A Lowcountry Wedding at The Governor Thomas Bennett House

There is just something about the Lowcountry aesthetic that lends itself to a beautiful wedding. Maybe it’s the leisurely pace at which time seems to pass. Or the warm hospitality that welcomes you in and makes you feel right at home. Perhaps it’s the association with serene water and mossy trees or historic charm that pulls you right into a story of days gone by. Regardless, a Lowcountry wedding is one of romance, elegance, and warmth. And Charleston is the perfect spot for an unforgettable Lowcountry event. In the heart of Charleston is The Governor Thomas Bennett House, an old historic estate that exemplifies the best of old Charleston. As one of the several Charleston wedding venues, this one in particular, is known for hosting divine weddings. If you’re in the market for a grand venue, I highly recommend you look into this one.

About The Governor Thomas Bennett House

The Governor Thomas Bennett House is one of the grandest and most gorgeous historic houses in Charleston. At the time of its construction, Thomas Bennett was a successful businessman who served as the Mayor of Charleston, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, and ultimately the governor of South Carolina. The house itself was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. More recently, it was lovingly renovated into the beautiful event space it is today. 

Its iconic covered porch, stately columns, and ornate black shutters give it a Southern palatial feel, and with mossy trees and lush gardens surrounding the house, it exemplifies the quintessential Southern grandeur of old Charleston homes. Indoors, its Palladian windows, carved molding, and an incredible and rare cantilevered staircase add to the home’s sophisticated charm. Inherently romantic and exuding warm hospitality and history, the Governor Thomas Bennett House is a gorgeous option for couples looking for the ideal place to host a Southern wedding that feels as magnificent as it does intimate. 

Details of the Grounds

Your wedding at The Governor Thomas Bennett House will be one of exceptional beauty and a blend of the best that the indoor and outdoor spaces of the property have to offer. 

On the second floor of the House, you’ll find an elegant Bridal Suite. Full of tall windows, vintage decor, and lots of natural light. It’s the perfect space for all of your pre-ceremony pampering and preparations, surrounded by your favorite people in the world. And don’t worry – your partner and their party will have access to a ground-floor lounge. It comes with plenty of space for everyone to mingle. But most important? The flat-screen tv to keep them entertained until the next big moment arrives. 

Ceremony Location

Your ceremony will be held in the Crescent Garden. A beautiful space with perfectly maintained landscaping and Secret Garden courtyard vibes. At the center of the garden lives an ornate pineapple fountain. In addition, a lovely 3-tiered water feature that brings a little extra Lowcountry love to your ceremony. A 200-year-old oak tree stands tall over the garden. Providing shade with its mighty branches and often dripping in low-hanging Spanish moss. The garden itself is a gorgeous, vibrant site to exchange your vows. It’s hard not to be swept up in the romantic atmosphere at first sight. 

You may choose to orient your ceremony in a number of ways. Depending on what you would like to use as a backdrop for your vows. You can say “I do” beneath the boughs of the epic oak tree. With or without a dramatic arch to frame your ceremony (the beauty of the garden means you don’t really need one, but who doesn’t love a little extra drama and a chance to personalize the space with your wedding’s unique color palette and aesthetic?) Or, you can use the fountain and the House itself as your backdrop for a slightly more stately and formal look. Whichever you choose, the garden will set the scene beautifully for a romantic beginning to the next chapter of your love story. 

Cocktail Hour And Beyond

Your cocktail hour can be held on the breezy piazza to keep things outdoors, or you can invite your guests into the House for a signature cocktail or a glass of Champagne as they wander the estate and take in the rich history of the home. 

Then, when your guests are ready to dine, and we’ve taken advantage of that gorgeous Golden Hour sunlight for romantic portraits, your reception can take place on the side lawn, a large spacious area perfect for a reception of up to 230 seated guests. You may elect to host your celebration al fresco, dining and dancing beneath the stars, or you can rent a tent to make sure any inclement weather doesn’t get in the way of your perfect day. 

If you’re hosting a more intimate gathering with a guest list of 75 or less, you can also have the reception inside the house for a more formal dinner party and then take the dancing outside to the garden afterward if you so choose.

However you opt to use the property at The Governor Thomas Bennett House, you are sure to create a charming, elegant, and romantic wedding that you and your guests will remember forever. 

Photography Opportunities at The Governor Thomas Bennett House

The gardens and grounds of Governor Thomas Bennett House are perfect for romantic photos that showcase you and your partner gorgeously. With groves of trees, a stately white fence, and gravel pathways for us to use, you’ll have a wedding album full of lush green backgrounds and those sweet historic Charleston vibes. There’s also a beautiful outdoor staircase that is lovely for intimate couple shots, as well as the fountain and gardens that lend themselves perfectly to heartwarming wedding pics. 

While the grounds of the House are perfect for stunning outdoor photos, the interior of the House makes for spectacular portraits with vintage charm and a playful formality. The cantilevered staircase is perfect for dramatic shots, and details like ornate Palladian windows, intricately carved architectural details, and even the baby blue walls of the Bridal Suite are perfect for more traditional bridal shots or portraits of you and your partner that are totally unique to the photos we’ll take outdoors. 

Wedding Details

A wedding at The Governor Thomas Bennett House includes spaces for your ceremony, reception, and cocktail hour. Regardless of the season in which you choose to marry, the grounds will be meticulously maintained and feature seasonal plantings. 

You may choose your own catering and bar service vendors. But they need to be approved by the House Coordinator before signing contracts. Their team can also provide you with a list of their pre-approved and recommended vendors. All who have worked with them before and had great success. 

You’ll also need to use a fully licensed Event Planner for your wedding. They ensure that the integrity of both your event and the property is attended to throughout your day. Your coordinator must also be approved in advance by the House Coordinator. But again, they can help you find someone perfect who will totally get it and help execute your vision. While also knowing all of the ins and outs of the estate. 

The Governor Thomas Bennett House

The Governor Thomas Bennett House is the perfect Lowcountry historic venue for an elegant Southern wedding. Be sure to check out their website for more information and photos of weddings gone by. But if you’re ready to start brainstorming all the ways your wedding can shine in this beautiful space, I’m always a phone call or an email away! Let’s do it! 

Charleston always provides a beautiful and romantic setting for a wedding. That’s why I love being a film wedding photographer here! If you ever have any questions about venues, then feel free to reach out. I love helping couples celebrate and remember their dream wedding day!