8 Scenic Waterfront Wedding Venues in Charleston, SC
From magnificent yachts to oceanfront resorts, these waterfront wedding venues in Charleston provide unforgettable views for your special day.
Have you and your S.O. always envisioned saying “I do” at a waterfront wedding venue in Charleston, SC? If so, you're in luck—some of the most gorgeous Charleston wedding venues are perfectly situated overlooking the popular Ashley River, Cooper River, or Charleston Harbor. Whether you ultimately choose a swanky yacht like The Carolina Girl or a waterfront country club like Wild Dunes Resort, these waterfront wedding venues in Charleston provide amazingly scenic backdrops year-round.
Here are eight waterfront wedding venues in Charleston, SC you won't want to miss.
The Pavilion at Patriot's Point
A spacious, green lawn at this golf course venue gives you unobstructed waterfront views for your big day. Located in Mount Pleasant just across the harbor from downtown Charleston, The Pavilion at Patriot's Point is a beautiful place to get married during the spring, summer, or early fall. Adjacent to the ceremony lawn is a brick terrace, which can be outfitted with the venue's white reception tent that's big enough for up to 250 guests and includes drapery and lights. There's also a brick fire pit that comes in handy on chilly nights or for late-night s'mores making. With rental fees for a Saturday wedding during peak season starting at $4,500, The Pavilion at Patriot's Point is one of the most affordable waterfront wedding venues in Charleston.
The Pavilion at Patriot's Point »
Cooper River Room
If you're dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, you'll have an amazing view of the Ravenel Bridge from the Crescent Lawn at Cooper River Room, which is located just 13 minutes from downtown Charleston. Indoors, the banquet hall (pictured above) can host weddings for up to 145 people and is decorated with an impressive mural depicting a classic Lowcountry scene featuring moss-covered trees, which gives the space an indoor-outdoor vibe. At the venue, you'll have complete use of the catering kitchen, private dressing suite, tables, chairs, and parking lot.
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Kiawah Island Golf Resort
We can't talk about waterfront wedding venues in Charleston without mentioning Kiawah Island. While it's not in the heart of Charleston, this idyllic island is only 25 miles south of town, making it a perfect spot for couples who want the feel of a destination wedding without the elaborate travel arrangements. The Kiawah Island Golf Resort is an award-winning hotel with rave reviews from Forbes, AAA, Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, and recently married couples. The resort has dozens of indoor and outdoor locations for your wedding day, from manicured lawns overlooking the golf course and Atlantic Ocean, to private verandas, ballrooms, and a brand-new chapel. Your wedding package includes all of the essentials (and more), such as full-service catering, overnight accommodations, golf course discounts, and even pampering spa treatments. To top it off, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a designated sanctuary hotel, which means the property is committed to wildlife preservation, recycling, and water conservation.
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The Carolina Girl Yacht
Dreaming of getting married out on the open water? Then we’ve found the Charleston wedding venue just for you. The Carolina Girl is Charleston’s special events yacht that lets couples celebrate their special day surrounded by gorgeous views of the Charleston Harbor, Marina, Ashley River Bridges and more. This Charleston wedding venue on the water can comfortably hold up to 150 guests and creates an unforgettable experience. With options to wed on the upper deck and then host your reception as you tour the harbor, The Carolina Girl provides sea lovers with a one-of-a-kind venue. Just check out this nautical real wedding where the couple held both their ceremony and reception aboard this fantastic vessel.
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Wild Dunes Resort
The Wild Dunes Resort is the perfect Carolina beach location. Couples can choose from a variety of different locations to say “I do”, such as out on the white sand beaches or in the intimate croquet lawn. If you are looking for indoor options to host the celebration, the resort doesn’t disappoint either. From the Sweetgrass Pavilion, Palmetto Hall to the Grand Pavilion, these event spaces provide couples with ocean views in an elegant setting. The resort even offers bridal and groom suites for couples planning a wedding weekend to use. Located just 20 minutes north of the historic Southern city, this Charleston wedding venue on the water oozes romance and island vibes.
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Historic Rice Mill
If you and your future-spouse are history buffs or are looking for a waterfront venue that has a unique backstory, then the Historic Rice Mill should definitely be added to your venue list! Built back in 1861, this remodeled Mill is nestled right along Charleston’s Ashley River. It also offers an industrial chic setting with the help of its exposed beams, pressed tin ceilings and large double windows. Couples opting for a larger scale Charleston wedding on the water will be pleased with not only the Mill’s spacious landscape and scenic views but also its exclusive caterer, Good Food Catering. You and your S.O. can spend your special day surrounded by unparalleled views while chowing down on a wide variety of deliciously cooked Southern-Inspired dishes.
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Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina
Another one of our favorite Charleston waterfront wedding venues is the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. Providing couples with multiple locations to tie the knot, such as the Mariner’s Walk Pier or the Harborside Beach, this harbor resort creates the perfect ambiance for a coastal wedding aesthetic. Both of these outdoor settings can also accommodate an intimate or larger scale wedding. The Mariner’s Walk Pier can accommodate up to 120 seated guests, whereas the Harborside Beach spacious beach is the perfect setting for both your ceremony and reception. If you and your S.O. want an indoor venue that also overlooks the harbor, The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina also has three covered/indoor spaces the Lookout Pavilion, The Sunrise Terrace and The Atlantic Ballroom to choose from, as well.
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South Carolina Aquarium
Filled with hundreds of different colorful sea animals and creatures, The South Carolina Aquarium provides couples with a wedding setting unlike anything else. Located along the Charleston Harbor, this aquarium provides panoramic Charleston waterfront views for your big day. Whether you choose to host the reception inside the aquarium with your dance floor in front of the impressive Great Ocean Tank or you opt to walk down the aisle with the stunning Charleston Harbor as your backdrop, the South Carolina Aquarium provides couples with lots of options.
