The Ultimate Guide to Charleston, South Carolina Weddings

A Charleston Wedding Photographer’s Expert Perspective

Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most romantic wedding destinations in the United States, and for good reason. With its historic architecture, moss-draped oaks, glorious waterfront homes, and timeless Southern elegance, Charleston offers an unmatched backdrop for couples dreaming of a wedding that feels both refined and deeply meaningful.

As one of Charleston’s wedding photographers, I’ve spent years documenting weddings and engagements throughout the Lowcountry. From intimate downtown Charleston ceremonies to sprawling oak celebrations, I’ve experienced this city through an observer’s eye, understanding not just how Charleston looks, but how it feels on a wedding day.

This guide is designed to help you plan your Charleston wedding with confidence while showcasing why Charleston is one of the most extraordinary places in the world to say “I do.”

Why Charleston Is One of the Most Sought-After Wedding Destinations

Charleston weddings are timeless. The city’s European-inspired streets, coastal breezes, and historic estates create an atmosphere that feels cinematic & romantic. Whether you’re planning a black-tie downtown affair or a romantic Lowcountry celebration, Charleston allows couples to create an experience that feels elevated, authentic, and unforgettable.

From a photography standpoint, Charleston offers unmatched versatility. The natural light, historic textures, and neutral coastal tones lend themselves beautifully to editorial wedding photography while allowing space for genuine, photojournalistic moments to unfold organically in a beautiful setting.

Best Charleston Wedding Venues

Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make and Charleston has no shortage of incredible options.

Downtown Charleston Wedding Venues

Downtown Charleston wedding venues are ideal for couples who love historic charm and walkable elegance.

Some of the most photographed and beloved include:

• Historic homes with sweeping staircases and manicured courtyards
• Waterfront venues overlooking Charleston Harbor
• Churches steeped in Southern history

Downtown Charleston weddings photograph beautifully due to the layered textures — cobblestone streets, wrought iron gates, and soft pastel buildings that feel effortlessly editorial.

Lowcountry Wedding Venues

Lowcountry wedding venues are known for their natural beauty and expansive landscapes. Think centuries-old oak trees, Spanish moss, marsh views, and golden-hour light that feels straight out of a film.

Lowcountry venues are perfect for couples wanting:

• Outdoor ceremonies with organic elegance
• Romantic sunset portraits
• A relaxed yet refined Southern aesthetic

Legare Waring House

Legare Waring House is one of Charleston’s most beloved wedding venues, and for good reason. Nestled beneath centuries-old oak trees, this venue feels intimate, romantic, and timeless.

From a photography standpoint, Legare Waring House offers:

• Soft, filtered light through Spanish moss
• Natural ceremony backdrops requiring minimal décor
• A secluded garden atmosphere just minutes from downtown

This venue photographs beautifully for couples who want a wedding that feels elegant, organic, and deeply romantic.

Magnolia Gardens

Magnolia Gardens is iconic — lush, expansive, and unmistakably Charleston. With winding pathways, blooming gardens, and sweeping bridges, this venue offers endless photographic variety.

Magnolia Gardens is ideal for couples who want:

• A true Southern garden wedding
• Dramatic editorial portraits
• A setting that feels grand yet serene

Governor Thomas Bennett House

Located in the heart of downtown, the Governor Thomas Bennett House is refined, architectural, and undeniably elegant. Its manicured courtyard and classic Southern design make it one of the most photographed downtown Charleston wedding venues. (P.S. This is actually where I got married!)

This venue is perfect for:

• Black-tie or formal weddings
• Couples drawn to classic Charleston architecture
• Editorial wedding photography with a timeless, historic feel

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Lowndes Grove

Lowndes Grove is one of Charleston’s most luxurious waterfront wedding venues. Overlooking the Ashley River, it offers expansive lawns, golden sunset light, and a sense of grandeur without feeling overwhelming.

Lowndes Grove weddings photograph beautifully due to:

• Riverfront views at golden hour
• Spacious outdoor portrait locations
• A seamless flow between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception

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Runnymede Plantation

Runnymede is one of Charleston’s most unique Lowcountry wedding venues. With its riverside ruins and moss-draped trees, it offers an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly.

This venue is ideal for couples drawn to:

• Organic, nature-forward settings
• Editorial portraits with texture and depth
• A quiet, immersive wedding experience
• Love the landscape of the low country

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The Emeline Hotel

The Emeline Hotel is a perfect option for couples seeking a modern Charleston wedding experience with historic undertones. Located downtown, it blends boutique luxury with thoughtful design.

The Emeline is ideal for:

• Intimate weddings or stylish receptions
• Timeless weddings with a modern flair
• Couples who value aesthetics and experience

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Agapae Oaks

Located just outside Charleston, Agapae Oaks is a stunning Lowcountry wedding venue known for its open fields, oak trees, and sunset views.

Agapae Oaks offers:

• A peaceful, romantic low country setting
• Southern charm
• A relaxed atmosphere that allows couples to be fully present
• Lowcountry aesthetic but want something slightly removed from the city.

Choosing the Best Charleston Wedding Photographer For You

Charleston has no shortage of talented photographers, but finding the right Charleston wedding photographer is about more than just beautiful images.

Your photographer should:

• Understand Charleston’s unique lighting and landscapes
• Anticipate moments before they happen
• Create space for real emotion while offering refined direction
• Deliver images that feel timeless, not trendy

My approach is rooted in a refined blend of editorial artistry and photojournalistic storytelling. By using organic composition and intentional editorial posing only when it enhances the moment, I create photographs that feel romantic, genuine, and completely captivating.

Couples who are drawn to my work often want their wedding photos to feel less like traditional wedding photography and more like a stunning editorial story – elevated, emotional, and deeply personal.

When couples look back at their Charleston wedding photographer photos years from now, I want them to feel the day again. The nervous anticipation, the quiet glances, the joyful chaos, and the still moments in between.

Charleston provides the perfect setting for imagery that feels:

• Editorial yet natural
• Romantic yet honest
• Polished yet emotionally rich

This balance allows you to receive photographs that are visually striking while remaining deeply meaningful.

Planning Tips for a Seamless Charleston Wedding Day

As someone who is local to the area, here are a few tips:

• Plan for humidity and heat during spring and summer: Lightweight fabrics photograph beautifully and feel more comfortable
• Have a rain plan: Rain came come out of no where sometimes but can also disappear quickly. Just have a plan in case!
• Build in buffer time: Charleston traffic and walking distances can surprise you
• Leave space for moments: Some of the most meaningful photos happen when nothing is forced

Why Charleston Is Truly Unmatched

Charleston weddings are more than beautiful, they’re soulful. The city carries history, romance, and warmth in a way few places can. When paired with a photographer who understands how to document both the elegance and emotion of the day, your wedding photos become heirlooms.

If you are looking for a editorial Charleston wedding photographer, contact me here!