My family recently moved to Charleston and we’re having such a blast exploring the area! I’ve poured a ton of time into discovering the best wedding venues in Mt Pleasant and Charleston, and the best vendors too. Here, I’m sharing all my findings with you! Why give it all away for free? Honestly, whatever I can do to make wedding planning easier for couples, I’m 100% down to try. Plus, there’s even more in my back pocket that I haven’t shared here, all of which I’m happy to share if you’re interested in my help with planning your wedding. let’s plan your wedding togetherCHARLESTON WEDDING VENUES
Mills House. Part of the Wyndham Grand Hotel Group, this signature pink hotel is home to a charming private courtyard with an antique fountain that makes a gorgeous setting for ceremony and cocktails. I’d love to bring a fresh, modern twist to the otherwise historic, old world aesthetic of the space. Who’s with me?
Legare Waring House. The avenue of oak trees leading up to this 1840s mansion make it a popular Charleston wedding venue. Not only are the grounds absolutely stunning, but you can also pop a tent on the property to keep the entire wedding outdoors under the trees. An open-air Sperry Tent would perfectly complement the setting!
Legare Waring House Wedding, Photo by Brumley and Wells (@brumleyandwells)
Charleston wedding venue Legare Waring House, photo by Brumley and Wells (@brumleyandwells)
Gadsden House. I’m a sucker for a good secret courtyard, and this one delivers. Located in the heart of downtown, Gadsden House is an 18th-century manor that’s been beautifully restored into a historic Charleston wedding venue. Inside, you’ll find spacious rooms and halls with towering ceilings and the windows to match, hardwood floors, marble mantels and antique chandeliers. Meanwhile, the courtyard outside is a treasure trove of lush greenery, aged brick and classic slate.
Ceremony in the courtyard at Charleston’s Gadsden House, Photo by Clay Austin (@clayaustin)
Reception in the dining rom at Gadsden House Charleston, Photo by Clay Austin (@clayaustin)
Montage Palmetto Bluff waterfront hotel in Bluffton, Photo by Julie Livingston (@julielivingstonphotography)
Montage Palmetto Bluff Waterfront Wedding Ceremony, Photo by Elizabeth Lanier (@elizabethlanierphotography)
Montage Palmetto Bluff. Love this gorgeous luxury resort so much! It’s right on the waterfront in a little town called Bluffton. Very charming place and the grounds of the hotel are honestly the absolute best. If you have a group of mostly out-of-towners, I can’t recommend this venue enough, as it’s a gorgeous intro to the SC lifestyle. As far as weddings here go, there’s a sweet old fashioned chapel that a lot of couples use for ceremony, but I like the outdoor options too. This is another one of those venues where it’s all about being outdoors and under the oaks.
Post House Inn. If you’re in the mood for an intimate wedding right in the middle of Mount Pleasant, Post House Inn packs a ton of style into a small space. The boutique hotel is really known for its designer digs and great tavern, but there’s also a mix of options for micro weddings. You can take over the courtyard for ceremony and cocktails then head inside to either the aptly named blush-hued Rose Room or do a buyout of the more casual restaurant space and use the Rose Room as a dancing and lounge space.
Charleston’s Post House Inn Tavern and Inn Entrance
The Rose Room at Post House Inn
Kiawah River. Kiawah River is a sprawling farm community in the marsh that’s all about the sea island lifestyle. As you drive in, you’ll see farm animals and probably a few people riding horses or bicycles around the place. The event space is still being built, and will include a huge Napa style hall and a traditional chapel that’s going to be gorgeous. Keep an eye on this one, it’s set to open in March 2022 — perfect timing if you’re just starting to plan your wedding.
William Aiken House on Upper King Street, Photo by Julie Livingston (@julielivingstonphotography)
Patrick Properties. This high-end Charleston wedding catering company runs a handful of the best venues in town. William Aiken House (a towering mansion on Upper King Street) and Lowndes Grove (a towering mansion right on the waterfront of the Ashley River) are the company’s most popular local wedding spots, each with its own grand atmosphere.
Charleston Hotels for wedding guests
Post House Inn. This 7-room boutique hotel packs a ton of punch when it comes to style, each room with its own character. Yes, it’s a gorgeous little wedding venue, but it’s also a charming place to stay during your wedding weekend if you’re planning to celebrate elsewhere.
The Ryder. A newcomer to the Charleston hotel set, The Ryder is slated to open in Spring 2021. It’s shaping up to be a charming design hotel with a cool restaurant and a rooftop pool.
Boutique hotel room at The Post House Inn in Charleston
The Dewberry Hotel in Charleston, Photo by Anne Rhett (@annerhettphotography)
Hotel Emeline. This is a great spot for booking a group block of rooms for your guests. Basically has everything you need — jewel box suites, a great restaurant, a stylish boutique, a cosy courtyard, complimentary cruiser bikes.
The Dewberry. Think Southern hospitality meets Southern decadence. The suites are spacious and luxurious, and the spa is awesome for those pre-wedding and post-wedding treatments.
Boutique hotel room at Hotel Emeline in Charleston
Home Rentals. If I were planning a Charleston wedding, I’d opt for a vacation home rental — or a few — on Sullivan’s Island. It’s the best move! You rent a big house on the beach that sleeps a whole bunch of people and you have all the convenience of being on a beach block. When you arrive, head to the co-op for their famous frosé and do dinner a few days before your wedding at The Obstinate Daughter — and get the red shrimp if they have it!
The Post House Inn. Now that I’ve listed this in nearly every category, you’re probaby starting to pick up a theme here. I love this place. Check out the tavern for a rehearsal dinner in Mount Pleasant. Also, whenever you go, order whatever crudo they have on the menu. It’s so good I usually order two and don’t share.
