Wavering Place is a beautiful historic plantation right outside of Columbia. In addition to the beauty of the historic home on the property, there are two extra additions to the grounds: One is the redesigned original kitchen house that the girls usually get ready in (it’s BEAUTIFUL) and the other is an open air covered reception space. The reception space, known as the Green Tree house, has built in fireplaces, restrooms, a prep kitchen, and can be fully enclosed with clear tent walls. Wavering has no trouble accommodating a large dance floor, a band, a tent, and offers many different ceremony locations throughout the grounds and gardens. Parking is never an issue, and it satisfies every bride’s goals of wanting a garden southern feel.

You should know: The main house is not open to guests during weddings (the guys can get ready on the ground floor, and brides can walk out of the front door for the ceremony, but the home is not open to guests).

If Lowcountry marsh is high on your list, Lowndes may be the place for you. This is one of those venues where if you’re not outside taking portraits as the sun goes down over the waterway, you’re not doing it right. Lowndes is on the Ashley River in Charleston, and the main house is an absolute stunner, boasting what I would consider to be the top getting ready space for brides in all of South Carolina (yes, it’s that good!). The grounds are smaller than the next Charleston venues you will see on our list, and there are no gardens or large Spanish moss trees on this property. But if you love being on the water- this is your winner.

The Lace House is coming in at #3 on our list, and #1 for Columbia venues! Nestled right next door to the Governor, this garden and historic property is breathtaking. All three floors of this home are open to be used, which makes this a very convenient venue for getting ready, and for inclement weather. The bottom floor can hold a large group for dinner, the main floor allows guests to mingle inside and out and includes beautiful balconies overlooking the gardens, and the top floor is where the wedding party has plenty of space to get ready (and not cross paths!).

There are multiple ceremony spots throughout the property, each more unique than the last. The gardens are huge, so even with a guest count of 400 or more, you won’t ever feel crammed. Exit the night away in a getaway car through the mansion gates!

You should know: This venue is priced incredibly well compared to some of the Charleston venues we are about to get into- Saturdays start in the low $3,000’s!

This is a 65 acre property with everything you could imagine. There’s a restaurant. There’s an Inn that holds 55 rooms for your guests. There’s an 18th century plantation in the stable yards. There are Spanish moss trees galore, beautiful marsh views, butterfly lakes, trails and brides to get lost down, and breaktaking ceremony locations. Middleton is not cheap, but if you truly want the most beautiful outdoor setting to get married, this is it. This one takes the cake.

When you think Charleston wedding, you can’t help but think of saying your vows under an avenue of oaks. Well, this is the spot! Rows of Spanish moss oak trees line one of the most popular ceremony sites in the state. It’s breathtaking. The grounds also have tons of beautiful portrait locations, including gates, ponds and colorful gardens.

What makes this venue jump to number one is the design of the house: Each upstairs room is a beautiful space different from the last, and every single one has its own bathroom. The ground floor is open to guests, the upstairs is for the wedding party, and the reception can be tented or open around the back, overlooking the ponds and the oaks. The home is beautiful, and the grounds will not disappoint. This venue can get up to $8,000 in peak season, so getting creative with time of year or day of the week may be crucial for budget!