Say I Do at the Stunning Island House Events Wedding Venue

Charleston is one of the world’s top destination cities for various reasons. Its beautiful weather, storied history, and stunning architecture make it an inherently romantic place to grow a love story. While it’s home to a vast array of beautiful venues, most can’t offer what the Island House Events wedding venue offers – an incredible panoramic view of the Stono River. Overlooking their private marina, this secluded, private island is an incredible wedding site for any couple looking for a waterfront venue with a lot of personality. 

About The Island House Events Wedding Venue

There aren’t many places in Charleston where you can find a waterfront view uninterrupted by the city, but Island House Events is one of the few. This family-owned venue has become a popular place to celebrate with both indoor and outdoor event locations. 

The house itself was built in the early 1960s by the current event director’s grandfather. The interior has some, shall we say, eclectic design choices, but don’t be too alarmed; the only people spending time in the house the day of your event will be you, your partner, your respective wedding parties, and any other close friends and family members with whom you choose to get ready. 

Outdoors, the property overlooks the beautiful Stono River, with an exclusive dock and a private marina. If you have a boat (or know someone who has one), you can even do a grand exit by boat straight from the venue at the end of your celebration!

Details of the Grounds

While the largest draw of the venue is unquestionably the waterfront views, the main house is not to be overlooked. After driving down a private road, your guests will pull up to see the beautiful main house on a large green lawn flanked by towering cypresses. 

The house is where you, your partner, your parties, and anyone else you designate can prepare for your wedding day. Moreover, it’s a split-level home, making it convenient for the bridal party to prepare upstairs and the groom and his party to get ready downstairs. 

The Getting-Ready Areas

Walking in, you’ll see walls of ornately patterned wallpaper made of velvet in a rich maroon color. (I told you the place had personality!) Heading upstairs, you’ll find a huge space with plenty of room, including two bathrooms, a serene Bridal Suite, a second getting-ready room, a private kitchen, a dining room, and a living room. Everything comes furnished, and you’re more than welcome to stock the kitchen with personal refreshments to get you through your preparation. 

Downstairs, the groom and groomsmen can relax in their own space, decorated in mounted hunting and fishing trophies. There’s a bar, couch, fridge, and a TV, perfect for unwinding and shaking off any day-of jitters. The downstairs changing room also has a bold playing card patterned wallpaper that makes for some pretty epic shots of the groom’s party or individual portraits. 

The Ceremony & More

For your ceremony, you can choose to host it in several spaces. The front lawn allows you to use the front of the house as your ceremony backdrop, standing before two symmetrical staircases and an ornate wrought iron railing. Alternatively, and most popularly, you can host your ceremony on the back lawn, overlooking the incredible river views. There is also a massive tree on the side of the property you can use as a backdrop for your vow exchange. 

Cocktail hour typically takes place on the front lawn, allowing the events team to transition the back lawn space out of ceremony mode or to finish the final details of your reception. 

Then, you can gather with your guests beneath their large 40’x80’ tent for your reception. Need more room? You can use a gravel space between the tent and the water for a second tent (or just as general bar space or lounge seating.) The tent overlooks the beautiful water and comes with walls you can tie back or close in inclement weather. They include wrought iron chandeliers, ceiling fans, and bistro lighting around the tent’s perimeter. Plus, all lighting is on dimmer switches, so you can control the event’s mood as the sun sets and the party continues.

Photo by Taylor Rae

Photography Opportunities

It isn’t just the waterfront views that make incredible wedding photos at Island House. Peppered around the property are seasonal flower fields with zinnias, sunflowers, and black-eyed Susans. Depending on your wedding date, we can potentially take photos of you wading through the flowers for some extraordinary, colorful shots. The houses’ remarkable personality may make a bold interior design statement, but they also serve as stunning photo backdrops. That entryway red velvet wallpaper? Absolutely gorgeous for a solo bridal shot. 

The property also has a private wooden deck stretching over the water for breathtaking sunset photos. Beautiful azalea hedges bloom in March/April, and many landscaping beds feature fun tropical foliage.

Island House Events Wedding Details

When you have your wedding at Island House, you’ll find plenty of included amenities to make life a little easier. First of all, you’ll get full use of the property on your wedding day, beginning as early as 10 AM. This includes the house for getting ready and their beautiful tent. They’ll provide round tables and five cocktail tables and ensure they are set up according to your layout. Additionally, Island House will provide 125 white resin-padded chairs (most couples choose to use them for the ceremony and then have them moved under the tent for the reception.) 

You have the freedom to choose your own vendors. One of the biggest requirements they ask is that you have a wedding planner onsite the day of the wedding. The planner will work hand-in-hand with the Island House manager, ensuring that the property is maintained, all details are accounted for, and everyone is having an incredible and memorable time. 

Island House Events Wedding Venue 

A wedding at Island House Events venue isn’t just about the waterfront views or the Lowcountry charm but the experience. From the fun (albeit sometimes bizarre) house where you’ll get ready with friends and family to the views of the sun setting over the water as you dance the night away, it’s a true Charleston venue. 

As your Charleston wedding photographer, I would love to help you document every detail of your wedding day. You can connect with me here!