guest list

Venue considerations

  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • No free parking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Quick responder
The River House 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 100 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Discover The River House at Lowndes Grove, a hidden, intimate gem nestled on the lush grounds of the last great waterfront estate on the Charleston peninsula. Set between centuries-old live oak trees and the Ashley River waterfront, this private, gated venue offers a scenic, easygoing space with sweeping river and sunset views. Perfect for an intimate, luxurious occasion with 100 guests or fewer, The River House provides an exclusive and memorable Charleston experience. As part of the PPHG family, you benefit from in-house food and beverage service, a pastry chef, complimentary rehearsal, and an experienced event management team dedicated to making your day flawless.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Bridal suite on site

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Does not allow pets
  • Not wheelchair accessible
The Waverly 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,250

The Waverly is downtown Charleston, SC’s newest private event space and wedding venue, blending classic Southern charm with modern elegance. Opened in May 2025, The Waverly was intentionally designed to be elegant yet adaptable, a space that can be transformed to suit a variety of styles, tastes, and visions. The venue is anchored by the 3,000-square-foot Reception Hall, which opens onto The Porch to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The space also features a charming outdoor Veranda and Garden, ideal for ceremonies or an intimate setting for cocktail hours. Two thoughtfully appointed bridal party suites, a full catering kitchen, and ample on-site parking ensure no detail was overlooked in creating a venue that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Classic elegance

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
The Cedar Room 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 300 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $30,000

The Cedar Room at Mercantile and Mash, located in the celebrated Cigar Factory, is an open and airy space featuring historic wood columns, hardwood floors and original elements of the circa 1881 building. The walls consist of rustic brick and floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal a view of the architecturally acclaimed Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The 8,000-square-foot private event venue can accommodate parties and celebrations of up to 500 guests, from intimate cocktail receptions to seated dinners for 300 guests. The space features a bridal suite, built-in bar, and a courtyard with 1,500 square feet of additional event space. Onsite parking for guests is available after 5:00 pm.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Versatile for various event styles
  • Historic touches

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • No on-site guest accommodations
Music Farm 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $4,000

Music Farm is an iconic music and wedding venue located in the heart of historic Charleston, SC. It offers renovated, flexible multi-purpose space that is ideal for your special event. Host up to 170 seated guests or up to 675 open plan in the trendy expansive setting. The main floor of the 16,000 square-foot space is broken up into three different levels offering spaces to dance, dine and celebrate. It has a cozy and inviting atmosphere and is ideal for live entertainment. Colored mood lighting creates a party ambiance. The venue has a full bar and full kitchen, making it a one-stop shop for throwing an unforgettable event. The bar offers a variety of options, from specialty cocktails to wine and beer packages.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides event staff
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Has an energetic and exciting atmosphere

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Quick responder
The American Theater 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 125 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor

Rooted in rich history, the American Theater has become a true Charleston landmark in the years since it first opened in 1942. Ideally located in the heart of downtown Charleston on vibrant and bustling Upper King Street, this art deco-inspired venue provides a unique and versatile space for your one-of-a-kind event. The American Theater has played supporting roles in major motion pictures, one of which was the setting to Allie + Noah’s iconic first date in The Notebook! With an unmatched ambiance that is very much its own, plus a variety of distinctive venue options to consider, the theater provides the perfect backdrop for weddings, rehearsal dinners, after parties, private celebrations, and charitable and corporate events.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site
  • Provides catering services

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • No on-premises lodging options
Quick responder
The William Aiken House 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 500 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Sweeping ballrooms, lush private grounds, and open-air piazzas make this historic 1807 mansion one of Charleston’s most sought-after venues for weddings and special occasions. A seamless blend of modern sophistication and 19th-century allure, the William Aiken House is a peaceful retreat just beyond the bustle of Upper King Street. Behind the venue’s gates, a two-century-old magnolia tree is the centerpiece of sunlit courtyards and manicured lawns, while an elegant pergola and a Gothic-style Carriage House are tucked in the background. Inside the sweeping home, formal dining rooms and parlors showcase a collection of museum-caliber artwork and antiques, enchanting guests as they float from one space to the next.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Caters to out-of-town guests

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Quick responder
Parcel 32 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Welcome to Parcel 32 — Where Charleston’s History Meets Modern Romance Nestled in the heart of downtown Charleston’s famed Upper King Street, Parcel 32 offers couples a wedding experience that feels both timeless and effortlessly chic. Housed in a beautifully restored Charleston single home dating back to 1837, this venue captures the charm of the city’s storied past while embracing the sophistication of modern design. Every corner whispers elegance — from the custom-tiled courtyard entrance to the lush plant wall that greets your guests with Southern grace. With multiple unique event spaces, each radiating warmth and personality, Parcel 32 provides an unforgettable setting where your love story becomes part of Charleston’s rich legacy.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No free parking
Charleston Gaillard Center 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 1000 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $30,000

