Affordable Charleston wedding venues are hard to come by, but they can be found with just a bit of groundwork and leeway on your calendar.
With Charleston, SC being one of the top destination wedding cities in the United States, it can be difficult to find affordable wedding venues in the area that still hold onto that traditional Charleston charm.
Here you'll find a comprehensive list of ten affordable wedding venues in Charleston where you can still have your special day with heavy sprinkles of Southern flair without breaking the bank:
CURRENT 2024 PRICING. RATES DO NOT INCLUDE ANY REQUIRED DEPOSITS OR APPLICATION FEES.
1. White Point Gardens $150+
White Point Gardens is a lovely location for the couple who is looking to have a small, intimate wedding without all the fustle and bustle. Located on the Battery in the heart of downtown Charleston, this public park is rich with history and enveloped by colorful Southern mansions, breathtaking oak trees, and panoramic waterfront views.
At A Glance
- Base rental fee is $150 plus an application fee of $15/resident & $30/non-resident.
- Additional costs may be included due to the complexity of the event.
- Fees are for 1 hour and up to 25 guests (includes the bride & groom and set-up and break down of the event).
- Summer weddings must be completed by 8pm.
- Weddings after October must be completed by 5pm.
- A permit must be acquired in person at least 21 days in advance (Click here for more info).
- No rentals are included.
- Flower petals, etc can be used, but must be cleaned up after the event.
- Parking is limited; no public restrooms.
- This is the only venue on the list where both the ceremony and reception can't be held on the same grounds. The Upstairs at Midtown or a Spiritline Dinner Cruise are two fun and festive entertainment options.
Contact:
City of Charleston Recreation Department
(843) 724-7327
https://www.charleston-sc.gov
2. Pelican Watch Pavilion $750-$2,000+
Referred to by locals as the "Edge of America", Folly Beach is the quintessential oceanfront town known for its decent waves, friendly beaches, casual window shopping, and tacos and tequila from Taco Boy. The Pelican Watch shelter is a versatile and affordable wedding venue for the couple looking to have their wedding directly on the beach while also having a covered, open-air reception space within walking distance of the ceremony.
At A Glance
Rental Fees
March – October
- Monday - Thursday: $800 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or $1,300 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
- Friday, Saturday & Sunday: $2,000 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
November - February
- Monday - Thursday: $750 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or $1,250 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
- Friday, Saturday & Sunday: $1,400 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
- Make reservations at least 45 day(s) in advance but not more than 365 day(s) in advance.
- 200 max capacity
- Limited parking & limited accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Beach is accessible directly from shelter.
- Access to water, electricity, and restrooms.
- 1,200 sq feet on 2 levels, six folding aluminum buffet tables, 50 folding chairs, picnic tables, and grills.
- Bands, DJs, loudspeakers, etc. must have prior approval by park manager.
- The City of Folly Beach requires security for night time events (additional fees apply).
Contact
Reserve Online
City of Folly Beach Park Manager
843-762-9516
www.ccprc.com
3. Gold Bug Island $1,250-$2,350+
Located East of the Cooper on the Intracoastal Waterway and a 10-minute drive from the Atlantic Ocean, Goldbug Island is a wonderful and somewhat secluded island of paradise perfect for a beach theme or bohemian bride looking for an effortless seaside escape. With a waterfront ceremony site, an open-air patio and a main clubhouse, Goldbug Island is like finding a flawless, shimmering seashell along the seashore.
At A Glance
- You do not have to be a Goldbug member to rent the clubhouse; however, all visits are by appointment only.
- Reservations are from 11am-midnight.
- $1,250 Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday
- $1,850 Thursday
- Sunday (11am-12pm)
- $2,000 (Sunday)
- $2,350 Friday & Saturday
- 125 max capacity (includes any members of the bridal party and support staff such as caterers, DJ, etc.)
- All tables and chairs are included in the rental fee: 17 (60") round tables, 10 (8’ x 30“) rectangular tables, and 125 white chairs (can't be used on the lawn).
- On-site food prep room w/ sink, refrigerator, warming oven, microwave. NOTE: All cooking must be done off-site or outside.
