Charleston has received tremendous publicity in recent years, with Condé Nast Traveler naming it the best small city in the United States. To put it simply, Charleston is a charming city, replete with multiple beaches, cobblestone streets and historical sites. When choosing a location for your quintessentially Charleston family portrait, we suggest considering some of our city’s famously beautiful gardens and plantations. Myriad historic venues are also available to rent, including the William Aiken House and the American Theatre. Read on to learn more about venue rates, hours of operation, and scheduling protocols.
Family portrait at The William Aiken House
MAGNOLIA PLANTATION & GARDENS - America’s oldest public garden
FEE: $ 200/day flat rate
HOURS: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; willing to stay open earlier or later upon request
SCHEDULING/POINT OF CONTACT: Caroline
P: 843-571-1266 (ext.2300)
Anniversary Photography at Charlestown Landing
MIDDLETON PLACE
FEE: $ 175/day flat rate (includes admission for 4 people plus the photographer)
HOURS:
Open Sundays through Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Option to stay past 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays
On Sundays photographers can stay through sunset (unless a wedding or event is currently taking place)
SCHEDULING: Required to submit a signed contract and payment at least 3 business days prior to day of photoshoot
POINT OF CONTACT: Molly Sherman
Email: sgs@middletonplace.org
*Email her first to see if date is available
Cell: 843-377-0548
Wedding Photography at Lowndes Grove
MCLEOD PLANTATION - A famous and well-preserved Gullah/Geechee heritage site that serves to recognize generations of enslaved people
FEE: $100 per hour between 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. and $200 per hour after 6 p.m.
HOURS: Photo shoots must take place Tuesday-Sunday 7-9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
SCHEDULING: All professional photo shoots (including, but not limited to, group or family portrait shoots) and all photography involving equipment other than a hand-held camera or cell phone must be scheduled in advance with the park office.
POINT OF CONTACT: Call 843-762-9514 to schedule
Family Portrait at The William Aiken House
THE WILLIAM AIKEN HOUSE
FEE: $206/hour or $105/half hour
HOURS: Open Monday - Wednesday for photoshoots:
Mondays: 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
SCHEDULING:
*Must schedule at least 30 days in advance*
Call Jillian to schedule
Photographer must complete a required photography form (Jillian can email digital form)
POINT OF CONTACT: Jillian
P:843-853-1810
Anniversary Photography at Charlestown Landing
BOONE HALL PLANTATION - Rated #1 Plantation in the Lowcountry by USA Today
FEE: $500 for an annual Photo Pass
Photo Pass allows for a maximum of 4 guests (5 total individuals including photographer)
HOURS: Open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
SCHEDULING: Must make reservations in advance by reaching out to Sarah Kate
POINT OF CONTACT: Sarah Kate
P: 843-884-4371 (mainline)
*ask to be connected to Sarah Kate for scheduling
The Bride - Wedding Photography at Lowndes Grove
LOWNDES GROVE
FEE: $206/hour or $105/half hour
HOURS: Only open Monday - Wednesdays for photoshoots:
Mondays: 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
SCHEDULING:
*Must schedule at least 30 days in advance*
Call Jillian to schedule
Photographer must complete a required photography form (Jillian can email digital form)
POINT OF CONTACT: Jillian
P:843-853-1810
The Bride and Groom - Wedding Photography at Lowndes Grove
THE AMERICAN THEATRE
FEE: $206/hour or $105/half hour
HOURS: Only open Monday - Wednesdays for photoshoots:
Mondays: 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
SCHEDULING:
*Must schedule at least 30 days in advance*
Call Jillian to schedule
Photographer must complete a required photography form (Jillian can email digital form)
POINT OF CONTACT: Jillian
P:843-853-1810
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
CHARLESTOWN LANDING
FEE: $12/Adult; $7.50/SC Senior; $7/children aged 6-15 years old; Free for children 5 and younger
*No props or staging permitted on property*
HOURS:
April 1st - October 31st: 9 a.m., - 6 p.m. daily
November 1st - March 31st: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
*Everyone needs to be in the park 5 p.m. and then off by 6 p.m. when the front gates are locked
SCHEDULING: N/A
POINT OF CONTACT: Niki Ohlandt
P: Phone: 843-556-6871
Anniversary Photography at Charlestown Landing
FOUNDERS HALL
FEE:
$500 for 4 hours
$200 for 2 hours (special Captured by Kate rate)*
SCHEDULING: *Requires a minimum of 1 months notice*
POINT OF CONTACT: Niki Ohlandt, Events Coordinator
P: Phone: 843-556-6871
Family Portrait at The William Aiken House
WINGATE PLACE
FEE: No fee required (so long as it does not require a staff member to be on site)
SCHEDULING: *Must give a minimum of 2 weeks notice prior to scheduling a photoshoot*
*Schedule 3 to 4 weeks in advance during Wingate’s off-season (July and August) when they have large venue projects going on that may affect the appearance of the grounds
POINT OF CONTACT: Sarah Rickman
P: 843-408-5963
Proposal at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
LEGARE WARING HOUSE
FEE:
$500 for 4 hours
$200 for 2 hours (special Captured by Kate rate)*
SCHEDULING: *Requires a minimum of 1 months notice*
POINT OF CONTACT: Niki Ohlandt, Events Coordinator
P: Phone: 843-556-6871
