2024 Top Wedding Destinations From A Destination Wedding Planner - Charleston, SC
An intimate event or elegant wedding is far more than just a celebration that takes place in your favorite location. It’s a timestamped memory that will forever reside in the destination of your choosing. Whether it’s a sun-filled beach, a calm countryside, or a historic city, these unique settings provide a backdrop that not only enhances the romance of your day, but also creates unforgettable experiences for you and your guests.
A quick coastal drive from Savannah will land you in a tasteful town full of rich history, vibrant culture, and an atmosphere that embodies what it means to have “southern charm” - Charleston, South Carolina. This can’t-miss destination is perfect for hosting a dream wedding or event, so we had to catch our own glimpse of all that it had to offer. As wedding planners, we’re all about mapping out the perfect agenda, so we couldn’t forget to share our top stays, venues, eats, and more with you. Enjoy our guide to Charleston and see if it’s an ideal fit for hosting your special day.
Wedding Weekend Venues
From the mountains in Highlands, NC to the cityscapes of Boston, MA, we sought out a different climate when heading to our next destination. Charleston’s nautical feel combined with its rooted history, makes it home to some top locations for hosting a weekend wedding.
For our Charleston locations, we loved all of the diversity that you can find all within a short distance. Whether you are downtown in a historic hotel, home, or a few minutes outside of town along the water - there’s a charming spot for everyone. The Patrick Properties Hospitality Group is an incredible example of this. They have five locations throughout Charleston all unique to fit your different needs. One of our favorite locations for a rehearsal dinner and welcome party is Parcel 32. There is a spacious first floor bar and existing velvet tufted banquettes in the dining room that make it easy to transition from dinner to welcome party. Or perhaps you will want to utilize the upstairs dining room for a private dinner and move downstairs as your guests arrive for the cocktail party.
If you are looking for an elegant evening yet still a downtown location, then the William Aiken House may be the way to go. This historic 1807 mansion has incredible ballrooms, lush private gardens and open-air piazzas all situated on Upper King Street. With flexibility on how you may want to host your event, they can handle up to 500 guests throughout the grounds. If being in the walkable downtown isn’t as important and you want all of the southern charm of the live oaks, then Lowndes Grove should be top of your list. This waterfront estate is distinguished on the National Register for Historic Places and surrounded by 14 acres of live oak groves and Ashley River views. The Main House showcases 1786-era architecture with period furnishings, an expansive piazza, grand lawn and sunlit terraces made of bluestone. The location is not only stunning, but allows your celebration to be anywhere from coastal casual to lavishly elegant.
A bit outside of Charleston on Johns Island and new on our venue and place to stay radar is the addition to the Auberge Resorts Collection, The Dunlin. Situated right along the Kiawah River, they have created something quite special. The River Barns and outdoor fields is a versatile location for all of the events hosted here. The largest space called The Shippon, holding up to 600 as well as the smaller Lime House, open up to The Riverbank event lawn that overlooks the marsh and allows the perfect indoor outdoor feel to every event. The two buildings have fresh concrete flooring, exposed beams, black iron window frames and fixtures that are simply yet intentional.
One more favorite spot in downtown Charleston is Cannon Green. With their incredibly private courtyard that is perfect for your ceremony and cocktail hour, guests are then able to flow right into the Trolley Room. This space has just enough character to still allow a variety of styles and designs so you are able to inject your own personality into the southern charm. If you are looking for a little inspiration, check out one of my visits there with Savannah based photographer, Love, Anneliese.
No matter what your style or the setting you are looking for, Charleston has an incredible variety of wedding venues that will fit your needs.
Where to Stay
Whether it’s a trendy spot in the center of town or a quaint beachfront getaway, Charleston is far from lacking when it comes to extraordinary stays.
Our first stop for where to stay would be The Dunlin. With just 72 guest rooms, they offer a peaceful feel and a cottage-inspired aesthetic with stylish interiors by designer Amanda Lindroth. Each room has generous porches that are the perfect place to enjoy the expansive riverfront views. This is the perfect setting to truly unwind, but again about 45 minutes away from Charleston on Johns Island.