Welcome to The Lounge by Good Liquid Distilling Co., where celebration meets sophistication and every detail whispers of timeless romance. Nestled in the heart of Lakewood Ranch Waterside, this refined venue seamlessly blends modern coastal charm with a warm, inviting ambiance—perfect for couples seeking a wedding that feels effortlessly elegant. With handcrafted spirits, locally inspired cuisine, and stunning interiors, The Lounge offers a one-of-a-kind setting where your love story can unfold in an atmosphere of joy, laughter, and unforgettable flavor.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Space for a large guest list
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Does not allow pets
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The Gadsden House 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Steeped in romance, The Gadsden House was originally built as a wedding gift in 1798. Today, this restored Charleston manor blends heirloom character with modern elegance. Picture your ceremony in the lush courtyards, cocktail hour on the grand Southern piazzas, and a reception in parlor rooms glowing with crystal chandeliers. Featuring original heart pine floors and thoughtful amenities, this downtown venue offers an unparalleled backdrop for your wedding, rehearsal dinner, or welcome party. Experience iconic Southern hospitality.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • Dance floor not included
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 120 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $15,000

WEDDINGS FOREVER STARTS HERE. A day that’s larger than life deserves a space grand enough to inspire it. For couples with a style all their own, peek beyond the ordinary into our breathtaking wedding venue in Charleston. Let us transform one of the most anticipated days of your life into a perfect moment in time. When every detail is just right, it will be more than you imagined. Embrace the seemingly impossible and let us make your day everything you never thought possible. - Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points - Professional ceremony coordination by one of our preferred vendor wedding coordinators (recommended) - Complimentary infused water service - Ceremony rehearsal

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No dedicated areas for getting ready
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
The Ashley 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 100 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $800

The Ashley, an Event and Banquet Hall in Charleston SC, is located in the West Ashley area at 1940 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, near Citadel Mall. The affordable and attractive event space is located in a free standing brick building with plenty of parking near beautiful downtown Charleston and is perfect for weddings and receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate parties, graduation parties, reunions, birthday parties and more. The Ashley can accommodate groups from 20-100 attendees. We will work with all event planners, vendors and caterers in the Charleston area and can accommodate any request. We have brought The Ashley to West Ashley to fill the void of affordable venues and event spaces in the Charleston area.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Versatile for various event styles

Venue considerations

  • Does not provide event staff
  • Does not allow pets
  • No all-inclusive dining options
Quick responder
The Mills House 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 350 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Celebrate Your Charleston Wedding in Style! Romance lives here, in this city, in this hotel, at this beloved landmark. Our oh-so photogenic pink hotel makes the perfect backdrop for your special day. A captivating courtyard. A second-floor balcony overlooking Meeting Street. A stunning rooftop space. A classic Southern Ballroom. Choose the space that suits your vision. We’ll make sure your Charleston wedding is a dream from start to finish. Iconic pink hotel, endless Southern charm. From beautiful ballrooms, historic courtyard and fountain and a stunning pool terrace with Charleston city views: Our unique indoor and outdoor venues in the heart of Charleston’s historic district offer a picture-perfect setting for your unforgettable celebration, from the rehearsal dinner to the departure brunch.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Lush gardens
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • Dressing room available

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
One Broad at Brasserie La Banque 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 65 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $5,000

One Broad at Brasserie La Banque is located in historic downtown Charleston, SC in the French Quarter. Paying homage to traditional French cuisine in a lively and welcoming environment, One Broad at Brasserie la Banque celebrates life’s memorable moments from impromptu drinks to convivial gatherings and leisurely meals. Led by owner and industry veteran Steve Palmer of Indigo Road Hospitality Group, the restaurant and venue is a culmination of Palmer’s work and his passion for the classic French brasserie and its cuisine. Aptly named for its previous role as a city bank, Brasserie la Banque is located within the iconic 1 Broad Street corner building that dates back to the 1700s.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Dressing room available
  • Provides catering services
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • No free parking
  • Does not allow pets
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Quick responder
New Realm Brewing Co. 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 500 guests
  • Select services
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $2,000

Welcome, thirst seekers. Hop gazers. Palate pushers. Style defiers. You’ve entered the New Realm—where tradition fuels innovation, and quality never takes a back seat to creativity. Whatever you’re craving, whatever you’re imagining, this is where you’ll find it. So come one, come all, and discover your place in the New Realm. Events at New Realm Brewing are as bold and distinct as the beer we brew—thoughtfully crafted, full of energy, and built to impress.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists

About wedding venues in Charleston, SC

Why Is Charleston Perfect for Your Wedding Day?

