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Award winner thanks to recommendations from couples on WeddingWire.com.
  • 2016

South Carolina Aquarium

4.8 out of 5 rating 33 reviews
Charleston, SC
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
Ceremonies
Ceremonies
Decor Options
Decor Options
Grand Entrance
Grand Entrance
Grand Exit
Grand Exit
Decor Options
Decor Options
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Decor Options
Decor Options
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
Roaming Animal Encounter
Roaming Animal Encounter
Decor Option
Decor Option
Indoor Touch Tank
Indoor Touch Tank
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Ceremonies
Ceremonies
Decor Options
Decor Options
Ceremonies
Ceremonies
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Decor Options
Decor Options
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Table setting
Table setting
Decor Options
Decor Options
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
Table Setting
Table Setting
Ambiance
Ambiance
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Decor Options
Decor Options
Harborview Terrace
Harborview Terrace
Wedding cake
Wedding cake
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium
South Carolina Aquarium

Interested in this vendor?

South Carolina Aquarium
1/43
Up to 500 guests
Ceremony/Reception
Outdoor/Indoor
4.8
Excellent

"Our wedding at the SC Aquarium was just beautiful! Even though we planned to have our ceremony on..."

— Shauna

"The SC Aquarium was the first and only venue we considered for our wedding. It was such a unique..."

— Julia
Shauna
Julia
A
A
M

Recommended by 96% of couples

About this venue

With unrivaled panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor and Ravenel Bridge, breathtaking living sea life, indoor and outdoor ceremony options and sleek open architecture that suits any vision, the South Carolina Aquarium is a unique wedding venue sure to wow your guests! Enjoy private access to the Aquarium galleries for up to 500 guests (up to 200 seated), with customization for table placement, catering stations, bar service, entertainment and more. Your wedding at the South Carolina Aquarium is guaranteed to make waves!

Facilities and Capacity

The South Carolina Aquarium offers expansive event space with options suited for every wedding, from a small intimate ceremony to a grand reception! Your outdoor ceremony on the Harbor Overlook showcases vast views of the water, Ravenel Bridge and USS Yorktown as a stunning backdrop. The Great Ocean Tank, North America’s deepest tank, provides a dramatic living setting for your indoor ceremony or reception. Events may have up to 500 guests, or up to 200 guests if a seated meal is planned.

Services Offered

The South Carolina Aquarium in-house events team will work with you to bring your vision to life, connecting you to our exclusive vendors who represent the best offerings in town and will handle all the details while you enjoy your special day.

Other Services

The South Carolina Aquarium offers packages to elevate your guests’ experience, from transportation to roaming animal encounters and even a scuba diver with a customized sign. The venue is also available to rent for your rehearsal dinner.

Features

Small team (2-10 members)

Experience

  • 26 years in business

  • We speak English

Links

Visit website
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Bundle and save time!
Contact South Carolina Aquarium and their preferred vendors

  • South Carolina Aquarium
  • Charleston Wedding Planner
  • Charleston Entertainment
  • Keepsakes Florist

FAQ

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

7,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

6,500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$5,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$4,500

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What transportation and access is available?

Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

March
April
May
September
October
November

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
June
July
August
December

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of South Carolina Aquarium

Write a review
Write a review
Weddingwire
4.8/5 33 reviews
Google
4.5/5 8134 reviews
Shauna
Shauna Sent on 08/27/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Magical in every way

Our wedding at the SC Aquarium was just beautiful! Even though we planned to have our ceremony on the terrace, the weather decided otherwise. The ceremony was instead switched to the Great Ocean Tank Room image and the massive tank served as our backdrop vs the bridge. That was no problem because it worked out perfectly. Sarah Noble and her staff were great! They worked seamlessly with our other vendors.. Family and friends are still raving about what a great venue it was and how elegant, fun and unique the Aquarium was for our wedding. If you love a unique venue that does not require a great deal of decorating, is easy to work with and is absolutely beautiful in every way…choose SC Aquarium. Oh, and I highly recommend going with the additional 1hr…the photo booth was a hit and the rehearsal time gave off the opportunity to prepare in case of wedding day rain…this was a big help since it did rain on our wedding day.
Julia
Julia Sent on 02/12/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Unbeatable venue!

