Elegant white plantation-style mansion with wraparound porch and classical columns set amidst landscaped grounds. Lowndes Grove
charleston venues

Lowndes grove

This iconic low country venue combines historic Charleston architecture with sweeping waterfront views along the Ashley River. The stately mansion, riverfront lawn, and permanent clear reception tent create a setting where ceremonies, portraits, and sunset moments all unfold naturally in one of Charleston’s most desirable Lowcountry venues.

LOWNDES GROVE, CHARLESTON SC


Having photographed many weddings at Lowndes Grove, I’ve always appreciated how naturally the property lends itself to beautiful images throughout the day. Set along the Ashley River in Charleston, the historic mansion anchors the venue with classic Lowcountry architecture while the waterfront lawn opens up to wide sunset views that are hard to beat. The interior spaces are easy to access and flow well for getting‑ready moments and indoor portraits, while the permanent clear reception tent allows the evening celebration to feel outdoors while still protected from the elements. Between the riverfront dock, the oak‑lined grounds, and the glow of sunset over the water, Lowndes Grove offers one of the most versatile and consistently photogenic settings for Charleston weddings.

Wedding guests gather on a lush green lawn outside the elegant Lowndes Grove with columns and arched windows.

 

Top spots at Lowndes Grove


Stunning locations

 

Elegant sunlit conservatory at Lowndes Grove with black and white checkered floor and arched windows creates a bright, sophisticated space.

Location 01


The 240 year old house is in beautiful condition and offers multiple locations for beautiful portraits as well as cake cutting options, cocktail hour availability, or just getting ready photos.  

A couple stands together on a wooden dock at Lowndes Grove overlooking marsh waters during a dreamy sunset.

Location 02


Lowndes Grove faces west and frequently has a beautiful sunset view.  The dock is an incredible spot for photos or guest to enjoy the evening.  It also offers the option for a boat get-away reception exit.

Elegant white southern mansion with wrap-around porch and columns features multiple views of its grand exterior architecture.

Location 03


The large circular lawn in front of Lowndes is the perfect ceremony site with easy access, separation from the reception space, water front views, and giant live oak trees.

An outdoor garden wedding ceremony with wooden chairs and white wildflowers under shady oak trees at sunset.

Location 04


This is the arguably most classic ceremony site in Charleston!  I have photographed so many weddings at Lowndes Grove and almost every ceremony has been in front of this giant oak tree.  When the weather is good and light is low, there is a golden, backlit  glow on the ceremony and both bride and groom are evenly lit and fairly shaded.

Wedding party members in black and white attire gather under large shady oak trees on a grassy lawn for outdoor photos.

Location 05


Between the dock and tented veranda  is a row of Oaks that serves as the perfect backdrop for bridal party and family portraits with easy proximity and filtered side light.

A couple shares romantic moments on a wooden boardwalk overlooking coastal marshlands on their wedding day.

Location 06


More dock photos at Sunset!

 

A few of my favorites


See what’s possible

 