- Onsite parking, restrooms, ice machine, and water views.
- DJs & bands are welcome.
- Check calendar for availability.
- Check out How Do I Reserve the Clubhouse? before emailing.
Contact:
East Cooper Outdoor Motor Club at Goldbug Island
1560 Ben Sawyer Blvd
Mt.Pleasant, SC 29464
[email protected]
4. The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation$2,200-$5,500+
Rich wood work, landscaped lawns, and scenic views make the Pavilion at Pepper Plantation an ideal venue for an equestrian loving couple or a country chic theme. Complete with a dazzling 3,000 square foot main hall, a lakeside gazebo, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and Lowcountry style porches, booking this elegant space for your special day will make you feel like you won big at the races.
At A Glance
- Rental rate depends on the day of the week and the time of the year.
- Various ceremony locations available.
- 200 max capacity
- Access from 10am-midnight.
- On-site parking
- Tables & chairs
- On site event security
- Trash disposal
- After party cleanup
- À la carte add-ons: Bridal cottage, day of coordinator, sweetheart table, additional tables, etc.
Contact:
843-718-6088
[email protected]
5. Cypress Gardens $150-$1,000+
Tucked away on the outskirts of town in the forests of Berkeley County rests the hidden gem of Cypress Gardens a 170-acre lush landscape where the most romantic cinematic moment of all time was filmed: the rowboat scene from The Notebook. A pebbled path meets the shoreline of a stunning Cypress swamp leading into a secret wedding garden that has a charming white gazebo. The grounds of this venue are so striking very little outside decorations are needed.
At A Glance
- Several indoor & outdoor areas to choose from for both the ceremony & reception.
- Rates include ceremony chairs as well as tables & chairs for an indoor reception.
- 25-200 max capacity depending on ceremony location
- Indoor & outdoor restrooms
- Located 45 minutes from downtown Charleston
- Prices vary depending on ceremony location & event details. Please contact the venue for the most up to date information.
Contact:
Amanda Oliver
[email protected]
843-553-0515
R[email protected]
6. Old Santee Canal State Park $3,000+
Old Santee Canal State Park is a stone's throw away from downtown Charleston and offers an array of spectacular scenery at affordable prices. The property features an 1840 Southern plantation home furnished with period piece replicas and dramatic details which will make anyone feel as if they've traveled back in time. The outdoor lower level is equipped with elegant lighting perfect for nighttime events, and the remaining grounds boast quaint surroundings for an unforgettable evening of enchantment.
At A Glance
- 300 max capacity
- Waterfront views
- Availability 10am-11pm
- Kitchen w/ refrigerator & microwave
- 1st floor is climate controlled
- Dressing rooms
- Indoor restrooms
- Tables & chairs available to rent (additional fees apply)
Contact:
Beezie Jurs
843-889-5200
[email protected]
7. Alhambra Hall $400-$4,500+
Embraced in the heart of Old Mt. Pleasant awaits the coveted wedding venue of Alhambra Hall. Best known for its sprawling views of the Charleston Harbor, alluring outdoor ceremony space, and vaulted ceilings in the stellar main hall, this former ferry terminal is by far one of the most popular and affordable wedding venues East of the Cooper. Embellished with sparkling hardwood floors, breezy wrap-around porches, double brick fireplaces, lower-level restrooms, and an adjoining kitchen, it's easy to see how this event space books up as quickly as it does.
At A Glance
- Act fast! Dates can book up two years in advance.
- All-inclusive rental includes main hall, downstairs suites, ice, and grounds until 12am Thurs-Sat and 1 am Fri.
- Discounts are available for Mt.Pleasant residents, businesses, & non-profits.
- 350 max capacity, 200 max capacity for upstairs seated dinner.
- On-site parking, restrooms, and use of the grounds and porches
- Limited indoor tables & chairs included with rental.
- The massive playground across the street makes for some great photo ops!
