15 Totally Unique Charleston Wedding Venues
Your wedding is a big deal. Not only are you marrying your forever love, but for most people, your wedding is the biggest party you'll ever throw in your life.
So, it makes sense that you'll want a show-stopping, distinctive venue in which to celebrate this epic life milestone. There's nothing wrong with a traditional church wedding and formal ballroom reception, but more and more brides are designing weddings that reflect their unique personality or love story. You want your big day to reflect you, from the wedding details to the perfect venue.
The Holy City is teeming with exceptional vendors, gorgeous venues, and stunning wedding decor details. (Ahem, have you checked out our Oyster Ring Dishes in Southern Living?!), Truly, the world is your oyster as you plan your Charleston wedding.
Are you dreaming of partying the night away in a vintage theatre? We know just the spot. Did you want to say your vows on a private island? We got you. What about a sparkler departure from a historic Moorish-style castle? We have an idea; keep scrolling. We're here to help you hit the ground running with this thorough guide to some of the most unique wedding venues in the Charleston area!
Unique Wedding Venues in Charleston, SC
If you’re searching for a Charleston wedding venue that will make you feel like a star, look no further than the American Theater. The historic building opened as an Art Deco movie theater in 1942, and the space’s enduring sense of old Hollywood glamour makes this an unforgettable event venue. A fully-equipped contemporary cinema, luxurious ballroom, and expansive lobby and concessions stand offer a wealth of opportunities for a truly unique and creative wedding experience.
Watch a video of your marriage proposal in the theater, and snack on gourmet popcorn at cocktail hour. Then, enjoy your first dance below handmade vintage milk glass chandeliers, and declare your love on the King Street marquee. Oh, and if the American Theater looks vaguely familiar? You might just want to rewatch The Notebook before your big day.
photo credit: @thepinkfiggy
For an edgy, contemporary twist on the traditional church wedding, head to Church and Union. Conveniently located on bustling Market Street, Church and Union resides in a 105-year old church building, complete with resplendent stained glass and a soaring church steeple.
This ain’t your grandma’s Sunday service, however. Artist Jon Norris handpainted Sun Tzu’s The Art of War on the ceiling and five-dollar-bill paintings by artists Matt Hooker and Rodney Rains are sure to wow your friends and family. The unequivocally cool vibe falls second only to the delicious menu of fresh takes on traditional Lowcountry cuisine, so it’s a win-win for any Charleston wedding.
photo credit: @zhengchia
Let the deep blue sea serve as your something blue for your big day when you pick the South Carolina Aquarium for your Charleston wedding venue. (Although, we must say that our Seahorse Something Blue Ring Dish is perfect for a South Carolina Aquarium wedding.)
You can say your vows on the patio overlooking the Charleston Harbor and Ravenel Bridge and then enjoy your reception among the stunning tanks of vibrant marine life. Think of it as entertainment and a venue in one! Your guests will be mesmerized by the Great Ocean Tank, colorful jellyfish, and adorable sea turtles as they meander during cocktail hour. We can’t think of a better venue for all you beach-loving brides-to-be out there!
credits: Chelsea Paige Photography and Mod Events Charleston
We’re not horsing around when it comes to finding an elegant, rustic Charleston wedding venue. The Hyde Park Polo Club boasts 400 stately acres, rows of live oaks laden with Spanish moss, and multiple ceremony sites. The open-air Tall Oaks Pavilion is a wonderful reception venue that lets you embrace the romance of a dining al fresco - without obsessing over the weather report. Don’t be surprised, however, if their gorgeous ponies steal the show!
photo credit: Reese Moore Photography
Elevate wedding planning to a work of art by hosting your big day at the Gibbes Museum of Art, one of the best wedding venues in Charleston, SC. The Gibbes Museum of Art has showcased innovative exhibitions since its opening in 1905, and the statuesque building is nestled in the heart of Charleston’s beautiful historic district, which your guests will enjoy.
The Gibbes’ iconic facade faces the hustle and bustle of Meeting Street, while a serene classical garden is tucked behind the building. The rotunda features a breathtaking Tiffany-style art glass dome, the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony, and the Gibbes Museum gardens are nothing short of dreamy.
photo credit: @ashlyncathey.photo
Let your love take flight aboard the USS Yorktown, which is home to one of the United State’s most extensive collections of historic aircrafts. The Yorktown offers several striking event spaces that can accommodate an impressive 1,500 of your nearest and dearest, including the flight deck. The flight deck boasts sunset views of the Charleston Harbor and city skyline, so you can say your vows against an unforgettable backdrop of Lowcountry scenery before wandering the aircraft exhibits with your love.
photo credit: Priscilla Thomas Photography
Mepkin Abbey rests on a breathtaking piece of land at the fork of the Cooper River just beyond the Charleston peninsula. The abbey is privately owned and home to Trappist monks, who offer hospitality and visiting rights to strangers as a function of living by the Rule of Saint Benedict. The sweeping vistas and gardens are absolutely magnificent, and the abbey welcomes wedding ceremonies of up to 50 people. Receptions are prohibited, but this unique property is well worth exploring as a Charleston wedding venue.
