We absolutely adored photographing this beautiful Cedar Room Charleston wedding for Kara & David earlier this year! As a Charleston Wedding Photographer, I love getting the chance to explore new-to-me venues throughout the Lowcountry, and the Cedar Room at Mercantile stunned me with its historic features, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-concept reception space that made for a gorgeous backdrop for their nuptials. This destination wedding was heartfelt, beautiful, and a phenomenal way to kickoff our 2023 wedding season with K&D!
Cedar Room Charleston Wedding Venue
Charleston, South Carolina is known for its charming antebellum homes, scenic waterways, and rich history. It’s no wonder that many couples choose this charming city as the backdrop for their wedding day. One popular wedding venue in Charleston is The Cedar Room, which is located in the heart of the city and offers stunning views of the Cooper River. The Cedar Room Charleston is actually a former cigar factory and later textile factory, delightfully transformed into a beautiful reception space and banquet hall that creates an airy event space for weddings and corporate events.
The Cedar Room is a beautifully restored industrial space right off of East Bay Street that boasts a modern and chic atmosphere. Its polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls, two-story wood columns, and sleek metal accents create an urban, yet elegant, ambiance. The venue can accommodate up to 500 guests, making it a great choice for larger weddings. The space can also be customized to suit the couple’s preferences, with options for different seating arrangements, lighting, and decor. Rustic brick walls that have been whitewashed surround the main banquet hall reception space, and the historic wood columns are framed by original hardwood floors throughout the room.
One of the standout features of The Cedar Room that we absolutely loved photographing is its stunning views. The venue is located on the second floor of a building on the Charleston Navy Yard, and its large windows offer panoramic views of the Cooper River and the city skyline. This creates a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos and adds an extra touch of elegance to the celebration. We love using their rooftop terrace to create a magical ambiance at sunset for ‘just married’ portraits with our couples, with views of the Lowcountry that simply cannot be beat!
Another feature that sets The Cedar Room apart is its exceptional culinary offerings. The venue’s in-house catering team, Mercantile and Mash, is led by Executive Chef Tim Morton. The team sources ingredients locally and creates menus that showcase the best of Southern cuisine. From fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses, the food at The Cedar Room is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. Bar services is also available for wedding receptions in their space, with a corner built-in bar aptly named Bar Mash serving guests a fine assortment of cocktails and drinks all evening long.
The Cedar Room also offers a range of amenities to make the wedding day as stress-free as possible. The venue has a bridal suite where the bride and her attendants can prepare for the ceremony, as well as a groom’s suite for the groom and his groomsmen. The staff is also available to help with setup and cleanup, and there is ample parking on site for guests.
Overall, The Cedar Room is a top choice for couples looking for a sophisticated and stylish wedding venue in Charleston. Its industrial-chic atmosphere, stunning views, exceptional cuisine, and helpful staff make it a dream location for any wedding celebration. Whether you’re planning a grand affair or an intimate gathering, The Cedar Room is sure to exceed your expectations and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
A Charleston Romance
I first met Kara and David at their engagement session last year in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, and immediately knew that we were going to have the absolute best time together in front of my cameras! Kara, originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, had relocated to Charleston several years ago, where she and David met and were introduced through the groom’s brother. Kara had worked with David’s brother for years, before one day at an office happy hour, he finally mentioned introducing her to David. The two shared their first date at the adorable Charleston pub, the Blind Tiger, and the rest truly is history!
These two chose the Charleston area to host their gorgeous winter wedding weekend at, a city they both love and both share together as local residents. The Cedar Room Charleston was an easy choice to host their wedding at – creating a breaktaking yet modern ambiance for the couple and their guests. The couple chose to have their ceremony in the outdoor courtyard featuring tall Tuscan spruce trees, and their reception in the ballroom upstairs.
Cedar Room Charleston Winter Wedding
Kara and David kicked off their wedding day with getting ready with their closest friends and family in the historic Cannonborough neighborhood in Charleston. For their emotional and joy-filled first look, we chose the beautiful intersection of Chalmers Street and Church Street as the perfect Charleston backdrop for their wedding portraits. Their wedding party met us on the cobblestone street shortly after – the ladies opted for a delicate long champagne dress from Revelry, and the gentlemen donned traditional tuxedos for the occasion.
Once it was event time, we made our way over to the Cedar Room Charleston for their golden hour wedding ceremony in the courtyard. There was not a dry eye in the house as these two exchanged vows and rings, and you could feel their unadulterated happiness infuse every moment of their wedding!
Charleston Wedding Reception
The ladies at Mod Events Charleston transformed the ballroom space into a breathtaking winter wedding, complete with floor-to-ceiling white drapings, bedecked round tables throughout, and a masterpiece head table complete with a hanging floral installation. I absolutely loved photographing the gorgeous hanging floral installation, which created an intimate, elevated ambiance for guests seated at the head table.
During cocktail hour, the courtyard space was transformed with cocktail tables and a cigar station for guests. While their guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, we stole the couple up to the rooftop of The Cedar Room for ‘just married’ portraits as the sun slowly set. Their emotional first dance opened the dance floor for a night filled with dancing and a party that knocked our socks off!
If You Are Planning A Wedding In The Southeast, Colorado, Or At A Destination Worldwide, And Looking For A Destination Wedding Photographer, Let’s Get In Touch Today!
Photography Team: Sarah Nann Photography
Planning & Floral Design: Mod Events Charleston
Venue: The Cedar Room Charleston
Dress: Stella York
Bridesmaids: Revelry
Transportation: A Rolls for You, Coastal Limo
Cake: The Cake Stand Charleston
Music: Bryan the DJ
Rentals: Snyder Events, Sawdust and Sweetgrass
Stationery: Minted Weddings
Lighting & Draping: Lowcountry Entertainment
