The 15 Best Wedding Venues In Charleston, South Carolina

With its historic streets, colorful homes, moss-covered oaks, and stretches of waterfront, it's no wonder that Charleston, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas have served as the backdrop for Nicholas Sparks movies like The Notebook and Dear John. Safe to say, then, that the romantic city is a pretty dreamy place to get married. Whether you grew up in Charleston and have been thinking about your Holy City wedding your entire life or you're newly enchanted by the waterfront town's charms, we've rounded up the area's best, most idyllic wedding venues, from sprawling, tree-shaded options on the water, to grand and historic homes in the heart of the city.

Cannon Green

The downtown eatery is part urban garden, part wine bar, and part neighborhood gathering place, so it makes sense that the dynamic space was dreamed up with weddings and special events in mind. Whether you want to host the ceremony in the greenery-filled courtyard or boogie down with the band in the Trolley Room, where original exposed beams play up the building's history, the unique venue has a little something for everybody. And you won't find better wedding food than the customized seasonal menus that the Cannon Green team whips up for each bride and groom.

103 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403, cannongreencharleston.com

Gibbes Museum Of Art

The recently restored and architecturally stunning Beaux Artes building on downtown Charleston's Museum Mile is an impressive backdrop for the big day. Steal a first look on the checkerboard steps out front, recite your vows under the stunning glass dome inside, and pop the bubbly and dance the night away in the classic-meets-contemporary gardens.

135 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, gibbesmuseum.org

The Sanctuary At Kiawah Island Golf Resort

For a destination-within-a-destination wedding, The Sanctuary is hard to beat. The five-star beachfront resort is located on just 21 miles from downtown Charleston, offering a quiet seaside escape for the wedding party and guests. Have your ceremony on the private beach in front of the hotel, or skip the sand (while keeping the Atlantic Ocean views) and opt for a ceremony on the hotel's lawn. Ballrooms inside open up to ocean views or gardens, depending on which one you book, so you can continue the indoor/outdoor feel through your reception.

One Sanctuary Beach DriveKiawah Island, SC 29455, kiawahresort.com

The Cedar Room At The Cigar Factory

First built in 1881 as a cotton manufacturing facility, the restored Cigar Factory is now host to restaurants, work spaces, and the Cedar Room, a bright, airy event space that can hold up to 550 people. Exposed brick, wood columns, and hardwood floors show the space's age and character, while enormous windows give guests views of the water and the city's Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

701 East Bay Street, No. 200, Charleston, SC 29403, thecedarroom.com

The American Theater

Fans of The Notebook will recognize the circa-1942 Art Deco movie house from Allie and Noah's first date. Celebrate in Hollywood style with cocktail hour in the lobby and a reception in the venue's glamorous ballroom. And best of all? You and your groom can put your name in lights on the theater's old-school marquee out front.

446 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403, pphgcharleston.com

Historic Rice Mill

The last of Charleston's antebellum rice mills, this stately 1861 building overlooks the Ashley River and the marina. You can have an intimate celebration against a gorgeous outdoor backdrop, then carry the festivities inside, where exposed brick, a mahogany-and-marble bar, and a dance floor were made for dancing 'til dawn, or at least until the rose-petal sendoff. Plus, there's an exclusive caterer for the venue, which means you have one less vendor to book.

39 John Street, Charleston, SC 29403, holycityhospitality.com

The Dewberry

One of Charleston's newest—and most celebrated—hotels, The Dewberry is a 1960s federal office building that's now home to gorgeous guest rooms decked in period furnishings and one of the most attractive bars in town. It's also a dynamite place to throw a small, intimate wedding. Celebrate in the walled garden amid live oaks and English ivy, or in the ballroom, where a Viennese palmetto chandelier throws glittering light over antique mirrors and white oak parquet floors.

334 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403, thedewberrycharleston.com

Gaillard Center

The recently renovated performing arts center in the middle of downtown Charleston is ideal for brides who have long dreamed of an elegant and traditional wedding reception. A formal lobby with a grand staircase makes for picture-perfect photo opportunities, and the various ballrooms provide couples with plenty of venue options, depending on the number of guests and the couple's vision for the festivities. A terrace lawn can also be rented if an outdoor ceremony and reception is on the wish list.

95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401, gaillardcenter.org

Merchants Hall

While the space's life as a venue is updated, the building itself was constructed in the 1850s. What was once the home of J.C.H. Claussen and Company, a wholesale retailer of a variety of goods, including cakes and candies, overlooks the historic City Market and is tucked into the very heart of the city. Wood columns, original windows, and exposed brick allude to the industrial past of the venue, while crystal chandeliers mean it's dressy enough for your big day.

36 North Market Street, Second Floor, Charleston, SC 29401, merchantshallchs.com

Lowndes Grove

This historic waterfront estate dates back to the Revolutionary War and looks out upon the Ashley River. Make a grand entrance by chartering a boat to arrive at the private dock just before the ceremony. The property has several sites available for your use, including a grand lawn surrounded by live oaks and a glass-enclosed portico. Get ready for your big day indoors, where you'll climb a gorgeous spiral staircase and relax among period furnishings.

266 St. Margaret Street, Charleston, SC 29403, pphgcharleston.com

Middleton Place

Charleston is dripping with history everywhere you look, but this venue on the Ashley River has special status as a National Historic Landmark. Your guests can stay on the property in the 55-room inn and spend the weekend strolling among the oaks, admiring the gardens, or learning about the region's history on a guided tour. Take your vows on the sculpted terrace, in the picturesque stable yards, or under the chandeliers of the outdoor pavilion.

4300 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414, middletonplace.org

Emeline

At this boutique hotel, the massive outdoor fireplace can serve as a setting for your nuptials. The adjacent greenhouse can hold a reception for up to 100 guests or provide an elegant space for guests to mingle under the chandeliers. An indoor dining room can accommodate larger events. Located downtown right by the Charleston City Market, this is a venue for those who love the city and its nearly limitless shopping.

181 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401, hotelemeline.com

Gadsden House

This 18th-century home in the historic Ansonborough neighborhood has undergone multiple restorations. Today it's an event venue surrounded by tree-lined courtyards with enough space for separate ceremony and reception spaces. The two piazzas offer covered outdoor seating underneath gas lanterns, while the house's interior has space for smaller weddings and the bridal suite and groom's quarters. The owners provide all the catering needs in-house from canapés to cocktails.

329 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401, gadsdenhouse.com

South Carolina Society Hall

If you're looking to be swept off your feet, why not dance the night away in a 19th-century ballroom? The South Carolina Society Hall was once an orphanage and school, but now serves as a popular setting for cotillion classes and weddings. The entrance's two-level portico, double stairway, and elegant ironwork serve as a beautiful background for photos.

72 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401, southcarolinasocietyhall.com

Cypress Gardens

You may recognize the lush surroundings of Cypress Gardens, which lies north of the city limits, from TV series like Outerbanks or films like The Notebook and The Patriot. Once the property of a Scottish baronet, the preserve's stone bridges, romantic gazebos, and pink azaleas are now managed by the local county. Couples who appreciate the romance of the wild outdoors can have this cypress swamp as their very own backdrop for the ceremony and make use of Dean Hall for the reception.

3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, cypressgardens.berkeleycountysc.gov

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.