Guide to Planning An Admiral’s House Wedding
If you’re dreaming of a wedding venue that blends Southern charm and elegant architecture, an Admiral’s House wedding in Charleston, SC, might be the perfect fit. This magnificent estate, built in 1905 for the Charleston Navy Base, boasts a grand all-white exterior, majestic columns, and sprawling oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creating that picture-perfect Lowcountry ambiance.
The Admiral’s House is truly a dream venue for a Charleston wedding. Every moment here is picture-perfect with its timeless beauty, grand architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. From romantic portraits under the oak trees to elegant celebrations on the estate’s verandas, this venue offers endless opportunities to capture breathtaking wedding memories. If you’re considering an Admiral’s House wedding, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your special day at this one-of-a-kind Charleston gem.
Table of Contents:
- About The Admiral’s House Charleston
- Ceremony & Reception Options For Your Admiral’s House Wedding
- Getting Ready at The Admiral’s House
- Catering & Bar Services
- Admiral’s House Charleston SC Wedding Cost
- Important Information About Having an Admiral’s House Wedding
- Why You Should Have an Admiral’s House Wedding
- Hiring a Charleston SC Wedding Photographer
About The Admiral’s House Charleston
Nestled in North Charleston, The Admiral’s House sits on a historic property overlooking the Cooper River. The estate perfectly combines elegance and functionality for a wedding day.
The home is a five-bedroom mansion with en-suite bathrooms, meaning you, your partner, and your closest wedding party members can get ready in a luxurious and stress-free setting. Each room exudes sophistication, creating beautiful getting-ready photos before the big moment. There’s even space to stay overnight, which adds a layer of convenience to the experience. You won’t have to worry about traveling to another getting-ready space, which makes your morning easygoing.
Venue Highlights:
- Guest capacity: 150-200 guests.
- ADA-compliant for accessibility.
- On-site getting-ready spaces in an elegant mansion.
- Expansive porches are perfect for first looks and champagne toasts.
- Historic charm with modern amenities.
Ceremony & Reception Options For Your Admiral’s House Wedding:
One of the best things about an Admiral’s House wedding is its versatility in ceremony and reception spaces.
Where to Say “I Do”
Couples have a couple of ceremony location options that they can choose from:
- Under the Oak Trees – Imagine exchanging vows beneath ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss. This natural, romantic setting is perfect for couples wanting that dreamy Lowcountry vibe.
- On the Grand Steps of the Estate – The stately white mansion provides a breathtaking backdrop for a ceremony on the front steps, offering a more classic and timeless aesthetic.
- Nearby Chapel Option – If you’re looking for a church ceremony, the Eternal Father of the Sea Chapel is just a five-minute walk away, allowing for a seamless transition between ceremony and reception.
Outdoor Reception
Whether you want a romantic al fresco reception or an elegant tented celebration, the venue accommodates both! You can rent a sailcloth tent to create an elevated, sleek atmosphere while embracing the outdoors’s beauty.
Getting Ready at The Admiral’s House
With five bedrooms, you and your wedding party can relax and enjoy every moment while getting ready. The elegant interior provides a picture-perfect setting for hair and makeup photos, hanging out, and getting dressed in a dreamy, historic space.
One of my favorite features? The expansive front porch! It’s the perfect spot for:
- Popping champagne before getting into your dress
- A heartfelt first look with your dad or bridesmaids
- A private first look with your partner then followed by reading private vows to one another if that interests you.
Since everything happens in one place, you don’t have to worry about the logistics of traveling to another location for getting ready photos, giving you more time to soak in the excitement of the day!
Catering & Bar Services
The Admiral’s House Charleston does not provide catering, so you must bring your own. This allows you to choose a catering service that aligns with your tastes and budget. It is important to know that your caterer must provide proof of insurance and have a North Charleston business license. This flexibility allows you to craft the perfect menu and drink selection, whether you envision an elegant plated dinner or a fun Lowcountry boil with signature cocktails.
Admiral’s House Charleston SC Wedding Cost
I understand that figuring out pricing for wedding vendors can be one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning. It becomes even more frustrating when their prices aren’t listed on their website, forcing you to reach out, schedule a discovery call, and go through extra steps to find their rates. But luckily for you, The Admiral’s House wedding cost is on their website. Below are their different pricing options based on what you’re looking for:
- $6,500 – Day event (no overnight stay)
- $9,000 – Wedding with an overnight stay
- $2,500 – Each additional overnight stay
Important Information About Having an Admiral’s House Wedding:
Can I Have my Rehearsal Here?
They offer a complimentary two-hour rehearsal the day before your wedding if the venue is available. That way you and your wedding party can walk through the ceremony and feel totally prepared.
Can I Include my Dog in my Wedding?
You absolutely can! Whether including them in the ceremony, or just having them come for your wedding photos, they are more than welcome. However, you cannot bring pets inside the house and must take them elsewhere after they’ve stolen the show in your wedding portraits.
Do I Need to Hire a Wedding Planner if I Get Married Here?
Yes! The venue requires couples getting married here to hire a wedding planner or at least a day coordinator. This ensures that everything runs smoothly on your wedding day, and you won’t have to stress about the small things.
Why You Should Have an Admiral’s House Wedding
From its history to breathtaking ceremony and reception spaces, The Admiral’s House Charleston offers the perfect mix of Southern elegance and modern convenience. With its sprawling oak trees, grand columns, and luxurious interiors, every detail of this venue sets the stage for an unforgettable Charleston wedding experience.
When booking this space as your Charleston wedding venue, they don’t include any tables or chairs, so you’ll have to rent everything. Although that idea may feel overwhelming, it is a positive because it means your wedding design will fully be tailored to your vision! Not one wedding here is similar to the others.
Hiring a Charleston SC Wedding Photographer:
Whether you’re planning an Admiral’s House wedding or getting married somewhere else in Charleston, I’d love the chance to be your Charleston wedding photographer! I create images that capture the pure joy of your wedding day. If you want an incredible experience with your wedding photographer from start to finish, fill out my contact form here!
Still searching for other Charleston wedding venues? I’ve got many other great venue guides like this one on my blog. Feel free to click through them below!
