If you’ve spent even a few minutes researching wedding venues in Charleston, then you’ve probably come across many a wedding venue that looks beautiful from the outside… only to learn that it is (or used to be) a plantation. And for a day that’s supposed to be about love, community, and celebration, that’s probably not quiiite the vibe you’re going for when it comes to your wedding!

But don’t fret: Charleston has PLENTY of super cool wedding venues that aren’t plantations if you look a little deeper! Amongst the non-plantation wedding venues, you can find everything from 18th-century mansions to boutique downtown hotels. As a Charleston wedding photographer, this list of 9 of my favorites is a great place to start!

9 Cool Charleston, SC Wedding Venues (That Aren’t Plantations)

1. Parcel 32

Guest Capacity: 150

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

She’s modern, she’s chic, and she’s full of historic charm without the dark history. I’m talking that elegant, vintage charm you love about Charleston, PLUS gender-neutral restrooms! We love to see inclusive practices in a building that could’ve easily remained in eras of years past. 

Parcel 32 is part of an old home that’s been around since 1837, located in the heart of downtown Charleston on Upper King Street — and you’re going to looove the aesthetic it has to offer. Ornate tile flooring, lush plant walls, wine wall backdrops, glistening gold accents and emerald green furniture make each and every part of this venue an absolute delight to experience. 

Whether you spend your time in the Sun Room, basking in the light that shines through its wall-to-wall windows, or in the Parlour space, enjoying the private bar and dance floor, orrrr the open-air piazza that overlooks King Street, you and your guests will never forget the quintessential Charleston vibes this venue has to offer!

Wedding packages at Parcel 32 include the following (and so much more):

• Full-service planner
• Chef-crafted menu
• In-house pastry and dessert chef
• Multiple versatile spaces
• Tables, chairs, & furniture
• Designer furnishings and decor

2. William Aiken House

Guest Capacity: 500

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

If you liked Parcel 32, then you’re going to LOVE the William Aiken House — it’s owned by the same local hospitality group! This one, though, is the one you’ll want if you’re having a biiiig bash: it’s an 1807 mansion with room to accommodate up to 500 guests throughout its gardens, courtyards, dining rooms, and not one, but two ballrooms. With a restored Gothic-style Carriage House where you can get ready, covered outdoor piazzas, and interiors that feel like a museum, there’s a reason the William Aiken House is distinguished as a National Historic Landmark of Charleston. They even have a two-century-old magnolia tree in the courtyard… where you will def want to share a romantic kiss for some newlywed portraits.

Wedding packages at the William Aiken House include the following:

• Private gardens
• Two outdoor courtyards
• Pergola and reflection pool
• Two ballrooms
• Covered outdoor piazzas
• Two on-site guest suites
• On-site event managers
• Customized in-house cuisine

3. Gadsden House

Guest Capacity: 180 for ceremonies / 250 for receptions

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

The Gadsden House embodies Southern hospitality at its finest, built in the late 18th century and since restored to maintain its original elegance while adding in some more modern, practical amenities. Three lush courtyards surround the building in vibrant greenery, from stunning magnolias to palm trees that transport you outta the city and into a dreamy world of your own!

What I love most about Charleston wedding venues like this is the sheer amount of attention, care, and passion poured into each and every detail. You won’t find any decor or furnishings made from cheap materials; no, the beauty of venues that take care in preserving the antique charm of the original building take pride in the little things. Like how, at the Gadsden House, the floors aren’t just regular ol’ contemporary wooden floors: they’re the home’s original floors made of gorgeous heart pine! Or how the chandeliers are made of only the most beautiful crystals, and the piazzas are as classically Southern as you can get.

Wedding packages at the Gadsden House have two separate elements: venue rental fees, which begin at $5,500 for a peak season Sunday wedding, as well as food and beverage minimums. Venue rentals include the following:

• Furnished getting ready suites
• Four grand parlor rooms
• Three courtyards with tenting options in case of rain
• Southern piazzas
• Locally-sourced cuisine and seasonal menus

4. Gibbes Museum of Art

Guest Capacity: 350

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

If old-timey mansions aren’t quite your scene, may I suggest something a little more unique and out-of-the-box? I present to you: the Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston’s coolest art gallery that you can transform into your own private wedding paradise. The Gibbes has both outdoor and indoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, and can hold up to 350 seated guests in the largest of them. The only problem you’ll run into is choosing between the gorgeous locations they have to offer: will you tie the knot under the opulent Tiffany art glass dome in the gallery itself? Or maybe host under the open skies in the classical European-style garden? There’s no wrong answer… but we WILL definitely have to pop into the art gallery at one point or another for some super fun portraits amongst the art!

5. Historic Rice Mill

Guest Capacity: 300

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

Boasting gorgeous views of the City Marina and the Ashley River, the Historic Rice Mill is the option for couples envisioning a picturesque waterfront wedding in Charleston. I love love the classic design of this venue, with its exposed brick, wood floors, and huge windows that open up to dreamy waterfront views — plus, with both outdoor and indoor options, the venue is totally versatile and able to be customized to your unique day. Nothing beats these riverfront views at sunset, other than maybe the dance floor that has plenty of space for live music, entertainment, and a gorgeous mahogany and marble bar to hit up when you need a refill at the end of the night!

