Newly engaged and freaking out about where to start the wedding planning process?!! Don't worry I got you! After photographing weddings for over 20 years, I have quite an insight into the best wedding venues in Mount Pleasant, SC. Horses, intercoastal ways, historic properties, views of the famous Ravenel Bridge, and sunsets on the marsh are just a few of the possibilities you can dream of as your backdrop for your wedding day.

Read this blog to learn the ins and outs of some of Mount Pleasant's best wedding venues. Whether you are looking for an intimate location for a party of 20 or a full-service site for you and your closest 300 friends, there is a place for you!

First things first, you need to choose your wedding date, then decide what your priorities are for your wedding day. Do you want gorgeous scenery? Convenience for your out-of-town guests? A large dance floor area because your guests are going to go wild during the reception? Figure out what’s most important to YOU, and it will help you streamline your venue search! Next, read reviews on Google or The Knot from past brides and grooms who have gotten married at your shortlist of venues. Lastly, schedule a venue visit to make sure the setting is just perfect for your I-dos.

Here are my picks of the best wedding venues in Mount Pleasant, SC:

The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation

Capacity 200

Vibe Check Modern, Barn

Why it's a favorite The horses and tons of outdoor space

Real Wedding I Photographed There

The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation is honestly one of my favorite Charleston wedding venues! It’s so fabulous A Lowcountry Wed blogged about this dreamy venue! Pepper Plantation is located north of Mt. Pleasant in Awendaw and is an equestrian community. Heads up, it is the furthest venue away from downtown Charleston that I feature in this blog post. It has some unique features on the large property including horses, a big modern barn with exposed beams, and a large oyster tabby patio. Additionally, I love the waterfront view of the pond and the dreamy gazebo from the lawn. There is a cottage on the property that can be rented to use as a getting-ready space if you want to stay on-site the whole day.

The main hall can hold up to 200 guests very comfortably. Moreover, your guests will never feel on top of each other since there is so much outdoor space.  Speaking of outdoors, this is the perfect wedding venue during the colder months because there are built-in propane heaters, two huge fireplaces, and a large firepit that will help your guests stay warm and toasty. As a result, think yummy s’mores station!

Boone Hall Plantation

Capacity 150-300

Vibe Check Historic, Rustic, Southern

Why it's a favorite Avenue of Oaks and the sunset on the marsh at the Cotton Dock

Boone Hall offers many different locations on its property for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
There is the front lawn in front of the Plantation House, the side lawn, the spacious back lawn, as well as the Cotton Dock on the tidal marsh.

To me, the most spectacular view at the property is of the Avenue of Oaks dripping with Spanish moss leading up to the Plantation home. You can even have your ceremony overlooking the avenue on the side lawn. A huge bonus for those super-hot summer months is that the trees will offer your guests shade!

Another option for your ceremony or cocktail hour. is the lawn in front of the Plantation House. If you are planning on having a super large wedding the back lawn is the most ideal option for you. In addition, the plantation house’s patio is included in the rental of the back lawn which is a great spot for cocktail hour. 

Want to get married where Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds did? Then I suggest the Cotton Dock! It's a rustic wood barn located next to the marsh. It can hold 200-225 people for a seated event without a
dance floor or 150 guests with a dance floor. The dock on the back of the building overlooks the creek and can
hold 130 chairs for a ceremony. One downside of the Cotton Dock is that it is not air-conditioned. However, Boone Hall does offer A/C packages from May- September. For the winter, the venue is heated and has a large, charming fireplace.

Alhambra Hall

Capacity 200

Vibe Check Waterfront, Coastal

Why it's a favorite Porches with spectacular views & breeze

Alhambra Hall is based in the charming Old Village section of Mount Pleasant. This venue is on the water and has great views of Charleston Harbor. The two-story building is a former ferry terminal. It features hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a porch that wraps around the second floor of the building. The main hall space can comfortably seat approximately 200 people for a sit-down dinner. In addition, there is a large lawn perfect for both ceremonies and cocktail hour.

