10 of Charleston’s Most Exclusive Wedding Venues — and Why You’re Going to Love Them

In a city glimmering with gilded mansions and waterfront estates, finding the venue worthy of your signature celebration can feel like searching for a diamond in a sea of pearls. To spare you the scroll, we’ve curated an insider’s dossier of Charleston’s most exclusive addresses—complete with the elevated amenities and bespoke details that distinguish each one.

1. The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection

The Dunlin is a brand-new, 2,000-acre retreat on the Kiawah River. It marries Lowcountry marsh views with the signature culture of an Auberge Resort. Event spaces range from waterfront lawns for 600 to cozy cottages ideal for an oyster-roast welcome party.

Why you’ll love it

• Location and Setting – With just a short drive from Historic Charleston, it offers a tranquil, private retreat on Johns Island with sweeping views of the Kiawah River.
• Luxurious Accommodations – Relax in 1 of 72 rooms and suites, designed with stylish beach cottage aesthetics, including screened-in porches, four-poster beds, and soaking tubs. 
• Multiple Event Spaces – Choose the perfect setting with a multitude of options including the large Shippon, which can accommodate as many as 525 guests or outdoor areas like Yarrow Field.
• Unique Amenities – Enjoy various perks for a relaxing yet adventurous weekend of fun, including complimentary shuttles, bike rentals, and kayaking.
• Authentic Lowcountry Charm – The Dunlin seamlessly blends modern amenities with the historic charm of the Lowcountry, creating a unique and memorable wedding venue. 

2. The Dewberry

The Dewberry is an iconic Charleston retreat where mid-century sophistication mingles with the city’s contemporary pulse. Guests settle into rooms that channel Old Charleston through lovingly restored period pieces and gallery-worthy art, all wrapped in uncompromising luxury.

Why you’ll love it

• Multiple Event Spaces – Choose from several unique spaces, including the Charleston Walled Garden, the Rivers Room, and the elegant Ballroom. 
• Location and Breathtaking Views – The Dewberry is located in Charleston’s Historic District and allows guests enjoy panoramic views of the city, especially during sunset. 
• On-Site Amenities – With an on-site spa, you won’t have to go far to find Zen on your wedding weekend. You’ll also enjoy a range of culinary options when you want to spend the night in as well as full concierge services when you don’t.

3. Hotel Bennett

A marble-lined lobby, two-story restaurant terraces over Marion Square, and the show-stopping Crown Ballroom (7,100 sq ft) make this library-turned-luxury-hotel the darling of black-tie soirées. Pamper the bridal party in Camellias—South Carolina’s “Most Instagrammable” champagne bar—before the first look.

Why you’ll love it

• In-House Catering and Bar – Enjoy in-house catering and bar services, with various delectable menu options and cocktail choices available to delight any palate.
• Luxury Accommodations – Luxurious guest rooms and suites will make a weekend in Charleston one to remember for those with even the most discerning taste.
• Variety of Event Spaces – With a range of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a grand ballroom, terrace spaces, and a rooftop pool and bar you have everything you need for a weekend long party at Hotel Bennett!
• Convenient Location – Being in the heart of Charleston’s historic district grants you easy access to the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. 

4. Lowndes Grove

Charleston’s last great downtown waterfront estate boasts 14 oak-draped acres, a 1786 manor, and a 700-foot dock that sunsets refuse to quit.

Why you’ll love it

• Historic Charm on Waterfront – Lean into the beauty of historic Charlestonian architecture with period furnishings and artwork. Located on the Ashley River, Lowndes Grove offers a truly unique and picturesque setting you won’t find anywhere else on the peninsula.  
• In-House Culinary and Bar Services – The in-house catering and bar team ensures a consistent and high-quality culinary experience from start to finish. They even have a truly talented pastry chef on staff to design the wedding cake of your dreams.
• Helpful Amenities – Lowndes Grove offers a full suite of convenient amenities including on-site parking, a bridal suite, and a multitude of picturesque spaces for customization and layout capabilities.  

5. Legare Waring House

Think secret-garden romance: an 1840s home, freshwater lagoons, and the famed Avenue of Oaks where Spanish moss creates a natural cathedral for “I do.”

Why you’ll love it

• Historic Charm and Natural Beauty – The Legare Waring House is a preserved 1840s home, surrounded by moss-draped oak trees and gardens, creating a magnificent backdrop. 
• Multiple Ceremony Locations – You’ll have the infamous Avenue of Oaks, the Wedding Oak, or the Wedding Garden to choose from as a backdrop for your vow exchange. Then celebrate under the stars (or a tent) on the fountain patio. The venue is a blank canvas primed to be styled as simply or as lavishly as you desire.
• Dedicated Suites – The estate was designed with comfort in mind. Upstairs, four luminous bridal suites—each accented with heirloom mirrors, vintage vanities, and plush chaise longues—give the bride and her party plenty of room to dress, sip champagne, and pose for portrait-worthy “first look” moments. Downstairs a dedicated two-story groom’s wing with a separate entrance and a handsomely appointed lounge offers privacy and ease while preparing yet remains only steps away from the celebration to come.
• Choose Your Dream Team – This venue is one of the only luxury properties that allows you to bring in the vendors of your choice including your catering and bar team. A well-equipped catering kitchen is available. Bring Charleston’s best culinary and creative talents to your event.
• Convenient Location and Ample Parking – With just a short drive from the Charleston peninsula, the venue is easily accessible for guests and offers plenty of free parking.

