The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Charleston, SC

Welcome! If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re newly engaged and dreaming of a wedding that blends Southern charm, coastal beauty, and unforgettable experiences. We’re Love, Evermore Events—a Charleston-based wedding planning duo helping couples design stress-free, beautifully curated celebrations in one of the most romantic cities in the South. As your planners (and as someone who calls Charleston home—I’m Richelle, your local lead planner!), we’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of planning the ultimate wedding in Charleston.

From the best venues and vendors to must-know travel tips and insider secrets, this is the guide we share with our own couples during the early planning stages. Thinking of Honeymooning in Charleston? Check out this post!

Let’s get into it, y’all!

a view of charleston from a plane window

Why Charleston is the Ultimate Wedding Destination

Charleston has all the magic ingredients: centuries-old architecture, oak-lined avenues, scenic waterfront views, and a vibrant food and art scene. Whether you’re envisioning a formal ballroom affair or a relaxed garden party, Charleston offers endless options for every style.

Here’s why Charleston weddings are a top choice:

  • Mild (yet warm) weather most of the year

  • A unique blend of coastal and historic backdrops

  • Iconic Southern hospitality

  • Top-tier wedding vendors, from floral artists to photographers

  • Accessibility—easy to reach but feels like a true destination

Top Wedding Venues in Charleston

Lowndes Grove

A waterfront estate with sweeping views of the Ashley River, live oaks, and a classic white manor house. Perfect for luxury outdoor events.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Magnolia is pure Southern romance—from its live oaks dripping in Spanish moss to the peaceful gardens and waterfront views. We had the pleasure of planning beautiful weddings here, and each of them filled with dreamy florals, soft golden light, Spanish moss and heartfelt moments surrounded by nature. Magnolia offers endless photo opportunities and the perfect mix of elegance and laid-back charm.
Read more about weddings at Magnolia Plantation here

Legare Waring House

A Southern dream with ancient oaks, brick paths, and an intimate setting. The oak avenue ceremony spot is breathtaking.

Hotel Emeline

If you’re looking for a chic, downtown vibe, Emeline offers the perfect blend of boutique luxury and Charleston personality. We recently planned a stunning celebration at Emeline, and it was a seamless mix of modern sophistication and heartfelt traditions. With its cozy courtyard, curated design, and walkability to historic spots, it’s a dream location for couples and guests alike.
Check out the full wedding recap on our blog

Francis Marion

Right in the heart of historic Charleston, this classic venue gives off old-world glamour with the convenience of a full-service hotel. Rachel & Caleb’s wedding here was timeless—elegant chandeliers, a grand ballroom celebration, and rooftop portraits overlooking the city skyline.

We've had the joy of planning some truly special weddings throughout Charleston—and each one reflects the unique charm of the city and the couples we work with. Some choose to have their celebration downtown, while others venture out to the beauty of the Lowcountry but each time, its a magical moment to be had

Real Weddings We’ve Planned in Charleston

FAQs

  • The most popular months for Charleston weddings are:

    • Spring (March–May): Blooming gardens, breezy temps, and sunny days.

    • Fall (September–November): Gorgeous foliage, golden light, and fewer crowds.

    Summer is lovely but humid, and often comes with a higher chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Winter is mild and affordable, with charming holiday decor and cozy vibes (plus off-season rates!).

    Pro tip from Richelle: Plan for a backup rain option no matter the season. Afternoon showers can sneak up, but they make for beautiful photos!

  • Yes! That’s where we come in. Most of our couples are planning from out of town. We offer virtual planning meetings, in-person venue tours when needed, and we handle the legwork so you don’t have to stress.

  • For most couples, full weddings range between $40,000 and $100,000 depending on guest count, season, and vision. We’ve helped plan micro weddings and larger destination weekends—both can be done beautifully with smart planning.

Let’s Plan Your Charleston Wedding

We love this city, and we love helping couples create a wedding that feels just right for them. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement under the oaks or a 200-guest celebration in a downtown mansion—we’re here to make it smooth, beautiful, and stress-free.

Ready to start planning your dreamy Charleston wedding?

Contact us here →

Meet Your Lead Planner

Hi! I’m Richelle Sierra, lead planner and co-founder of Love, Evermore Events. My team and I specialize in creating beautiful, stress-free weddings that reflect your unique love story. We’re passionate about thoughtful details and designing weddings that feel both personal and unforgettable. I’d love to help bring your vision to life and make your wedding day one to remember!

Contact Form to Get In Touch

Weddings in Charleston

Take a look at some of our favorite couples and designs from weddings that we’ve planned in Charleston and the surrounding area.