The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Dorchester, SC

The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Dorchester, SC

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9 Wedding Venues in Dorchester, SC

Historic estates, mansions
100-150 guests
GemHidden gem
Kersey House 

5.0

Summerville, SC
  • Up to 375 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $18,000
  • Offer

The Kersey House, located in historic downtown Summerville, South Carolina, is a beautifully renovated wedding venue that dates back to circa 1912. It is owned and operated by Nico Romo, one of only 66 French master chefs in the country and the only one residing in South Carolina. As you enter the venue, you will be welcomed by two spacious southern verandas, along with a tribute to the Kersey family. The four grand parlor rooms feature original heart pine floors, stunning fireplaces, and small tributes to each family member. The venue also boasts an expansive ballroom and a large courtyard adorned with azaleas and hydrangeas, creating an intimate urban oasis. Custom tenting options are available for versatile use of the outdoor spaces, regardless of the weather.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Does not have a dance floor
  • No built-in audiovisual options
  • Not for you if you are drawn to more unconventional venues
Summerville has sought a wedding venue that offers the same charm and quality as downtown Charleston but at a more affordable price. This brand-new venue is set to open in December 2024 and will be fully available for brides in 2025!
Kaitlyn C., 7 months ago
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Francis Marion Hotel 

4.9

Charleston, SC
  • Up to 500 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $5,000

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., 7 months ago
Halls Signature Events 

5.0

Charleston, SC
  • Up to 125 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Halls Signature Events is our private dining and event venue for the award-winning restaurant Halls Chophouse, The Charleston Steakhouse. Whether your event is held in our lovely historic venue at 5 Faber Street in downtown Charleston, or we bring our private chef services to your home or offsite event, you and your guests will be treated to Halls' renowned service and the quality you have come to expect from our restaurants. This refurbished historic warehouse features a cool brick façade, inset with multiple windows and large, natural wood doors. Inside, you’ll find more exposed brick, arched doorways, a fully-equipped marble bar, commercial kitchen, and a mezzanine level set with plush lounge furniture. Get as creative as you like with this eclectic space—your rental agreement doesn’t require you to use specified vendors, so you're free to design your own décor, flowers, and room layouts, and use the facility in whatever way suits your vision.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Has a luxe vibe
  • Provides a dedicated team on-site

Venue considerations

  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • No on-premises lodging options
  • Does not allow pets
Not only is this event space incredibly gorgeous but the event director, Emily Schultz, was the most helpful and professional that lead to a stress-free wedding experience. The space contains a large entry, spacious bar, beautiful main room, and a lounge and loft. From the moment you walk in you are greeted with brick, dark woods, green, and gold in a romantic and elegant way. There's tile and wood floors with decorated walls that made this area so much more appealing than an empty banquet hall. Emily communicated with me through email and phone quickly, often, and professionally. She was the biggest help to this out of town bride! Her and her team put on an amazing event down to personalized menus and beyond excellent service from the bartenders to the many servers. Our guests also told us that the filet they had was the best they ever had! We had 60 guests and had plenty of room for a dance floor, dj, and photobooth area. We did our cocktail hour and reception here. I could not recommend Halls enough!
Brianna L., 10 months ago
Hart Meadows Ranch 

3.7

Johns Island, SC
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,700

EVERYTHING YOU EVER DREAMED OF IN ONE VENUE! Hart Meadows Ranch Event Venue is located just a few minutes from Charleston, SC and Kiawah Island. Imagine a venue that is elegant, upscale, affordable and combines the Charleston Low Country beauty with all the Modern Amenities at no extra charge. Hart Meadows Ranch is a Unique Outdoor / Indoor Event Venue - they have no add-on fees for restrooms, electricity, trash, climate control, surround sound, cleaning or security. They do believe in excellence and abundance. Hart Meadows Ranch event venue only books one event a day so you have total privacy and additional hours at no charge. Your guests will be enchanted with the fountains, gardens, Mongolian Yurt, Oak Reception Hall, Beach Island and Gaming Areas. A New Charleston Event Venue Done Perfectly. Hart Meadows Ranch is Setting a New Standard for Event Venues in Charleston.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Rustic yet refined style
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Picturesque garden backdrop

Venue considerations

  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • Not for you if you prefer a more modern aesthetic
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Wow, this venue was everything and more. All the little details put in are noticeable, and I couldn’t be more pleased with my wedding.
Cassandra G., a year ago
Quick responder
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
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Gibbes Museum of Art 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 400 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,000

Located in the heart of the Historic District, Charleston’s premier art museum offers a setting rich with history and charm for unforgettable events. The Gibbes’ Beaux Arts building boasts impressive architectural details and unique spaces with soaring ceilings. Whether you exchange wedding vows under the opulent Tiffany-style art glass dome in the rotunda gallery, host a corporate soiree in the classical garden, or plan an exclusive viewing of a special exhibition, you’ll give guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of Charleston’s most beautiful spaces.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • Does not allow pets
  • Dance floor not included
The Mills House Hotel 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

No place does romance like The Mills House. Intimate, Instagram-worthy wedding venues in Charleston are what sets us apart. The popular Barbadoes Room comes with our captivating courtyard. The second-floor balcony overlooking Meeting Street, our stunning rooftop space, and the Planter's Suite balcony, with its original ironwork from 1853, are also incredible options. We are the preferred caterer for the adjacent Hibernian Hall, providing F&B as well as audiovisual services.

