Planning an intentional, joyful wedding with your partner can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it when you arrive to your wedding venue to celebrate with your loved ones.
To help you, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite venues for a beautiful wedding with an outdoor ceremony in Charleston, SC. Especially for couples who want a waterfront option for the ceremony, whether that’s the marsh, the harbor, or the ocean.
This list is here to help you and your partner save precious energy which can be better spent focusing on other specifics you need to make your day as special as it deserves to be.
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Venue
The venue will set the mood for your ceremony and is an important parts of planning an intimate wedding in Charleston, SC. Whether you are a local and know the area well or have visited briefly in the past – there’s a reason you chose Charleston…it’s beautiful!
Depending on the size of your guest list, your budget, and the vibe you’d like to go for, finding a venue that ticks all of the boxes can be a detailed process that will take up some time.
A few things to consider before falling in love with a venue are:
- Is it available on your dates?
- Will it fit the entirety of your guest list? If not, are you willing to size down?
- Does it fit into your budget? If not, are you willing to sacrifice other things to make it fit?
- Do you need any special permits to perform the ceremony there?
- Will it fit the theme of your wedding?
Having photographed dozens of weddings in the area, I’ve put together a list of favorite venues that all have a waterfront element but vary in terms of budget and style.
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Folly Beach Venues:
- The Regatta Inn: Located on the riverfront side of Folly Beach, it boasts picturesque views of the marina and sunset over the water. Plus, it’s located just a few blocks from the ocean! Because the venue also operates as a B&B, it’s possible for the couple and guests to stay there the night before and get ready on-site.
- Pelican Watch Pavilion: With a prime location on the oceanfront, I usually recommend my clients do the ceremony on the sand and use the Pavilion and the lawn for dining and dancing. With a more rustic vibe, the Pavilion’s main floor can be dressed up with flowers and lighting to make for a more intimate and affordable space.
Important note about tides: If we decide to work together for your wedding photos, I’ll take care of checking the tide charts so you know beforehand what the beach will look like on your big day – there’s a big difference between high and low tide!
Other Beach Venues:
I also suggest checking out these venues for your wedding at some of the most scenic locations in the Charleston, SC:
Kiawah Island: Home to the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, this is a perfect spot for a beautiful wedding by the water. Or, if you’d prefer, you can also organize a small and intimate ceremony on the sand. Similar to tying the knot on Folly Beach, you’ll also need a permit from the town of Kiawah to do so.
Seabrook Island Club: This beautiful venue offers an ocean terrace that’s perfect for the ceremony. If you’d like a more formal dress code for guests – the terrace is suitable for high heels! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite ocean front venues.
South Carolina Aquarium: An absolute treat for ocean lovers, the South Carolina Aquarium overlooks the water and has a stunning indoor venue with the option for an outdoor ceremony in the pavilion overlooking the water.
Harborside East: Description coming soon!
Cypress Gardens: Description coming soon!
Would you like to have this post delivered hot to your inbox along with more details about the mentioned venues? Email Hola@OrianaPhotography.com with the subject line VENUES and we will email you the list!
