If you’re searching for a Charleston wedding venue that checks every box; (enter: historic charm, waterfront views, Southern elegance, and that unforgettable backdrop for photos), Lowndes Grove should be at the top of your list. As a seasoned Charleston wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing incredible Lowndes Grove wedding photos that showcase exactly why this place stands out among all Charleston wedding venues on the water.

In this guide, you’ll get the inside scoop on getting married at Lowndes Grove, explore its intimate sister venue, the River House at Lowndes Grove, and get real-world advice for planning an effortless, photo-worthy celebration at one of the best Charleston wedding venues.

Why Get Married in Charleston at Lowndes Grove?

Let’s start with the basics. Located just minutes from downtown on at 266 St. Margaret Street, Lowndes Grove sits on 14 acres of waterfront property along the Ashley River. This Charleston wedding venue blends 18th-century architecture with modern luxury. It feels classic, clean, and cinematic. Couples love this venue because it delivers everything: panoramic river views, live oaks with Spanish moss, a grand white mansion, and a tented reception space right next to the house.

Charleston as a wedding destination is also a dream: walkable downtown, historic neighborhoods, a vibrant food scene, and an international airport make it easy for guests. If you’re planning a destination wedding, you’re giving your people a reason to fall in love with the city!

This venue features the best:

• Stunning waterfront location on Charleston’s historic peninsula

• Authentic 1786 architecture featuring original period furnishings

• Expansive lawn framed by the stately Main House

• Bright, glass-enclosed portico inviting natural light and views

• Spacious 750-square-foot piazza overlooking the river and majestic oak grove

• Exclusive 700-foot private dock offering unmatched coastal vistas on the Ashley River

• Versatile event spaces designed for creative and flexible planning

• Sophisticated décor that effortlessly adapts from relaxed to extravagant settings

• Convenient on-site parking available

• Reliable wireless internet accessible throughout the property

 

How to Plan Your Wedding at Lowndes Grove

Here’s what you need to know from someone who’s photographed full weddings here:

• Guest Capacity: Up to 300 for Lowndes Grove. Up to 100 for the River House.
• Ceremony Locations: Most couples say “I do” under the massive oak tree by the river. It’s iconic, natural, and frames beautifully in photos.
• Reception Layout: Dinner and dancing usually take place in the tent, with cocktail hour by the water. It flows easily and keeps guests moving.
• Planner Required: Yes. They won’t book without a certified wedding planner, and honestly, that’s a gift. A good planner will make this space sing.
• Parking + Transport: On-site parking available, and many couples book shuttles through companies like Lowcountry Valet.
• Weather Plan: Tent, covered porch, glass portico, and interior spaces = no stress.
• Food + Beverage: All in-house through Patrick Properties. It’s high-end, fully customizable, and genuinely good.

This venue is built for luxury events, but it’s not plug-and-play. You need a plan. That’s where working with pros (photographer, planner, florist) who know the space can make or break your day.

The River House at Lowndes Grove: A Waterfront Gem

For couples looking for something more intimate, the River House at Lowndes Grove is a stunning option. It accommodates up to 100 guests and feels like a private estate within the larger Lowndes Grove property.

It has its own entrance, its own dock access, and the same stunning views that make Lowndes Grove wedding photos so striking. It’s perfect for smaller weddings, welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, or even post-wedding brunches. If you’re overwhelmed by big wedding logistics, this spot is one of the cutest venues in Charleston SC to consider. It’s just as beautiful!

Charleston Wedding Hotels For Your Wedding Day

One of the perks of getting married at a top Charleston wedding venue like Lowndes Grove or the River House at Lowndes Grove is how close you are to some of the best hotels in the city. Whether your guests want upscale charm, boutique style, or convenient comfort, here are some standout options:

• The Dewberry
• Francis Marion Hotel
• Liberty Place Hilton
• Hotel Emeline

Pro tip: Block rooms early. Charleston is a popular destination and books up fast, especially during spring and fall wedding seasons.

