An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place under a white pergola with guests seated in a circular amphitheater setting.
charleston venues

The William aiken house


Originally constructed in 1807, William Aiken House sits along Charleston’s historic Upper King Street district, placing it within walking distance of many of the city’s hotels and restaurants. The property includes the restored mansion, several interior event rooms, and one of the largest private courtyards of any downtown Charleston venue, capable of hosting large tented receptions. Mature trees, brick walls, and garden pathways give the space a secluded feel despite being located in the middle of downtown.

The William Aiken House |  CHARLESTON SC


Located on Upper King Street in historic Charleston, William Aiken House is one of the most distinctive wedding venues in the city. Built in 1807, the property combines a historic Charleston mansion with a surprisingly large private courtyard tucked behind the house. The venue works especially well for weddings that move naturally between indoor and outdoor spaces—ceremonies often take place beneath the large magnolia tree while cocktail hour flows through the surrounding garden paths before guests transition into a tented reception in the courtyard. The mix of historic architecture, brick pathways, and layered garden spaces creates a variety of backdrops within a compact downtown footprint, which makes the venue both visually interesting and very practical for wedding timelines.


Wedding ceremony guests seated in white chairs on a lush green lawn surrounded by trees and gardens.

 

Top spots at The William Aiken  House


Stunning locations

 

A vintage black and white photograph shows a large crowd gathered outdoors for a social event or celebration.

Location 01

Courtyard


The courtyard can be used for a dance floor, reception space, ceremony location, or cocktail hour. In the back you can see the carriage house which has a charming 'getting ready' location

Vintage American Theater with art deco facade and palm trees along a brick sidewalk in a downtown setting.

Location 02

Downtown Charleston


Just outside of the William Aiken House gates is the lively King Street bar and restaurant scene. William Aiken House has the most convenient downtown location especially for after-parties!

An ornate white stone gazebo with columns and floral decorations stands in front of an ivy-covered wall in a formal garden.

Location 03

The Ceremony Site


The tall wall covered in English ivy is accentuated by a small raised pool and pergola which provides a lovely ceremony backdrop.  There is enough room on the lawn for approximately 100 guests.


 

A few of my favorites


See what’s possible

 