For those looking to stay in the historic downtown Charleston so that you can easily walk from place to place, then The Dewberry is one of our favorite places to stay. Right outside of Marion Square, The Dewberry offers some of the highest levels of luxury within each room - from custom designed Stickley armoires with the Dewberry’s signature botanical pattern, bathrooms wrapped in danby, Vermont marble and the mattresses imported from Ireland. With a house car, complimentary bikes and a spa located on property, they really make sure they are answering your every need right away.
For a classic Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Gold List 5-star staple in Charleston, look no further tha to find The Charleston Place. Just steps from some of the city’s best shops, the City Market, antique stores, museums, historic sites, and art galleries, this hotel is so much more than a place to sleep. Although you will sleep quite comfortably in their plush bedding with city views from your room, they also offer a full-service award-winning European spa and salon, a fully equipped health club with a sauna, and a jacuzzi. The undisputed jewel in the hotel's crown is a swimming pool located on the rooftop of the fourth floor - featuring a stunning retractable glass roof, you will feel like you are standing on top of the world.
Things to Do
Whether you’re hosting guests for a one-day event or a celebration that takes up the entire weekend, ensuring that they have enough entertainment throughout, is key. The good news is, the city is filled with exciting activities and mesmerizing landmarks that are sure to keep your friends and family occupied during any downtime.
There is so much history that Charleston has to offer, some of the best ways to really dive into the city’s charm is with a walking tour exploring a variety of topics from architecture to ghosts. Just by strolling through town, be sure to check out Waterfront Park and Rainbow Row, a series of 13 captivating bright colors houses along Charleston’s East Bay Street or stroll through City Market to chat with some local artisans.
For those who are interested in art, then the Gibbes Museum of Art should be on the list. The Gibbes is not a huge museum (you could walk through it in under an hour), but as a whole their paintings tell a Charleston story. A pastel portrait dated 1711 created by America’s first known female artist, ornate silver monogrammed teapots hammered with palmetto imagery for a wealthy Antebellum patron, watercolors and etchings from Charleston’s 1920s and 1930s artistic “renaissance,” sweetgrass pieces fashioned by Gullah weavers, and so much more reside here.
If your guests have a little more time to explore, then even heading out to one of Charleston’s beaches could be a great way to spend the day. Sullivan’s Island Beach, Folly Beach, or Isle of Palms are some great spots to check out!
Where to Eat
Charleston is full of southern cuisine, with just the right amount of comfort and seafood options. When it comes to dining, the cobblestone streets are filled with restaurants and experiences that you won’t want to miss.
With Charleston’s fresh seafood, world-famous and James Beard Award-winning chefs, and new restaurants popping up all the time looking to put their own spin on the South’s famous cuisine, you can’t go wrong eating in Charleston.
Leon’s Oyster Shop is a must for the classic fried chicken and oysters. It’s a rustic chic restaurant with outdoor and indoor seating that many locals frequent making it a high priority. From the same owners of Leon’s, definitely check out Melfi’s for the small Italian bistro!
For those looking for the James Beard award-winning chef’s look no further than HUSK or FIG. HUSK features a seasonal changing menu with all locally sourced ingredients and while it can be hard to get a reservation, you will not leave disappointed. FIG has a similar approach with quality ingredients and a passion for highlighting the pure flavor of those ingredients. They want to ensure their restaurant still feels approachable and a safe haven for all who simply love food and they definitely accomplish that!
The Perfect Lowcountry Location
If you’re looking for comfort and charm, with just the right amount of flair, then this may be the spot for you!
From its unparalleled blend of Southern hospitality to its cultural richness, the enchanting city of Charleston embraces its coastal and historic energy, making it a dream destination for any celebration or event. As you explore its landmarks, dine in its acclaimed restaurants, and relax on beachfront property, you’ll understand why Charleston remains an enduring favorite for unforgettable events.
Embrace the magic of Charleston, and create memories that will last a lifetime in this extraordinary city.
Want to learn more about planning a destination wedding? Get in touch.
