What bride doesn’t dream of making a grand entrance down a centuries-old curved staircase? Just imagining the faces of their guests as they prepare to say their “I do’s” in a historic mansion will bring joy and pride to the happy couple. The gorgeous crystal chandeliers, period wallpaper, and dramatic fireplaces provide the perfect backdrop for photographs that become family heirlooms.
What Makes Charleston Mansions Special?
From the beautiful facades to the manicured grounds and numerous amenities, Charleston mansions offer the perfect wedding venue. They are incredible properties, some of which are listed on the National Register for Historic Places. They are often named after famous local luminaries and boast impressive collections of antiques and period decor.
Some of the inns consist of the main mansion and a separate “kitchen house” to ensure safety in case of fire. The kitchen houses today usually contain guest suites and sitting rooms. Several of the larger inns can accommodate 50 or more wedding guests.
Mansion Guest Rooms Offer Elegance and Charm
When reviewing Charleston mansions for wedding suites, one can find some with twelve-foot ceilings, king-sized four-poster rice beds with arched canopies, fireplaces, sitting areas, antique Italian chandeliers, huge marble bathrooms with multiple vanities, whirlpools, and standing showers. Some suites offer windows over nine feet tall that look out onto the gorgeous surrounding grounds.
Some of the best Charleston mansions offer up to a dozen guest rooms, each with its own private bathroom, coffee maker, flat-screen television, period antiques, and reproduction furniture. Many of the rooms have fireplaces and verandas overlooking the manicured grounds. One of the top mansions in the area offers three floors in the main house and two guest suites in the separate kitchen house.
A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words
Top wedding photographers in Charleston rave about its mansions for classic, timeless settings for wedding memories. From elegant curved wooden staircases to outdoor piazzas, drawing rooms, and picturesque porches and gardens, there is no lack of fabulous photo backdrops. And as budget-minded couples will appreciate, there is no need for additional lighting, curtains, or dramatic decorations to be rented for their event.
The Space Doubles as the Décor
Beautiful decor is essential to setting the mood for the wedding and/or reception. Is the venue naturally beautiful and impressive, or does it require additional decorative elements, lighting, or pizzazz? Venues with spectacular architecture, antique furnishings, and unique decor provide the perfect backdrops for unforgettable photographs without having to rent anything for the event.
Why Is the Choice of a Wedding Venue So Important?
When couples get engaged, one of the first things they need to choose (after choosing each other) is a venue for their wedding and/or reception. There are several factors to consider, including the size of their guest list, location, budget, and desired ambiance.
The venue literally sets the stage for the vows and celebration. From the moment the guests arrive, couples want them to be impressed by the location they’ve chosen. They also want guests of all ages to be comfortable and enjoy themselves. More and more, couples are choosing unique venues that reflect their interests and personalities.
A Single Location Is More Convenient for Guests
While some opt for a church wedding with a reception at another venue, there are many benefits to selecting a single location for both the ceremony and reception, if possible. For example, travel time and stress are eliminated, which is especially important for out of town guests navigating an unfamiliar city. Photographers will appreciate having a single setting for all their photographs. And there is often significant savings associated with holding the events at a single location, which is more easily managed by an event coordinator or wedding planner.
Indoor or Outdoor?
When trying to decide if couples want an outdoor or indoor wedding and reception in Charleston, remember that the weather is usually mild – but sometimes unpredictable – depending on the season. Research shows that most guests prefer an indoor space for weddings and receptions to take advantage of air conditioning when needed (and to avoid sinking into the grass with high heels)!
Things to Do in Charleston
Many couples wish to include welcome baskets for out of town guests that include their own curated lists of things to do and restaurants to visit. In Charleston, there are myriad interesting and unique attractions to offer. With 18 restaurants and over 50 attractions within a third of a mile, some of the best mansions are centrally located for their adventurous guests’ enjoyment and entertainment. Historic Charleston is a coastal city known for its down-home dining, charm, and hospitality. From horse-drawn carriage rides to nighttime ghost tours, the options are endless.
The Earlier, the Better
Top wedding planners advise couples that the best venues are reserved up to eighteen months in advance, so an early start to the search is essential. In fact, if the couple has the flexibility (and aren’t set on a date for sentimental reasons), it’s recommended that they choose the venue even before they set a wedding date.
Say “Yes” to a Charleston Historic Wedding Venue
With some Charleston mansion wedding venues boasting over two thousand square feet of common area, there is plenty of room for an entire wedding party to enjoy the nuptials and then relax in their own private room or suite. To simplify wedding planning, Charleston mansion managers can recommend their preferred and experienced vendors for catering, flowers, officiants, musicians, and photography. For more information and details on amenities and wedding packages, it’s recommended that couples look well in advance of their desired wedding date.