Food trucks parked at night with glowing lights and customers waiting to order in an urban setting.
Elegant wedding reception venue with white tablecloths, dark wood chairs, and warm lighting creating a romantic atmosphere.
Emerald green tufted velvet sofa with gold metal frame sits elegantly against a textured wall.
Three elegant wedding cakes displayed on ornate black antique tables with gold accents and floral decorations.
An outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs facing a white gazebo surrounded by manicured hedges and palm trees.
Elegant white marble pergola with columns stands over a reflecting pool in a lush garden setting.
Elegant courtyard with white columns and yellow walls features brick pathways and lush greenery at a historic building.
Elegant emerald green velvet chairs with gold frames arranged on a brick patio beneath Gothic arched windows.
Elegant outdoor dining setup with wooden cross-back chairs and white tablecloths under flowering trees in a garden setting.
A groom in a navy blue tuxedo and bow tie poses for wedding photos with different expressions and angles.
White chairs arranged for an outdoor wedding ceremony at a Southern plantation-style venue with yellow walls and white columns.
Tropical foliage and floral arrangements adorn a brick wall and patio area in an outdoor garden setting.
A delicate pink camellia flower in a small glass vase sits on a wooden surface in a soft focus composition.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a dance floor in an elegant coral-colored ballroom during an evening reception.
An elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white columns and chairs arranged on a lawn surrounded by hedges.
Colonial-style yellow building with white columns and palm trees along a landscaped walkway.
Elegant dining room with turquoise walls, white trim, and ornate gold curtains features multiple round tables with candelabras.
Empty wooden chairs line a covered porch with checkerboard tile flooring and white columns at a Southern estate.
Formal dining room with red walls, white tablecloths, and black cross-back chairs set for an upscale event.
A black and white photo sequence showing a bride and groom playfully bowing to each other during their wedding ceremony.
Elegant bride in lace gown sits on luxurious red Victorian sofa near sunlit windows in ornate room.
A series of glamorous bridal portraits showing elegant blonde wavy hair, red lipstick and white dress details.
Illuminated vintage American Theater facade at night with neon signage and palm trees in Charleston, South Carolina.
Rustic wooden cross-back chairs lined up at an outdoor wedding reception with string lights and floral garlands.
Three crystal beaded pendant lights hang from the ceiling against a dreamy green forest background.
A bride's veil flows gracefully in the breeze during an outdoor wedding ceremony with guests looking on.
Wedding guests form a sparkler tunnel at night creating a magical illuminated pathway.
White wedding cake with coral flowers and greenery displayed on an ornate gold cake stand with elegant lighting.
White wedding dress with ruffled skirt and plunging neckline hangs elegantly in a dark wood-paneled room.
Wedding party in soft pink dresses gathers near sunlit windows in an elegant room during preparation.
Elegant floral centerpieces with pink and burgundy blooms on royal blue tablecloths with framed menu cards.
Curved outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs and floral arrangements under a columned white portico.
A sequence of wedding ceremony moments showing a bride and father walking down an outdoor aisle at dusk.
Black and white photo series showing a person in a white outfit sitting in a cluttered vintage room with floral curtains.
Elegant white pergola and wooden chairs set up for an outdoor wedding ceremony in a lush garden setting.
Elegant wedding reception table setup with navy blue linens, rustic wooden chairs, and greenery garland centerpieces.
Outdoor garden wedding ceremony setup with white chairs and greenery along stone path.
Elegant wedding invitation suite with gold accents, burgundy dahlias, and tropical greenery arranged on a textured surface.
Black and white photos show performers in formal attire singing and dancing on stage during a show.
Elegant wedding reception table with lush greenery arch, blue tablecloth, and floral centerpieces in an outdoor venue.
Several copper Moscow Mule mugs filled with cocktails and garnished with mint leaves sit on a white tablecloth.
A beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs and a gazebo surrounded by lush greenery and gardens.
Rustic wooden picnic table with white floral centerpieces arranged in a row on a grassy lawn.
Wedding party in burgundy dresses and black suits poses together outdoors in front of trees and greenery.
Romantic wedding couple sharing champagne toast in elegant pink-lit venue with multiple intimate moments captured.
String lights illuminate a rustic stone courtyard with arched doorways and windows during an evening event.
A romantic wedding couple shares a kiss on a white columned balcony in a sequence of progressive shots.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos and bowties gather during an outdoor wedding celebration.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate energetically on a crowded dance floor illuminated by purple and orange lighting.
A romantic wedding moment captured in front of a brick archway with ivy, featuring elegant formal attire and a bridal bouquet.
Wedding ceremony takes place under a white gazebo surrounded by lush greenery and guests seated outdoors.
Classical stone garden statue of Venus de Milo style sculpture with draped fabric against green foliage background.
A sequence of black and white photos showing someone in formal attire smoking a cigar at an event.
Elegant white wedding invitation cards displayed with delicate floral decorations and pearl accents.
A panoramic view of a strip mall exterior with parked cars and palm trees along a brick paved sidewalk.
A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors under a white pergola with guests seated on wooden benches in a garden setting.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with rows of white chairs surrounded by lush greenery and trees at sunset.
A black and white photo montage showing multiple outdoor gatherings and social events from a historical period.
Elegant wedding stationery with monogram and floral arrangements displayed on a light gray surface with white hydrangeas.
A rustic brick wall with large glass windows and metal framing creates an industrial architectural aesthetic.
People hold sparklers at night creating a magical bokeh effect with glowing lights in the background.
A bride in an elegant lace wedding gown stands in a rustic brick-walled room with vintage furniture.
Elegant outdoor dining setup with white tablecloths and dark wooden chairs on a covered porch with columns and greenery.