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
Church and Union Charleston 
Charleston, SC
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $15,000

From intimate dinners to extravagant parties, our experienced staff at Church & Union Charleston can help create a memorable event for you and your guests. Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Charleston, Church & Union Charleston offers an experience that is truly unmatched. Enjoy your event in a breath-taking 106-year-old church with 60 foot cathedral ceilings and original stained glass windows covering both the front and back of the main dining room. Top Chef alum, Chef Partner Jamie Lynch and Executive Chef Tyler Cook seamlessly combine traditional and modern cuisine with seasonal, fresh, and local ingredients.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Flexible event spaces
  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Best for events with big guest lists
  • No on-site bridal suite

Location flexible? Discover venues near Dorchester, SC

About wedding venues in Dorchester, SC

Why Is South Carolina the Perfect Wedding Destination?

South Carolina offers a wedding landscape that's truly unforgettable. You'll find historic Charleston mansions with breathtaking 18th-century architecture, oak-lined plantation entrances that create dramatic photo opportunities, and Lowcountry waterfront settings showcasing spectacular marsh views. Looking for variety? The state delivers everything from coastal properties with sweeping Atlantic Ocean panoramas to secluded barrier island venues that capture South Carolina's natural beauty at its finest. June tops the popularity charts for venue inquiries despite the summer heat; those coastal sea breezes make all the difference.

What's the Average Cost of a Wedding Venue in South Carolina?

Wedding venues in South Carolina typically run about $7,821, eating up roughly 17% of your total wedding budget. That's actually a better deal than the national benchmark of $6,500-$12,000 which usually claims 25% of total costs. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $8,600 for most venues across the state. Charleston commands premium prices for its historic charm while venues in the Midlands region offer more budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality.

Total wedding budget by guest count:

  • 50 guests: $19,875
  • 100 guests: $32,963
  • 150 guests: $45,268
  • 200 guests: $56,268
  • 250 guests: $67,269
  • 300 guests: $78,269

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in South Carolina?

Riverain Farm in Travelers Rest features wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout the property along with spacious outdoor patios and convenient parking. The Oaks Wedding Venue in Anderson gives you multiple accessible ceremony settings including their signature Oak Terrace with specially reinforced pathways. Bent Creek Farm in Belton provides five different ceremony sites plus a climate-controlled barn that comfortably seats up to 200 guests. For urban elegance Hotel Bennett includes thoroughly accessible facilities throughout its ballroom setting letting everyone participate fully in your celebration.

Which South Carolina Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

The Gadsden House in downtown Charleston breaks the "wedding food" stereotype with exceptional cuisine that guests will actually remember. Lowndes Grove along the Ashley River produces restaurant-quality dishes from their in-house kitchen that specializes in locally-sourced seafood prepared with flair. Cannon Green delivers seasonal menus spanning coastal Italian to South Carolina favorites giving you flexibility to match your personal taste. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens pairs its stunning setting with high-quality catering options that complement the elegant surroundings rather than just filling plates.

How Can Technology Enhance Remote Participation at South Carolina Venues?

While specific tech features aren't highlighted for South Carolina venues properties like Seabrook Island Club Hotel Bennett The Cliffs and Hewitt Oaks could potentially integrate enhanced virtual experiences for your guests. Look for venues willing to accommodate interactive live streaming options virtual reality experiences or digital activities that truly engage remote attendees. The best venues go beyond simple video streaming to create meaningful connections for loved ones who can't attend in person.

What Should You Budget for Your South Carolina Wedding?

For a typical 150-guest wedding averaging $45,268 you'll want to distribute your funds strategically across these key vendors:

ServiceAverage Cost% of Total Budget
Venue$7,82117%
Catering$6,25714%
Florists$5,68813%
Bar Services$5,00611%
Photographers$3,8328%
Videographers$3,6838%
Planners$2,4895%
Bands and DJs$1,4903%
Cakes and desserts$1,3513%
Hair & Makeup$5591%

What Questions Should You Ask Before Booking a South Carolina Venue?

Ask about exclusive catering requirements since historic venues often limit kitchen facilities for preservation reasons. Get clarity on exact rental periods as many venues offer limited time windows instead of full-day access which affects your timeline. Understand capacity limitations particularly for historic properties with preservation restrictions that might impact your guest list. Request specifics on accessibility features beyond basic ADA compliance to ensure all guests feel welcome. For waterfront venues inquire about preferred tent vendors for rain contingencies; you'll want options that complement the setting while providing proper protection.

How Do Seasonal Considerations Affect South Carolina Venue Selection?

Charleston faces hurricane risk from June through November with August bringing peak humidity that can challenge outdoor events. Greenville venues enjoy cooler temperatures than coastal locations giving you more comfort flexibility during summer months. June leads venue inquiry timing despite potential heat challenges because coastal venues benefit from refreshing sea breezes that inland locations can't match. Smart couples look for venues with climate-controlled backup options; an essential feature given South Carolina's sometimes unpredictable summer weather patterns that can shift from perfect to problematic quickly.

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