Discover Charleston's Top Outdoor Event Spaces & Venues for Rent

About Charleston

Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the United States oldest and most iconic cities that remains in touch with its historical roots. The port city of South Carolina is known for its elegant pastel houses, cobblestone streets, and famous locations such as Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War occurred. The city’s diverse culture and attractions, plus it’s unique food scene, draw visitors from across the nation year-round. Furthermore, the city’s lush farmland, and many hiking trails, public parks, and national monuments all offer unique beauty to the city, setting the scene for the perfect outdoor event, no matter the occasion.

Outdoor Event Options in Charleston, SC

Variety and options abound in Charleston - with hundreds of professionals equipped and eager to serve your every need. With services ranging from fresh foods, live entertainment, and themed decor, local professionals can help turn vision into reality.

• Caterers
  Fresh seafood from the port, or traditional classics like burgers and hotdogs, catering companies throughout Charleston can help deliver and serve up unique and tasty dishes for all your guests to enjoy.
  
  
• Decorators
  From themed outdoor venues and events to elegant old-fashioned weddings in a 1600’s chapel, Charleston many decorators specialize in bringing their client’s vision to life.
  
  
• Live Entertainment
  Unique and original entertainment can make any occasion memorable, and Charleston certainly has the talent to do it. With entertainment options such as reenactments, stand-up shows, and live bands, you are guaranteed to have an outdoor event that stands out.
  
  
• Transportation
  Safely getting around town from attraction to attraction, or from hotel to the venue is crucial while commuting around an unfamiliar town. Fortunately, Charleston offers services such as black car rentals, taxis, and bus services to ensure all your event guests get around safely.

Event Planning Companies in Charleston, South Carolina

• JMC Charleston
  For over 14 years JMC Charleston has been providing high-quality event planning services to the Charleston area with attention to detail and individuality. Offering a full line of event planning and design services, they focus on the details from start to finish and help clients enjoy a less stressful planning process. As one of Charleston's premier event planning companies, the team’s combined experience comes together to help create memorable events.
  
  
• Loluma
  The design staff at Loluma has the talent to transform the most ordinary venues into something astonishing, while its planning team handles all the details - from silverware to table arrangements. The full-service company offers clients a variety of packages including event design, planning, and management, as well as assistance with venue selection. Featured in Charleston Weddings magazine, the expert planners and designers at Loluma have the experience and knowledge to make the most out of any outdoor occasion.
  
  
• Intrigue Design and Events
  Intrigue Design and Events is known for their passion for making special days memorable, stress-free, and something to be talked about for years to come. Their services include everything from design and planning, to private consultations and day-of management. Featured in The Knot, Charleston Weddings, Southern Bride, and many others, the professional team strives to make every outdoor event (no matter the size) one worth remembering.

Pros and Cons of Having an Outdoor Event in Charleston

Pros:

• Great transportation options
  The city offers easy travel by providing more than enough transportation options for both visitors and locals alike.
  
  
• Local entertainment
  There’s always something to do in Charleston, from art, museums, historical sites, and more, the city doesn’t lack entertainment options.
  
  
• Loads of history
  It’s hard to travel around Charleston and not see something historic.

Cons:

• Flooding
  As a coastal port city, flooding is a common and expected event within Charleston, causing issues for traffic, construction sites, and many other issues.
  
  
• Lots of bugs
  Warm humid weather along the coast attracts a large variety of bugs, from mosquitos to the common house fly, pests, and bugs of all kinds are always an issue.
  
  
• Never-ending construction
  Whether it’s new or preserving something historical, the construction never ends within the coastal city, clogging up roadways and slowing the daily commute causing traffic problems.

Famous Outdoor Event Locations in Charleston, SC

Many locations throughout Charleston can provide entertaining and educational fun for your event guests. Make sure they check out a few of these attractions while they’re in town.

• Fort Sumter National Monument
  This historical sea fort and artificial island date back to 1812, when it was used to protect South Carolina when the British invaded Washington by sea. The fort was also the location of the battle of Fort Sumter - which would kick off what would become the American Civil War. Today, visitors can take tours, visit the gift shops, and walk the walls of one of the nation’s most iconic historical sites on the east coast.
  
  
• Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
  One of the nation’s oldest plantations still in operation today, the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens used slave labor to harvest crops up until the Civil War. Its brick slave cabins are one of the most important historical features found on the property, and give visitors a chance to see what the living conditions were like for thousands of slaves during that time. The plantation is available for guests to tour while viewing the plantations' stunningly beautiful scenery and learning about the history of Charleston.
  
  
• Historic Charleston City Market
  Originally called the Centre Market, this entire downtown section has been recognized as a historical place within the United States. Local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques surround the central square allowing visitors to experience both modern and historical aspects all at once. It also features many vendor stalls where local artisans sell homemade and custom items, the perfect gift for family and friends.
  
  
• The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
  Having opened its doors to the public in 1870, this historic park is the oldest public garden in the United States. Featuring beautiful architecture, vibrant gardens, and even a zoo that the entire family can enjoy, it’s the perfect retreat to explore while visiting Charleston. And it’s great for pictures too!