6. Kiawah Island Golf Resort

From The Sanctuary’s oceanfront lawns to the Ocean Course Clubhouse veranda overlooking the 18th green, Kiawah delivers resort convenience with world-class views just 40 minutes from downtown.

Why you’ll love it

• Venue Variety: At the Kiawah Island Golf Resort you will find  a variety of venue options for a full weekend of wedding events. If you are interested in an indoor reception, options like the Grand Oaks Ballroom and Terrace Ballroom, with access to the Grand Lawn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean might be worth a look. Otherwise, couples who are interested in outdoor options should pay a visit to options like Mingo Point, Osprey Point Clubhouse, or the every popular Ocean Course.
• World-Class Accommodations, Amenities, and Services: The resort offers a range of lodging options, from luxurious hotel rooms at The Sanctuary to private villas and homes. 
• Culinary Delights: The resort’s culinary team offers customized menus, from formal plated dinners to buffet receptions, with Lowcountry-themed options. 
• Entertainment and Activities: Guests can enjoy golf, tennis, the Five Star spa, dining, and various recreational activities. The resort’s location on Kiawah Island also boasts ten miles

7. Governor Thomas Bennett House

A Federal-style 1825 mansion with an elliptical staircase and tiered piazzas, tucked into a walled garden that feels miles from the King Street bustle.

Why you’ll love it

• Historic and Southern Charm: The Thomas Bennett House, built in 1825, exudes Southern charm and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The venue boasts manicured lawns, seasonal plantings, and a picturesque fountain, creating a romantic and intimate setting. 
• Location: Mere minutes from the busy streets of Charleston, this venue sits in the heart of the Historic Charleston peninsula.

8. William Aiken House

A sunshine-yellow 1807 landmark starring ballrooms, gardens and a centuries-old magnolia tree—a living ceremony arch if ever there was one.

Why you’ll love it

• National Historic Landmark: The William Aiken House is a stunning 1807 mansion, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It features ballrooms, covered piazzas, and expansive gardens, offering a range of options for ceremony and reception locations. 
• Flexible Layout: The venue provides a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing couples more options and opportunities to perfect their vision. The house’s layout allows for a smooth flow between different events, from the ceremony to the reception and cocktail hour. 
• Onsite Catering: Their in-house culinary team conveniently designs custom menus tailored to individual tastes. 
• Central Location: The William Aiken House is located in the heart of downtown Charleston, making it easily accessible for guests and providing easy access to nearby hotels and attractions within walking distance.

9. The Gibbes Museum

A 1905 Beaux-Arts masterpiece on Meeting Street where soaring galleries, a Tiffany-style glass-dome rotunda, and a European-inspired sculpture garden turn your wedding into a living work of art.

Why you’ll love it

• Art-soaked ambience – Say “I do” beneath the stained-glass dome in the grand Rotunda, then dine amid paintings and sculptures in the Campbell Lecture Hall and the Lenhardt Garden.
• Curate your dream team – The museum allows outside caterers and vendors, allowing you to assemble the creative team that matches your unique needs.
• Historic-district convenience – The Gibbes Museums is mere steps away from top hotels, bars, and after-party spots, so guests can explore Charleston without a shuttle schedule.

10. Middleton Place

America’s oldest landscaped gardens, butterfly-wing lakes, and the Ashley River backdrop give this National Historic Landmark its storybook grandeur. Choose the Crane Pool lawn, the riverside Inn Bluff or the glass-walled Pavilion for receptions up to 200.

Why you’ll love it

• Breathtaking Location: Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark with amazing views of the Ashley River, an iconic House Museum, Spanish moss-draped oak trees, and pristine gardens. 
• Versatile Event Spaces: This venue offers a range of indoor and outdoor locations for ceremonies and receptions, including the Pavilion with its large floor space and outdoor terrace.
• On-Site Accommodation: The Inn at Middleton Place provides convenient lodging for wedding guests, with rooms offering wooded or river views. 
• Convenient Location: Middleton Place is located just 14 miles from downtown Charleston, making it easily accessible for guests. 
• On-Site Parking: There is ample parking available on the property, including designated areas for buses and oversized vehicles. 

Turning the Dream into a Date

Securing one of these coveted venues is just the first waltz step; orchestrating permits, load-ins, rainfall contingencies and as many as 200 delighted guests is the full choreography. Lenai Events offers the relationships, technical know-how, and Southern-soigné style to make the exclusive feel effortless.

Ready to claim your Charleston wedding date? Inquire here, and let’s craft a celebration as extraordinary as the location.