Travel + Leisure magazine just took your destination wedding to the next level: That’s right, Charleston couples – you can now revel in the distinction of welcoming friends and family to the #1 City in the World!
The exciting news, announced just last week as part of the magazine’s 2016 World’s Best Awards, makes our beautiful city the first domestic destination to earn the coveted title. Not only that, but for the fourth consecutive year, readers voted Charleston the Top City in the United States and Canada.
Coupled with the best features of the city we love – its historic charm, fabulous dining scene, waterfront setting, year-round events, flowering magnolia blossoms and stately live oak trees – who wouldn’t want to get married here?
Incorporating a few of these touches that put Charleston at the top of the World’s Best list will give your wedding guests a true Lowcountry welcome and prove you & your mister the total Charleston insiders. Wondering where to start? Here are a few easy tips from the Patrick Properties event team.
Charleston Do: Offer Southern Hospitality Beyond the Big Day
When guests come to visit (and they do, often!), Charleston hosts pull out all the stops. Embrace the opportunity to show off your good taste in wedding locale and some genuine Southern hospitality by treating your crowd to a laid-back welcome reception or farewell brunch.
There are few experiences as authentically Charleston as an oyster roast on the banks of the Ashley River, or a leisurely brunch menu that features shrimp & grits served inside an 1837 Charleston single-style home.
Photo: Amelia and Dan
Photos: Aaron and Jillian Photography
Photo: Amelia and Dan
Photo: Amelia and Dan
Charleston Do: Capture Our Many Charms on Camera
There’s no shortage of fabulous photo ops in Charleston, from a cobblestone streetscape and classic Southern porch to flowering gardens, stately mansions and wooden river docks. And conveniently, you’ll find these across Patrick Properties’ wedding venues and many more just steps away.
Some of our favorite photos below not only capture Charleston’s incredible setting, but also the joy of the moment you’ll treasure long after the wedding day.
Photos: Clay Austin Photography
Left: Britt Croft Photography // Right: Ryan Ray Photography
Photos: Aaron and Jillian Photography
Photo: Liz Banfield
Fun fact: This grand exit shot at Lowndes Grove by photographer Liz Banfield was recently named one of InStyle magazine’s “8 Must-Take Photos at a Summer Wedding.”
Charleston Do: Savor a Lasting First Impression
You both love Charleston, so why not celebrate the setting for your big day with a few unique tributes? From palmetto monograms and pineapple centerpieces, magnolia wreaths to sweetgrass fans – your out-of-town guests will also love special nods that make their first impression so memorable!
Wondering what they’ll really remember? The food! Charleston is renowned for its award-winning restaurants, so bring a taste of the Lowcountry to your wedding menu with local farm-grown ingredients and signature recipes from the Patrick Properties chefs! Must-try: finger-friendly cornbread crostini with pimento cheese & green tomato chow chow, fried hoppin’ john hushpuppies and just-caught Charleston shrimp. For dinner, it’s Carolina grouper with heirloom tomato panzanella.
There’s no sweeter tribute than one of our custom wedding cakes designed by PPHG’s talented pastry chef, featuring hand-shaped magnolia blossoms, classic Southern monograms and even sweetgrass.
Left Photo: Rach Loves Troy Photo + Cinema // Right Photo: Virgil Bunao
Left: Catherine Ann Photography // Right: Aaron and Jillian Photography
Photos: Aaron and Jillian Photography