photo credit: @snbphotografy
Start your happily ever after by sailing off into the sunset, literally. The Carolina Girl Yacht is one of the best Charleston wedding venues, offering your guests panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor, gentle sea breezes, and stunning sunsets over the water. Say your vows on the deck before retiring inside for a formal dinner (ahem, starring our Gilded Oyster Shell Place Cards) and dancing. The Carolina Girl offers in-house coordination, rentals, a dance floor, and space to accommodate up to 100 of your nearest and dearest.
photo credit: @shelbystewartweddings
The colorful, ultra-modern Grand Bohemian Hotel deserves a shout-out on our list of unique Charleston wedding venues for several reasons. The funky yet glamorous decor offers a plethora of photo ops, and your friends and family will adore staying at this luxurious pet-friendly hotel located in the heart of downtown. The Grand Bohemian welcomes events in multiple spaces, including the contemporary Grand Bohemian Art Gallery, the rooftop Eleve Terrace, the Garden Terrace, the Wine Blending Room, and the Charleston Ballroom.
photo credit: @carolineroro
Sweep your guests off their feet by transporting them to a private island. Goat Island, which is only accessible by boat, lies just between the town of Mt. Pleasant and Isle of Palms, a popular Charleston tourist destination.
Ferry up to 100 guests from the Isle of Palms Marina to Goat Island, where they’ll be enchanted by peaceful sandy beaches, a 200-foot dock overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and a large lawn flanked by tiki bars. This Charleston wedding venue is known for its authentic local flavor, and their brides love to host an oyster roast or Lowcountry boil for the reception!
photo credit: @shannonoleksak
Give your guests a front-row seat to your epic love story when you pick the Riveria Theater as your Charleston wedding venue. An extension of the luxurious Charleston Place Hotel, this 1930s Art Deco theater has been restored to its original glory while also offering many modern amenities for a truly unique experience.
The Riviera Theater boasts a rooftop terrace with epic views of historic Market Street and bustling King Street, a spacious ballroom, and a sweeping conference theater, so you won’t have to worry about trimming that invite list. Add your wedding hashtag or a romantic quote to the marquee, roll out the red carpet, and get ready to party: the big day is about to get underway!
photo credit: @wildcottonphoto
Ok, we’re cheating a little by calling this one a Charleston wedding venue since it’s technically in Murrells Inlet… but come on, it’s a CASTLE.
Resting just off the Atlantic Ocean at Huntington Beach State Park, Atalaya Castle dates back to the early 1930s, when it served as the winter health retreat for American sculptor Anna Huntington.
Atalaya is truly a wedding venue that’s fit for a queen! This incredibly picturesque wedding venue boasts Mediterranean Revival architecture, a magnificent courtyard surrounded by romantic arched passageways, and beautiful hand-wrought iron.
photo credit: @valerie.demo
When it comes to seaside luxury, it’s hard to beat the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. The resort is home to some of the best wedding venues in Charleston, SC, and we love the Ocean Course for its manicured lawn and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Don a pair of our Kiawah Earrings and say your vows on the green before retiring to the wraparound verandas of the Ocean Course Clubhouse with up to 200 of your loved ones.
photo credit: @shannonoleksak
Let your venue serve as your something old and something new! The Cedar Room at the Cigar Factory features exquisite historical details that date back to its construction in 1881. Built as a textile mill and later purchased by the American Tobacco Company, the Cedar Room retains the original exposed brick, hardwood floors, wood columns, and architectural details. As an extension of Mercantile and Mash, one of the Indigo Road Group’s beloved establishments, the Cedar Room today boasts a fresh, light, and airy feel, modern amenities, and an attentive staff that strives to make your wedding dreams a reality.
photo credit: @aaronandjillian
It’s hard to beat some authentic Charleston charm, so be sure to visit the vibrantly hued Parsonage in your hunt for the best Charleston wedding venue. The bright pink hue is oh-so-Southern, and it looks beautiful when paired with our Rainbow Row Bridesmaid Earrings!
Renovated in 1846, The Parsonage offers a taste of local history that will transport your loved ones to an elegant bygone era. A pair of iconic Charleston piazzas complement two large indoor spaces, accommodations for 6 adults upstairs, and an intimate courtyard. A wedding at The Parsonage is sure to be a swoon-worthy Charleston affair!
photo credit: Two Fourteen Photography
We are here to help you craft the utterly unique and elegant wedding of your dreams. Surprise your bridal party with our Gilded Oyster Ring Dishes, as featured in Southern Living, and let our in-house calligraphy team inscribe each dish with the recipient's name.
Don't forget to treat yourself, though! Pick up a Something Blue Oyster Ring Dish and pair it with our Angel Oak Bridal Earrings in Indigo or Sea Foam.
And, if you're looking to add an authentic touch of Charleston glamour to your reception, you'll love our Gilded Oyster Shell Place Cards. These beautiful wedding decor details are gifts that give back. Grit & Grace Studio recycles 10 oyster shells from Charleston restaurants to SCDNR’s oyster reef restoration efforts for each oyster shell gift purchased - more than 4,105 gallons recycled in 2021.
One Love & Blessings