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The Venue Guide
"Surrounded by 14 acres of live oak groves and peaceful river views, downtown Charleston's last great waterfront estate has enchanted visitors to this idyllic setting for more than four centuries"
With several unique ceremony locations, you're sure to find one perfectly tailored for your day. Say I do beneath the oak trees on the front lawn or overlooking the Ashley River.
As you walk the grounds, you’ll capture photos that will grace your home for decades to come. You’ll dance the night away under the clear tent overlooking the water with twinkly lights and elegant chandeliers. Your guests will feel right at home with how you so beautifully decorated everything and thought of every last detail.
As you drive back down the gravel road from the historic venue, leaving the plantation as Husband and Wife, you’ll look over at your handsome husband and thank God you’re married to such an amazing man. And you’ll always remember how magical your day truly was.
THE PERFECT VENUE
It's the day of your wedding and sunlight is gleaming off the water of the ashley river while wind blows through the tall oak trees dripping with spanish moss...
The Main House showcases 1786-era architecture with period furnishings, an expansive piazza, grand lawn and sunlit terraces made of bluestone, brick and oyster tabby. There are plenty of rooms inside if you want to host your guests upstairs for their cocktail hour, or reserve it for wedding party only for getting ready. In addition to that, there's a beautiful checkered floor as soon as you step foot inside the door!
The private dock leads straight out on the Ashley River. If you are looking to have a unique getaway from your wedding, get picked up by a boat instead of a car! The boat can pull right up to the dock and you can make your exit and enjoy the beauty of Charleston at night from the view of the water.
The piazza is great for your ceremony, reception, or both! There are so many ways that you can set up your wedding at Lowndes Grove Plantation. There are no limitations and plenty of space. And did I mention it overlooks the water and the grand lawn? You get the best views from this spot!
There is definitely plenty of room for the whole wedding party to get ready at Lowndes Grove Plantation. Usually the girls can get ready upstairs, while the guys have part of the downstairs. There are plenty of hotels and airbnbs in the area as well though if you want to have a separate place for the guys or just want to get ready off site!
The great thing about Lowndes Grove Plantation is how many backdrops there are. You can have the water in the background, giant oak trees, or the main house. I love the look of greenery in family photos so I love to take family photos out on the grand lawn! But if you have a special place in mind I am always up for that!
This all depends on if you are having a first look or not! If you have a first look, we are able to get lots of photos done beforehand, so you can have a later ceremony. But if you don't have a first look you definitely want to have plenty of time to take photos after the ceremony! So I always say if you have a first look, two hours before sunset. And no first look, 3 hours before sunset.
Lowndes Grove Plantation does allow for sparkler exits, though I encourage you to think outside the box! A great idea is to have flower petals thrown as you make your way back down the aisle as husband and wife. Or if you do want the exit at the end of the night, some other good ideas are glowsticks, bubbles, streamers, or pom poms. Make it special to you!
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Meet Catherine
GET TO KNOW THE PHOTOGRAPHEr
I'm Catherine, but you can call me Catie! I'm a wedding photographer based in Charleston, SC specializing in romantic and bright imagery for couples planning their dream wedding.
In my free time you can find me reading a good book, daydreaming about Disney, eating way too much sushi or watching The Office with my Golden Retriever, Toulouse, and my gray kitty, Gus. Yes, they are both named after Disney characters!
Majority of your wedding day you will find me snapping all of the candid and unplanned moments that you may not remember. All I want you to do is smile, have fun and soak it all in. You will be looking back on these photos for years to come!
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Whether you’re getting married at Lowndes Grove Plantation or someplace in Charleston (or beyond!), I would love to be considered for your day.
If you’re interested in working with me, the best way to reach me is by either filling out the form or sending an e-mail to catie@catherinehurtphotography.com with your wedding date and location. If you’ve filled out the form and haven’t heard from me in a few days, please email me directly.
thank you! we'll be in touch soon!