About Charleston
Charleston is the county seat of Charleston County and the largest city in the state of South Carolina. Once a major slave-trading port in pre-emancipation America, Charleston boasts an enormous contribution to the United States’ African American Heritage, with many famous attractions and historical landmarks. Apart from its rich historical background, Charleston houses many arts, music, local cuisines, and fashion venues.
Charleston is also renowned for its local seafood, which plays a crucial role in the city’s ubiquitous cuisine, comprising staple dishes such as she-crab soup, fried oysters, Low-country boil, deviled crab cakes, and shrimp, among others. The city has a humid climate with mild winters and hot summers, one of the many reasons tourists love visiting the city.
With the city’s beautiful appeal, many historic attractions, and natural elements like trees, gardens, parks, and large water bodies, the city of Charleston is a unique and wonderful spot to host a wedding. And with its many local vendors and attractions, it’s a hard wedding destination to resist.
Wedding Vendor Options in Charleston, SC
Charleston is a home to people of many talents, given the city’s prestige and size. For couples looking to host a wedding on a budget, there are plenty of local wedding service providers who can make everything easier on the bride and groom.
- Equipment Rentals
You will find many world-class vendors with state-of-the-art event equipment for rent in Charleston, South Carolina. You can rent everything from speakers and décor props, to tableware and fancy tables and chairs for an extravagant wedding event.
- Decorators
There are many Charleston decorators that service special events like weddings. You can hire one to select decorations for your tables, walls, and other areas of your wedding venue. From balloons to candles, lanterns and signs, a local decorator can make your wedding venue stunning!
- Stationers
You’ll find many stationers (folks who sell stationary) in the city of Charleston. From your save-the-dates to invitations, escort cards, and signage, Charleston is home to many paper professionals who can ensure everything is prepared and printed professionally and with style.
- Caterers
Need a caterer for your Charleston wedding? Charleston is home to many first-rate wedding caterers that can ensure that the food at your event will be plentiful, delicious, and sumptuous.
- Officiants
Whether you prefer a secular or religious wedding, you should get an officiant to perform the kind of ceremony you want in Charleston. In fact, you’ll find many religious and non-religious officiants in Charleston for your wedding in the city...with ‘a sense of humor’ guaranteed.
Event Planning Companies in Charleston, South Carolina
- JMC Charleston
JMC Charleston has been planning events for Charleston residents and the entire South Carolina for over a decade. The premier event company offers event production and design services to create fascinating events for party hosts and all their guests. They provide destination management (transportation and logistics, event production, local tours and activities) services as well.
- MOD Events Charleston
With different packages to fit your wedding needs, the team at MOD Events Charleston provides options that are sure to perfectly suit your budget and taste. MOD Event provides event planning and floral design services to their clients and is known throughout the area for their dedicated services.
- Ohh! Events
The self-acclaimed ‘Life of The Party’ has been serving Charleston and its neighboring towns since 1994. As a full-service wedding and event planner, they can help you design, coordinate, and execute your Charleston wedding, no matter small or large. They also provide coordination packages at various tiers, to ensure their clients get all the services they need without breaking the bank.
Pros and Cons of Having a Wedding in Charleston
Pros:
- Venue options
There are many places you can host a wedding in Charleston. Whether you want an indoor or outdoor wedding, you’ll find the perfect venue for you.
- Beautiful landscapes
The city has many beautiful landscapes, perfect for pictures. These locations will also give you a fantastic view of the city.
- Short commute
Charleston has reliable transportation services that make it easy to commute throughout the city - one less thing to worry about on the big day!
- Low transportation costs
Transportation expenses are lower than the national average, so moving essential items around won’t be too pricey.
Cons:
- High crime
Charleston is unfortunately one of the most dangerous cities in South Carolina based on its annual crime rates.
- Expensive downtown
Downtown Charleston is more expensive than other areas in the city because of its European feel. Meaning you may end up incurring more debt when hosting a wedding.
- Costly event venues
While housing is cheaper in Charleston, many event venues throughout the city are not cheap.
Famous Wedding Venues in Charleston, South Carolina
Plan your Charleston wedding around visiting one of these top attractions!
- Marion Square
Enjoy nature and serenity at one of the best attractions in Charleston, South Carolina. Marion Square is a green-space spanning over 6 acres of land, boasting hotels, restaurants, and a fantastic nightlife experience. With a permit and a reservation, you can find and book a wedding venue nearby to experience your big day in the epitome of Charleston beauty.
- Isle of Palms County Park
This park features a stunning ocean view, playground, and picnic area - perfect for pre or post wedding events. Keep in mind: while the beachside park is open to the public, its picnic area and grills are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Be sure to arrive here early if you can plan on having a picnic with your wedding party crew.
- Folly Beach County Park
Folly Beach is one of the most iconic spots in Charleston! The beach vacation destination boasts over 2,500 feet of ocean shoreline with various attractions like outdoor showers, picnic areas, a snack bar, and plenty of family-friendly beach space suitable for group gatherings.
