Photo by Valerie Schooling at Valerie & Co. Photographers
With Charleston, SC being one of the top wedding destination cities in the United States, it can be exceptionally difficult to find affordable wedding venues in the area that still hold on to 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:
1. White Point Gardens $85-$170
Photo by Alyona Semenov at Alyona Photography
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
- $85 Charleston residents, $170 non-residents
- Fees are for 1 hour and up to 25 guests
- A permit must be acquired in person (Click here for more info)
- No rentals are included
- 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.
Photo by Alyona Semenov at Alyona Photography
2. Pelican Watch Shelter $500-$950
Photo by Valerie Schooling at Valerie & Co. Photographers
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
- Beach is accessible directly from shelter
- Half day & full day rentals are available
- 200 max capacity
- Parking is limited
- 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)
Photo by Valerie Schooling at Valerie & Co. Photographers
3. Gold Bug Island $850-$1,350
Photo by Charles Merry at CM Photography
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
- 150 guest maximum
- Additional, non-refundable cleaning fees apply
- Tables & chairs are included in rental fee (indoor only)
- On premises ice machine, kitchen, & restrooms
- Onsite parking
- DJs & bands are welcome
Photo by Charles Merry at CM Photography
4. The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation $900-$3,550
Photo by Nathan Bell at Richard Bell Photography
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
- Various ceremony locations available
- Adirondack chairs located throughout
- 200 max capacity
- On-site parking
- Bridal cottage is available (additional fees apply)
- No rentals are included
5. The Stables at Boals Farm $1000-$3000
Photo by Scott Henderson of Scott Henderson Photography
Allow me to lift the veil on this enchanting property where a rustic barn wedding dream really can come true. Nestled on a 32-acre working horse farm on the edge of Mt.Pleasant, the Stables at Boals Farm is an eclectic wedding venue established by a family that runs four generations deep. Encircled by oak trees swaying with Spanish moss and dating back to the 1,800s, this beautiful location sets the scene for a classic Southern affair.
At A Glance
- Variety of available outdoor ceremony sites to choose from
- Handicap accessible restrooms
- On-site parking
- Bridal suite & caterer’s prep kitchen
- 1800’s buggy for use as backdrop decor & other various props included
- Use of property for engagement session prior to event
Photo by City Light Studios
6. Cypress Gardens $1,500-$3,000
*UPDATE: Due to the devastating flooding in the area, Cypress Gardens has closed its doors due to irreparable damage. If you’d like to help pick up the pieces, fill out the volunteer form here*
Photo by Valerie Schooling at Valerie & Co. Photographers
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
- Brides can choose to arrive by boat to the wedding garden
- 500 max capacity
- Indoor & outdoor restrooms
- Located 45 minutes from downtown Charleston
Photo by Valerie Schooling at Valerie & Co. Photographers
7. The Lake House at Bulow $1,500-$3,500
Photo by Wanda Cavazos at Richard Bell Photography
Once a hunting lodge camouflaged in the country, The Lake House at Bulow offers privacy and seclusion with a picturesque setting and unrivaled woodland appeal. A pristine pine-forest island, a dock that doubles as a dance floor, and a lakeside lawn offering tranquil ambiance and unique overnight accommodations make this an ideal venue for an eye-catching wedding at any time of year.
At A Glance
- Exclusive use of the property during rental
- 30 minutes from downtown Charleston
- 150 max capacity
- Lakeside house features a pool table, patio, fireplace, and more
- House can be rented overnight for additional fees (2 night minimum)
- A site tour is required
Photo by Wanda Cavazos at Richard Bell Photography
8. Old Santee Canal State Park $2000+Deposit
Photo by Valerie Schooling at Valerie & Co. Photographers
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
- 1st floor is climate controlled
- Bridal dressing room
- Indoor restrooms
- Tables & chairs available to rent (additional fees apply)
Photo by Valerie Schooling at Valerie & Co. Photographers
9. Alhambra Hall $1,000-$4,000
Photo by Valerie Schooling at Valerie & Co. Photographers
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 book two years in advance.
- 350 max capacity
- On-site parking
- Limited indoor tables & chairs included with rental
- No bridal changing quarters or suite
- The massive playground across the street makes for some great photo ops!
Photo by Valerie Schooling at Valerie & Co. Photographers
10. Old Wide Awake Plantation $1,750-$4,250
Photo by Wanda Cavazos at Richard Bell Photography
Meandering near the banks of the Stono River lies Old Wide Awake Plantation, a brilliant piece of property with whispers of history studded along its path. This admirable venue was never a working plantation yet its blooming blossoms, charming landscape, and antebellum adornments embrace the epitome of Charleston charm. The main house is splendidly decorated with rich and vibrant decor setting the stage for a stylish Southern bash.
At A Glance
- Space for 200+ guests
- Fee includes house & grounds for the day of event
- Event manager/Parking attendant included
- Tours are available by appointment 7 days a week
- Wedding planning services available a la carte
- Tables, chairs, & linens not included
Do you have more affordable Charleston wedding venues to share? Leave a comment below and tell me all about them!
Such beautiful choices and you captured the beauty with your pics!
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 🙂
Medicine wind farm has a beautiful event center for that perfect rustic feel
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 🙂
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 🙂
Awesome, Erica! Thanks so much for the info!
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
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 🙂
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.
Thanks so much for your input, Chelsi! I love learning about new venues.
The Confederate Home & College downtown! Best deal on the peninsula, in my opinion!0
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!
Rental costs for which venue?
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).
Do you know the rental cost….looking for something for 30 people for a small ceremony and dinner.
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/
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
The venues you listed look beautiful!!! Do you have any information on reasonable caterers? Thanks so much 🙂
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 ????
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 tiffanyweddingdesigns@gmail.com or visit my website at http://www.tiffanygladden.wixsite/tiffanyweddigndesign .
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
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
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.
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.