Charleston, South Carolina: A Destination Wedding Guide

Wedding venues

There are extensive venue options in the Charleston area. I have been to many of these during my time as a wedding coordinator and florist. They consist of re-imagined mansions with lush gardens and dramatic curved staircases, like The Thomas Bennett House, Old Wide Awake Plantation, or The William Aiken House. Then there is the hip and unique Twenty-One Magazine, which has been remodeled from the old city jail. There are the Rice Mill and Cigar Factory, which are converted from their namesakes into contemporary event spaces.

Old Wide Awake Plantation

The Rice Mill

If you like idea of a beach wedding, The Citadel Beach House, Wild Dunes Resort, or Seabrook Island Club all offer accommodations for you and your guests with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. For an all-around experience offering hotel accommodations, venues, villas, golf, and beachfront property, maybe The Sanctuary at Kiawah is the best plan. These are just a few—any choice that you make won't be disappointing.

Seabrook Island Club

The Sanctuary at Kiawah

Local restaurants & catering

Another major draw to Charleston as a destination wedding spot is the amazing cuisine you'll find here. There is a wonderful variety of culinary wonders, from local Southern dishes like crab cakes or shrimp and grits found at places like Virginia's on King to the French staple in town, Rue de Jean, with their famous French onion soup. They also have an event space upstairs that accommodates up to 200 guests.

The catering choices are superb in Charleston, with staff ready to serve delicious quality bites with a Southern flair. Cru Catering is one of the local favorites for weddings and events, serving Charleston for over 25 years.

View from The Dewberry

VIP at The Dewberry

Wedding vendors

When planning a wedding from afar, you only want the best vendors. Charleston has top-notch professionals that will work with you every step of the way. I should know because I was once a wedding coordinator and florist. My family has owned a local wholesale flower shop in town, Horst Flowers, since 1969. It's a great place to stop into or order flowers for your own DIY bouquets and arrangements. From the florists to the planners to the catering, Charleston has some of the most talented vendors in the industry.

Room at The Sanctuary

Local activities

Destination weddings also call for accommodating your guests with plenty of activities to keep them busy. Charleston has award-winning golf courses such as The Ocean Course at Kiawah. Ghost tours, home tours, garden tours, and art galleries can be found on virtually every corner.

Every Friday evening in the spring, there is an art walk, when you can peruse many of the galleries while sipping on complimentary wine and bites. My very favorite art gallery in town is Robert Lange Studios. Another very cool art gallery is The Gibbes Museum of Art, which also has a beautiful garden behind it for weddings and events.

Gibbes Museum of Art event space

The shopping in Charleston boasts brand-name stores such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Middle King Street was actually named one of Forbes' "Top 10 Shopping Districts in the USA." And don't forget a beach day. With Charleston weather, you are sure to have amazing temperatures at some point during every season of the year, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. There are several beaches to choose from as well—Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, Kiawah and Seabrook are among a few nearby.

When trying to think of a place that has it all when researching for a destination wedding, look no farther than Charleston, South Carolina.

Remember to book early, as venues book out sometimes a year or two in advance. The peek seasons for weddings are March through June and October. It is very hot in the summer, but you may be able to get better deals on rates.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Charleston page.