Planning a Charleston Destination Wedding That Feels Timeless

Charleston just never gets old. It’s so timeless and so is that Charleston destination wedding you’re planning. You’re about to experience my favorite part of the city; the sun settling into the late afternoon, soft light touching the brick, cobblestone streets, wispy trees…there’s beauty everywhere you look, even in the quiet moments.

As a Charleston wedding photographer, photographing a Charleston destination wedding for out-of-town couples is something that brings me SO much joy. The waterfront estates, garden ceremonies, and some of the best Charleston wedding venues tucked throughout the city…every celebration always feels intentional and romantic. Charleston wedding photography is so special because the city itself becomes part of your story.

Getting Married in Charleston? You’re in the Right Spot.

Charleston…oh, one of my favorite cities to photograph love. Whether it’s a wedding day or an engagement session, I am in absolute heaven here. If you’re currently dreaming up and planning your Charleston destination wedding, you’re in the right spot.

As a Charleston wedding photographer who has photographed many weddings and engagement sessions here, I understand how Charleston destination wedding planning differs from planning locally. From navigating venues to understanding logistics, weather, and timing in a region thats new, I have you covered on what to expect when getting married in Charleston and I can’t wait to guide you through it!

Hosting a Charleston Destination Wedding: Where Do You Start?

Start immediately. Charleston is a bustling wedding city, and vendors book up fast. When planning a Charleston destination wedding, securing your core vendors early is key. That includes your wedding planner, venue, photo and video team, florist, and hair and makeup; especially with how competitive Charleston wedding planners and venues can be.

Choosing from the Best Charleston Wedding Venues

If you can tour in person, that’s always your best bet but not everyone has that option. That’s why I’ve done the research for you. Some of my favorite venues for a Charleston destination wedding include Lowndes Grove, Gadsden House, William Aiken House, Legare Waring House, and Middleton Place. These are consistently some of the top Charleston wedding venues for a reason.

They check all the boxes: beautiful getting-ready spaces, seamless guest flow, easy access to hotels and Charleston wedding transportation, and incredible staff. When getting married in Charleston, deciding between downtown Charleston wedding venues versus private garden estates helps define the entire feel of the day.

7 of the BEST wedding venues in Charleston

Working with Charleston Wedding Planners

Finding experienced Charleston wedding planners is one of the smartest steps you can take. They understand city logistics, vendor relationships, and timing which is invaluable during Charleston destination wedding planning. Having a planner who knows the ins and outs of the city makes everything feel smoother and more intentional. Some of my faves include: Buttercup Events, Parte Events + Design, Peper Events.

Need some more guidance on finding a Charleston wedding planner? What Too Look for When Hiring A Charleston Wedding Planner

Timing, Seasons, and Overall Vibe

Determining the vibe of your day goes hand-in-hand with choosing your season. The best season for Charleston weddings is often spring, thanks to blooming gardens and softer light though it’s also the most popular. Fall can be just as beautiful with a bit more flexibility. I go deeper into timing and logistics in this blog: Best Season for a Charleston Wedding

Effortless Charleston Destination Wedding Photography

Weddings filled with intention and joy don’t happen by accident. They’re paced intentionally, especially when considering Charleston wedding weather. Heat, humidity, pop-up showers, and travel time all matter when planning the flow of the day.

This is where thoughtful Charleston wedding photography comes in. I plan with backup options, comfort, permits, and timing in mind so nothing feels rushed. Whether it’s an outdoor wedding in Charleston or a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, the goal is always the same: letting couples be fully present.

Getting Married in Charleston? Make It a Full Wedding Weekend

When guests are traveling in for your Charleston destination wedding, making it a full weekend experience elevates everything. Welcome bags, thoughtful itineraries, and guidance on where to go and what to do help guests feel cared for the moment they arrive.

This is especially important for weddings in Charleston, where guests are navigating a new city. Small touches paired with clear transportation plans make a huge difference and help your Charleston destination wedding feel relaxed and enjoyable from start to finish.

More recommendations can be found here for a full wedding weekend: How To Plan A Destination Wedding Weekend in Charleston

Charleston Wedding Weather: What You Should Know

Weather is the biggest wildcard when getting married in Charleston but it can also be part of the charm. Rain during an outdoor wedding in Charleston is always a possibility, but having a plan in place keeps everything calm and intentional.

Building buffer time into your timeline allows flexibility for heat, quick rain showers, or an AC break. Thoughtful planning around Charleston wedding weather ensures your day still feels beautiful no matter what:

• Later ceremony start times (2–3 hours before sunset)
• Water stations, parasols for guests and/or over ceremony space, and shaded cocktail hour options

Rain plans should feel just as intentional as Plan A especially for an outdoor wedding in Charleston.

Don’t Forget When Getting Married in Charleston:

• Marriage license

• Transportation for you and your guests

• Details for your photographer: invitation suite, perfume, shoes, jewelry, attire, getting ready attire, all three rings, emergency kit, and anything your planner may not have.
• Booking your flights and arriving days earlier to get settled in and celebrate
• Booking your getting ready space if venue doesn’t provide one (Need help? I’ve got you: Best Spots to Get Ready in Charleston for your Wedding)

I always provide a full checklist in my wedding guide (one of the perks of being an HMP couple!)

Getting Married in Charleston? Let’s Plan Your Day.

Getting married in Charleston is iconic. It rewards couples who plan with intention, and when done thoughtfully with the right vendor team, your Charleston destination wedding will truly be one for the books.

If you’re getting married in Charleston and want images that feel like how the day felt, not just how it looked, I would love to be part of your celebration. Charleston continues to inspire me, and guiding couples through weddings in Charleston that feel true to them is at the heart of what I do.

Read More Charleston Wedding Planning Tips:

What to Wear for Charleston Engagement Pictures

Classic Charleston Engagement Pictures in the Historic District

Lowndes Grove Wedding: A Coastal Elegance Celebration