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Charleston, South Carolina, is a dream destination for weddings, particularly those with a waterfront setting. As a coastal city, Charleston boasts a charming mix of historic architecture, lush greenery, and stunning water views. While downtown Charleston is known for its cobblestone streets, there’s something incredibly alluring about saying “I do” with the water as your backdrop. Whether it’s the peaceful flow of a river or the vast expanse of the ocean, these Charleston wedding venues on the water offer an unparalleled atmosphere that makes your special day even more unforgettable.
When most people think of a waterfront venue, the beach may come to mind. However, sand mixed with wedding attire only sounds like an ideal situation if that’s what you’ve always dreamed of. That’s where these venues come in—they offer the beauty of the water without the concerns of public beaches, shifting tides, or sandy shoes. Below, I’ve listed some of the most exquisite waterfront wedding venues in Charleston that provide that perfect coastal vibe while keeping you and your guests comfortable.
Table of Contents:
- Charleston SC Wedding Venues on Water
- How to Choose the Right Charleston Wedding Venues on the Water:
- Charleston Wedding Packages
- More Charleston Wedding Venues
Charleston SC Wedding Venues on Water
Lowndes Grove & River House:
Lowndes Grove and its adjacent River House offer the perfect setting if you’re looking for historic charm combined with riverfront elegance. This is definitely one of the most iconic Charleston wedding venues on the water. Nestled along the banks of the Ashley River, this private property exudes serenity and sophistication. Although on the same property, the River House has a separate entrance, ensuring exclusivity for your event. The outdoor spaces at this venue are breathtaking, offering unparalleled coastal views that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
The main house at Lowndes Grove is a stunning example of 1786-era architecture, complete with period furnishings that transport you back in time. From the expansive piazza, grand lawn, and the sunlit terraces, it all offers a timeless setting for your wedding day.
- Lowndes Grove can host 200-300 guests, while the River House is ideal for more intimate weddings with up to 100 guests.
- The Ashley River provides a stunning background for your ceremony, enhancing the venue’s natural beauty.
- Majestic oak trees grace the property, adding to the Southern charm.
- A tented area adjoins the main house, creating the perfect space for an elegant reception.
- The home’s second floor offers beautiful, well-appointed spaces for you and your wedding party to prepare.
- On-site catering and bar services make planning your reception seamless.
- You need a wedding planner to ensure every detail is flawlessly executed.
- The indoor spaces are ideal for capturing beautiful wedding portraits in case of rain.
- Enjoy gorgeous sunsets over the river and a picturesque dock that extends far over the marsh.
- The first floor of the home and the tented space are entirely handicap accessible.
Want to see a wedding I photographed at Lowndes Grove or The River House? Take a look here!
Island House:
For those dreaming of a secluded island oasis, the Island House is a perfect choice. Situated on a 55-acre family-owned private island along the banks of the Stono River, this venue offers a constant island breeze and the warm, welcoming feel of the Lowcountry. The Island House tailors itself to fit your vision, making every wedding here unique.
- Depending on the season and the day of the week, prices can range from $5,000 to $8,000.
- A tent is already set up on the property, complete with a smooth concrete floor.
- The venue provides white padded chairs and tables for the reception and cocktail hour.
- There’s a charming space inside the house where you and your wedding party can prepare for the day.
- The ceremony space offers lovely waterfront views.
- The stunning sunsets here provide a perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
- Located about a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, the Island House is conveniently accessible while offering the tranquility of a private island.
- The venue is a blank slate, allowing you to bring your design and décor vision to life.
- The venue can accommodate up to 300 guests.
Magnolia Plantation:
For those who love the idea of a garden-themed wedding with waterfront views, Magnolia Plantation offers romance by the Ashley River. This venue is renowned for its blooming florals, live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and the iconic white bridge perfect for those unforgettable wedding photos. Magnolia Plantation boasts three distinct venues on its property, each with unique charm.
- Located about 45 minutes from downtown Charleston, Magnolia Plantation is a bit farther out, but the journey is worth it for the scenic beauty.
- The various venues on the property can accommodate different guest counts, with the Carriage House or the lawn holding between 150-300 people.
- Magnolia Plantation does not provide on-site catering, so you can choose the caterer that best suits your taste.
- The on-site getting-ready suites are lovely, though they’re not the largest, so if you have a big wedding party, consider booking a nearby Airbnb.
- A wedding planner is required to help coordinate your special day.
- Ample parking is available for your guests.
- The Carriage House is handicap accessible.
Want to see an actual wedding at the Carriage House at Magnolia Plantation? Click here!
Boone Hall:
Boone Hall offers timeless beauty along Boone Creek, where 200+ year-old live oak trees greet you as you drive to the venue. This iconic Southern estate embodies the essence of Southern charm, providing a blend of accessibility and tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. Each Boone Hall wedding is unique, allowing you to infuse your personal style into every detail.
- Boone Hall is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, making it easily accessible for guests.
- Choose from several ceremony spots, including the front lawn, side lawn, or cotton dock.
- You’ll fill your wedding album with incredible photos, thanks to the many stunning areas for portraits.
- You can opt for a 13-passenger golf cart, a great add-on to help you and your guests get around the grounds quickly.
- Designated parking is available at the back of the venue.
- While the venue does not offer getting ready suites, there are plenty of Airbnb options in nearby Mount Pleasant.
- Because there is no kitchen, the venue does not provide on-site catering, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred caterer.
- Depending on the space you choose, Boone Hall can accommodate between 70 to 150 guests.
- A day-of wedding planner is required to ensure your day runs smoothly.