Contact:
Alahambra Hall
843-849-2053
[email protected]
8. Medicine Wind Farms $900-$2,500
Medicine Wind Farm is where rustic barn wedding dreams are made. Nestled just five miles north of the interstate in Summerville, SC, this 47-acre farm, full-service farm offers a stunning, serene setting embellished with green pastures, billowing trees, and a brilliant bright red barn.
At A Glance
- 12.5hr rental includes tables, chairs, plantation benches, ceremony arbor, working wagon, and several vintage tubs for the reception.
- Multiple ceremony sites including a gazebo by a pond
- 170 max capacity
- Onsite parking and full service kitchen
- Tables, benches, chairs, coolers, misc. decor
- Heat, A/C, ceiling fans, and stone fireplace
- Extra large bridal suite & groom room
Contact
Jamie Roman
843-801-4100
[email protected]
Do you have more affordable Charleston wedding venues to share? Leave a comment below and tell me all about them!
Check out these amazing recipes to serve at your affordable Charleston wedding or wedding reception:
- Easy Slushy Pineapple Party Punch
- Baked Ricotta Dip w/ Figs & Pistachios
- Boiled Peanuts
- Southern Style Strawberry Sweat Tea
- Lemon Blossom Thumbprint Cookies
Clare Speer says
Such beautiful choices and you captured the beauty with your pics!
Amber says
Thank you, Clare! I wish I could take credit for the pictures, but they are not mine. They are the work of the some of the most talented Charleston photographers out there. Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate it 🙂
Jennifer says
Medicine wind farm has a beautiful event center for that perfect rustic feel
Amber says
Oh my goodness, Jennifer, how gorgeous!!! I'll definitely recommend Medicine Wind Farm for Charleston brides looking for a barn wedding. What a lovely venue! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Erica Peper says
The plantation at Stono Ferry located at the links at Stono ferry golf course has a ceremony and reception location with rental fees from $400-$1100 🙂
Amber says
Awesome, Erica! Thanks so much for the info!
Diann Clark says
Don't forget to check out Goat Island Gatherings. A little sea Island just off the Isle of Palms only assessible by boat. "Just around the bend but a world away" .it's a little higher than you priced but ferry boat shuttles are included via Barrier Island Eco Tours. Thanks
Amber says
Thanks, Diann. Goat Island is a magical place (I went to high school w/ Colleen), and I've loved every moment I spent there. It is a bit on the pricier side, but the boat ride to the venue in itself is worth it if you ask me 🙂
Chelsi :) says
Berkeley Country Club near Moncks Corner has great indoor/outdoor space for $1550 for the day (or $1800 for the day and night before). Rental fee can be paid in flexible installments. Outside vendors are welcome. There's a pond and lots of old oak trees since the property was formerly Exeter Plantation. The clubhouse rental includes chairs and tables (indoor use only). Accommodates about 140 people comfortably in a banquet reception set-up. Intimate venue with flexible staff and regulations.
Amber says
Thanks so much for your input, Chelsi! I love learning about new venues.
Amy King says
The Confederate Home & College downtown! Best deal on the peninsula, in my opinion!0
Jordan Garcia says
Do happen to know rental cost for like a Thursday or Friday evening wedding. Looking of max 30 people for a small ceremony and dinner in March of next year... Thank you!
Amber says
Rental costs for which venue?
Michele says
Aeolian Hill, located between Charleston and Columbia, is an indoor and/or outdoor plantation venue that offers packages for brides on any size budget. You can choose a tree setting for a day or the estate for the weekend (with many other packages in between).
Jordan Garcia says
Do you know the rental cost....looking for something for 30 people for a small ceremony and dinner.
Kayla says
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum has a wide variety of venue spaces that are very affordable. Check out their website here: http://www.patriotspoint.org/private-events/
Jessie Anderson says
A Whitehouse Wedding located on Wadmalaw Island has beautiful oaks and waterfront views. Cost between 1,300 and 2,300. Check http://www.awhitehousewedding.com
Hannah m singleton says
Looking for a reasonable location for 100 people inside or out that I can provide food, music and alcohol
Carol Kudeviz says
The venues you listed look beautiful!!! Do you have any information on reasonable caterers? Thanks so much 🙂
Amber says
Take a look at Cafe Catering in Mt. Pleasant. It's run by a friend from high school and their food is amazing and affordable! If you go with them, tell Amber I sent you! http://cafecateringandevents.com/ PS. Thanks for your sweet words and sorry for my late response! I’m currently on the mend from brain surgery. Getting better day by day ????
