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You’ve got the ring, now it’s time to find the perfect place to say “I do.” Finding the right wedding venue is a crucial step in the wedding planning process and often one of the hardest. Luckily, if you’ve chosen to get married in Charleston, there are no shortage of gorgeous venues. From plantations and historic homes to famous landmarks and renovated factories, the Holy City has a wide range of venues to choose from.
We know it can be a bit overwhelming with so many spectacular options to choose from so here are our top five wedding venues in Charleston:
The Gadsden House
Located in historic downtown, this beautiful venue is full of elegance and class. Originally built in 1798, the building underwent a restoration in 2015 while still keeping a historic feel. The heart pine floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and gas fireplaces are just a few of the refined elements that give this venue a feeling of warmth and romance, creating a space to breathe and relax your heart. The intimate courtyard invites guests to congregate and celebrate love despite rain or shine with outdoor tenting services available. Enjoy a calming view of the waterfront from the wrap around double piazzas as you toast to a life full of happiness, prosperity and peace.
The Cedar Room at the Cigar Factory
This Victorian style building was built in 1881 and was used as a cigar factory between the years of 1903 and 1973. Surviving the Great Depression, the Cigar Factory was one of the few establishments that secured their workers with employment and a full days wages. Now renovated into a stunning wedding venue, the Cedar Room is an inspiring place for couples to come together to entrust that same security in one another. The venue features hardwood floors, rustic brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal a breathtaking view of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Celebrate with a small, intimate group or a large party of 300 guests as you tie the knot and light up a celebratory cigar in true historic fashion!
Magnolia Plantation and Garden
Overflowing with feelings of romance and serenity, this venue uses nature to its full advantage. The live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and the well-manicured gardens, come together to create a picture-perfect scene for couples looking to have an indoor or outdoor wedding. Springtime welcomes beautiful azaleas and wisteria to the garden, while the warmer summer months bring enchanting crepe myrtle, hydrangeas, and iconic magnolias throughout the plantation. The cooler months are just as colorful with fall bringing morning glory, camellias, and more azaleas to the historic gardens, as well as America’s largest collection of camellias in the winter! Kiss the bride under the enchanting live oaks to commemorate a day you and your guests will never forget.
The American Theater
Located on Upper King Street, this glamorous venue screams lights, camera, action! The establishment was opened in 1942 and was primarily used as Charleston’s premier movie house. The theater was a major setting in Nicholas Sparks’ story “The Notebook,” where everyone’s favorite couple, Noah and Allie, had their first date. Although you can no longer view movies at the location, the venue is the perfect place to make the bride and groom, as well as their guests, feel like they’re in one! The vintage marquee, luxurious grand ballroom, and handmade milk-glass chandeliers are just a few of the sophisticated, Hollywood elements that the venue has to offer. Begin the rest of your lives in this cinematic, unique venue and cheers to a happily ever after.
159 Rutledge
The beautifully-restored Rutledge House is perfect for those looking for a classic-styled Charleston wedding. Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, couples and guests are welcomed into a hospitable and charming atmosphere. The building was built in 1845 and features original heart pine floors, restored brick fireplaces, crown-molded ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. With 5,500 square feet of event space, this quintessential venue allows the couple to hold a large party with plenty of space for dining and dancing. The house offers a feeling of timelessness with designs that will always stay in style for the bride and groom to fondly look back on years down the road. Walk down the aisle in this historic house and into life just as classic and beautiful with your significant other.
Which wedding venue would you say “I do” in?