Charleston has long been a destination for those seeking a unique and picturesque setting for events. The city has also played a significant role in American history be it from its involvement in the American Revolution to its critical position in the Civil War. It doesn’t matter if you are planning a wedding, corporate gathering, or social event the city offers a variety of venues that capture its historical essence while also providing modern amenities. This article will be exploring some of the top event venues in Charleston, South Carolina.
Venue Name | Capacity Details | Contact Details |
1500 (The Grand Ballroom) | +1 843-242-3099 | |
500 | +1 843-793-4103 | |
200 (Ballroom & Walled Garden) | +1 843-558-8000 | |
1100 (largest space capacity) | +1 843-723-3000 | |
500 | +1 843-853-1810 | |
300 | +1 843-556-6871 | |
300 | +1 843-884-4371 | |
80 – 300 | +1 843-723-7952 | |
350 – 500 | +1 843-722-2706 | |
800 | +1 877-683-1234 | |
250 | +1 843-737-4281 | |
400 (Rivers Ballroom) | +1 843-723-9680 | |
400 | +1 843-722-0600 | |
350 (Crown Ballroom) | +1 833-313-1798 | |
550 (Hibernian Hall) 218 Guest Rooms | +1 843-577-2400 | |
50 – 75 | +1 843-577-7970 | |
965 | +1 843-853-2252 | |
Indoor: 200 Outdoor: 200-230 | +1 843-789-1780 | |
500 | +1 843-953-7696 | |
304 | +1 843-853-1810 |
Top Event Venues:
1. Charleston Gaillard Center
- Location: 95 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- Website: Charleston Gaillard Center
- Details:
The Charleston Gaillard Center is a premier performance hall and event space in the heart of downtown Charleston with a seating capacity of hosting 1800 guests in its Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall. It is a top choice for hosting large scale events be it from symphony performances to corporate conferences.
The center is known by the people for its grand architecture and world class performance hall. It is named after a former mayor that combines classical architecture with modern acoustics and is perfect for hosting large conferences, concerts and galas.
2. The Cedar Room
- Location: 701 E Bay St., No. 200, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: The Cedar Room
- Details:
The Cedar Room is an industrial chic event space that offers a blend of history and modern elegance and is housed in the historic Cigar Factory. This 8000 square foot space features exposed brick walls, large windows that flood the room with natural light and stunning views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and is perfect for hosting a wide range of celebrations like weddings, corporate events, galas and social gatherings that can accommodate up to 500 guests for cocktail receptions and 300 for seated dinners.
3. The Dewberry Charleston
- Location: 334 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: The Dewberry Charleston
- Details:
The Dewberry Charleston is a luxury hotel that offers a variety of event spaces and each space has its own unique style and atmosphere. It is located in a former federal building and is a masterpiece of mid century design with a Southern twist. The venue has a capacity of hosting 190 guests in auditorium, 81 guests in classroom, 33 guests in U-shape and 175 guests in reception style event in its Grand Ballroom.
It is a perfect venue for hosting weddings and large gatherings and for hosting smaller events the hotel offers The Walled Garden, a lush outdoor space that provides a serene setting for intimate gatherings. The hotel has an elegant interiors that is inspired by Southern charm and 1960s design and provide a sophisticated backdrop for hosting any events. It has a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city which is a popular spot for hosting cocktail receptions.
4. Charleston Marriott
- Location: 170 Lockwood Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: Charleston Marriott
- Details:
The Charleston Marriott is a versatile venue spread over 30,000 square feet of event space. It that offers a blend of modern amenities and Southern hospitality that can accommodate up to 1100 attendees.
This hotel offers a variety of meeting rooms and event spaces and is present in the prime location near the Ashley River, due to which it provides stunning water views, making it a picturesque setting for events. The hotel has a outdoor patio with views of the river and city skyline that is a popular spot for hosting receptions, cocktail hours, conferences, weddings and other large events.
5. The William Aiken House
- Location: 456 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: The William Aiken House
- Details:
The William Aiken House is one of Charleston’s most iconic venues and is a National Historic Landmark that offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history. It was built in 1810 and is surrounded by lush gardens and courtyards. As a result, it provides a picturesque setting for hosting weddings and social events. The venue has spacious gardens, carriage houses and piazzas, which provide a romantic setting for weddings and special events.
