An Insider’s Guide

An Insider’s Guide to 23 Iconic Portrait Spots in Charleston

From antebellum mansions and ancient oaks to famed cobblestone streets and pristine beaches, couples clamor to have their engagement and wedding portraits set against some of the Lowcountry’s most recognizable locales. Grab your camera and join us as we explore 23 of the most iconic portrait spots in Charleston.

1 Longitude Lane

Tucked throughout Charleston are iconic nooks and alleys that appear in background of countless images including Longitude Lane. Click through to discover nine of the Holy City’s hidden pathways, including the Unitarian Church Graveyard, Bedon’s Alley, Longitude Lane, Philadelphia Alley, Price’s Alley, St. Michael’s Alley, Stoll’s Alley, Unity Alley and Horlbeck Alley.

2 Nathaniel Russell House

Named "One Of America's Most Important Neoclassical Dwellings," this gorgeously restored home boasts a free-flying, three-story staircase. The steps of the architectural marvel have ushered a bounty of brides and grooms into happily ever after.

3 Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

The hospitality of Charleston is immortalized in the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park. The focal point of the park welcomes and encourages wading, so daring couples are often spotted dipping their toes in the welcoming waters.

4 William Aiken House

The iconic hue of the William Aiken house is unmistakable. The distinctive mustard yellow walls of this 18th-century home draw couples and photographers alike.

5 Rainbow Row

The row of candy-colored houses, known as Rainbow Row, is one of the most photographed spots in Charleston. Couples from around the globe have captured their portraits in front of the famed window boxes and benches that line the historic homes.

6 The Dewberry Charleston

The Dewberry is the one of newest hotel hot spots to open in Charleston and comes with 360 degree views of the Holy City from it's luxe rooftop event space.

7 Belmond Charleston Place

If this iconic staircase at Belmond Charleston Place could talk, it would share stories of decades of destination Charleston "I do's."

8 Zero George

The hidden courtyard and famous exterior of this luxury property have served up countless photo ops for couples tying the knot in Charleston.

9 Cobblestone Streets

While Chalmers Street is certainly the best known and the most photographed of Charleston's famous cobblestone streets, there are several storied streets in downtown Charleston perfect for picturesque strolls ...so take your pick.

10 Wentworth Mansion

A tribute to Charleston grandeur, the Wentworth Mansion is a downtown Charleston inn that exemplifies splendor with Italian crystal chandeliers and hand-carved marble fireplaces. The rooftop cupola is a favorite amongst couples seeking to snap an aerial image that includes the Charleston skyline.

11 Lowndes Grove Plantation

Downtown Charleston’s great waterfront estate sits proudly along the oak-lined banks of the Ashley River. Couples often choose to be photographed on the expansive piazza, grand lawn or private dock complete with panoramic sunset views.

12 The Battery

The Battery offers unprecedented views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter National Monument. A look back across the street promises fantastic images of beautiful antebellum mansions.

13 Mills House Hotel

Located in the heart of the historic district, the famed pink facade of the hotel is one of the most recognizable backdrops for couples to capture their portraits.

14 College of Charleston Cistern Yard

The historical charm of Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston has ushered in scores of graduates and couples tying the knot. The three buildings that make up the yard serve as the heart of the college and have remained virtually unchanged since the mid-1800's

1 The Board Walk at Wild Dunes Resort

Luxe beachside charm and a one-of-a-kind boardwalk lined with rainbow hued homes come together for timeless moments and captures for couples.

2 Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Choose from expansive views of the Ashley River, ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss or intimate garden walkways for your unforgettable portraits.

3 Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Nestled into the unspoiled landscape of Kiawah Island, 10 miles of pristine beaches meet with the manicured grounds of the resort. From barefooted beach portraits to twirls on the fairways, there is no shortage of picture perfect spots for couples to choose from.

4 Boone Hall Plantation

Boone Hall's iconic Avenue Of Oaks features 270 year-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss. These living giants have served center stage in a multitude of matrimonial celebrations.

5 Folly Beach Pier

Slip off your shoes and step onto the Folly Beach pier. Reaching out 1,045 feet into the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the structure is the second longest pier on the east coast and offers an array of spectacular photographic spots.

6 Legare Waring House

Located in Charles Towne Landing, among the moss laden avenue of oaks, crystal lagoons, and gardens, the Legare Waring House is the epitome of Southern charm.

7 Middleton Place

Step back in time at Middleton Place and enjoy the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Choose from multiple sites at this National Historic Landmark for the backdrop of beautiful photographs, including the famed Butterfly Lakes.

8 Runnymead Plantation

This hidden Charleston gem, dating back to 1705, sits quietly over 180 pristine acres and has breathtaking river views that provide the perfect backdrop for portraits.

9 Angel Oak

Located just outside of Charleston stands the Angel Oak. Couples far and wide flock to this spot to capture a picture with the living piece of history that is thought to be one of the oldest living things in the country.

Explore What's in This Guide

Rainbow Row

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William Aiken House

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Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park

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Battery Park

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Nathaniel Russell House

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Lowndes Grove Plantation

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The Dewberry Charleston

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Mills House Hotel

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Cobblestone Streets

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Longitude Lane

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Zero George

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Belmond Charleston Place

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Wentworth Mansion

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College of Charleston Cistern Yard

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Boone Hall Plantation

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Kiawah Island Golf Resort

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Legare Waring House

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The Board Walk at Wild Dunes Resort

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Runnymead Plantation

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Tides at Folly Beach

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Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

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Middleton Place

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Angel Oak

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Complimentary Wedding Guide

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