There is something about history that truly enhances a wedding experience, adding a sense of character, tradition, and charm. Marriage is a vow that lasts throughout your lifetime; it is part of the memories that create your own history. When visiting a historic site, you are transported back to the time of its roots. Your journey across the landscape reflects those of who have come before you. You can picture in your mind the past lifestyle and passion for life emanating from the landscapes and structures. Feel the lives of families who once inhabited these historic properties or the people who spent their days building and providing for others on these sites.

In Charleston, South Carolina, history is what we are all about … Besides Lowcountry food of course! Featuring significant Revolutionary War sites, lush, grandiose Historic Plantations, and beautifully renovated homes of historic significance, Charleston iss the place for your wedding if you’ve dreamed of a wedding steeped in history. Weddings are about more than “I do’s,” food, drinks and dancing. It is also a time to congregate and create memories with those who you love and cherish as many have in the past. With its southern hospitality and charm and the Lowcountry as its backdrop, there’s no place like Charleston.

Take a look at just a few of Charleston’s greatest historic Lowcountry wedding venues and see just where your own history could begin.

The Gadsden House – Circa 1798, Revolutionary war hero and statesmen, Christopher Gadsden built this magnificent federal style mansion for his son Philip Gadsden as none other than, a wedding present. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the “top 10 properties to save”, The Gadsden House recently underwent a complete restoration by Simplified Construction in partnership with the Historic Charleston Foundation. Meticulously restored to its former glory, boasting lavish and rich interiors, stunning architectural elements, 5000 sq. ft. of reception space, beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, full service bridal suite and piazzas for days, you’ll experience this magnificent wonder on your big day perhaps in the same way as the Gadsden family had.

Middleton Place/Inn – this carefully preserved 18th century plantation is home to the oldest landscape designed garden, ca. 1755 house, private gardens, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, animal life and more, that creates the perfect setting of Lowcountry charm. Middleton Place is a unique and versatile venue with numerous on-site amenities making planning your dream wedding a reality. Enjoy family walks through the gardens, have a bridal luncheon in the Cyprus Room, Cocktail hour on the lawn, and the reception in the Pavilion. Explore all aspects of this 250-year-old plantation and feel the history and significance of this breathtaking Charleston gem.

Photo courtesy of Aaron and Jillian Photography 

Magnolia Plantation – Founded in 1676 by the Drayton Family, Magnolia Plantation, with its vast historical significance is the oldest tourist site in the Lowcountry ca. 1870. Featuring sweeping picturesque gardens full of vibrant flowers, lush vegetation and expansive willow trees, spectacular views of the Ashley River, and 4 different event locations on site, Magnolia creates a backdrop that will leave you and your guests completely enamored. Magnolia Plantation checks all of the boxes for southern elegance and charm and more.

Historic Rice Mill – Built in 1861, this historic Downtown Charleston rice mill is the only of 3 original mills left standing and is now among the most spectacular waterfront venues in the Lowcountry. With both indoor and outdoor space, a thoughtfully appointed plan and classical design features including stunning exposed brick, wide plank wood floors, large double windows, and pressed tin ceilings, you can start the rest of your lives spending a magical night on the water in this magnificent historic Charleston venue.

Legare Waring House at Charles Towne Landing – Built in the 1840’s, the modest two-story cottage was a part of Olde Town Plantation. After a fire of the great house by 1865, and expansion of the house and property in the 1950s, this venue is an entertainer’s dream. Featuring recently redecorated interiors with elegant design, classic Charleston colors and antebellum furnishings, the grandeur of this plantation not only reflects its southern charm, but takes you back in time. 4 bridal suites, 2 grooms quarter’s and lounge, expansive gardens, timeless design, picturesque lagoons, fountain patio and a magnificent avenue of moss draped oaks make the Legare Waring House an exceptional option for your historic Charleston wedding.

NOTE: Whether you’re planning your big day in your hometown of Charleston, or a dream destination wedding here, you will need a place to stay on the big day.  You’re sure to have family and friends traveling from near and far as well, and they will want to experience all that Charleston has to offer for themselves!  Our Concierge team can help you plan luxury accommodations for you, your wedding party and your guests.  Check out our portfolio of luxury vacation rentals from beachfront beauties that sleep 10 to a romantic pied-à-terre in the French Quarter or a modern loft uptown, we’ve got something for everyone.  Start planning NOW …