Dunes West Golf and River Club

Capacity 375

Vibe Check Country Club, Waterfront

Why it's a favorite? Full Service and spectacular water views

Real Wedding I photographed there

One of my favorite spots to photograph wedding parties and newlyweds at this wedding venue in Mount Pleasant SC is on the oak tree-lined driveway which leads to the clubhouse. The clubhouse is situated overlooking Wagner Creek. It has two floors and verandas looking out over the impressive water views.

An ideal location for wedding ceremonies is under the large oak tree facing the creek. Couples can then have a cocktail hour outside on the back lawn or inside downstairs. Usually, dinner is held upstairs with downstairs being flipped for the dance floor and cake cutting after cocktail hour.

This venue features in-house catering and alcohol on-site as well as ample parking and accessibility for all of your guests. I think the best thing that Dunes West offers is that day of coordination and execution of the reception timeline is included in your rental fee. Furthermore, so are reception tables, chairs, plate ware, flatware, glassware, table linens, and set up and clean up! That makes for fewer wedding vendors to hire for stressed-out couples planning their weddings.

Creek Club at I'on

Capacity  184 = Inside 120 + Porch 64

Vibe Check Charming, Southern, Coastal

Why it's a favorite? Incredible Water view and full service

Real Wedding I photographed there

The Creek Club at I'on is a one-story wedding venue with beautiful marsh views of Hobcaw Creek. The interior has an open floor plan, with large windows and high ceilings with exposed beams, as well as a large fireplace and mantle. Outside there is a wraparound covered porch with weather flaps, fans, and an additional fireplace. This makes the porch useable all year round. There is also a large lawn overlooking the creek. This spot is ideal for both ceremonies and receptions. Another highlight of this wedding venue is that they offer in-house catering. Furthermore, rental includes chairs and tables as well as the setup and breakdown of them.

Harborside East 

Capacity 150 (fully seated inside); 200 (partially seated inside); 400 (fully seated inside & outside on patio)

Vibe Check Elegant, Waterfront

Why it's a favorite Great view of the iconic Ravenel Bride; Closest to downtown for guests' convenience

Real Wedding I photographed there

Harborside East is the largest wedding venue in Mount Pleasant SC. It's nestled at the base of the iconic Ravenel Bridge making it the closest venue to downtown Charleston. Not only, does it have a view of the bridge but the whole Charleston skyline & harbor. There is ample parking as well as a hotel within walking distance for guests' convenience. 

The venue consists of a great lawn which is perfect for a waterfront wedding ceremony, a partially covered patio with weather flaps, and a large interior space with a grand bar. A bonus is that indoor and outdoor patio chairs and tables are included in the rental fee.

I'on Chapel

Capacity 150

Vibe Check Bright, Charming, Intimate

Why it's a favorite? Romantic and the great natural light

Real Wedding I photographed there

 I’on Chapel is hands down the best wedding venue in Mount Pleasant SC for an intimate wedding. Inside the chapel, simple gold chandeliers hang from the high ceilings while beautifully arched windows let in a ton of natural light. This venue is an excellent backdrop if you like the light and bright style of photography like mine.

Because it's such a charming micro wedding venue in Mount Pleasant, I'on Chapel was featured on the Bustld Blog. The chapel’s exterior is very charming and in the super cute neighborhood of I’on. The exterior lawn can be tented, if need be, for larger receptions.  Bonus, there is a pub named O'Brien's across the street for your after-party. 

In summary, all of these wedding venues in Mount Pleasant SC offer spectacular possibilities for a couple’s special day. You just have to select your priorities and choose accordingly. Happy wedding planning!

LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER AS WELL? LET’S CHAT!

I know wedding planning can be overwhelming for couples! This should be an incredible time in your life! I want you to be able to celebrate every moment, from getting engaged to your last dance at your wedding reception, rather than worry over your to-do list. I help my couples feel and look their best in timeless images while helping them have the most stress-free wedding experience possible! Contact me to see if I'm the right fit for you!

All Photography | Leigh Hayward Photography