Woman with long blonde hair smiling and laughing while sitting in a sunlit room.
A group of friends wearing matching cream-colored pajama sets pose together while smiling and laughing.
A delicate gold chain bracelet with small charms and green leaves arranged on a soft pink surface.
A cozy living room scene with sunlight streaming through windows onto hardwood floors and elegant upholstered furniture.
Person lounging and laughing on a patterned armchair in warm sunlit room with window light.
A romantic wedding couple embraces on a wooden boardwalk overlooking coastal marshlands at sunset.
Woman in white sleeveless dress poses on elegant porch with white columns and natural lighting.
A couple shares joyful laughter together on a wooden boardwalk by the beach during a sunny day.
A couple in white attire share romantic moments on a wooden boardwalk overlooking a scenic waterfront.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a garden path surrounded by lush trees and tropical foliage.
A couple in white outfits walks hand in hand through a lush garden path on a sunny afternoon.
A couple in elegant white wedding attire poses together in a lush garden setting with soft natural lighting.
A romantic wedding couple embraces under majestic oak trees in a lush garden setting.
A couple in wedding attire shares a romantic moment in a lush garden setting during their outdoor ceremony.
Wedding party guests in black and white attire gather under shady oak trees on a grassy lawn during an outdoor celebration.
A couple in wedding attire poses on a black and white checkered floor in an elegant sunlit hallway.
Black and white reflection of a person looking in multiple mirrors creating a repeating pattern effect.
A figure in a flowing white dress twirls and dances through a sunlit hallway with black and white checkered floors.
Long rustic wooden tables set for an elegant outdoor wedding reception under a tent with woven rattan chandeliers.
A serene waterfront seating area with wooden boardwalk and deck chairs overlooking a coastal marsh landscape.
Elegant round cocktail tables with champagne-colored linens arranged in a room with arched windows and checkered floors.
A white tiered wedding cake decorated with textured horizontal lines and fresh white flowers on a gold cake stand.
Modern yellow geometric bar setup with hedge wall backdrop and white umbrella in an outdoor garden setting.
A line of bridesmaids in elegant black dresses holding white bouquets stand together on green grass during an outdoor wedding.
Groomsmen in tan suits run playfully across a grassy lawn under tree branches at an outdoor wedding venue.
Outdoor garden wedding ceremony with wooden chairs surrounded by blooming white daisies and shaded by mature trees.
Wedding party members in white attire gather beneath oak trees on a sunlit grassy lawn during an outdoor ceremony.
Wedding ceremony guests gather on a lush green lawn in front of an elegant white Southern mansion on a sunny day.
Wedding ceremony guests seated outdoors under oak trees with white chairs and floral decorations.
Newlyweds celebrate with champagne spray in an outdoor garden setting wearing white attire.
Moscow mule cocktails being poured into copper mugs with lime garnish and ginger beer on a wooden surface.
A couple in white wedding attire shares a romantic dip pose on a manicured lawn in front of an elegant white mansion.
Elegant white two-story Southern mansion with grand columns and arched windows features a wrap-around porch and wedding ceremony setup.
A joyful moment during a wedding reception with guests laughing together near a table with a candle.
A couple dressed in formal attire share drinks at an outdoor event during golden hour sunset.
Wedding menu cards and cocktail glasses with green drinks and straws sit on a wooden table in warm lighting.
Elegant curved staircase with dark wood banister against yellow walls, featuring antique table with wedding cake and flowers.
Fresh yellow lemons and white anemone flowers with yellow yarrow in rustic floral arrangement on wooden table.
White flowers and yellow craspedia arranged with delicate green foliage in a minimalist white ceramic vase.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating at an outdoor reception with bokeh lights in the background.
Beautiful floral wedding arrangement with white and yellow flowers cascading down a rustic tree trunk in an outdoor garden setting.
A couple in white outfits dances together in a romantic sequence of dips and spins on a dark floor.
Intimate candlelit dinner setting at an evening wedding reception.
Fresh lemons and floral arrangements decorate an outdoor table setting with natural greenery in the background.
Elegant round tables with gold tablecloths set up on a waterfront lawn for an outdoor event.
Sequence of five photos showing guests sitting in wooden chairs at an outdoor event during golden hour.
Wooden folding chairs arranged on a green lawn for an outdoor wedding ceremony under shady trees.
A couple in light-colored wedding attire walk together on grass near a venue decorated with string lights and lanterns.
A couple in wedding attire dances together on grass, with the bride in white and partner in a light beige suit.
A romantic wedding couple embraces outdoors in a series of candid moments wearing white and beige attire.
A group of wedding guests in formal attire pose together on the ground for a fun photo under string lights.
A couple in white attire cuts their elegant three-tiered wedding cake together at their reception.
A performer in a black dress sings emotionally into a microphone during a live performance in black and white.
A romantic black and white wedding photo series showing a couple kissing next to their elegant white wedding cake.
Black and white photo of wedding guests dancing and celebrating at a reception party.
Black and white photo series showing couples dancing and embracing at a wedding reception with string lights overhead.
Vintage car parked outside illuminated southern mansion with ornate windows and balcony at night.
People dancing under string lights and paper lanterns at an outdoor evening celebration.
Couple dancing together under twinkling lights at a romantic wedding reception with colorful lighting effects.
A black and white photo montage showing candid party moments with people dancing and celebrating at a festive event.
A lively crowd dances together at a festive evening celebration with warm lighting and joyful atmosphere.
A group of people holding sparklers at night creating a magical atmosphere with glowing lights.
A couple shares their first dance at an evening wedding reception under string lights while guests watch and celebrate.
A vintage car parked at a nighttime wedding celebration with sparklers glowing as guests gather outside an elegant venue.
Black and white photographs showing people dancing and celebrating at a lively outdoor nighttime event.
A vintage red car parked under illuminated palm trees at night on a dirt path.

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.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup on a scenic golf course overlooking water with guests seated in curved rows on green lawn.
A crowd gathers on the lawn of a grand historic Southern mansion with white columns and wraparound porch at dusk.