Charleston wins couples over with its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture and stunning waterfront views along the Ashley River and Charleston Harbor. The city's historic district has over 1,400 beautifully preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that you'll fall in love with instantly. You'll find live oak trees draped with Spanish moss creating natural ceremony canopies while downtown's pastel-colored row houses give you distinctive photo backdrops you can't get anywhere else. Most couples choose May through October for their Charleston weddings, drawn to the city's amazing blend of Lowcountry cuisine, genuine Southern hospitality and a walkable downtown filled with historic churches and mansions that make planning your wedding day logistics so much easier.

What Venue Types Can You Choose From in Charleston?

Charleston's wedding venue options fall into several distinct categories that offer something for every couple's style. Historic plantations like Boone Hall feature the iconic Avenue of Oaks with 270-year-old trees that create an unforgettable entrance for your ceremony. Magnolia Plantation gives you the oldest public gardens in America with dramatic bridges over reflective ponds that look magical in photos. If you're looking at downtown historic buildings, the William Aiken House (c.1810) offers six period dining rooms and a spacious courtyard perfect for mixing indoor and outdoor celebrations. The Cedar Room wows with 45-foot ceilings in a restored cigar factory that gives your reception an industrial-chic vibe. For waterfront estates, Lowndes Grove sits on 14 acres along the Ashley River with a historic main house and dedicated reception pavilion that makes planning easier. Historic Rice Mill delivers panoramic harbor views with exposed brick and heart pine floors that create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests.

How Much Do Charleston Wedding Venues Cost?

Charleston wedding venues typically range from $7,700 to $9,400 which aligns with the national average of $6,500-$12,000. Your total wedding investment grows significantly with guest count in a way that helps you plan realistically. A small wedding with 50 guests runs about $21,612 while 100 guests pushes that to $35,835. Bumping up to 150 guests means budgeting around $49,205 and 200 guests typically costs $61,155. Larger celebrations with 250 guests average $73,105 while truly big weddings with 300 guests reach approximately $85,055. Venue costs make up about 17% of your total budget so you'll want to factor that in when planning how to allocate your funds across other wedding elements like catering, photography and flowers.

When Should You Book Your Charleston SC Wedding Venue?

Charleston venues need booking about 14 months (436 days) in advance with May being the peak inquiry month when competition for dates gets fierce. Most venues ask for 50% deposits to secure your date and final payments typically come due 30-60 days before the wedding day. September through November weddings book fastest so you'll need to move quickly if you're dreaming of fall nuptials. January and February offer more availability and you might even score off-season discounts that help stretch your budget further. Starting your venue search early gives you the best chance at getting your preferred date and location while also allowing enough time to secure your other vendors who often book up quickly after the venue is confirmed.

What Percentage of Your Charleston Wedding Budget Goes to Different Services?

ServiceAverage CostPercentage of Total (150 guests)
Venue$8,51517%
Catering$6,81214%
Florists$6,19313%
Bar Services$5,45011%
Photographers$4,1728%
Videographers$4,0108%
Planners$2,7096%
Bands/DJs$1,6223%
Cakes/Desserts$1,4713%
Hair & Makeup$6081%

Which Charleston Venues Offer Exceptional Culinary Experiences?

The Gadsden House serves exceptional Southern cuisine with creative flavor profiles that guests consistently describe as "not normal wedding food" – you'll impress even your foodie friends with their menu options. Lowndes Grove offers chef-crafted menus with customizable options emphasizing local ingredients and provides private tastings so you can perfect every detail before the big day. Cannon Green in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood delivers refined dining experiences in a romantic atmosphere that feels intimate even with larger guest counts. Hotel Bennett provides world-class catering with customizable options in its elegant ballrooms where you can create a truly personalized culinary journey for your guests from cocktail hour through dessert.

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in Charleston SC?

The Gadsden House in downtown Charleston offers historic charm with modern amenities including accessibility features that ensure all your guests can enjoy your celebration comfortably. The American Theater features an Art Deco landmark with modernized accessibility features and state-of-the-art AV equipment perfect for couples who want to incorporate multimedia elements into their reception. Lowndes Grove provides beautifully restored event spaces with accessibility accommodations along the Ashley River so you don't have to sacrifice scenic beauty for practical needs. Uptown Social offers customizable space with in-house catering and modern accessibility features that make planning simpler with fewer vendors to coordinate. You should always contact venues directly to confirm specific accessibility accommodations for your guests with disabilities since features can change and you'll want to address any special requirements your particular guests might have.