Elegant table setting with gold mercury glass vases holding white roses and glowing candles in a romantic atmosphere.
A bridal party in white dresses walking on a tiled porch with elegant columns and yellow walls in the background.
String lights illuminate an elegant outdoor evening reception area with white-draped tables and classic stone architecture.
Elegant wedding table settings with gold charger plates, white napkins, and glowing candles create a romantic atmosphere.
A bride in a white wedding gown enters through a series of wooden doors in a sequence of photos.
Wedding party in turquoise dresses and suits laughs together while sitting on stone wall at outdoor reception.
Wedding guests celebrate and share joyful moments during an outdoor reception ceremony.
Wooden chairs adorned with fresh floral arrangements featuring pink, orange, and burgundy blooms at an outdoor event.
Panoramic view of an outdoor wedding ceremony under a white pergola with guests seated on white chairs in a garden setting.
A panoramic view of an outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs and a white gazebo in a garden setting.
White chairs arranged in rows for an outdoor wedding ceremony with trees and a gazebo in the background.
White roses and greenery adorn classic columns along an elegant outdoor patio with glowing candles.
Elegant wedding reception room with coral walls, crystal chandeliers, and long tables set with white linens and gold chairs.
Wedding party stands in line along white columns during an outdoor ceremony with burgundy and black attire.
Elegant wedding reception in a grand ballroom with orange walls and crystal chandeliers as guests dine at decorated tables.
Wedding guests enjoy an intimate dinner reception on an elegant covered porch at night.
White garden gazebo set up for an outdoor wedding ceremony with rows of white chairs on a manicured lawn.
Artistic mirror reflection captures a bride in white with wavy blonde hair and red lipstick on her wedding day.
Guests seated at outdoor wedding reception tables under twinkling string lights at dusk.
A couple shares a romantic moment in a lush garden setting with tall ornamental grasses and greenery.
Sunlit banquet hall with coral-colored walls features rows of white-clothed tables and gold chiavari chairs for an elegant event.
A bride in a white mermaid wedding gown poses on a tiled porch with yellow walls and white columns.
Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs and colorful floral aisle arrangements leading to a white pergola.
Elegant table setting with floral plates, gold cutlery, wine glasses and coral flower centerpiece on white tablecloth.
Elegant table settings with white linens, silverware, and place settings arranged for a formal dining event.
Elegant colonial corridor with yellow walls, white columns, and black and white checkered marble floors illuminated by lanterns.
Outdoor evening wedding reception with string lights illuminating guests dancing and mingling under a moonlit sky.
Elegant nude leather sandals with intricate leaf cutout details displayed on a white pedestal table near a window.
A wedding party line performs a fun synchronized drinking pose with bottles on a brick walkway outdoors.
A black and white panoramic photo shows guests seated at an outdoor garden wedding ceremony with white chairs.
A person in a suit and tie stands against a dark background in a dramatic black and white portrait.
A person applies makeup while looking in an ornate gold-framed mirror against a red background.
Vintage copper cocktail cups with mint garnish on white surface, styled for elegant drink service.
A stylish outdoor seating area features a black leather tufted sofa and burgundy velvet accent chairs on a patio.
A romantic wedding couple shares intimate moments in an elegant courtyard with white columns and hanging lanterns.
Elegant platter with grilled shrimp appetizers and powdered sugar dusted pastries on a vintage gold-rimmed plate.
Elegant living room setup featuring a tufted emerald green velvet sofa with a modern glass coffee table on crossed legs.
People dance and celebrate together at a lively indoor wedding reception with string lights overhead.
A group in formal black tie attire laughs and socializes at an elegant evening event.
Relaxed man in white dress shirt and suspenders reclines on plaid couch in rustic brick-walled room.
Wedding party in formal black attire poses together on stone patio surrounded by lush garden landscaping.
Elegant outdoor wedding reception setup with wooden cross-back chairs and white tablecloths under string lights and greenery.
Elegant dining tables set with white linens and candles in a formal red-walled room with ornate gold-framed mirrors.
A sequence of black and white wedding photos showing a couple dancing with joyful movement and twirling dress details.
Wooden lanterns hang from tree branches in a lush garden setting creating a magical atmosphere.
Elegant dining room with turquoise walls, crystal chandeliers, and long tables set with white linens for a formal event.
White chairs arranged in rows under a covered outdoor patio with columns and ivy-covered walls for a wedding ceremony.
A couple shares a romantic dance at a formal military wedding reception, with the bride in white and groom in dress whites.
A couple shares their first dance at a wedding reception in black and white with guests looking on.
White floral arrangements in concrete planters line a stone ledge with a red accent piece.
Professional makeup artist applies finishing touches to a bride wearing a white silk robe during wedding preparations.
A series of candid moments showing women in white dresses embracing in warm lighting against a brick wall background.
Decorative copper lanterns hang from poles in a lush garden setting with tall grass and trees.
Black and white photo sequence of dancers in flowing white dresses and dark suits moving across a dance floor.
Black and white photos show a bride dancing joyfully at a wedding reception under twinkling lights.
Elegant white mansion with illuminated columns and porches at night under a bright full moon.
A sequence of photos showing a person in formal attire bending down to pick up something from a brick patio.
Ornate white stone gazebo with columns surrounded by lush greenery and reflecting pool in a formal garden setting.
Evening party guests gather on an illuminated yellow mansion's two-story veranda with white columns and warm lighting.
A person in a black suit and glasses holds a cup while standing in a room with checkered flooring.
Couples dance together on a grassy lawn during an outdoor wedding reception with white chairs in the background.
Person in white robe sitting on bed while getting ready in warm, cozy lighting with bedside lamp.
See more Charleston wedding venues photographed by Tim Willoughby or explore the full Charleston wedding portfolio

 

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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.