It is known for its classic Southern charm, which offers a unique blend of history and elegance in the heart of downtown Charleston. The William Aiken House is not just a venue, it is a journey back in time where guests can experience the charm and sophistication of Charleston’s golden era.
6. Founders Hall
- Location: 1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407, USA
- Website: Founders Hall
- Details:
The Founders Hall is a modern event venue that is set within the historic Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site and offers a contemporary space surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.
The hall features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding oak trees and gardens. It is an ideal venue for hosting weddings, corporate events and social gatherings.
7. Boone Hall Plantation
- Location: 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
- Website: Boone Hall Plantation
- Details:
The Boone Hall Plantation is one of America’s oldest working plantations, whose history dates back to 1681 and it offers a variety of settings for events, including the majestic Avenue of Oaks, which provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. The plantation’s “Cotton Dock” can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers breathtaking views of the tidal marsh.
8. Historic Rice Mill
- Location: 17 Lockwood Dr UNIT 101, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- Website: Historic Rice Mill
- Details:
The Historic Rice Mill is a waterfront venue with a rich history dating back to the 1861 and it offers stunning views of the Ashley River with a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. This venue is the last of Charleston’s antebellum rice mills still standing. As a result, it becomes a significant part of the city’s history.
The space features a main ballroom with exposed brick walls, wooden beams and large windows that provide a picturesque view of the river. The building has original exposed brick and hardwood floors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Historic Rice Mill is an ideal setting for hosting weddings, receptions and social events by offering a blend of historic charm and modern elegance.
9. The Gibbes Museum of Art
- Location: 135 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- Website: The Gibbes Museum of Art
- Details:
The Gibbes Museum of Art is a premier venue for art lovers and event planners alike and is a cultural landmark that offers a variety of spaces for hosting any events with a capacity of 350 seated guests or 500 guests for cocktail receptions.
The museum has a Beaux Arts building, which provides an elegant setting for weddings, receptions, galas and corporate events. It offers a sophisticated setting surrounded by a stunning collection of American art and the museum’s classical architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens provide an elegant backdrop for any event, making it one of Charleston’s most sought after venues.
10. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
- Location: 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, SC 29455, USA
- Website: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
- Details:
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is a luxurious oceanfront resort that offers a range of event spaces, be it from grand ballrooms to intimate beachside settings. It is known by the people for its stunning views and world-class amenities and this venue offers a range of indoor and outdoor spaces that include ballrooms, boardrooms and beachfront locations.
The resort is an ideal venue for hosting large weddings and corporate events and for smaller gatherings, the resort offers several outdoor venues, including The Terrace Lawn, which provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
11. The Gadsden House
- Location: 38 Alexander St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- Website: The Gadsden House
- Details:
The Gadsden House is a beautifully restored 18th-century historic mansion located in the heart of downtown Charleston. This venue combines historic charm with modern elegance. As a result, it offers a range of indoor and outdoor spaces. It was built in 1798 and since then the venue offers a timeless setting for weddings and social events.
The house features grand parlors, a sweeping staircase and a courtyard garden that provides a romantic and elegant atmosphere for any occasion it hosts. It has a timeless beauty and intimate atmosphere, which makes it an ideal venue for hosting weddings, social gatherings and corporate events.
12. Harbour Club at WestEdge
- Location: 22 Westedge St. Suite 700, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: Harbour Club at WestEdge
- Details:
The Harbour Club at WestEdge is a modern and upscale venue that is located in Charleston’s WestEdge district and it offers panoramic views of the Ashley River and the Charleston skyline by providing a stunning backdrop for all the events it hosts.
The Rivers Ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests and features contemporary design elements, which include floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop terrace. It is known by the people for its sleek design, excellent service and versatile event spaces that make it a top choice for business meetings, social events and celebrations.
13. Francis Marion Hotel
- Location: 387 King St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: Francis Marion Hotel
- Details:
The Francis Marion Hotel is a historic landmark in downtown Charleston with a capacity to host up to 400 for a seated dinner and offers a blend of Southern elegance and modern amenities.
