Located just outside of downtown Charleston along the Ashley River, Middleton Place is one of the most iconic and expansive properties in the Lowcountry. Spanning over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, historic grounds, river views, and oak-lined pathways, Middleton Place feels worlds away while still being easily accessible from the heart of Charleston. It’s a living museum, a garden estate, and one of the top Charleston wedding venues all in one.

Couples visiting for Charleston Middleton Place tours often don’t realize just how much variety exists here until they walk the grounds themselves. From formal terraces to wild garden paths, it’s an ideal setting for a Charleston garden wedding that feels immersive, intentional, and timeless.

Venue Spotlight: Inside the Middleton Place Wedding Venue in Charleston

Middleton Place is seriously one of the most gorgeous venues in Charleston, SC. Every corner is thoughtful, pruned, and beautiful. Middleton Place feels like an actual dream and when you step foot onto the property, its insanely magic.

With sweeping gardens, views of the Ashley River, and oak trees covered with spanish moss…so incredible. And the portrait locations, out of this world…so many spots to choose from and it is unmatched. You have tons of flexibility with a natural guest flow.

It’s so rare to find a venue this stunning that feels intimate and intentional in every turn, which is why it’s often listed among the best places to get married in Charleston and best Charleston wedding venues.

Middleton Place Wedding Venue Experience

As a Charleston wedding photographer who has been to Middleton Place for so many weddings…let me tell ya. The experience Middleton Place provides is truly unremarkable. When your guests walk through those gardens, they feel like they have been transported to this amazing garden like dream and almost into a different world of serene beauty. It’s literally its own little world and it’s so beautiful, making it a standout Middleton Place Charleston wedding experience.

Some features couples love:

• You can plan multiple parts of your day in different locations on the property with ease, which is rare among Charleston wedding venues.
• Guests can wander the historic gardens, meet the resident peacocks and sheep, or simply enjoy the views during cocktail hour, creating a truly memorable Middleton Place wedding atmosphere.
• The Pavilion’s indoor/outdoor flexibility keeps the timeline flowing no matter the weather, which is something I always appreciate as a Charleston wedding photographer.

 

What Areas of the Middleton Place Wedding Venue Can Be Used for the Ceremony and Reception?

Ceremony Spaces at the Middleton Place Wedding Venue

The best thing about Middleton Place is how both ceremony options are simply stunning and I’m not sure how a couple could choose which ceremony location to get married at because they’re both so beautiful, especially for couples planning a Charleston garden wedding.

• Butterfly Lakes Parterre, Capacity: 300 – A stunning expansive lawn ending at the Butterfly Lakes with views to the Ashley River, perfect for large gatherings and dramatic Middleton Place wedding photos.
• Octagonal Garden, Capacity: 300 – A classic Lowcountry garden backdrop with seasonal blooms and Spanish moss framing the ceremony, ideal for romantic Middleton Place weddings.

Whether you want something dramatic and massive or something more intimate and cozy, you have so many options at this Middleton Place wedding venue.

And right after your ceremony, you can choose to have your cocktail hour in the gardens which have manicured hedges and garden romance. There is also this gorgeous and massive live oak that guests love to mingle under, which photographs beautifully during Middleton Place wedding photography coverage.

Reception Spaces at the Middleton Place Wedding Venue

Middleton Place gives you options for both classic and outdoorsy receptions, which is why it’s considered one of the top Charleston wedding venues:

• The Pavilion, Guest Capacity: 300 – This is the go-to choice for many couples. It’s a versatile open space with views of the House Museum and gardens, and a favorite location for Middleton Place wedding receptions.
• The Lake House at The Inn, Guest Capacity: 150 – Surrounded by woodland and pond views with outdoor patios, this space is perfect for receptions that blend indoor comfort with outdoor vibes.
• The Bluff at The Inn at Middleton Place, Guest Capacity: 50 – A more intimate riverside ceremony site perfect for smaller celebrations.

Whether you want an airy outdoor feel or a reception under romantic lighting and cool floors, the Middleton Place wedding venue allows you to design the night you imagine without sacrificing flow or experience.

How Far Apart Are the Ceremony and Reception Spaces at the Middleton Place Wedding Venue?

This is a question I wish I knew before I photographed my first wedding at Middleton Place. You would be shocked at how big the property is, it’s so amazing but, there is quite a distance between the main ceremony spaces and the reception pavilion.

But this also comes with a bonus for your guests, they have time to explore the gardens, mingle, on their way to the pavilion. I would say it roughly takes just a few minutes so this is something to make sure of when building your timeline with a Charleston wedding photographer who knows the property well.

What Is the Guest Count Limit at the Middleton Place Wedding Venue?

Comfortably, you can fit about 200 guests in the traditional ceremony spaces as well as their pavilion reception space. If you are wanting a more intimate vibe, The Inn at Middleton Place is an amazing idea but also, the main gardens have so many intimate places as well to elope in Charleston, which is something I often recommend to couples considering Middleton Place weddings.

How Late Can the Reception Go at the Middleton Place Wedding Venue?