 

 

Best Season For A Charleston Wedding

Choosing the right time of year for your Lowndes Grove wedding venue can make a huge difference in everything from the weather to your Charleston wedding photos. Charleston’s mild winters and warm summers mean you have options year-round, but spring and fall are widely considered the best seasons for Charleston wedding venues on the water like Lowndes Grove.

Dive more into the Best Season for a Charleston wedding: https://hayleymoore.com/for-brides/best-season-for-a-charleston-wedding/

 

Thoughts From A Lowndes Grove Charleston Wedding Photographer

From a Charleston wedding photographer’s point of view: schedule time for golden hour portraits by the dock. Don’t skip getting-ready photos inside the house, it’s some of the best natural window light in the city. And plan at least 10 minutes post-ceremony to step away and breathe, it’s often when I get the best unscripted moments. As a wedding photographer, I make sure we take time for every part of your day and help coordinate a breathable timeline that lets you enjoy your day and cherish every minute.

Planning a wedding here takes coordination, but it’s worth every second. There’s a reason Lowndes Grove consistently ranks among the best Charleston wedding venues, because once the details click into place, the day feels effortless.

Lowndes Grove Wedding Photos

As a Charleston wedding photographer, I can tell you: Lowndes Grove wedding photos are some of the most timeless and dynamic images you can get. From soft golden hour light on the dock to ceremony shots beneath the oak tree, every part of this venue photographs beautifully.

The getting ready suite upstairs has massive windows that flood the room with light, perfect for bridal portraits and candids. The back lawn is ideal for first looks, family portraits, or just stealing a few quiet moments together.

And when that sun sets over the Ashley River? Game over. You get magic. Rain plan? Covered. The porch, tent, and interiors all offer great backup locations for Charleston wedding photography that still feels natural and elevated!

 

Real Lowndes Grove Wedding Recap: Erika + Pat’s Wedding in Charleston

Now for the good stuff. Let’s talk about the Jacobson wedding, a day that proves exactly why Lowndes Grove lives up to the hype.

This Charleston destination wedding, expertly coordinated by the talented team at Buttercup Events, perfectly captured the essence of coastal elegance, a true inspiration for any bride dreaming of a romantic celebration. Featuring fresh pops of blue, vibrant floral prints, and lush arrangements, the event embraced Charleston’s signature charm through every detail. Set against the historic and breathtaking backdrop of Lowndes Grove, one of the city’s premier waterfront wedding venues, the stunning main house, majestic live oaks, and serene atmosphere combined to create a day filled with timeless romance and natural beauty.

View more from this day here: Erika + Pat | Lowndes Grove Wedding

Why Lowndes Grove Is Still One of the Best Charleston Wedding Venues on the Water

There are plenty of Charleston wedding venues on the water, but none like this. The history, the views, the staff, the way the light hits the back lawn at golden hour…it’s unmatched. Whether you book Lowndes Grove or the River House at Lowndes Grove, you’re investing in a wedding day that will photograph like a dream and run like a machine. As a Charleston wedding photographer, I can confidently say it’s one of the most inspiring, photogenic, and well-run venues in Charleston SC. Find more details about Lowndes Grove here: https://www.pphgcharleston.com/venues/lowndes-grove/

Get In Touch For Your Lowndes Grove Wedding

Planning a Lowndes Grove wedding? Curious whether the River House is a better fit? Or just want to see more real wedding galleries from this iconic Charleston wedding venue? I’ve shot here. I know what works. I can help you avoid the stress and get the kind of Charleston wedding photos you’ll actually be proud to frame. Begin your HMP experience here: https://hayleymoore.com/connect

Read more Charleston wedding planning tips:

How to Plan the Perfect Charleston Destination Wedding Weekend

Charleston Wedding Guide: How To Plan A Spring Wedding in Charleston

The Best Engagement Photo Locations in Charleston