You said, “Yes!” and now it is time to plan your dream-come-true destination wedding in Charleston, SC. Celebrated as the No. 1 U.S. and No. 10 City in the World in the Travel + Leisure 2018 World’s Best Awards, the Lowcountry has long been a top destination for couples to tie the knot. From stunning venues and expert wedding vendors to culinary adventures and activities galore, the charm of Charleston is downright intoxicating. Follow along as we share a worry-free, step-by-step guide to planning your dream destination wedding in Charleston.

Request a Complimentary Charleston Wedding Guide

It is never too early to start planning your Big Day in the Holy City. Discover all that Charleston has to offer with a complimentary copy of the Charleston Wedding Guide. Explore 180 pages of full-color photography and highlights of the Charleston area’s top wedding vendors, venues, a 12-month itinerary and a downloadable destination to-do checklist!

Pick a Planner

The key to making your destination wedding worry-free is to work with a professional event planner. You’ve dreamed it; they will make it happen. From full service event design, styled elopements or day or coordination, these professionals coordinate perfect days, perfectly.

Book Your Lodging

Charleston is famed for its indelible hospitality and offers countless places to stay and play. From oceanside retreats to epicurean escapes and everything in between, Charleston offers an endless welcome. When your guests check into Charleston, they will thank you …we promise.

Find Your Frock

While you are visiting the Lowcountry to tour your venue, meet with your florist, photographer and enjoying food tastings for the Big Day. Be sure to save time to shop for the perfect look for your aisle debut. Charleston boasts a number of beautiful bridal boutiques, including Betty Bridal Atelier, Mason Hosker, Bella Bridesmaids and more. A huge perk to purchasing your gown locally: the boutique will deliver the your expertly fitted and steamed wedding dress directly to your accommodations so you are stress-free and picture perfect. Michelle Miller of Southern Protocol Bridal shared, “About 50% of our brides are destination brides getting married in Charleston, who feel that it is much easier to get their dresses here rather than travel with them.”

Plan a Bach Weekend

With so much excitement leading up to the main event, take time out to celebrate with your wedding party. Hit the links with the boys for a relaxing 18-hole round of golf on award-winning courses, meet with girls for bubbles and beach yoga, jump on a private tour with Party Bus Charleston, take a pub tour downtown or join your crew for a paddle with Coastal Expeditions. Charleston offers a plethora of fun and unique bachelor/bachelorette party ideas and locales that you won’t soon forget.

Invite Your Guests to #ExploreCharleston

Invite your guests to #ExploreCharleston before they even step foot in the Holy City! Send attendees a pre-arrival welcome packet that includes the Explore Charleston Guide. The complimentary copy of the Official Visitors Guide is bursting with insider tips, maps and lists of activities to enjoy in Charleston throughout their stay.

Choose Your Favorite Way to Roll

Greet arriving guests at the airport and transport them to their hotel, and to wedding-related events. If possible, layer in opportunities to sightsee with a guided tour. In Charleston, getting there can be half the fun! Select from trolleys, rickshaws, carriages, limos, private schooner and more. All aboard for a destination wedding adventure!

Gracious Gifting

What better way to welcome your out-of-town guests than with local goodies? Place surprise Charleston-inspired welcome bags in guest rooms. Think locally-produced specialty foods and gifts. No time to create welcome gifts? Don’t worry; local companies like Ooh! Events curate and deliver custom gift boxes for the guests and bridal party.

Make it Personal

Details, details, details! Personalize your guests’ experience from check-in to reception with custom signage. Create welcome greetings, beautiful directional signage, custom maps with the locations of wedding-related events and recommendations for outings during attendees’ downtime.

Get the Party Started!

Now that your guests have arrived, let the fun begin! Plan a welcome reception to kick off the matrimonial festivities. Whether you envision a rooftop soiree, sunset sail, beachside bash or celebration on the deck of the USS Yorktown, Charleston has the perfect venue to toast to your happily ever after.

Savor Southern Fare

Charleston’s celebrated cuisine and craft cocktail scene is ready to play a starring role in your destination wedding. From haute Southern hors d’oeuvres to casual peel-n-eat shrimp, no matter what style you desire, it promises to be delicious! Delight your guests with a custom menu that reflects your tastes and that is infused with locally-sourced ingredients. Explore limitless options with the help of your event planner and catering chef. Be sure to consider options for attendees with dietary restrictions and plan menu selections suitable for children.

Big Day Beauty

Tresses and dresses. Before heading down the aisle, relax and indulge on your special day. Be it a spa retreat or spending time in a private bridal suite at Kinz & Co. Salon to get ready with your besties, it is time to sparkle from head to toe!

Learn more about all Charleston has to offer here.