Depending on your date, day of the week, and month, it can vary! Typically, I notice a lot of cut off wedding times for Middleton Place weddings are between 10:00 and 11:00.

Is There On-Site Parking for Guests at Middleton Place?

Yes! For your guests, there is free parking as well as for handicapped guests in the visitor center area.

Is the Middleton Place Wedding Venue Pet Friendly?

The COOLEST part about Middleton Place is their free-roaming livestock. Sadly due to this, pets are not allowed at the venue.

When Is the Best Time of Day for Ceremony Light at the Middleton Place Wedding Venue?

I always recommend just a few shy hours from the sunset when creating a timeline for your wedding day at Middleton Place.

Sunset time varies from season to season so make sure you are looking that up prior to creating your timeline with your wedding photographer and/or wedding planner.

Getting Ready at Middleton Place

Middleton Place doesn’t have a dedicated indoor bridal suite for getting ready included in its standard venue spaces the way some Charleston historic venues do.

They do have the nearby Inn at Middleton Place with rooms overlooking the river, which can be a gorgeous choice for wedding day prep and intimate Middleton Place wedding photos.

For many couples, I recommend planning your getting-ready time at:

• A beautiful Airbnb or private rental with light-filled spaces and intentional design
• A boutique hotel in Charleston or Mount Pleasant that gives you that editorial morning vibe

Read More: Getting Married in Charleston? The Best Spots to Start Your Wedding Day

Why I Recommend the Middleton Place Wedding Venue as a Charleston Wedding Photographer

If you want variety without chaos, this place delivers. The options for portraits alone are incredible!! Gardens, river views, structured hedges, historic architecture, mossy oaks, water features, and shaded pathways all in one venue make storytelling through photos effortless, which is why Middleton Place wedding photography shines here.

• The venue team is thoughtful, sweet, and supportive. They care about your day and it shows.
• It’s great for larger guest lists without losing intimate moments.
• Your timeline naturally stays calm because spaces are close but distinctly different, something I value deeply as a Middleton Place wedding photographer.

Tips for Couples Considering a Middleton Place Wedding

Here are a few things I always share with couples who are thinking about this venue:

• Book a site visit early. Touring in person helps you feel which space feels right for your ceremony moment, especially during Charleston Middleton Place tours.
• Think about guest experience. With so much to explore, build gentle transitions so guests feel welcome everywhere.
• Plan your ceremony and portraits with the light in mind. The gardens and river views are stunning at golden hour for Middleton Place wedding photos.

What Happens If the Gardens Are Crowded with Tourists?

Since Middleton Place is a space for all to enjoy during the day with visiting hours, this is such a good question to keep in mind.

As a Charleston wedding photographer who has photographed a handful of weddings at Middleton Place, it’s actually very easy to avoid the people when hosting an event at the venue. Another reason why I love it so much actually!

Middleton Place is open 9-5 daily.

It’s important as a wedfding photographer to be strategic on the locations when it comes to first looks and portraits and I have those pre-planned ahead of time as well as back ups just in case!

A thoughtful tour + good planner + knowledgable Charleston wedding photographer + calm timeline goes a long way here.

What Months Are Best for a Middleton Place Wedding?

Easily spring! That is one of the most popular months however so if you are interested in getting married in Charleston, you are looking at touring and booking a year in advance. I also have a guide on Charleston wedding seasons:

Read More: Best Season for a Charleston Wedding

Important Policies to Know When Booking Middleton Place

Some logistics that couples should be aware of as they plan:

• You can host only one wedding per day, so the property is exclusively yours on your date.
• Catering and bar services are generally provided through Middleton Place offerings, with in-house menus that highlight Lowcountry ingredients.
• There may be special insurance and event requirements depending on your setup, so ask early.

Book a Venue Tour at Middleton Place

If you can, come see the gardens and all the spaces in person. For many of my couples, walking the grounds makes the “I can see us here” feeling click into place in a really joyful way, especially during Charleston Middleton Place tours.

-> Get in touch with Middleton Place Events

Charleston Wedding Photography from a Real Middleton Place Wedding

A spring Charleston wedding featuring pops of green, bright details, and all the spring romance: A Dreamy Charleston Wedding at Middleton Place

Another spring Charleston wedding but featuring more neutrals and a dreamy sunset: A Stunning Lowcountry Middleton Place Wedding

✨ Inquire about your Charleston wedding here → Begin Your Experience

Looking for a Middleton Place Wedding Photographer?

Sprawling gardens, multiple ceremony locations, flexible reception spaces, history around every corner, and a vibe that feels editorial and intentional make the Middleton Place wedding venue a standout choice for couples who want a wedding day that feels like a story, not a schedule.

If you are searching for a Charleston wedding photographer for your Middleton Place wedding, I would be delighted to join your day and vendor team!

Read More Charleston wedding planning tips:

Getting Married in Charleston? Here’s What Couples Often Miss!

What to Wear for Charleston Engagement Pictures

What To Look For When Hiring A Charleston Wedding Planner