No other city in the Southeast offers a backdrop for weddings as beautiful, historic and timeless as Charleston, S.C. In fact, in recent years, Charleston has soared to top of the list of U.S. cities for destination weddings by offering a multitude of premier venues and services for any size wedding.
What exactly is a destination wedding? It is when an engaged couple travels to a special place to get married. The trip can include just the happy couple or include a group of the bride and groom's family and friends. By definition, anything goes, from a fairytale wedding on the grounds of an old Southern plantation to exchanging vows on the ocean floor during a scuba diving excursion.
One of the most enticing aspects of planning a destination wedding in the Charleston area is that it is often more cost-efficient than planning a hometown affair. The historic city offers a wide range of professional services at a fraction of the cost couples would pay in major cities like New York, Boston or Chicago.
Consistently named one of the top travel destinations in the nation, Charleston is well-known for its gracious Southern hospitality. The historic city is home to dozens of fine restaurants, shopping opportunities galore, relaxing stretches of sandy beach, a plethora of interesting tourist attractions, a multitude of world-class golf courses and other outdoor sporting options and much more! Anyone with a few spare hours on their hands can discover their own special adventures to enjoy before and after the wedding festivities.
With about half of the marriage licenses issued in Charleston County in recent year going to out-of-towners, bakers, florists, musicians, caterers, photographers, events planners and transportation providers from across the area have customized their services to meet this growing clientele. And the area also boasts its own legendary "marrying Sams" who ensure a memorable ceremony, even in the most unique setting.
Not only is Charleston the most romantic wedding destination in the Southeast, it is also a top-ranked honeymoon destination. Combining a wedding and honeymoon in the same area instantly adds value to the proceedings. And since the Charleston area offers a wide diversity in settings, a couple can get married and hold a reception in 19th-century downtown Charleston, then honeymoon at a modern, full service beach resort just a few miles away.
Weddings are the only events happening in Charleston. Many event planners say people are more likely to attend an event held in the Charleston area than any other destination in the nation. That's because the options for corporate retreats and other events are plentiful. From Summerville to Mount Pleasant to the Sea Islands, you'll find excellent restaurants, historic plantations and plenty of ambiance.
Best of all, events are not limited to a hotel ballroom. The beach can make a soothing backdrop for a strategic planning retreat. The waterfront offers nautical- and maritime-themed venues. A plantation can include a Southern-style menu. Or try one of the regions many parks, complete with team-building activities and high-tech amenities.
For a guide to wedding services available in Charleston, click here.
In a 19th century brick warehouse located just north of historic Broad Street, you'll taste what the Maverick brand of southern cooking is all about. Award-winning executive chef Frank Lee starts with the Carolina Lowcountry's rich resources, then adds his own blend of flavors.
Geiss & Sons Jewelry is a family tradition since 1919 when the first store opened in Brazil. Visit our historic Charleston location for unique designs, high quality, enduring value and customer service. Collections include diamond classics, South Sea and cultured pearls, designer platinum and gold jewelry. Diamond engagement ring specialists. Custom work by master goldsmiths schooled in Europe.
At Berlins For Men. Tuxedos, vests, shoes, and accessories from After Six, Perry Ellis, Jean Yves, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Chaps, Lord West, Fumigali, Formal 1, Raffinati, Andrew Fezza, and Bill Blass. Free pick up service in the downtown Charleston area. On site tailor for last minute alterations. Same day service. Groom's gifts.
No other city in the Southeast offers a backdrop for weddings as beautiful, historic and timeless as Charleston, S.C. In fact, in recent years, Charleston has soared to top of the list of U.S. cities for destination weddings by offering a multitude of premier venues and services for any size wedding.
Not only is Charleston the most romantic wedding destination in the Southeast, it is also a top-ranked honeymoon destination. Combining a wedding and honeymoon in the same area instantly adds value to the proceedings. And since the Charleston area offers a wide diversity in settings, a couple can get married and hold a reception in 19th-century downtown Charleston, then honeymoon at a modern, full service beach resort just a few miles away.
In a 19th century brick warehouse located just north of historic Broad Street, you'll taste what the Maverick brand of southern cooking is all about. Award-winning executive chef Frank Lee starts with the Carolina Lowcountry's rich resources, then adds his own blend of flavors.
Geiss & Sons Jewelry is a family tradition since 1919 when the first store opened in Brazil. Visit our historic Charleston location for unique designs, high quality, enduring value and customer service. Collections include diamond classics, South Sea and cultured pearls, designer platinum and gold jewelry. Diamond engagement ring specialists. Custom work by master goldsmiths schooled in Europe.
At Berlins For Men. Tuxedos, vests, shoes, and accessories from After Six, Perry Ellis, Jean Yves, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta, Chaps, Lord West, Fumigali, Formal 1, Raffinati, Andrew Fezza, and Bill Blass. Free pick up service in the downtown Charleston area. On site tailor for last minute alterations. Same day service. Groom's gifts. 