- Boone Hall lists its venue costs on its website, which is convenient since many venues do not offer upfront pricing.
Click here to read more about planning the perfect wedding at Boone Hall.
Agapae Oaks:
Located on St. Helena Island, Agapae Oaks offers Southern charm on the water, with a venue bordered by undeveloped marshlands that ensure peace and quiet. This venue is a photographer’s dream, with oak trees, a pecan orchard, ponds, and a dock that leads out into the marsh, providing countless photo opportunities.
- While Agapae Oaks is about 80 miles south of Charleston, the drive is well worth it for the serene setting.
- This is an all-outdoor venue with several ceremony options, including a tented reception area.
- The historic home on the property has beautiful getting-ready suites filled with natural light.
- The venue can accommodate some guests on-site in the main house and another property on-site.
- With the ability to host up to 500 guests, Agapae Oaks is ideal for large weddings.
- Agapae Oaks does not provide on-site catering so you can choose your caterer.
- The sunsets over the marsh provide a breathtaking backdrop for your evening celebrations.
Want to see an actual wedding day from here? Click here to see Molly and Suz’s wedding at Agape Oaks!
Creek Club at I’On:
For an intimate waterfront wedding, Creek Club at I’On offers elegance in a secluded and quiet setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With wide-open porches and lush landscapes, this venue creates a dreamy atmosphere for your wedding day.
- Located in Mount Pleasant, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston across the bridge.
- The venue offers a blend of outdoor and indoor spaces, giving you flexibility in wedding planning.
- Your wedding will be the only event at the venue that day, ensuring privacy.
- The venue can accommodate up to 225 guests.
- While the venue does not have traditional getting ready suites, they do provide a room for storing personal items.
- On-site catering and various bar packages are available, simplifying your planning process.
- The venue is handicap accessible.
- Be sure to step outside for sunset portraits—the views are stunning.
- Their prices are listed on their website, starting at $2,750 and going up to $5,400.
Check out a complete guide to planning a wedding at Creek Club at I’On!
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island:
Coastal grandeur with ocean views defines The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. This stunning venue offers fantastic views of the 18th hole on Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s famous golf course, with the Atlantic Ocean as a breathtaking backdrop. With its coastal-style architectural details, the wraparound veranda provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding day.
- Depending on the traffic, you can reach it within about an hour’s drive from downtown Charleston.
- Host your ceremony on the course overlooking the ocean, where the calming sound of waves creates a serene atmosphere.
- Multiple reception rooms are available to match your guest list size.
- The venue accommodates up to 300 guests with a tented reception on the lower lawn.
- Enhance your wedding weekend with pre-wedding pampering at the on-site spa, a golf outing, or events like oyster roasts, barbecues, and s’mores.
- On-site catering is provided.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Seabrook Island:
Natural beauty and Lowcountry charm surround you and your guests at Seabrook Island. This private oceanfront community boasts miles of beaches and serene marshes, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for your wedding. You don’t have to be a member to get married here, and incorporating florals into the reception space will bring the venue to life.
- You’ll find it on Seabrook Island, about a 40-minute drive from downtown Charleston.
- You can hold outdoor ceremonies on the Ocean Terrace, where the ocean is a stunning backdrop without stepping in the sand.
- Receptions can move indoors to the ballroom, which offers ocean views and a wraparound veranda.
- A private room is available to get ready.
- The venue provides on-site catering and bar services.
- Pricing for ceremonies and receptions varies depending on the season; details are available on the venue’s website.
- Accommodates up to 250 guests.
Runnymede:
Enter Runnymede through iron gates, and you’ll be welcomed by a canopy of centuries-old trees. This venue offers unobstructed views of the Ashley River, creating a picturesque and serene setting for your wedding. The natural beauty and historical charm of Runnymede make it a unique and unforgettable location.
- Located in North Charleston, less than a 30-minute drive from downtown.
- This venue accommodates a large guest list, making it ideal for bigger weddings.
- A getting ready suite is available on-site.
- The venue offers multiple ceremony locations, including options with water views or amidst the historic ruins.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible.
- Runnymede does not provide on-site catering, but you can ask for catering recommendations during your venue tour.
Daniel Island Club:
Waterfront luxury in a club setting defines the Daniel Island Club. With stunning marsh views and an elegant atmosphere, this venue offers more than your typical golf club wedding. The expansive grounds, filled with palm trees, docks, and marsh views, provide a true Lowcountry vibe, perfect for a Charleston wedding.
- Daniel Island Club is only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston.
- The spacious ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated reception.
- Numerous photo opportunities are available with palm trees and marsh views.
- A getting ready suite is available for your convenience.
- The venue is fully handicap accessible.
- The venue provides on-site catering and bar services, ensuring a seamless wedding experience.
How to Choose the Right Charleston Wedding Venue on the Water:
Choosing the right waterfront venue for your Charleston wedding involves several factors. Consider the overall style and vibe you want for your day, the guest capacity of the venue, accessibility, and location. Each of these venues offers something unique, whether it’s historic charm, modern elegance, or rustic simplicity. Matching your wedding vision with the perfect venue is key to creating the wedding of your dreams.
Charleston Wedding Packages:
As a Charleston wedding photographer, I’ve captured beautiful weddings at many of these stunning Charleston wedding venues on the water. My photography style focuses on capturing the authentic moments and emotions of your special day. If you’re searching for a wedding photographer who knows the ins and outs of Charleston’s wedding scene, consider me for the job. Fill out my contact form here, and I’ll be in touch with more information!