Wedding ceremony setup with rows of chairs beneath a majestic live oak tree draped in Spanish moss.
charleston venues

The legare waring house


Legare Waring House is located within Charles Towne Landing, just a short drive from downtown Charleston. The historic plantation house dates to the 1840s and sits on beautifully preserved grounds overlooking the Ashley River. The property features expansive lawns, waterfront views, and the famous Avenue of Oaks ceremony space, with enough outdoor space to accommodate large tented receptions while still offering quiet corners of the estate for portraits throughout the day.

The Legare Waring House |  CHARLESTON SC


Legare Waring House is one of the most recognizable wedding venues in Charleston, known for its dramatic Avenue of Oaks and classic Lowcountry setting along the Ashley River. Located within the historic grounds of Charles Towne Landing, the property offers sweeping lawns, centuries‑old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and views of the surrounding marshlands. Couples often choose Legare Waring House for its iconic ceremony location beneath the oak canopy, while the reception tent and open lawn areas provide flexible space for elegant outdoor celebrations. With its combination of historic character, expansive natural scenery, and proximity to downtown Charleston, the venue creates a setting that photographs beautifully throughout the day—from shaded portraits beneath the trees to warm sunset light filtering across the riverfront landscape.

Curved pathway through a lush green park with tall trees creating a natural tunnel effect in daylight.

 

Top spots at The Legare Waring  House


Stunning locations

 

Wedding ceremony setup with rows of chairs beneath a majestic oak tree draped in Spanish moss in a serene garden setting.

Location 01

Ceremony Lawn Under the Oaks


The ceremony lawn at Legare Waring House sits beneath enormous live oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating one of the most recognizable ceremony backdrops in Charleston.

White wedding tents set up in a lush green park with tall oak trees creating a natural canopy overhead.

Location 02

Avenue of Oaks


Just outside the ceremony area, the oak‑lined drive provides a dramatic setting for wide portraits with layered moss and filtered light.

A couple shares an intimate moment on the lawn of a grand white plantation-style house with Spanish moss-draped trees.

Location 03

The Plantation House


The historic white house provides clean architectural lines and a classic Charleston backdrop.  It's often used as a getting ready location with separate quarters for the guys and gals.  Also a great spot for the cake cutting or cocktail hour and it has a large hardscape patio off the back porch that's great for intimate receptions.

A couple in formal wedding attire embraces romantically on a winding garden path lined with brick pillars.

Location 04

Garden Paths


Ancient brick pillars, a few gator filled ponds, 200 year old Oak trees, Azaleas, and Camelias provide excellent locations for portraits and photographs.  Small garden paths around the property create private locations with beautiful backdrops.

A romantic sunset silhouette of a couple in wedding attire standing by a serene marsh with golden light streaming through.

Location 05

Golden Hour by the Marsh


Sunset light filtering through the moss creates warm, directional light perfect for couple portraits.

A clear tent wedding reception setup with string lights and wooden tables creating a romantic outdoor atmosphere.

Location 06

Reception Tent Atmosphere


When the reception tent is lit at night, the glow against the oak trees creates a completely different mood from the daytime portraits.  Tents are a must at Legare Waring since the house is too small to accommodate more than a small group in the case of rain.

 

A few of my favorites


See what’s possible

 

