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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:

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 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.

2. Pelican Watch Shelter $500-$950

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)

3. Gold Bug Island $850-$1,350

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

• 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

4. The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation $900-$3,550

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

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

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* 

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

7. The Lake House at Bulow $1,500-$3,500

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

8. Old Santee Canal State Park $2000+Deposit

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)

9. Alhambra Hall $1,000-$4,000

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!

10. Old Wide Awake Plantation $1,750-$4,250

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!