this is the code for the render ad
Community› Local Wedding Boards› South Carolina-Charleston
South Carolina-Charleston
New Discussion

Charleston Aquarium for reception?

bdthomas73bdthomas73 member
First Comment
in South Carolina-Charleston

I'm planning on having a small reception, maybe 50 or so guests. Has anyone attended an event on the rooftop terrace at the Charleston Aquarium?

Report Reply to Post

Re: Charleston Aquarium for reception?

  • katydid2014katydid2014 member
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I have a friend who went to a reception at the Aquarium but I think it was inside and out and it was more like 100-150 guests.  She said it was a perfect venue for a crowd that size, but it would probably be too large a venue for a small crowd.  If you are just using the terrace then that might not be an issue for you.  Also, be careful of what time of year you are choosing to have an outdoor rooftop ceremony.  It can get pretty windy on the water and chilly at night from about Nov-Apr.  And also know that your rental fee at the Aquarium can be deducted from your taxes as a charitable contribution!  We are having our ceremony at the Confederate Home garden and it is also tax deductible b/c it is a non-profit!  For a crowd that size you also might want to look into some of the nice restaurants with private rooms unless you are set on the rootop idea. HTH!
    Report Reply
  • bdthomas73bdthomas73 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks! My fiance and I are actually going to Charleston tomorrow to scope out some possible sites. Is the inside of the Confederate Home available as well, or just the outside gardens? 
    Report Reply
  • katydid2014katydid2014 member
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    There is a double parlor room on the second floor inside the main portion of the building overlooking Broad Street that would hold your number of guests.  That will be our backup in case the garden gets rained out.  I do know that it has very limited business hours during the week, and I had to try a couple different times to actually get someone on the phone (it is run by an older woman and the reason it is a non-profit is because a number of elderly women live on the upper levels and their housing is helped paid for by the events).  We are having our reception in one of the upstairs rooms at McCrady's restaurant, which is a really great space and worth checking out as well.  A plus side to using a restaurant for the reception is you do not have to rent tables, linens, serving utensils, ect, and the room fees for the restaurants are usually pretty low (like less than $200).  I have researched to death weddings in Charleston so let me know if you have any other questions or need other recommendations!
    Report Reply
  • bdthomas73bdthomas73 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Yeah, I've just started doing my research. I checked out the McCrady's website and the Gallery Room would be perfect. It's so pretty that I wondered just how much the room fees would be.

    Thanks for all the help! I need all the advice I can get. I live just south of Charleston in Beaufort. We unfortunately have a limited number of venues here in Beaufort. :(
    Report Reply
  • katydid2014katydid2014 member
    Ninth Anniversary 100 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Actually the room fee at McCrady's is only $150 if they haven't gone up since we booked, so it is totally affordable.
    Report Reply
  • MellandNateMellandNate member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    The SC Aquarium is such a unique venue and gives your guests plenty of options for things to do at the reception.

    My sweet friend Adair just got married there this month...check out her photos at:
    http://charlestonwedding.com/index.html#/south-carolina-aquarium-charleston-wedding-and-reception-venue/
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards