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Entering your wedding planning era and finding the perfect wedding venue can be exciting and overwhelming. With enchanting landscapes and historic charm, there are plenty of outdoor wedding venues Charleston SC that promise to make your special day truly unforgettable. As a seasoned Charleston wedding photographer, I’m here to guide you through the process, from understanding the benefits of choosing an outdoor venue to important considerations; plus, you’ll discover a few of the finest venues in the city.
Table of Contents:
- Benefits of Choosing an Outdoor Wedding Venue
- Important Considerations When Planning an Outdoor Wedding
- Outdoor Wedding Venues Charleston SC
- How to Prepare Guests for an Outdoor Wedding
- Wedding Photographer in Charleston SC
- More Charleston Wedding Planning Resources
Benefits of Choosing an Outdoor Wedding Venue:
- Embracing Natural Beauty – Charleston’s picturesque landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding day. From lush gardens to stunning mansions, outdoor venues allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, creating breathtaking photo opportunities that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
- Versatility in Design – One of the key advantages of outdoor wedding venues Charleston SC is the flexibility they offer in terms of design and decor. You can tailor outdoor spaces to reflect your unique style and personality, whether you envision a romantic garden ceremony or a tented reception, allowing for endless creativity and customization.
- Embracing the Elements – While outdoor weddings may come with the risk of inclement weather, they also offer the opportunity to embrace the natural elements. Whether it’s a gentle breeze rolling off the waterfront or the golden glow through the Spanish moss, outdoor venues add an element of romance and spontaneity to your celebration.
- Spaciousness and Capacity – Outdoor venues often boast larger capacities compared to indoor spaces, making them ideal for couples who wish to invite a large number of guests. With ample space to accommodate your loved ones, outdoor weddings ensure that everyone can share in the joy of your wedding.
- Unique Experiences: When having an outdoor wedding, it opens the door to a world of unique experiences and possibilities. From arranging food trucks and live entertainment to having outdoor games and activities, outdoor venues allow you to create memorable moments that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.
Important Considerations When Planning an Outdoor Wedding:
- Weather Preparedness – One of the most crucial considerations when planning an outdoor wedding is weather. Charleston’s climate can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme temperatures. Consider renting tents, umbrellas, or heaters to ensure the comfort of your guests, and don’t forget to invest in wedding insurance for added peace of mind.
- Pesky Bugs – Having an outdoor wedding means you’ll naturally have bugs that might be bothersome. While some venues will take measures into their own hands, you should also provide your guests with bug spray or citronella candles.
- Lighting and Ambiance – Proper lighting is essential for creating a magical ambiance at your outdoor wedding. Whether you opt for string lights, lanterns, or candles, plan and coordinate with your vendors to ensure that key areas are well-lit for your guests.
- Vendor Coordination – Communication is key when it comes to coordinating with your vendors so they can understand your vision. Ensure that the caterer, florist, and rental company are aware of any unique requirements or challenges at the venue to ensure a seamless and stress-free event.
- Permits and Regulations – Obtain all necessary permits and approvals before your wedding day. This may include permits for tent set-up and compliance with noise ordinances.
Outdoor Wedding Venues Charleston SC:
When you start your wedding planning journey, you’ll quickly discover that there are so many different options for venues. Below you’ll find a curated list of some of my favorite wedding venues in Charleston that give you the selection of an all outdoor wedding. Each venue offers indoor options for additional space, cocktail hour, and getting ready areas, but they primarily focus on providing outdoor settings for your ceremony and reception.
Lowndes Grove:
- Location: 266 St. Margaret St, Charleston, South Carolina
- Ceremony Outdoor: Yes
- Tented Reception: Yes, they have a tented reception space connected to the main house, with the option to set up a larger sailcloth tent if desired.
- Catering: Yes, catering is provided at Lowndes Grove.
- Rain Backup Plan: In case of rain, the ceremony can be held underneath the reception tent. The venue’s indoor spaces are also available for beautiful wedding photos if needed.
Gadsden House:
- Location: 38 Alexander St, Charleston, South Carolina
- Ceremony Outdoor: Yes
- Tented Reception: Custom tenting options are available, offering versatile options in the outdoor spaces and courtyard gardens.
- Catering: Yes, they do provide catering.
- Rain Backup Plan: In case of inclement weather, the courtyard gardens can be tented. The venue’s indoor spaces can also be utilized for a smaller ceremony.
Thomas Bennett House:
- Location: 69 Barre St, Charleston, South Carolina
- Ceremony Outdoor: Yes
- Tented Reception: You can have an open-air reception on the side lawn, with the option to bring in a tent if desired.
- Catering: Yes, Thomas Bennett House does provide in-house catering.
- Rain Backup Plan: It’s recommended to have a tent as a backup plan in case of rain.
Old Wide Awake:
- Location: 5149 Trexler Avenue, Hollywood, South Carolina
- Ceremony Outdoor: Yes
- Rented Reception: Yes, you can bring in a tent if desired. All tent rentals go through Snyder Events.
- Catering: They do not provide in-house catering, but they have a list of preferred caterers they can recommend.
- Rain Backup Plan: The venue’s typical rain plan should be confirmed with the venue, but it most likely would be underneath the reception tent.
William Aiken House:
- Location: 456 King St, Charleston, South Carolina
- Ceremony Outdoor: Yes
- Tented Reception: Yes, you can have a tented reception here. The indoor space can also be utilized for seating if needed.
- Catering: Yes, in-house catering is provided.
- Rain Backup Plan: You can hold the ceremony under a tent if you are having a tented reception.
Legare Waring House:
- Location: 1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, South Carolina
- Ceremony Outdoor: Yes
- Tented Reception: Yes, you can have a tent for your reception, with options for two different sizes of tents.
- Catering: No, but the venue can provide a list of approved, licensed, and insured caterers.
- Rain Backup Plan: Utilizing a tent is recommended as the backup plan in case of rain.
How to Prepare Guests for an Outdoor Wedding:
- Provide sunscreen or bug spray to protect against sunburn and pesky insects.
- Offer cute umbrellas or parasols for shade during sunny ceremonies and blankets or shawls for cooler temperatures.
- Include details about your outdoor wedding on your wedding website so guests can plan accordingly.
- Set up hydration stations for guests to conveniently access water, especially on hot days.
- Consider providing fans to ensure comfort if there’s a minimal breeze during the ceremony and evening festivities.
Wedding Photographer in Charleston SC:
As a Charleston wedding photographer, who also provides videography services, with years of experience photographing love stories in this charming city, I strive to preserve every moment of your big day. Whether you’re getting married at one of these amazing outdoor wedding venues Charleston SC, or have chosen another venue around the city, I’d love to help capture your wedding. Reach out here, and I’ll be in touch with more details!