If you’re searching for a wedding venue with a seamless blend of luxury and sophistication, then you’ve come to the right place. William Aiken House is a hidden gem right in your backyard that most people don’t know about. Read on to learn why the William Aiken House wedding venue in downtown Charleston has been named the premiere wedding venue in South Carolina by Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides!
About the William Aiken House
The city of Charleston, full of history and romance, has such a precious charm to it. This is a perfect city to get married in, especially at the William Aiken House. This historic 1807 mansion is full of 19th-century allure and modern sophistication. This wedding venue is sweeping ballrooms, lush private grounds, open-air piazzas, formal dining rooms and a few parlors. The museum owns a caliber collection of artwork and antiques throughout the house. The grounds also feature a two-century-year-old magnolia tree.
Details of the Grounds
Ceremony
When you’re on the William Aiken House property, you can take advantage of many locations on-site for your ceremony and reception. For a ceremony site, you can choose to say your “I dos” at the Fountain Ceremony Site. This space is outdoors and features an elegant pergola and a reflection pool. The front lawn is also a popular location to host your ceremony as it can seat 200 guests, so it’s perfect for large weddings. Want more of a romantic setting? Check out a wedding ceremony in front of the magnolia tree. This garden-like area offers a super intimate setting. It is located close in proximity to Oyster Tabby Terrace for your reception. The last ceremony location is the Carriage House Lot which seats 140 guests.
Reception
For reception spaces at the William Aiken House, you can hold your reception in Oyster Tabby Terrace. This location seats 160 guests and features large, paved outdoor areas with pictures showcasing some couples using the large white tent to cover the area. The Upper-Level Ballroom and Lower Level Ballroom are also great options. The Upper Ballroom features a coral and gold color scheme, chandeliers, and a fireplace. The Lower Ballroom features teal and gold chandeliers and windows that double as doors to the outer terrace. Other options for smaller weddings are the Front Lawn (80 seated guests) and the Carriage House Lot (96 seated guests).
Cocktail Hour and Getting Ready
The expansive outdoor covered piazzas are garden-like areas perfect for smaller events like cocktail hours. The balconies can be used for high-top cocktail tables, and the upper wraparound terrace is also great for cocktail hour.
If you need a place to get ready for your day, there aren’t any rooms explicitly listed as bride and groom suites at the William Aiken House. However, there are still plenty of rooms to utilize to get ready. The Parlor Ready Room is red and gold and is home to a fireplace. There are also two Carriage House Suites and Stable Suites as well.
The William Aiken House has wireless internet throughout the property, is handicap accessible, and has accommodations such as the Carriage House with 2 suites.
Photography Opportunities at the William Aiken House
As a Charelston wedding photographer, I’m always looking for and thinking of unique places on the property to capture the best wedding photos. After all, these photos will last a lifetime, so I like to ensure each of my clients gets exactly what they are looking for on their wedding day! Some of the great locations at the William Aiken House include:
- Pergola
- Fountain area (features greenery, reflection pool)
- Outside Carriage House
- Lower Level Terrace with black and white marble floors
- Parlor Room
- Upper Ballroom
- Hedge maze
William Aiken House Wedding Details
When booking your William Aiken House wedding package, one of the main questions you may have is about pricing and what is included in each package. Here is a short breakdown:
- Spring & Autumn Rates
- Mon-Thurs: $3000
- Friday: $6000, $11,000 Food and Beverage minimum
- Saturday: $8000, $16,000 Food and Beverage minimum
- Sunday: $5000
- Summer & Winter Rates
- Mon-Thurs: $1500
- Friday: $3000
- Saturday: $4000, $10,000 Food and Beverage minimum
- Sunday: $2500
Rates include rental of the house and grounds for a 4-hour event, setup, and breakdown. Pricing is subject to change, so make sure you reach out to the William Aiken House for the most up-to-date pricing!
For Your Guests
While your friends and family are in town for your Charleston wedding, they’re going to want to explore the Downtown Charleston area. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the best things to do and best restaurants for your guests!
Restaurants
Things to Do
William Aiken House
Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the best days of your life. While the planning experience can initially seem a bit daunting, one of the best feelings is finding your perfect wedding venue. So check out the William Aiken House wedding venue to book your wedding today!
Are you looking for more Charleston wedding content? Then click below to read more blogs!
Additionally, thank you to all of these amazing vendors for making this editorial come to life:
Wedding Venue: William Aiken House
Photography: Kaitlyn Cole Photography
Makeup Artist: Galya Gornishka
Hair Stylist: Micki
Florist: Keepsakes Florist
Talent: Anna Holloway
Dresses: Timeless Bridal Boutique
Dress Steaming/Care: Press the Dress
Stationery: Pretty Petal Papers