The SC Aquarium was the first and only venue we considered for our wedding. It was such a unique experience for guests and had such a great atmosphere at night. I also loved knowing that our money was going to a good cause! The team of event coordinators at the aquarium is very responsive to questions and were extremely helpful throughout the planning process! The event package with an extra hour of time and the Photo Booth was worth every penny!!!
A
Amanda Sent on 09/15/2018
5 out of 5 rating
We loved having our wedding at the Aquarium about a month ago (ceremony and reception). Our guests still cannot stop talking about how unique and fun the venue was! I highly recommend it. *Special Tip* get the animal interaction package. Everyone loved being able to hang out with Pippin, Cyde, Liberty and the other special guests during our special day.
A
Alix Sent on 10/19/2017
5 out of 5 rating
What an amazing venue! After getting hurricaned-out at our outdoor venue the prior year, we chose the SC Aquarium and couldn't be more thrilled with how our reception turned out! Cocktail hour on the patio was absolutely perfect - at sunset, overlooking the harbor with perfect weather. We had multiple guests tell us the Aquarium was the best venue they'd every been to! It was so great that all of our guests could explore the entire venue during the reception. I can't say enough great things about the Aquarium or their staff! If you're looking for something different the typical venue, go with the Aquarium! Truly a one-of-a-kind venue!!
M
Morgan Sent on 06/13/2017
5 out of 5 rating
EVERYONE loved this venue! I picked the aquarium because this venue enabled me to get creative and not have the same boring Charleston wedding. The staff worked with my off the wall requests and were wonderful. My bridal party was late to the rehearsal, they were flexible. My florist needed to start working earlier than vendors were allowed in, they were flexible again. I am very happy I chose the South Carolina Aquarium and recommend it to anyone with a large number of wedding attendees.
S
Stephanie Sent on 09/26/2016
5 out of 5 rating
My wedding at the South Carolina Aquarium was amazing! The staff was friendly and accommodating. Nicole was able to answer any questions I had in a timely fashion. The view for the ceremony was incredible and my guests loved being able to walk around, enjoy the exhibits and interact with some of the animals via the animal encounter. I highly recommend the aquarium I am forever indebted to them for my extraordinary night!
U
User2655605 Sent on 06/21/2016
5 out of 5 rating
The SC Aquarium is one of the most amazing venues in Charleston! You cannot go wrong! We had a wedding with about 215 guests and it was perfect for a station style with informal seating. Large or small guests will be blow away! The SC Aquarium staff was wonderful!
U
User2181665 Sent on 06/16/2015
5 out of 5 rating
We held a small wedding in the park outside the aquarium and then the reception on the lower level of the aquarium itself, and we couldn't have done either without the expertise and help of Bryan and Nicole. They worked with us throughout the process and the ultimate result was unique and memorable. Thanks to all!.
P
Pam Sent on 05/27/2015
5 out of 5 rating
Planning an event at the SCAquarium was made very easy and comfortable because of the wonderful, responsive event managers. All of my questions were answered promptly and throughly. When a problem arose with one of the viewing tanks they brought us in for a preview visit to ask us our opinion for a solution. The beauty and cleanliness for the facility was a great choice for us. Providing a staff educator who circulated among our guests with chosen reptiles and birds, was a treat to all our guests, young and old.
Our sincere thanks to Bryan, Nicole and the lovely responsive staffer on duty that night, Catlin.
E
Elizabeth Sent on 05/19/2015
5 out of 5 rating
Everyone was great to work with and listened to our concerns. This is a beautiful place to have a wedding. 100% rememberable and breathtaking views for amazing photos!
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Awards

33
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
illustration message review

Are you interested?

Team

Jillian Fountain
Jillian Fountain
Manager

Professional Network & Endorsements

John Kurc Photography John Kurc Photography Wedding Photographers

ABSOLUTELY a beautiful and well-managed venue. The staff is gracious and accommodating. I love photographing events at this property.

Wedding Music Charleston Wedding Music Charleston Wedding DJs

The SC Aquarium is truly a magical location for an event of any kind. If you want something unique and stunning, something that your guests will rave about for years to come, this is the place to go. Plenty of space for large groups, stunning views of the harbor and magical memories everywhere you turn. The staff is fantastic and friendly and the space is one of a kind! Michael Peifer- Owner, Wedding Music Charleston/Event Music Charleston

Fabulous Fête Fabulous Fête Wedding Planners

SC Aquarium is a stunning venue in downtown Charleston. For couples looking to give their guests an amazing view paired with unique aquatic-life surroundings, this is the venue for you. Highly recommend!

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Map

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South Carolina Aquarium frequently asked questions

The space offered by South Carolina Aquarium for wedding events is known for:
  • Waterfront
South Carolina Aquarium offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
South Carolina Aquarium offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
South Carolina Aquarium is recommended by 96% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in quality of service, 4.9 in average response time, 4.9 in professionalism, 4.8 in value and 4.6 in flexibility.
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