Guide to Planning a Boone Hall Wedding
Step into the captivating world of Boone Hall, where the journey to your dream wedding begins with an Avenue of Oaks. Picture this: 200+ year old giant live oak trees, gracefully draped with Spanish moss, creating a path that guides you to this Charleston wedding venue. Boone Hall is a majestic setting with various venues, countless portrait locations, and the charm of a tidal marsh backdrop. I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this venue as I guide you through planning the best Boone Hall wedding!
Table of contents:
- Ceremony Locations at Boone Hall
- Must Knows About Wedding Photos at Boone Hall
- FAQ’s
- Real Boone Hall Wedding Inspiration
- Boone Hall Wedding Photographer in Charleston
Where is Boone Hall?
Nestled in the heart of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, it’s conveniently situated at 1235 Long Point Rd. This Charleston wedding venue is easily accessible for couples and their guests. A scenic 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston unveils the beauty of Boone Hall, where historic charm and natural beauty blend. For those opting for the comfort of Airbnb accommodations or hotels around the charming neighborhood of I’On, that reduces the commute to a quick 15-minute drive. Boone Hall’s location captures the essence of Southern charm and offers a blend of accessibility and tranquility.
Why get Married at Boone Hall?
Choosing Boone Hall as your wedding venue is such a great choice. The venue speaks for itself with its gorgeous grounds and main house. Selecting an outdoor ceremony and reception means you’ll experience such natural beauty that you’ll need minimal additional decorations. The staff at Boone Hall adds to the appeal, making working with them a joy. Boone Hall in Charleston offers a unique canvas for your love story, allowing you to craft a wedding that reflects your distinct personality. The venue’s blank slate ensures that no two weddings are alike, allowing you to infuse your personal touch into every detail. With the added allure of being a filming location for The Notebook and having hosted several celebrity weddings, it’s an iconic choice for couples to get married here.
Boone Hall Plantation Wedding Cost:
When planning your dream wedding at Boone Hall, understanding the cost is critical to creating a seamless celebration. The pricing structure at Boone Hall is flexible, allowing you to choose the spaces that best suit your vision.
- The Cotton Dock is priced at $6,000.
- The Front Lawn is available at $3,000.
- The Back Lawn is priced at $4,000.
To offer more flexibility, Boone Hall provides combination packages, such as the Front Lawn and Back Lawn duo, originally costing $7,000 but available as a combined package for $6,000. It’s important to note that these rates are subject to change, and for the most accurate quote, I recommend contacting Boone Hall directly. This way, you can tailor your wedding plans to your dreams and budget.
Ceremony Locations at Boone Hall:
There are several options when selecting the perfect ceremony location for your Boone Hall wedding. You certainly can’t go wrong with any of the options; it all boils down to your envisioning setting.
COTTON DOCK:
The Cotton Dock is a rustic wooden structure with timeless charm; however, it’s important to note that ceremonies on the dock can be quite intimate due to space constraints. With its inherent beauty, the dock also doubles as an excellent rain backup plan. While the venue doesn’t provide air conditioning in this rustic space, A/C packages are available during the hotter months for added comfort.
SIDE LAWN:
The Side Lawn is an ideal choice for those seeking a more spacious setting. The majestic oak trees frame it, creating an intimate canopy over your guests.
FRONT LAWN:
Positioned in front of the historic house, it provides stunning views of the residence and beautiful gardens and features the iconic oak-lined avenue, offering a truly picturesque backdrop.
Must Know About Wedding Photos at Boone Hall:
Capturing the essence of your wedding day at Boone Hall requires a thoughtful approach to wedding photography. While the iconic Avenue of Oaks stands as the most desired spot for photos, it’s important to note that the venue doesn’t permit photographers to block traffic during open hours. Plan your timeline with additional portrait time to make the most of this fantastic location, accounting for brief pauses to accommodate passing vehicles. Consider whether you’d like to take these photos before the ceremony or opt for post-ceremony portraits.
Boone Hall offers many alternative portrait locations before the ceremony, each with its unique charm and without the logistical challenges of coordinating with traffic. To enhance the photography experience, opt for the golf cart add-on. This 12-passenger cart, available for a 5-hour rental with a driver, is a convenient transportation mode. Additionally, the golf cart proves useful for transporting guests from the main parking area to the designated rental venue.