The Oyster Shed by Leon’s Oyster Shop. I love a casual rehearsal dinner, and this rustic, lofty home has a large courtyard so you and your guests can meander in and outdoors throughout the night. The vibe is lowcountry, the menu solid and the drinks easy flowing.
The Oyster Shed by Leon’s Oyster Shop is a great rehearsal dinner option for the lowcountry casual crowd
The Carriage House at River Oaks, Photo by Charla Storey
Bowens Island. A Lowcountry seafood shack set right on the marsh, this space would be so much fun to takeover and dress up for a rehearsal dinner on the water in Charleston.
Cottage on the Creek. Set right along Hobcaw Creek, this gorgeous old home with a wraparound porch overlooking the marsh sets the perfect scene for a private estate rehearsal dinner. Picturing a big seafood boil and an outdoor mixologist setup paired with a bluegrass band playing live music.
River Oaks. This one is also a wedding venue, but I think it’d be awesome for a Charleston rehearsal dinner that feels really exclusive and intimate. The carriage house is a lovely open-air space where you can set up cosy lounge and fireplace zones.
Charleston Wedding Photographers
Olivia Rae James. Olivia’s work is just gorgeous. Her work is featured in all the major wedding magazines and publications, and it’s real easy to see why. I love the timeless, ethereal quality of her images.
Photo by Olivia Rae James
Julie Livingston. Light, bright images taken in a fine art style. Julie’s work is also published in all the big mags, and it’s easy to see why she’s one of Charleston’s most popular wedding photographers.
Sean Money and Elizabeth Fay. Love this duo’s photography style. It’s editorial, it’s vibrant, it’s energetic. Most of all, it’s a whole lot of photography you’ll actually want to frame and hang on your walls.
Wedding at Middleton Place, Julie Livingston Photography (@julielivingstonphotography)
Photo by Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay (@seanmoney_elizabethfay)
Anne Jervey Rhett. Anne’s wedding photography is so joyful and bright — I really love the way she captures family and wedding party photos. Gorgeous candids and portraits too!
Gayle Brooker. Timeless photography with gorgeous, soft lighting. Gayle’s photos really paint people in a beautiful, vibrant way.
Photo by Anne Rhett Photography (@annerhettphotography)
Photo by Gayle Brooker (@gaylebrooker)
Clay Austin Photography. Clay is a fine art film photographer and his photos reflect a crisp, natural quality that’s just beautiful to look through. He’s one of Charleston’s most popular wedding photographers, and it’s honestly so easy to see why if you take even just a glimpse at his portfolio.
Lauren Jonas. We just had Lauren do our family photo session. She did so well with our sons, who were both tired and not feeling it. She was patient and fun to be around. As soon as the shoot was over I asked if she wanted to get a drink — she’s the type of girl you’d feel so lucky to have by your side on your wedding day!
Photos from our family session with the amazing Lauren Jonas Photography
Photos from our family session with the amazing Lauren Jonas Photography
Charleston Wedding Florists
On A Limb Florals. The textures of these bouquets and arrangements and are just amazing! Color, texture, whimsy. Couldn’t love this style more!
Vero Designs. Big-picture, full-scale design comes from this studio. Love the way they use color in their arrangements, almost in a painterly way.
Flowers by Vero Designs, Photo by @cushlabeasley
Flowers by On A Limb Florals, Photo by @bonphotage
Stephanie Gibbs. Stephanie’s floral work has a really soft, pretty look and feel that’s totally classic. Love it for Charleston weddings because it’s all about complementing the space.
Fresh Weddings Charleston. Classic, feminine, pretty, not afraid of mixing colors and textures — this team’s work is so good. You can spot them on insta @freshweddings_chs and check out one of their flower gals @thepurplemagnolia.
Flowers by @flowershopchs, Photo by @oliviaraejameswed
Flowers by @freshweddings_chs, Photo by @cushlabeasley
Flower Shop CHS. This Charleston florist is amazing for beautiful, creative installations and gorgeous bouquets. Love their work!
More Charleston Vendors You’ll Love
Snyder Events. This Charleston event rental company has literally everything you could possibly need for a wedding — tables, chairs, tents, linens, furniture, everything.
Event Works Rentals. Another local event rental company, Event Works has all the best lounge furniture and can do custom design details too.
Ruth’s House. More local event rentals, this time with clear-span tents too. Really pretty bars, lounges and bench seating options.
Wild Ivory Beauty. I love working with Brittney. She did my makeup for a family photoshoot and she was so easygoing and sweet. She has a lovely way of giving you a natural but still elevated look.
Wedding Cakes by Jim Smeal. This Charleston cake maker has been around for decades baking beautiful buttercream cakes. A few flavor highlights are the almond-amaretto buttercake, fresh grated coconut layer cake, and almond praline. So good!
ABCD cakes. Ashley Brown’s cakes are gorgeous works of art. She’s a great Charleston cake maker go-to if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary.
Duvall Catering. For the totally bespoke wedding menu experience, Duvall is a great find. They’re known for their impeccable service standards and keen eye for detail.
Salthouse Catering. Think modern Lowcountry catering with all the bells and whistles. Every wedding menu from Salthouse Catering is custom designed, and the service is top notch all the way through.
Cru Catering. From the team behind Cru Café, Cru Catering is great with things like interactive chef stations and beautiful, bountiful food displays.
Brianna B Adams. Brianna is a brilliant hair stylist for Charleston weddings. Love her low updo hairstyles and wavy hair styling.
J.Lily Design. Adore Meghan and her lettering studio — great for things like signage, invitations, addressing envelopes and so forth.
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