Wedding packages at the Historic Rice Mill start at $9,000 for a peak season weekend wedding, and include the following:

• Indoor Marina Room
• Covered and uncovered patios
• Exclusive in-house catering
• Parking next door for up to 200 cars

6. Cannon Green

Guest Capacity: 125

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

If your wedding day values include warm hospitality, country charm, and deLISH food, then Cannon Green is about to steal your heart! This timeless venue is located on Cannon Street, but once you walk in you truly feel like you’ve been transported into another (10x more beautiful) world. The venue team has created such an amazing experience for every couple they work with, taking care of every detail from arrival to departure — and encouraging you & your guests to celebrate across the entire weekend, not just a single day.

Cannon Green has three distinct settings you can pick from, depending on the mood you’re going for: the Trolley Room, with vaulted ceilings and old-world Charleston romance; the Courtyard (my personal favorite!), framed by palm trees and vines of jasmine; and the Secret Garden Room, a bright and contemporary space reminiscent of old 1800’s Charleson homes.

Cannon Green’s all-inclusive bespoke wedding package includes:

• Exclusive use of the Courtyard & Trolley Rooms
• Parking for up to 20 cars
• Tables chairs, linens, & lighting
• Personal catering consultation
• In-house catering & beverage service

7. Ryder Hotel

Guest Capacity: 250

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

The Ryder Hotel is perfect for couples who don’t want the mansion or ballroom vibes that are popular in Charleston (and South Carolina as a whole) — no judgement there! Think boutique hotel atmosphere meets a stylish, destination wedding-level experience.You’ll spend the morning getting ready in the Palm Suite with your besties, then head outside to either the Backyard or the Full Backyard — two cozy spaces where you can say your vows, host cocktail hour, and dine, drink, & dance under the stars. The best part about getting married at the Ryder is that it’s a hotel, so you and your guests can make it your home base for the whole weekend with your very own room block! No need to coordinate transportation at the end of the night, and that’s a win in my book.

Wedding packages at the Ryder Hotel include the following:

• Custom catering menus
• Open-air backyard  venues
• Cozy fireplace lounge
• Flexible layouts
• Tropical greenery
• Tented setup available
• Guest room blocks

8. The Dewberry

Guest Capacity: 200

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

More midcentury hotel vibes coming your way with the Dewberry Hotel! It’s everything you love about quintessential Charleston: old-school luxury mixed with modern aesthetics, thoughtful furnishings, and that perfect level of subtle glamor that makes for an effortlessly elegant day. From the Ballroom filled with opulent artwork and floors that feel like they were taken from Versailles, to the Walled Garden featuring gorgeous brick walls and English ivy, each and every space is a dream come true for any Charleston celebration. Plus, you can stay on-site with your guests and take advantage of the hotel’s cozy suites, restaurants, and spa! You deserve a lil’ post-wedding massage and facial after all the planning work you’ve been doing 😉

Venue rentals at the Dewberry start at $10,000 for a peak season Saturday wedding, plus a food & beverage minimum that varies by date & season. Packages include:

• Up to 6 hours of event time
• Tables, chairs, & linens
• Bar packages
• Wine service
• In-house catering
• Outdoor event tent
• Indoor backup locations

9. The Mills House

Guest Capacity: 350

Indoor/Outdoor: Both

One last and final venue for ya, and we’re ending with a good one: the Mills House, which is another historic downtown Charleston hotel brimming with classic Southern charm. With over 20,000 square feet of event space, this iconic pink (yes, pink!) hotel includes both indoor and outdoor venue options ready to make an impression at every turn, from your rehearsal dinner to farewell brunch. I’m obsessed with the Southern ambiance of the ballroom, the open-air terrace overlooking the streets of Charleston, the grand fountain courtyard, and the bright flowers of the rooftop pool terrace! You’ll also get the chance to recharge and relax, as you and your guests can stay at the hotel and really embrace the fun of Charleston’s downtown historic district.

Wedding packages at the Mills House include the following: 

• In-house Southern cuisine
• Rooftop spaces
• Classic Southern ballroom
• Outdoor courtyard
• On-site accommodations

Choosing Your Charleston Wedding Venue & Photographer

Your Charleston wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make throughout the planning process, and you’ll have to consider your budget, the number of guests, and the style you’re going for. It can be a little overwhelming (since you probably don’t have too much experience venue-shopping), but everything else will seem like a piece of (wedding) cake in comparison!

I’m here to be your personal hype girl through it all, so if you’re ready to chat about your wedding with someone who’s helped lots of couples figure this stuff out, contact me! I’m ready when you are.

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If you liked this guide, I have a feeling you’ll also enjoy my guide to the Best North Carolina Wedding Venues (That Aren’t Barns)!