Welcome to Charleston, where moss-draped oak trees, pastel historic houses, cobblestone streets, and Lowcountry grace create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. Whether you’re hosting your own wedding or welcoming out-of-town guests, this city is filled with photo-worthy scenery, incredible food and drink, and experiences you’ll remember for years to come.
I’m Alisha Cory, a Charleston wedding and lifestyle photographer. I believe every couple deserves to experience the best of the city while celebrating their love. From leisurely mornings to golden-hour adventures, these are my favorite fun things to do in Charleston during your wedding weekend. Each one is memorable, easy to reach, and full of opportunities to create beautiful, meaningful images together.
Fun Things to Do In Charleston on Your Wedding Weekend:
- Brunch & Spa
- Create-Your-Own Candle
- Morning Coffee & Bike Ride
- Helicopter Tour
- Sail Charleston Harbor
- Luxury Picnic
- Design a Custom Hat
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
- Local Shopping
- Charleston’s Finest Hotels
- Old Mount Pleasant
- The Battery & Waterfront Park
- Cocktails at the Citrus Club
- Oyster Roast
- Historic Plantations & Gardens
- Fine-Dining
1. Stay at The Dunlin, Enjoy Brunch at Lynnette’s Kitchen & Cocktails, and Unwind at The Astor Spa
Begin your weekend in true Lowcountry style at The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection on Johns Island. Nestled along the Kiawah River, this serene resort offers cottage-inspired rooms, wrap-around porches, and peaceful views of the marsh. It’s an ideal place to slow down before the excitement of the weekend begins.
Start your morning with brunch at Linnette’s Kitchen & Cocktails, where mimosas and coastal flavors set a relaxed tone. Then, spend the afternoon at The Astor Spa for a rejuvenating experience that prepares you perfectly for the days ahead.
2. Create Your Signature Scent at Candlefish on King Street
Add a creative twist to your weekend by visiting Candlefish, a boutique candle company in Charleston. You can take a candle-making workshop. You choose from more than 100 scents to create a custom fragrance that will always remind you of your Charleston wedding weekend. It’s a cozy and intimate activity that makes for beautiful candid photos and a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
3. Coffee at The Daily and a Morning Bike Ride Through Hampton Park
Ease into your day with a stop at The Daily, one of Charleston’s favorite coffee spots. From there, rent bikes at Bilda Bike and heading to Hampton Park. The park’s tree-lined paths, gentle ponds, and soft morning light make it a peaceful place to explore. It’s perfect for a quiet break before guests arrive or as a relaxed start to your weekend itinerary.
4. See the City from Above with a Helicopter Tour
For a moment of adventure, book a helicopter tour with FLY In Helicopters and see Charleston from a breathtaking new perspective. Flying over the city’s steeples, barrier islands, and winding waterways is an unforgettable experience that captures the beauty of the region in a single view. It’s thrilling, romantic, and truly unforgettable – an ideal way to add something extraordinary to your weekend.
5. Sail Charleston Harbor at Sunset
Book a private sailboat with Charleston Sailing Charters and experience the harbor at golden hour. Bring a picnic, pour champagne, and enjoy the sea breeze as the sun sets over the water.
Whether you’re sharing the evening with guests or enjoying time as a couple, it’s one of the most romantic fun things to do in Charleston and a perfect setting for sunset portraits.
6. Book a Luxury Picnic in Charleston’s Most Scenic Spots
Spend an afternoon enjoying a styled picnic curated by one of Charleston’s local luxury picnic companies. Think soft blankets, florals, and artisan snacks, all arranged beneath the oak trees or along the shoreline.
Choose your location – Hampton Park, White Point Garden, or Folly Beach – and let the moment unfold naturally. It’s simple, elegant, and incredibly photogenic.
7. Design a Custom Hat in Downtown Charleston
Step into one of Charleston’s boutique hat studios, such as Marsh & Magnolia, and design your own personalized piece. You can choose your materials, add ribbons or feathers, and walk away with a stylish accessory you’ll wear long after the weekend ends. It’s a fun, creative way to express your personal style and capture a few playful photos along the way.
