Late November in Charleston is one of the most beautiful times of year—expect sunny skies, crisp air, and comfortable fall temperatures! Average highs are in the mid-60s, with cooler evenings in the low 50s.
We would love to see our guests in festive fall attire! Jackets are encouraged but not required. Dresses, jumpsuits, or dressy separates are all great options. The Ceremony is indoors and the Reception is just a short (0.3 mi) walk away at the Swain Boating Center — wear comfortable shoes for walking/dancing! The Cocktail Hour & Latin Dance Lessons will occur outdoors at the Swain Boating Center and then we will move indoors for the official Reception but there is a screened veranda so we recommend bringing layers or a jacket for the evening.
The closest hotels to The Citadel are the Charleston Marriott (1 mi away) and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charleston Downtown Westedge (1.2 mi away). Check out the Travel page on our wedding website for information on our traditional room block at the Charleston Marriott and our Special Event Rate Booking Page where you can find discounted hotels near the venue (including both of the hotels mentioned above).
Yes, if you are staying at or around the Charleston Marriott, parking ranges from $18/day (self-parking) to $25/day (valet). Guests may also park next door at the 99 West Edge Garage for $24/day. If you are staying at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Westedge, parking is $15/day (self-parking).
The Citadel releases for Fall Break the day of our wedding, so there should be plenty of parking! Designated visitor parking is available along all sides of Summerall Field, excluding Jones Avenue (in front of the barracks), at the rear of Kovats Field parking lot, on Hammond Avenue, between Coward Hall and Washing Light Infantry Field, and along the side of Deas Hall. You can also park in any of the Faculty Staff Lots, but not the Cadet Lots. We received approval to leave vehicles overnight if they are picked up on Sunday morning.
Unfortunately, no :( The Citadel does not allow rice, sparklers, flower petals, birdseed, confetti, fog machines, or open flames after the ceremony or reception.
Yes! We’re excited to host our entire wedding on The Citadel campus! Following the Ceremony at the Summerall Chapel, join us for Cocktail Hour & Latin Dance Lessons and the Reception a short walk away (.3 mi) at the Swain Boating Center. You can also move your car closer to the venue if needed. See the map on our Schedule page.
Carrie & Ali met salsa dancing—so what better way to kick things off? After the Ceremony and before the Reception, join us at the Swain Boating Center’s Class of 1981 Pavilion and Lawn for a lively Cocktail Hour featuring passed appetizers, drinks, a live DJ, and Latin Dance lessons (e.g. salsa, bachata, cumbia) for anyone who wants to join in. Lessons will be led by our wonderful and lovely friends Frasier & Jenna.
Yes! We have a fabulous DJ lined up for the Cocktail Hour & Reception who will play a mix of wedding classics, salsa, bachata, cumbia, and even old school hip hop to keep everyone dancing all night long!
Yes! During Cocktail Hour we'll have a bar and passed appetizers. For the Reception, enjoy a buffet-style dinner with a menu of specially-crafted Southern Charleston favorites. We’ll also have sweet/unsweetened tea, wine, champagne for the toast, beer, and seltzers available throughout the event. The menu will be nut-free and largely gluten free.
The use of tobacco and smoking products of any type is prohibited, in accordance with The Citadel’s Tobacco Product Free-Campus Policy. This applies to the entire property, indoors and outdoors, of all campus facilities. Guests in violation of this policy may be removed and barred from the property. Violation of this policy may result in additional fees and/or termination of the event. :(
Check out the Things to Do page on our wedding website for ideas of places to visit and things to do while you're in Charleston!