How to Plan a Destination Wedding Charleston
Are you dreaming of a picturesque wedding in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina? Look no further. Get comfy and stay awhile as you read all about how to plan the best destination wedding Charleston. Travel and Leisure ranked Charleston the number-one city in the US in 2023. As a Charleston-based wedding photographer, I’ve photographed over 100 weddings here and am thrilled to share my expertise with you. This guide helps all couples planning their wedding from afar, ensuring your special day is as magical as this beautiful city.
Table of Contents:
- Why Choose Charleston for Your Destination Wedding
- Best Times of the Year to Get Married in Charleston
- Choosing the Perfect Venue
- Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Charleston
- Hiring Local Vendors
- Accommodations for You and Your Guests
- Travel and Transportation
- Planning the Perfect Itinerary
- How Far in Advance Should You Start Planning a Destination Wedding
- How Soon Do I Need to Send Save the Dates
- Fun Ideas and Extra Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding Charleston
- Charleston SC Wedding Photographer
- More Charleston Wedding Planning Tips + Tricks
Why Choose Charleston for Your Destination Wedding?
Charleston is rich in historical charm, scenic beauty, and Southern hospitality. It’s a place that offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding. Whether you’re looking for a beach ceremony, a celebration in a historic home, or a garden wedding, Charleston has it all. With incredible hotels, top-notch restaurants, and many activities, your wedding weekend will be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Best Times of the Year to Get Married in Charleston:
If there’s one thing that’s for sure, this city boasts a relatively mild climate, making it a year-round wedding destination. However, some seasons are more popular than others.
- Spring (March to June): This is the most popular wedding time. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the city is in full bloom. Wedding vendors will book up very quickly for dates within these months.
- Summer (July to August): Charleston summers can be hot and humid. In addition, it’s hurricane season, so if you’re planning a summer wedding, keep this in mind.
- Fall (September to November): Another popular season, fall, offers cooler temperatures and a crisp feeling in the air. Just like Spring, the Fall season can book up quickly.
- Winter (December to February): While less popular, winter weddings in Charleston can be magical, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Some venues and vendors might offer discounts.
Choosing the Perfect Venue:
Charleston offers many different wedding venues, each with its unique charm. Here are a few of my favorites you should check out:
- The Gadsden House: An elegant, historic venue in downtown.
- Lowndes Grove: A stunning waterfront estate.
- The William Aiken House: A beautifully restored historic home with vibrant gardens.
When Choosing a Venue, be Sure to Consider the Following Things:
- Weather and backup plans: Ensure an indoor option or tents are allowed in case of rain.
- Accessibility: Make sure the venue is accessible for all guests to get around.
- Capacity: Verify that the venue can accommodate your guest list comfortably.
For a deeper dive into Charleston wedding venues, check out my comprehensive blog post here!
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Charleston:
Obtaining a marriage license in South Carolina is straightforward but requires some planning:
- Application: You can apply online within 30 days of your wedding date.
- Documents: Provide valid IDs and pay a $70 fee.
- Waiting Period: There’s a 24-hour waiting period after applying before you can receive your license.
For more detailed information, refer to my blog post on navigating the legal requirements for getting married in Charleston.
Hiring Local Vendors:
Local vendors bring invaluable expertise and familiarity with the area, ensuring your wedding runs smoothly. Key vendors to consider include:
- Wedding Planner: A must-have for destination weddings. They can coordinate with other vendors and manage logistics.
- Photographer: A local photographer will know the best spots for stunning engagement and wedding photos.
- Caterer, Florist, and Others: Local vendors understand the regional specifics, from food preferences to floral availability.
Accommodations for You and Your Guests:
Offering a range of accommodation options ensures your guests find something within their budget. Here are a few different places you can consider:
- Luxury Hotels: The Dewberry, Hotel Bennett, Emeline, The Charleston Place
- Reasonably Priced Hotels: Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District, Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston, Courtyard Charleston Historic District
- Airbnb or Stay Duvet: Ideal for groups or families
Many hotels offer room blocks at discounted rates. To take advantage of these savings, provide your guests with clear booking instructions.
Travel and Transportation:
Here’s what you need to know about getting to and around Charleston:
- Airport: You’ll fly into Charleston International Airport (CHS), about 12 miles from downtown.
- Getting around: Rental cars, ride-shares, and public transportation are available. The city is also very walkable.
For guest convenience, consider setting up transportation through a local company, so no one has to worry about driving or finding an Uber.
Planning the Perfect Itinerary:
Charleston has so much to offer your guests, from historic tours to beach days on Folly Beach or Isle of Palms to enjoying the culinary scene and vibrant nightlife.
Consider hosting a welcome party the night before your wedding. After the rehearsal dinner, invite guests for drinks at a rooftop bar or a casual gathering with pizza. The day after the wedding, host a brunch or beach day to wrap up the celebration. These extra events will make all of your guests feel more included in the wedding weekend. And since you’re getting married in such a wonderful place, your guests may make their stay longer.
How Far in Advance Should You Start Planning a Destination Wedding?
I recommend starting your planning at least 12 months in advance. This timeline ensures you secure your preferred venue and vendors and gives your guests ample time to make travel arrangements.
How Soon Do I Need to Send Save the Dates?
Send out save the dates 8 to 12 months before your wedding. This is crucial for destination weddings, allowing guests plenty of time to plan. Your official invitations should go out 3-4 months before the big day. Invites for a destination wedding should go out earlier than if you were planning a local wedding.
Fun Ideas and Extra Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding Charleston:
- Welcome bags for your guests: these are a fun way to welcome your guests when they check into their hotel. Include local treats, a Charleston guide that includes must-visit spots and all the location attractions, you could also include a thank-you note thats personalized, any practical items like sunscreen, mini first aid kits, or bottled water, and then also be sure to throw in an event itinerary so they know all of the scheduled wedding events!
- Planning a pre-wedding visit to Charleston: be sure to schedule a tour of venues you like before booking any. Also, schedule in-person meetings with caterers, florists, cake bakers, and anyone else. Be sure to book your hair and makeup trial so you can find your perfect look before the wedding day. You could book this for the same day as your engagement photos and take advantage of the local scenery.
- Create a wedding website: Utilize The Knot, Zola, or any of the other wedding website hosts. This will be the main hub where guests can find information about everything. From travel to recommendations, this is a great place for them to find information without asking you.
- Ensure a smooth wedding day: Hiring a wedding planner is the key to enjoying your day fully. A few other things that you’ll want to make sure of, though, are planning extra time for travel between locations if needed and having a backup plan in case of rain.
- Enjoy the weekend: If reading this guide has determined you’re having a destination wedding in Charleston, I know you won’t regret it. I hope you have the time of your lives with your wedding weekend events and soak in all the memories while you marry your partner. You’ll always have a fun place to travel back to for vacations, or celebrating your anniversary!
Charleston is the perfect destination for your wedding, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and Southern hospitality. I hope this guide has given you the essential information to plan your dream wedding. For more tips and venue recommendations, continue exploring my blog.
Charleston SC Wedding Photographer:
If you’ve decided that Charleston is the perfect location for your wedding and you’re looking for a photographer to capture your special day, I’d love to help. With extensive experience and a deep love for this city, I can preserve your memories beautifully. Contact me to learn more about my photography services. Happy planning!