Spanish moss hangs from oak trees along a tranquil bayou in the American South.
Outdoor evening wedding reception with string lights illuminating tables and guests under trees at a rustic venue.
White wedding chairs arranged under towering oak trees draped with Spanish moss create a romantic outdoor ceremony setting.
Elegant white tent pavilions set up for an outdoor event with draping fabric and scenic natural surroundings.
A romantic wedding photoshoot at sunset by a serene lake with tall grasses and natural scenery in the background.
A panoramic view of green fields and trees with glowing orange buildings visible in the distance at dusk.
A couple in formal attire shares romantic moments along a tree-lined brick pathway during their wedding photoshoot.
A curved driveway entrance with red brick pillars and wrought iron gates framed by overhanging oak trees and Spanish moss.
A scenic path through a lush green park with trees and a small wooden structure visible in the distance.
Outdoor wedding reception venue with circular brick patio and wooden chairs arranged under autumn trees at sunset.
A scenic path through a grove of ancient live oak trees with hanging Spanish moss creates a natural archway.
Panoramic view of a wooded outdoor venue with tall trees and white tents set up for an event.
Emergency vehicles with flashing lights illuminate a dark rural road at night during an incident response.
A serene outdoor wedding venue features rows of wooden chairs beneath majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss.
Spanish moss drapes over oak trees along a pathway leading to a white antebellum mansion in the Southern United States.
Spanish moss drapes elegantly over oak trees in a lush Southern garden setting during a wedding celebration.
A couple shares a romantic moment under Spanish moss draped oak trees in a sunlit garden setting.
Wedding party in elegant gray dresses and formal attire poses together on a lawn under towering oak trees.
Wedding couple shares intimate moments on a sunlit lawn in front of a white plantation-style house.
Wedding reception tables set under a clear tent with twinkling string lights creating a magical evening ambiance.
A romantic wedding couple poses on a tree-lined path as the bride's white dress flows elegantly in the breeze.
A couple dances together at a wedding reception, performing an energetic dip move on the dance floor.
Evening outdoor reception with string lights illuminating long dining tables beneath majestic trees.
Elegant white wedding gown with train photographed in a sunlit room with yellow walls and a grand piano.
Elegant bride in white wedding dress poses gracefully in a sunlit outdoor setting with classic benches.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with white tablecloths and wooden chairs under string lights in a garden setting.
Vintage green and white patterned china plates set on wooden table with glowing candles for formal dining.
Outdoor wedding reception tent illuminated with purple uplighting at night creating an elegant atmosphere.
People in white attire dancing together in a warm-lit indoor space.
A group of people gather under a canopy of majestic oak trees for an outdoor event in a natural setting.
Dark wooden bar tables decorated with small floral arrangements and sunflowers on an outdoor patio.
Bridesmaids in neutral gray dresses pose with bride in white gown at outdoor wedding celebration.
A wedding ceremony takes place under majestic oak trees draped with Spanish moss in a serene outdoor setting.
Romantic sunset silhouettes against a marsh backdrop with tall grasses and golden light reflecting off the water.
A series of dimly lit nighttime photos showing cars and people gathered in a dark outdoor setting.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with white-clothed tables and wooden chairs on a patio with colonial columns.
Elegant white wedding dress displayed on wooden staircase with floral wallpaper in background.
Close-up macro photograph of delicate white frilly flowers with ruffled petals and fuzzy textures in soft focus.
A stack of crepe cakes on brown cake stands decorated with string lights and flowers in the background.
A black and white photo collage of a wedding celebration showing dancing and joyful moments at an evening reception.
A couple shares their first dance under romantic string lights at an outdoor evening wedding reception.
Elegant gold-framed mirror with handwritten seating chart and greenery decoration leans against wooden box at outdoor venue.
A scenic tree-lined dirt path with blooming azalea flowers and Spanish moss creating a natural archway.
A white wedding dress stands out against lush greenery and Spanish moss in a romantic garden setting.
A couple in white attire cuts their elegant wedding cake together while framed photos sit on the table beside champagne glasses.
Panoramic view of towering oak trees creating a natural canopy over an outdoor event space.
A romantic outdoor wedding ceremony takes place under Spanish moss draped oak trees in a lush garden setting.
Elegant wedding invitation suite with pink peony flower and gold accents displayed on wooden tray.
A flowing white wedding dress catches sunlight as it moves against tall marsh grasses beside a tranquil lake.
Vintage food truck setup with chalkboard menus and gelato signs under shady trees at an outdoor event.
Black and white wedding photos of a couple posing together in a scenic wooded outdoor setting.
A couple shares a romantic dip dance moment under a white tent at their outdoor wedding reception.
Someone in a light blue outfit relaxes on a gray couch with an ornate patterned rug visible below.
Black and white photo of a couple under Spanish moss-draped trees in a Southern garden setting.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with string lights illuminating a clear tent over wooden tables and chairs.
Beautiful wedding portraits taken under majestic oak trees draped with Spanish moss in a serene garden setting.
A group of bridesmaids in white robes and one in blue laugh together during pre-wedding preparations.
Romantic wedding couple poses beneath majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss during golden hour.

See more Charleston wedding venues photographed by Tim Willoughby or explore the full Charleston wedding portfolio

 

Check out our full portfolio

 

View More Venues
Panoramic aerial view of a golf course with a white dome structure and groups of people gathered on the green.
A panoramic view of a golf course with rolling green fairways and dramatic cloudy skies above.
Elegant white mansion illuminated at dusk with string lights and guests gathered on the lawn for an outdoor wedding reception.
Panoramic sequence of an outdoor wedding ceremony on a scenic hilltop golf course with guests seated in rows.