Outdoor Charleston Wedding
Greetings! If you have stumbled across this blog, chances are you are in the process of planning your wedding. Congratulations! With all of its beauty, history and renowned southern charm, Charleston is one of the most popular wedding destinations. Fortunately, temperatures are typically moderate year-round here in the Holy City. This is fabulous news for all future brides! Truly, you really could get married in Charleston on any arbitrary day of the year and have it be a roaring success. That being said, tourism rates rise and fall depending on the seasonal climate. Read on for some further insight so you can pick the perfect date for your upcoming nuptials!
High Seasons (March - May and September - November)
The climate during the two high seasons is moderate and mild, with temperatures ranging from the low to mid-70s°F.
April, May, September and October are the most popular months for weddings.
These two high seasons are ideal for an outdoor ceremony, seeing as temperatures are still genial and pleasant from late March to early June. Charleston is prone to heavy heat and humidity during the summer months which can be overwhelming for those unaccustomed to scorching heat waves.
Fall is also a gorgeous season during which to tie the knot, as the city experiences a reprieve from the humidity and heat of the late summer months and temperatures fall, creating a nearly perfect climate.
Beat the Heat Season (June - August)
June through August are known for hellacious humidity as temperatures can climb well above 90°F and into the triple digits.
These summer months are less ideal for outdoor ceremonies as a result of the thick humidity and soaring temperatures. If you decide to schedule your ceremony during Charleston’s hottest months, make sure you provide a tent with fans or some form of shade for attendees who can’t handle the humid weather conditions.
During these months, natives and visitors alike flock to Charleston’s various beaches in hopes of catching some cool sea breezes to avoid the peninsula’s heavy humidity and high temperatures.
Low Season (December - February)
Budget-savvy brides looking to book the city’s most sought-after venues for a reduced rate would be smart to consider tying the knot during the winter months.
Charleston’s mild winter is perfect for people looking to escape colder climates. During the day, the temperatures average around 60°F and the winter months offer some of the most beautiful days of the entire year.
Here are some additional tips for future brides looking to be wed in the Holy City:
TIP #1: Let’s talk about money, honey! As with every vacation destination, Charleston’s venue prices also abide by the rule of supply and demand. Therefore, expect to pay higher prices when reserving your venue during either of the two high seasons. Alternatively, venue prices drop significantly during the low season when tourism levels slightly decline. To illustrate, Charleston County Parks and Recreation offers various venues for rent, including a luxury lake house. This particular venue is perfect for wedding receptions and can accommodate innumerable guests on the exclusive lakefront property.
Peak Months (March - June & September - November): $4,500 rental fee which includes two overnight stays for up to twelve individuals.
Non-Peak Months (December - February & July - August): $3,500 rental fee which also includes two overnight stays for up to twelve individuals.
*If you’re a bride on a budget, be aware of these price discrepancies so you can make fully informed financial decisions.
Outdoor Ceremony in Charleston, SC
TIP #2: Be aware of Charleston’s large annual events that drive prices and occupancy rates sky-high. Charleston hosts several widely attended events and festivals, during which the city is swarmed with visitors, ultimately making the city difficult to navigate. Here are a few notable events to take into consideration when scheduling your wedding:
April: The Cooper River Bridge Run and The Credit One Charleston Open Tennis Tournament are both held during the same weekend in April.
The Cooper River Bridge Run is one of the largest 10ks in the Southeast and requires the closure of several vital roads and bridges.
The Credit One Charleston Open Tennis Tournament is held on Daniel Island and brings several visitors from all over the world.
May: The College of Charleston graduation ceremony
May - June: For 17 days starting in late May, Charleston is home to the Spoleto Festival, America’s premier performing arts festival. The festival seemingly takes over the Lowcountry during Spoleto during which the city experiences a profound influx in tourism.
*Visit the Explore Charleston website to stay abreast of local events that could impact your special day. You should always verify and double check exact dates on the Explore Charleston Website.
Charleston Groom
TIP#3: Be Aware of Hurricane Season:
Charleston Hurricane Season spans from June 1 to November 30th of every calendar year.
Hurricanes have been known to only make landfall between the middle of August and the middle of October.
It’s good to be aware of the potential for a hurricane to hit on your big day but typically, by the time these storms make landfall, they have been downgraded to a lower level hurricane or sometimes even a tropical storm.
Charleston hasn’t seen any hurricane as devastating as Hurricane Hugo which made landfall in September of 1989.
Okay, bride to be, you are well-informed and better positioned to decide upon a date and venue that is ideal for your wedding celebration. We’ll be seeing you in two shakes of a lamb’s tail!
Photos by: Kate Thornton
Written by office and photo assistant: Chase Porter