Tiffany says
My husband and I were married at the SC Aquarium in September of 2014. Current rates range from $3,000-$5,000. This venue does not require a lot of decoration as the fish do their job quite well! For help with wedding planning at this or other venues in Charleston, SC please contact me, Tiffany, at [email protected] or visit my website at http://www.tiffanygladden.wixsite/tiffanyweddigndesign .
Ron says
This more of a question.
My fiance and I are planning to get married on the beach. The wedding party consists of 10 people, so it will be small enough for reservations at a restaurant for our reception. We wanted a back-up "shelter" or "beach view room" in case of rain. We CANNOT find anywhere except The Tides. They have an old looking conference room with a window for $500. We've tried rental houses on the beach, but they are all full week rentals in the thousands because the timing is last weekend in July. We just need a covered porch with a view in case of rain. July 27, 28 or 29 of 2018. Could be any beach from Kiawah to IOP.
Any suggestions? Thanks
Amber says
So sorry for the delay in response!
If you're not partial to Folly, check out the Fish Fry Shack on Sullivan's Island. It doesn't have a "beach view", but it is within walking distance from the most gorgeous view of the peninsula on Sullivan's Island which would make for some awesome photos! They rent it out the shack, but I'm not sure of the costs. You can see pics & stuff on Facebook too. (843) 577-5304
Also, the Charleston Harbor Resort has their own man made beach which would also be awesome. Again, you'll have to check out costs.
Also check out Coconut Joes, the Windjammer, Coda del Pesce, The Boathouse, and The Boardwalk Inn at Wild Dunes, and the Seaside Inn all on Isle of Palms
Tracy Cordray says
Hi Amber,
I am a member at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in downtown Charleston, and I would love for you to write about our church as a desirable wedding venue in Charleston. We are located in Downtown Charleston, near beautiful Hampton Park and The Citadel. We are a church for ALL people. We welcome ALL types of weddings. The couple can bring their own officiate/minister, pianist, etc. We are renting the church for $1000-$2000. The church is absolutely gorgeous and makes for a magical church wedding. I would love for you to post some photos on your site. Please feel free to email me for photos of weddings that have taken place in St. Barnabas. Thank you in advance.
Mindy odle says
Have you checked out The Ashley. Located in west ashley and the rates are reasonable especially for Charleston. The venue includes table and beautiful x back chairs. The Ashley can accommodate up to 100.
Monique says
can you get married by the pineapple water fountain in downtown Charleston and if so, is there a fee/permit required?
Amber says
You know, that's a good question! I'm sure you can if it's a small ceremony, but I don't know about the permit.
Bridget Lambright says
Older bride right here! I live in OH but have little girl dreams of marrying in/near Charleston. This list has given me hope that my dreams can come true. THANKS!!
Amber says
Yay! That's so exciting! Let me know if you have any questions!
Logan Wallace says
This is a very helpful site for a couple who are still finding a great venue for their wedding. They could definitely search for a good venue that is just under their budget.
Amber says
Thanks, Logan!!!
Ashley says
Hi Amber!
I would love to speak with you about Ministry Meals. A gews years ago I established a food pantry, and I would love to see how we might be able to collaborate.
John says
My wife and I recently got engaged on the beach at Isla Palms, the photography pleased with the reasonable price
Happy to recommend the service https://charlestonphotoart.com/
Tammy McDiarmid says
My husband and I were married July 16th 2023 at the Gazebo White Point Garden aka The Battery. We couldn't of asked for a more beautiful location for our wedding. We rented the Gazebo for an hour the cost was 170.00 hires our wedding officiant for 250.00 . We had plenty of money left over to enjoy a nice dinner at Waters Edge with our family. Absolutely picture perfect wedding. I highly recommend a destination wedding in Charleston SC.