Where Romance Meets History: Weekend Getaway Spots in and Around Charleston
When love is in the air, Charleston is the perfect place to breathe it in. With its cobblestone streets, oak-shaded gardens, and slow Southern rhythm, this city doesn’t just host weddings; it inspires love stories.
For travel-loving brides, a weekend getaway in or around Charleston offers the perfect balance of romance, history, and discovery. Whether you’re planning a mini-moon or a pre-wedding escape, these destinations capture the charm of the Lowcountry in unforgettable ways.
Stay in the Heart of Charleston’s Historic District
For couples who adore architecture, culture, and candlelit dinners, there’s nothing quite like staying in the heart of downtown Charleston. Choose a historic inn or boutique hotel like The Wentworth Mansion or The Spectator Hotel, where each room tells its own story. Spend the morning exploring Rainbow Row and the French Quarter, and the evening dining beneath chandeliers at Husk or Fig.
Tip: Wake up early for a quiet walk along Waterfront Park. The pastel skies and gentle harbor breeze make for the dreamiest morning moments that deserve to be captured forever.
Sullivan’s Island: Seaside Serenity
Just a short drive from the city, Sullivan’s Island offers ocean views, cozy beach cottages, and that easy, sun-kissed calm that every couple needs before the wedding rush. Take a beach walk at sunset, stop for oysters and champagne at The Obstinate Daughter, and simply let time slow down.
Why brides love it: It’s romantic yet unpretentious – perfect for couples who crave seaside simplicity with a touch of coastal luxury.
Middleton Place: A Garden Escape into the Past
Step back in time at Middleton Place, a plantation estate known for its sculpted gardens, swan-filled ponds, and centuries-old live oaks. It’s a favorite for couples who love history and natural beauty. Stay at The Inn at Middleton Place, where modern comfort meets old-world charm. Wake up to birdsong, explore the gardens hand-in-hand, and enjoy a picnic under the trees.
Photography moment: The reflections along the Ashley River at golden hour are breathtaking. I love capturing couples in light that feels soft, natural, and timeless.
Beaufort: A Hidden Gem by the Water
About two hours south of Charleston, Beaufort, South Carolina, feels like a secret meant for two. With its antebellum homes, waterfront walks, and art-filled galleries, Beaufort is the kind of place where every corner looks like a painting.
Stroll along Bay Street, take a sunset cruise, or grab coffee in the historic downtown before exploring the nearby Hunting Island Lighthouse.
For travel-loving brides, Beaufort feels like a quiet retreat wrapped in Southern grace. The kind of mini-moon that lets you reconnect before wedding day excitement takes over.
Kiawah Island: Luxury and Tranquility
If your idea of romance includes soft sands, spa treatments, and sunset bike rides, Kiawah Island is your haven. The Sanctuary Hotel is pure elegance. Think champagne on the balcony, ocean breezes, and candlelit dinners under the stars.
Between golf, kayaking, and beach strolls, it’s easy to see why so many couples choose Kiawah for their mini-moon. It’s refined, private, and endlessly romantic – a modern love story with a coastal twist.
Why Mini-Moons Matter
Not every couple can take a long honeymoon right after the wedding, and that’s okay. A mini-moon gives you space to pause, reflect, and savor the moment while the memories are still fresh. Charleston and its surrounding gems make that possible, offering every flavor of romance, from historic to coastal, from serene to sophisticated.
So whether you’re planning your engagement getaway or a just-married weekend, let this part of the South remind you why you fell in love with each other, and with the journey itself.
Planning your Charleston wedding or engagement session?
I am passionate about capturing love stories that reflect the heart of Charleston: romantic, timeless, and full of soul. Let me help you preserve your story in the city where romance meets history.