Everything couples need to know about creating a welcoming, meaningful celebration in the Lowcountry.
Planning a wedding weekend in Charleston is more than choosing a venue by the water or downtown. Couples come here because the city feels alive and is filled with warm hospitality, incredible food, and a sense of history woven through every turn. Whether you’re local or hosting a destination celebration, Charleston is one of the best places in the country to gather your favorite people for a full wedding-weekend experience.
As a Charleston wedding photographer, I’ve been part of countless celebrations across the city. From intimate downtown elopements to full-scale destination weekends on Kiawah and the surrounding islands, it gives a magical aura that is hard to beat. This guide brings together what I’ve learned so you can plan a the perfect wedding weekend in Charleston that you’ll never forget.
Why Charleston Is Perfect for a Wedding Weekend
Charleston shines because it offers an effortless blend of beauty, ease, and charm:
- Walkable, photogenic streets with soft pastel tones and Spanish moss.
- A world-class food scene for welcome parties, rehearsal dinner spots, and brunches.
- Incredible venues ranging from waterfront estates to historic homes and modern rooftops.
- Easy travel with an airport 20 minutes from downtown.
- Genuine southern hospitality that guests remember long after they leave.
- Endless activities to make your wedding weekend feel like a vacation
It’s the kind of place where people can slow down, and fully enjoy the atmosphere around them.
Choosing the Right Venue for Your Weekend
Charleston has venues for every aesthetic, but for a full weekend experience, you’ll want a location that supports multiple events or is close to nearby options. A few favorites my couples love:
Kiawah Island & Seabrook Island
Ideal for a true destination weekend with bike rides, beach time, and quiet luxury. On Kiawah Island some of the top venues are The Ocean Course, The Dunlin, and The Sanctuary at Kiawah.
Downtown Charleston Homes & Historic Venues
The William Aiken House, Hotel Bennett, The Dewberry, Lowndes Grove, and The Governor Thomas Bennett House each bring their own style and elegance.
Your planner can help you build a timeline that flows with the light and the logistics of your chosen space, but also include fun things to do throughout the weekend. If you need wedding planner recommendations, reach out via my contact form, and I would be more than happy to share some incredible planners in the area!
Designing a Relaxed, Thoughtful Weekend Timeline
A wedding weekend in Charleston typically includes two to three anchor events, but the flow can shift based on your vision. Many couples begin with a rehearsal dinner, followed by a welcome party, and then the wedding day itself. On occasion, some with opt for a farewell brunch the day after, but I have seen les couples going that route as of recent.
1. Rehearsal Dinner
Charleston has no shortage of beautiful, intimate spaces for a meaningful kickoff to your weekend. Many couples choose:
- Parcel 32
- The Riverhouse at Lowndes Grove
- Post House Inn in Mount Pleasant
- Frannie & The Fox at Emeline
- Cannon Green at Wild Common
- Mingo Point
A rehearsal dinner sets the tone for the weekend. It’s a quieter moment before the celebration opens up, giving you time to be present with your closest family and friends.
2. Welcome Party
The welcome party brings all of your guests together, often for the first time. Most couples opt for:
- A rooftop cocktail night
- A beachside gathering
- A wine bar or courtyard welcome
This evening has an energy of anticipation when everyone has arrived, the weekend officially begins, and there’s a collective excitement in the air. It’s a perfect way to introduce guests to the charm of Charleston.
3. The Wedding Day
Whether your day leans classic and timeless or modern and editorial, creating an ideal wedding day experience starts with structure and intention. Building your timeline around the best light and venue highlights makes a dramatic difference in the flow of your weekend.
To elevate the experience and make the day feel beautifully paced:
- Build in moments of quiet
A first look with private vows, a slow walk through your venue, or a few minutes alone after the ceremony helps you stay grounded and present. - Create a natural flow for guests
Consider thoughtful transitions champagne post-ceremony, live music during cocktail hour, smooth movement between spaces, and clear signage. - Prioritize meaningful details over quantity
A well-designed tablescape, intentional floral moments, or a cocktail hour food experience can have such a lasting impact. - Let your ceremony set the emotional tone
Personal readings, handwritten vows, and intentional seating arrangements create a ceremony that feels intimate and heartfelt, no matter the size.
Where Your Guests Should Stay
Charleston offers something for every group from luxury hotels and historic inns to beach resorts. Here a few guest favorites starting with downtown Charleston, and leading into Kiawah Island.
- Hotel Bennett
- The Dewberry
- Hotel Emeline
- Zero George
- Boutique rentals in the French Quarter
- Kiawah rental homes for groups or families staying the full weekend
Booking a room block early is key as Charleston books up fast, especially during for spring as it lines up with tourist season. The Kiawah Island resorts have room blocks or full buy out options offered for guests to stay on property if you are choosing to host your event somewhere like The Dunlin.
Food, Drinks & Experiences to Add to Your Weekend
Charleston weekends are made for exploring, and trying everything this amazing city has to offer. Your guests will thank you for sharing these ideas:
- Sunrise on Sullivan’s Island
- Shopping and coffee on King Street
- A boat ride or oyster roast
- Brunch at Basic Kitchen or Miller’s All Day
- Drinks at The Citrus Club rooftop
- Views overlooking the marsh at The Dunlin’s on resort restaurant, Linnette’s
These little moments make the weekend feel less like an itinerary and more like a memorable vacation.
Working With Local Vendors
Charleston’s creative community is filled with planners, florists, musicians, and caterers who truly care about craft and service. Choosing vendors with local experience helps everything run smoothly. They know traffic patterns, venue rules, and perfect portrait locations to help your weekend come together seamlessly. One of the reasons I am so thankful that I chose to move to Charleston a few years ago is because of how welcoming and friendly the wedding community here has been. There are so many talented professions I have gotten to work with, and some who have become my very good friends!
Tips for a Seamless Wedding Weekend
A few things that always make a difference:
- Start planning at least 12–18 months out. The best venues and vendors book quickly.
- Prioritize transportation. Shuttles keep everything on-time and stress-free.
- Prepare for the weather. A backup plan is everything in Charleston.
- Build in slow moments. Let yourselves breathe and enjoy your people.
- Trust your team. When the right vendors are in place, you can relax.
Final Thoughts
A Charleston wedding weekend is an experience full of beauty and intention. The city has a rhythm of its own, and when you plan thoughtfully your celebration becomes something your guests will talk about for years.
If you’re planning your Charleston wedding and want loose editorial photography that feels meaningful, I’d love to connect and learn more about your vision.