8. Ride Through the Historic District with Palmetto Carriage Works
See Charleston’s historic architecture from a different perspective by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride with Old South Carriage Co. or Palmetto Carriage Works. Founded in 1972, the company offers guided tours that share stories of the city’s rich past as you ride past gardens, churches, and centuries-old homes.
A private tour for two feels intimate and timeless, especially when followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant like Sorelle.
9. Shop for Keepsakes and Local Finds on King Street
Explore the boutiques of King Street, where you’ll find a mix of designer stores and locally owned shops. Stop by Clayton & Crume for custom leather goods, browse the Preservation Society Shop for custom Brackish items, and wander until you find something that feels like Charleston.
It’s not just shopping – it’s an experience. The streets, architecture, and shopfronts make for beautiful photo moments throughout the afternoon.
10. Stay Downtown at The Emeline, Planters Inn, or The Charleston Place
If you prefer to stay in the center of the city, The Emeline, Planters Inn, and The Charleston Place are all excellent choices. These hotels combine historic design with modern luxury and easy access to the city’s best dining and attractions. The perfect places to recharge after experiencing so many fun things to do in Charleston.
Start the day with coffee at Clerks, explore the City Market, and enjoy lunch at Magnolias or Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar. When you’re downtown, you’re always close to Rainbow Row, The Battery, and other landmarks that make Charleston so special.
11. Spend a Day in Old Mount Pleasant and at Isle of Palms Beach
For a change of scenery, head across the bridge to Old Mount Pleasant, where oak-shaded streets and local shops offer a slower pace. Visit Post House Inn for brunch or a stay, then continue on to Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island for a beach afternoon. This small adventure captures the full range of the Charleston experience, from historic streets to sandy shores.
12. Watch the Sunset from The Battery and Waterfront Park
End the day with one of Charleston’s most iconic views. Take a walk along The Battery, pause by the Pineapple Fountain, and watch the sun sink over the harbor as sailboats drift past. It’s a romantic and effortless way to close out your evening and enjoy the beauty of the city.
13. Sip Cocktails at The Dewberry Hotel’s Citrus Club
For a chic evening, head to The Dewberry and make your way to the Citrus Club, the hotel’s rooftop bar. With sweeping city views and a sophisticated atmosphere, it’s perfect for a rehearsal weekend toast or a relaxed date night. Enjoy a cocktail as the light fades across the skyline and you’ll see why this spot has become one of Charleston’s favorites.
14. Experience a Classic Charleston Oyster Roast or Cooking Class
Diving into the culinary culture is one of the best fun things to do in Charleston. Join a Lowcountry oyster roast if one is happening during your stay, or book a Southern cooking class to learn how to make shrimp and grits or she-crab soup. These experiences bring people together, celebrate the region’s traditions, and offer plenty of opportunities for great conversation and even better photos.
15. Tour Charleston’s Historic Plantations and Gardens
Spend an afternoon surrounded by history and nature at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Middleton Place, or Drayton Hall. Each site showcases the area’s architectural beauty, sprawling grounds, and centuries-old oak trees.
It’s an inspiring way to connect with Charleston’s heritage while taking in some of the most breathtaking views in the region.
Bonus: A Fine-Dining Night to Remember
End your wedding weekend on a high note with an evening of fine dining and celebration. Stay at The Loutrel or Hotel Bennett, enjoy dinner at Tempest or 167 Raw Bar, and finish with a nightcap at The Watch Rooftop or Church & Union It’s the perfect closing chapter to a weekend filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.
Capture It All with Alisha Cory Photography
Your wedding weekend is more than one day. It’s the brunches, the strolls, the laughter, and the quiet in-between moments that make it truly yours. These fun things to do in Charleston are just what you need to create an unforgettable weekend. Full-weekend photography coverage ensures every part of your story is beautifully preserved, from your arrival to your farewell brunch.
As your Charleston wedding photographer, I’ll capture the emotion, light, and authenticity that make your celebration unique. Together, we’ll turn every meaningful moment into a memory that lasts a lifetime.
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