for fun, fashionable party-loving
couples hosting their wedding weekend
at their dream garden, private estate
or historic venue
for fun, fashionable party-loving
couples hosting their wedding weekend
at their dream garden, private estate
or historic venue
A ROMANTIC HISTORIC BUILDING IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON
Built in the mid-1850s, Merchants Hall was once used as a grocers on the bottom and storage on the top floor – the original door to the outside for loading is still there!
Merchants Hall has lots of the original building’s wood columns, exposed brick walls, and windows which overlook downtown Charleston and the City Market, so you’re really immersed in the buildings history.
FAQ
Some things to consider for your wedding at merchants hall!
I.
Where should we get ready for our wedding at Merchants Hall?
Merchants Hall is right in the middle of the Charleston historic district so your getting ready options are endless!
Check out this blog post of our extensive list of the best hotels, air bnb & historic inns to get ready at in Charleston for your wedding
II.
Where should we have the ceremony & what time do you recommend?
While you could technically do your ceremony at Merchants Hall and then have your planner flip the space, we don't recommend it.
There are many churches, parks and other historic buildings nearby (like 62 Broad) to have your ceremony at.
Our recommendation for your ceremony time depends on if you're doing a First Look or not:
You're doing a First Look - start at least 2 hours before Sunset
You're NOT doing a First Look - start at least 3 hours before sunset
III.
What are the Reception options?
Merchants Hall is basically a blank canvas so you can do almost anything you can dream up!
You'll definitely want to consider adding some additional lighting options like candles & colored uplighting - it really adds depth to the reception and makes your dancing photos POP.
IV.
For how long & where should we plan to take the first look, couples portraits, wedding party & family photos?
There are tons of great photography spots in downtown Charleston but the closest spot to Merchants Hall would be the Chalmers Street/Church Street area!
Plan to take photos for 2 hours before the ceremony regardless of if you're doing a First Look or not.
If you're doing a First Look, we'll take 5 minutes for Just Married portraits after the ceremony before you walk hand in hand into cocktail hour and enjoy the party.
If you don't do a First Look, we'll be taking photos for another hour after the ceremony and you'll miss mingling with guests at cocktail hour.
Cole & Nick
Hourly Coverage Recommendation for Your Wedding at MERCHANTS HALL
Every wedding is different and so are the hourly coverage needs! If you're unsure how many hours will be the best fit for you, take a peek below at our recommendations
9 Hours
Typically covers getting ready photos to the important reception formalities (toasts, cake cutting) & 30-60 minutes of dance floor action.
If you think your crowd isn’t really going to be the dancing type, or you just don’t really care too much about dance photos, 9 hours will work the best for you!
This is the best starting coverage option if your entire wedding is taking place at Merchants Hall
10 Hours
Typically covers getting ready photos to the important reception formalities (toasts, cake cutting) & 1-1.5 hours of dance floor action.
If you’re not planning an exit at the end of the night (or you are but you dont care if its photographed) & you love dancing photos, you’ll definitely want your photographer for 10 hours to make sure there’s lots of fun dancing pics before everyone starts getting too drunk.
This is the best starting coverage if your wedding ceremony is at a different location this isn't Merchants Hall
11+ Hours
Typically covers getting ready photos to the important reception formalities (toasts, cake cutting) & all of the dancing + your exit at the end of the night.
This is the best option if you want your photos to tell your wedding day story from start to finish, especially if you’re planning a fun exit at the end of the night like sparklers or confetti!
This is also perfect for those of you looking for blackmail photos of your friends doing crazy shit on the dance floor!
Catherine Ann Photography is an inclusive wedding photographer based in Charleston SC, serving couples of all races, sexualities, genders, and physical/mental abilities.
Wedding photography for fun, fashionable,
party people hosting a wedding
that speaks to their soul
Charleston | New York | Europe