It was built in 1924 and the hotel has grand ballrooms that include the Gold Ballroom and the Carolina Ballroom, which makes it an ideal venue for hosting weddings, galas and corporate events. The venue is named after the Revolutionary War hero, i.e., the “Swamp Fox.”
14. Hotel Bennett
- Location: 404 King St., Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: Hotel Bennett
- Details:
The Hotel Bennett is located on Charleston’s iconic Marion Square and is a luxury hotel that offers a variety of event spaces, each with its own unique style. It is known by the people for its opulent interiors and exceptional service and provides an elegant setting for hosting weddings, corporate events and social gatherings.
The hotel has a rooftop bar with its panoramic views of Charleston. As a result, it adds a touch of sophistication and glamour to any event hosted by the venue. The Hotel Bennett’s attention to detail and luxurious atmosphere make it one of Charleston’s most sought-after venues.
15. The Mills House
- Location: 115 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- Website: The Mills House
- Details:
The Mills House is a historic hotel located in the French Quarter of Charleston and offers a variety of elegant event spaces. The hotel has a Barbadoes Room with its classic Southern decor and grand chandeliers, which makes it an ideal venue for hosting weddings and social events.
The venue has a pink facade and elegant interiors, which makes it a standout venue in Charleston and it is known for its Southern hospitality and charm, which makes it a popular choice for hosting weddings, receptions and corporate events that seek a blend of history and elegance. The Mills House also offers a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, which provides a picturesque setting for cocktail receptions.
16. The Vendue
- Location: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- Website: The Vendue
- Details:
The Vendue is a boutique hotel that doubles as an art gallery that offers a unique setting for events and is located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. It is known by the people for its art-inspired decor and rooftop bar.
The hotel has event spaces that include The Gallery and The Rooftop, which makes it an ideal venue for hosting intimate weddings, receptions, meetings and social gatherings.
17. Charleston Music Hall
- Location: 37 John St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: Charleston Music Hall
- Details:
The Charleston Music Hall is a historic theater that offers a unique and versatile event space with a capacity of accommodating up to 965 seated guests. It was originally built in the mid-19th century and has been restored to its former glory and now it serves as a premier location for concerts, performances and events.
The Hall offers smaller spaces for hosting more intimate events, like the South Carolina Room and the Gallery, making it ideal for hosting concerts, performances and large gatherings.
18. The Governor Thomas Bennett House
- Location: 69 Barre St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
- Website: The Governor Thomas Bennett House
- Details:
The Governor Thomas Bennett House is a grand and historic antebellum mansion that offers a historic and elegant setting for events. It was built in 1825 and is surrounded by lush gardens.
The venue features a sweeping staircase, grand parlors and a piazza with views of the Ashley River, due to which it provides a romantic backdrop for all the weddings and small gatherings it hosts. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests, which makes it an ideal venue for hosting weddings and social events.
19. The Citadel Alumni Center
- Location: 69 Hagood Ave, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: The Citadel Alumni Center
- Details:
The Citadel Alumni Center is located on the campus of The Citadel and offers a variety of event spaces that reflect the history and tradition of the military college. It can accommodate up to 500 guests for a plated dinner.
The venue offers a unique setting for events by blending the school’s rich history with modern amenities, which makes it ideal for hosting weddings, conferences and social gatherings. It also offers outdoor spaces that include a courtyard and a terrace with views of the iconic Summerall Chapel.
20. Lowndes Grove Plantation
- Location: 266 St. Margaret Street, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
- Website: Lowndes Grove Plantation
- Details:
The Lowndes Grove Plantation is an 18th-century historic waterfront estate that offers a stunning and picturesque setting for events with a total meeting capacity of hosting 304 guests.
It is located on the banks of the Ashley River and features a grand mansion, lush gardens and a riverside lawn, which provides a picturesque backdrop for weddings and social gatherings. The venue has a timeless beauty and Southern charm, which makes it a sought-after location for hosting weddings, social events and corporate gatherings.
Conclusion:
Charleston, South Carolina, offers an extraordinary array of venues and each venue has its unique charm, history and amenities. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a grand, historic mansion, a modern event space, or a luxurious hotel, Charleston’s diverse selection of venues can accommodate any occasion with style and grace. Charleston’s venues provide the perfect setting for creating unforgettable moments.