Why Is Charleston Perfect for Your Wedding Day?

Charleston wins couples over with its cobblestone streets, antebellum architecture and stunning waterfront views along the Ashley River and Charleston Harbor. The city's historic district has over 1,400 beautifully preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that you'll fall in love with instantly. You'll find live oak trees draped with Spanish moss creating natural ceremony canopies while downtown's pastel-colored row houses give you distinctive photo backdrops you can't get anywhere else. Most couples choose May through October for their Charleston weddings, drawn to the city's amazing blend of Lowcountry cuisine, genuine Southern hospitality and a walkable downtown filled with historic churches and mansions that make planning your wedding day logistics so much easier.

What Venue Types Can You Choose From in Charleston?

Charleston's wedding venue options fall into several distinct categories that offer something for every couple's style. Historic plantations like Boone Hall feature the iconic Avenue of Oaks with 270-year-old trees that create an unforgettable entrance for your ceremony. Magnolia Plantation gives you the oldest public gardens in America with dramatic bridges over reflective ponds that look magical in photos. If you're looking at downtown historic buildings, the William Aiken House (c.1810) offers six period dining rooms and a spacious courtyard perfect for mixing indoor and outdoor celebrations. The Cedar Room wows with 45-foot ceilings in a restored cigar factory that gives your reception an industrial-chic vibe. For waterfront estates, Lowndes Grove sits on 14 acres along the Ashley River with a historic main house and dedicated reception pavilion that makes planning easier. Historic Rice Mill delivers panoramic harbor views with exposed brick and heart pine floors that create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests.

How Much Do Charleston Wedding Venues Cost?

Charleston wedding venues typically range from $7,700 to $9,400 which aligns with the national average of $6,500-$12,000. Your total wedding investment grows significantly with guest count in a way that helps you plan realistically. A small wedding with 50 guests runs about $21,612 while 100 guests pushes that to $35,835. Bumping up to 150 guests means budgeting around $49,205 and 200 guests typically costs $61,155. Larger celebrations with 250 guests average $73,105 while truly big weddings with 300 guests reach approximately $85,055. Venue costs make up about 17% of your total budget so you'll want to factor that in when planning how to allocate your funds across other wedding elements like catering, photography and flowers.

When Should You Book Your Charleston SC Wedding Venue?

Charleston venues need booking about 14 months (436 days) in advance with May being the peak inquiry month when competition for dates gets fierce. Most venues ask for 50% deposits to secure your date and final payments typically come due 30-60 days before the wedding day. September through November weddings book fastest so you'll need to move quickly if you're dreaming of fall nuptials. January and February offer more availability and you might even score off-season discounts that help stretch your budget further. Starting your venue search early gives you the best chance at getting your preferred date and location while also allowing enough time to secure your other vendors who often book up quickly after the venue is confirmed.

What Percentage of Your Charleston Wedding Budget Goes to Different Services?

ServiceAverage CostPercentage of Total (150 guests)
Venue$8,51517%
Catering$6,81214%
Florists$6,19313%
Bar Services$5,45011%
Photographers$4,1728%
Videographers$4,0108%
Planners$2,7096%
Bands/DJs$1,6223%
Cakes/Desserts$1,4713%
Hair & Makeup$6081%

Which Charleston Venues Offer Exceptional Culinary Experiences?

The Gadsden House serves exceptional Southern cuisine with creative flavor profiles that guests consistently describe as "not normal wedding food" – you'll impress even your foodie friends with their menu options. Lowndes Grove offers chef-crafted menus with customizable options emphasizing local ingredients and provides private tastings so you can perfect every detail before the big day. Cannon Green in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood delivers refined dining experiences in a romantic atmosphere that feels intimate even with larger guest counts. Hotel Bennett provides world-class catering with customizable options in its elegant ballrooms where you can create a truly personalized culinary journey for your guests from cocktail hour through dessert.

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in Charleston SC?

The Gadsden House in downtown Charleston offers historic charm with modern amenities including accessibility features that ensure all your guests can enjoy your celebration comfortably. The American Theater features an Art Deco landmark with modernized accessibility features and state-of-the-art AV equipment perfect for couples who want to incorporate multimedia elements into their reception. Lowndes Grove provides beautifully restored event spaces with accessibility accommodations along the Ashley River so you don't have to sacrifice scenic beauty for practical needs. Uptown Social offers customizable space with in-house catering and modern accessibility features that make planning simpler with fewer vendors to coordinate. You should always contact venues directly to confirm specific accessibility accommodations for your guests with disabilities since features can change and you'll want to address any special requirements your particular guests might have.

What types of wedding venues are in Charleston, SC?

What other Charleston vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?