Top 5 Romantic Wedding Venues in Charleston
As a professional photographer, I’ve been photographing weddings in Charleston since 2001. There’s nothing quite like capturing a couple’s special day in this gorgeous city. After all these years behind the camera, I’ve developed some definite favorites when it comes to romantic wedding venues in Charleston.
Legare Waring House
The Legare Waring House is incredible. That Avenue of Oaks will stop you in your tracks the first time you see it! Ancient oak trees create this incredible natural cathedral, with Spanish moss that seems to dance whenever there’s even the slightest breeze. It is pure magic. I have captured many weddings here right at golden hour. The light filtering through those trees during the ceremony is dreamy. It creates this dreamlike glow around the couple that no filter could ever replicate. The historic house makes for an amazing portrait backdrop too. And the grounds are filled with blooming camellia bushes! There are endless spots for romantic photos without even trying.
William Aiken House
Right in downtown Charleston sits the William Aiken House. It’s old-world elegance hits you the moment you walk up. Those Greek Revival columns and all that intricate ironwork are just stunning. What makes this place special for photos is how many different looks you can get without leaving the property. We can do formal portraits in those grand interior rooms with crystal chandeliers. Then step outside to the courtyard for something completely different. That dramatic staircase for bridal portraits is a chef’s kiss. And since we’re downtown, we can always sneak out for a few quick shots on Charleston’s iconic cobblestone streets if we have time.
Middleton Place
If you want grandeur, Middleton Place delivers in spades. It is 65 acres large and contains America’s oldest landscaped gardens that are breathtaking in any season. One of my favorite spots here is overlooking the Ashley River at sunset. I’ve photographed ceremonies there that genuinely moved me to tears, and I’ve seen hundreds of weddings! There’s something about exchanging vows in a place with so much history that adds this profound weight to the moment. The terraced lawns, reflection pools, and seasonal gardens create backdrops that barely need any decoration. Nature does all the heavy lifting here.
Governor Thomas Bennett House
For couples who want something intimate but still undeniably Charleston, I often suggest the Governor Thomas Bennett House. It feels like finding a secret garden tucked away downtown.
The garden transforms completely for evening receptions. String lights weaving through those ancient oak trees create this cozy, magical atmosphere that photos just don’t do justice. You have to experience it. The soft light that filters through the trees is a photographer’s dream. It flatters everyone and creates this romantic glow that’s impossible to fake. Something about this place manages to feel grand yet deeply personal all at once.
Lowndes Grove
Lowndes Grove gives you that perfect mix of historic charm and waterfront beauty. This antebellum plantation house sitting on 14 acres along the Ashley River creates backgrounds that make my job almost too easy.
I have shot many sunset ceremonies on the riverfront lawn that I still can’t get over. The golden light bouncing off the water created this warm glow that seemed to wrap everyone in amber. Magical doesn’t even begin to describe it. The private dock stretching over the river gives us unique portrait opportunities you just can’t get anywhere else in Charleston. Whether you’re planning something intimate or going all out, Lowndes Grove has spaces that transform to match whatever you’re dreaming up.
These romantic wedding venues in Charleston have their own personality. Trust your gut when venue shopping! Notice how each space makes you feel when you’re standing in it. Can you see yourself getting married there? Does something about it just click with your vision?
Having photographed more weddings at these venues than I can count, I’d love to help capture your day. Not just how it looked, but how it felt. Because when the cake is gone and the flowers have wilted, your photos are what will bring it all rushing back.