FAQ’s
As you envision your wedding day, you might find yourself with questions, so I’ll address some of the most common questions couples may have before deciding on their dream Charleston wedding venue.
Parking
Parking at Boone Hall is a hassle-free experience, with ample spaces on the property. Given that the venue is open to the public, guests can park in the designated areas at the back of the property. If you provide transportation for your guests, they can easily be dropped off and picked back up later in the evening.
Are There Getting Ready Suites on-site?
When getting ready for your big day, it’s essential to know that on-site getting-ready suites are unavailable. However, this allows you to choose a separate location for your getting ready portion of the day. I highly recommend exploring spacious Airbnb options, particularly in the Mount Pleasant area. The I’On neighborhood, in particular, is an excellent choice for its proximity to Boone Hall. Alternatively, consider downtown locations for a vibrant setting. I suggest avoiding Isle of Palms due to potential congestion, especially when getting on and off the island. The parking situation on Isle of Palms can be challenging for vendors, often needing more space and carrying a high risk of towing.
Do They Have on-site Catering?
Boone Hall does not provide on-site catering because the venue does not have a kitchen facility. Instead, couples can bring in catering services from external sources. They offer a curated list of preferred caterers, each with a great experience. They provide exceptional culinary experiences at the venue, allowing you to choose a catering team that aligns with your taste preferences.
How to Book the Venue
Securing your wedding date at Boone Hall is easy, but timing is key. Once you’ve identified your preferred date, you have one week to hold it without a deposit. After this timeframe, the venue reserves the right to release the date to other interested parties. A signed lease agreement and complete payment of the rental fee are required to secure your chosen date and venue space. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your wedding date, ensuring a smooth and timely planning process. Also, please know that Boone Hall requires you to have an insurance policy with coverage valued at $1,000,000, encompassing general and liquor liability.
How Many Guests can you Have for Weddings at Boone Hall?
The guest capacity varies depending on the chosen venue space. The Cotton Dock can accommodate up to 130 guests for the ceremony. If you’re having a dance floor in your reception, they can host up to 150 guests. There are black benches for 70 guests on the Front Lawn, and additional chairs can be added if necessary. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, Boone Hall offers flexible options.
Will the Public Have Access to my Wedding Since Boone Hall is a Tourist Attraction?
While Boone Hall’s historical charm and natural beauty make it a sought-after wedding venue, it’s essential to be aware of its status as a public attraction. Open for public tours seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Boone Hall welcomes visitors to explore its grounds. However, to ensure the exclusivity of your wedding celebration, the venue stipulates that all events must commence after the plantation closes to the public. This means your ceremony could begin at 5:30 pm or later, allowing you to exchange vows privately and intimately.
The setup process is accommodated with flexibility, permitting arrangements to begin as early as 9:00 am at the Pavilion, Cotton Dock, and Back Lawn. For the Front Lawn, preparations can commence as early as 3:00 pm, ensuring ample time for everything to come together.
Do They Require a Wedding Planner?
Boone Hall requires at least a day-of wedding planner to ensure a seamless execution of your wedding. This professional touch ensures meticulous coordination of every detail, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the celebration. Please note that the designated wedding planner cannot be a family member or guest; instead, they must be a licensed professional. This requirement reflects Boone Hall’s commitment to delivering a flawless and professionally managed wedding experience.
Real Boone Hall Wedding Inspiration:
Immerse yourself in the real-life charm of Boone Hall weddings through a curated collection of my favorite captures from various celebrations held at this iconic venue. As you scroll through these images, you’ll witness the diverse styles, emotions, and moments that make each wedding special. Let these real wedding moments inspire you and guide your decision toward creating your celebration.
Boone Hall Wedding Photographer in Charleston:
As a Charleston wedding photographer who has had the opportunity to photograph several weddings at Boone Hall, I possess a wealth of experience and understanding of the unique dynamics that define this Charleston wedding venue. Navigating Boone Hall’s intricate logistics, from its charming pathways to its rules and nuances that distinguish each wedding day. Designing a seamless timeline that accommodates the venue’s specific needs ensures that every moment is captured. My goal is not just to document your day but to craft a visual narrative that showcases your love story against the backdrop of Boone Hall. If you envision your wedding day at this venue, let’s connect and chat about how my experience as a Boone Hall wedding photographer can turn your moments into cherished memories!
