FAQs

Question

Where does the wedding take place?

Answer

We are thrilled to host all parts of our wedding—the Ceremony, Outdoor & Indoor Receptions—on The Citadel campus!

Question

What will the weather be in Charleston?

Answer

Late November in Charleston usually brings sunny skies and crisp air with expected highs in the mid-70s and lows in the mid-50s to low-60s for our wedding weekend! Rain is not expected, but we recommend bringing layers or a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Question

What do I wear to the wedding?

Answer

We’d love to see our guests in festive fall attire! Suits, sport coats, or jackets are encouraged, and dresses, jumpsuits, or dressy separates are all great choices. Bring comfortable shoes for walking and dancing, and a jacket or light layers for cooler evenings.

Question

Which hotels do you recommend?

Answer

We recommend the Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown—check the Travel page on our wedding website for our room block (book by November 6, 2025). The hotel currently offers free parking for guests. We’ve also included a link to Special Local Hotel Discounts for other nearby options.

Question

Where can I park at The Citadel?

Answer

The Citadel releases for Fall Break on the day of our wedding, so there should be plenty of parking (see map at the top of the page). Designated visitor parking is available along all sides of Summerall Field (excluding Jones Avenue), at the rear of Kovats Field parking lot, on Hammond Avenue, between Coward Hall and Washington Light Infantry Field, and along the side of Deas Hall. Guests may also park in Faculty/Staff Lots, but not in Cadet Lots. You can move your car closer to the Reception after the Ceremony if you prefer. Vehicles may remain overnight after the Reception if picked up by Sunday morning.

Question

What's the timeline for wedding day?

Answer

3 PM: Ceremony at Summerall Chapel 3:30–4:30 PM: Explore Campus & Shuttle/Walk/Drive to Reception at Swain Boating Center 4:30 PM: Outdoor Cocktail Hour & Latin Dance Lessons at Class of 1981 Pavilion & Lawn, Swain Boating Center 5:30–10 PM: Indoor Reception, Dinner & Dancing in the 2nd Floor Main Purpose Room, Swain Boating Center 10 PM: Bride & Groom Send-Off outside Swain Boating Center

Question

Will there be a shuttle or help getting around campus?

Answer

Yes! A shuttle will run between the Ceremony and Reception from 3:30–4:30 PM to make the 0.3-mile walk easier for anyone who wants it.

Question

Can we toss rice at the new bride & groom?

Answer

The Citadel does not allow rice, sparklers, flower petals, birdseed, confetti, fog machines, or open flames at the Ceremony or Reception. However, we did receive approval for a bubble send-off after the Reception.

Question

What's with the Latin Dance Lessons?

Answer

Carrie & Ali met salsa dancing—so what better way to kick off the festivities? After the Ceremony, join us at the Swain Boating Center’s Class of 1981 Pavilion and Lawn for a lively Outdoor Cocktail Hour with passed appetizers, drinks, a live DJ, and optional Latin Dance Lessons (salsa, bachata). Lessons are led by our wonderful friends Frasier & Jenna.

Question

Will there be a live band or DJ?

Answer

Yes! We have a fantastic DJ lined up for the Cocktail Hour and Reception who will play a mix of wedding classics, salsa, bachata, cumbia, and even old-school hip hop to keep everyone on the dance floor all night long!

Question

Are food & drinks served at the reception?

Answer

Yes! During the Cocktail Hour, there will be a bar and passed appetizers. The Reception will feature a buffet-style dinner with specially crafted Southern Charleston favorites. Sweet and unsweetened tea, wine, champagne for the toast, beer, and seltzers will be available throughout the evening. The menu will be nut-free and mostly gluten-free.

Question

Will there be security at the wedding?

Answer

Yes! A trained Citadel Public Safety Officer will be on-site during the reception to ensure everyone’s safety and a smooth event.

Question

Is smoking allowed at The Citadel?

Answer

The use of tobacco and smoking products of any kind is prohibited, per The Citadel’s Tobacco-Free Campus Policy. This applies to all indoor and outdoor areas. Guests in violation may be removed, and violations may result in additional fees or termination of the event.

Question

What should we do while in town?

Answer

Check out the Things to Do page on our wedding website for ideas on places to visit, great restaurants, and fun local activities while you’re in Charleston!