5 Ideal Vendors For An Elegant Charleston Wedding

One of the biggest decisions an engaged couple makes is where to get married. For visitors and residents alike, the city of Charleston, South Carolina offers a wide array of options for unique wedding ceremonies, from full-service caterers to historic hotels. Here, in no particular order, are groups in the Holy City helping couples plan memorable nuptials.

Joining the list at #1 is Cru Catering. Founded in 2000, it is a full-service catering company that specializes in weddings, parties, and special events of all sizes. It is the preferred vendor for numerous renowned Charleston-area venues, including the Gibbes Museum of Art, Boone Hall Plantation, the South Carolina Aquarium, and The BEND, a community redevelopment project.

When possible, Cru Catering sources from local farms and sustainable fisheries for its events. Its wedding staff consists of event managers, pastry chefs, servers, and mixologists, with menu options encompassing everything from food stations to sit-down dinners. Media coverage of the company includes articles in Charleston City Paper, Brides, and People magazine.

Landing at #2 is Cannon Green, an event space located in Downtown Charleston. The venue hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners, and private dining, with guests having the option of either the Garden Room, Courtyard, or Trolley Room. Wedding menus include themed bars, passed appetizers, seated dinners, and cocktail hour displays.

The company's onsite restaurant, Wild Common, is known for its Chef's Table, a curated multi-course dining experience that includes seasonal ingredients and tailored wine pairings. The Knot has named Cannon Green to its list of the Best of Weddings 2020, and it has also been profiled in InStyle magazine, PartySlate, and Town & Country.

Entering the list at #3 is Ooh! Events, a full-service event and wedding production company. Through its team at Out of the Garden, a regional florist, the company works with local and international growers to provide florals for special occasions and marriage ceremonies, including bouquets, centerpieces, and a variety of other arrangements. Wedding parties have the option of selecting specially curated welcome bags and gifts for guests and attendants.

The Ooh! Events Design Center provides an assortment of items for rental, such as bars and bookshelves, lighting, lounge seating, and custom builds like arbors and special backdrops. Its featured event venues include The William Aiken House and Lowndes Grove, both recognized as National Historic Landmarks. Other services include a wedding concierge and access to makeup artists.

Coming in at #4 is Patrick Properties Hospitality Group. It hosts events at popular historical venues in Downtown Charleston, including the Art Deco-style American Theater and Parcel 32, built in 1837. In-house pastry chef Jessica Grossman is known for creating intricate wedding cake designs and specialty desserts. Meanwhile, the culinary team tailors selections for each event, including food displays, tasting menus, and boutique wine pairings.

Style Me Pretty named the company's ceremonies to its list of The Best Real Weddings of 2015. The group has also been featured in such media outlets as Southern Bride, The Knot Carolinas, and House Beautiful. In addition, it has hosted such events as the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards nominations, the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the National Sustainable Food Summit organized by Chefs Collaborative.

Finishing up the list at #5 is the Francis Marion Hotel. Named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, it opened in 1924 and later became a member of Historic Hotels of America in 1999. Its wedding accommodations include a choice between the Gold or Colonial Ballrooms, as well as dressing room spaces with champagne and snacks, and complimentary honeymoon suites.

Wedding parties are invited to visit the hotel's Spa Adagio, named by Three Best Rated as one of the best spas in Charleston. The Swamp Fox Restaurant, which features Lowcountry cuisine such as shrimp and grits, offers private dining options for rehearsal dinners and bridal luncheons. The Francis Marion Hotel has received multiple Couples' Choice Awards from WeddingWire.