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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:
UPDATED 2019 PRICING
1. White Point Gardens $85-$170
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 City of Charleston residents, $170 non-residents
- 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 (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 Shelter $600-$1500
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
April – October
- Monday – Thursday: $600 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or $1,100 (9 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.)
- Friday & Sunday: $1,200 (9 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.)
- Saturday: $1,500 (9 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.)
- 200 max capacity
- Limited parking
- Beach is accessible directly from shelter
- Access to water, electricity, and restrooms
- 1,200 sq feet on 2 levels, 6 picnic tables on each level
- 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:
City of Folly Beach Park Manager
843-762-9516
www.ccprc.com
3. Gold Bug Island $1,000-$1,500
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
- $1,000 Sunday-Thursday (11am-12pm)
- $1,500 Friday & Saturday (11am-12pm)
- 150 max capacity
- All tables and chairs are included in the rental fee (indoor only)
- 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
Contact:
East Cooper Outdoor Motor Club at Goldbug Island
1560 Ben Sawyer Blvd
Mt.Pleasant, SC 29464
Rent@desitnationgoldbug.com
4. The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation $1,000-$3,800
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 of the day of the week and the time of the year
- Sun-Thurs rents the property “as is” from 10am-9:30pm
Fri-Sat rents the property “as is” from 10am-10:30pm - Various ceremony locations available
- Adirondack chairs located throughout
- 200 max capacity
- On-site parking
- Bridal cottage is available ($375 additional fees apply)
- No rentals are included
Contact:
Rachel Kuhl
(843)-270-9648
Pepperpavilion@gmail.com
5. The Stables at Boals Farm $3000
Allow me to lift the veil on this enchanting property where a rustic barn wedding dream really can come true. Nestled on a 33-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
- Friday, Saturday, or Sunday rental from 7:30am-10pm
- 2,000 sq ft covered, open air pavilion & a variety of outdoor ceremony spacE
- Handicap accessible restrooms
- On-site parking w/ parking assistance & shuttles on the day of
- Bridal suite & caterer’s prep kitchen
- Galvanized tubs for drink station & A-frame chalkboard
- 1800’s buggy for use as backdrop decor & other various props included
- Use of property for engagement or bridal session prior to event as well as a conference room for pre-event meetings w/ caterers, etc.
- Day of coordinator is required!
Contact:
The Stables at Boals Farm
843-501-6339
boalsfarm@gmail.com
6. Cypress Gardens $150-$800
*UPDATE: Due to the devastating damages from the 7 year flood, Cypress Gardens closed its doors due to irreparable damage. They’re slated to reopen April 12, 2019, and it is confirmed they will start booking weddings again starting April 13, 2019*
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
7. Old Santee Canal State Park $2500
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)
Contact:
Roxy Bishop
843-889-5200
Roxy@oldsanteecanalpark.org
8. 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 1am Fri
- Discounts available for Mt.Pleasant residents
- 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
alhambrahall@tompsc.org
Do you have more affordable Charleston wedding venues to share? Leave a comment below and tell me all about them!
9. 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 and
- 170 max capacity
- Onsite parking and full service kitchen
- Heat, A/C, ceiling fans, and stone fireplace
- Extra large bridal suite & groom room
Contact
Jamie Roman
843-801-4100
MedicineWindEventCenter@gmail.com
Clare Speer
June 9, 2015Such beautiful choices and you captured the beauty with your pics!
Amber
June 10, 2015Thank 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
June 12, 2015Medicine wind farm has a beautiful event center for that perfect rustic feel
Amber
June 12, 2015Oh 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
June 16, 2015The 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
June 18, 2015Awesome, Erica! Thanks so much for the info!
Diann Clark
March 17, 2016Don’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
March 23, 2016Thanks, 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 :)
March 20, 2016Berkeley 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
March 23, 2016Thanks so much for your input, Chelsi! I love learning about new venues.
Amy King
March 22, 2016The Confederate Home & College downtown! Best deal on the peninsula, in my opinion!0
Jordan Garcia
April 13, 2017Do 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
May 16, 2017Rental costs for which venue?
Michele
June 2, 2016Aeolian 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
April 13, 2017Do you know the rental cost….looking for something for 30 people for a small ceremony and dinner.
Kayla
August 4, 2016Patriots 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
January 27, 2017A Whitehouse Wedding located on Wadmalaw Island has beautiful oaks and waterfront views. Cost between 1,300 and 2,300. Check http://www.awhitehousewedding.com
Carol Kudeviz
March 8, 2017The venues you listed look beautiful!!! Do you have any information on reasonable caterers? Thanks so much 🙂
Amber
April 3, 2017Take 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
April 29, 2017My 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 .
Ron
September 8, 2017This 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
September 20, 2017So 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
December 31, 2017Hi 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
January 18, 2018Have 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
July 23, 2018can you get married by the pineapple water fountain in downtown Charleston and if so, is there a fee/permit required?
Amber
August 7, 2018You 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
August 1, 2018Older 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
August 7, 2018Yay! That’s so exciting! Let me know if you have any questions!
Logan Wallace
January 7, 2019This 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
January 7, 2019Thanks, Logan!!!