As a wedding photographer who’s been working in Charleston for several years, I get asked this question constantly: where should we go for romantic dates and engagement shoots?

Honestly, Charleston delivers on its romantic reputation. Every time I’m downtown for a shoot, I discover something new that makes me fall in love with this city all over again.

If you’re looking for things to do in Charleston for couples, you’ve come to the right place.

Just a heads up though. Some spots can get pretty crowded with tourists. I’ll share which ones are worth dealing with the crowds and which alternatives might work better for you.

Why Charleston is Perfect for Couples: Things to Do

Look, I’m usually skeptical when cities claim to be “America’s Most Romantic.” But Charleston keeps winning those Travel + Leisure awards for good reason.

The entire downtown area feels like stepping into a movie set. I’ve had countless couples tell me they feel like they’re living in their own romantic film. It might sound cheesy, but there’s truth to it.

Here’s what makes Charleston special for couples:

Those famous pastel houses on Rainbow Row? They’re authentic, not recreations. Fair warning though, wear comfortable shoes.

The restaurant scene is incredible. We’re talking about legitimate, world-class dining where locals actually eat.

And those waterfront views never get old. I’ve photographed engagement sessions here, and I still pause to admire the harbor views.

Best Romantic Things to Do in Charleston for Couples

Take a Sunset Sail (But Pick the Right One)

SpiritLine Cruises
Website: https://spiritlinecruises.com
Address: 360 Concord St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 722-2628

There are probably fifteen different harbor cruise companies in Charleston. Most are decent, but SpiritLine stands out with well-maintained boats and professional service.

Their sunset dinner cruise runs about $75 per person. Yes, it’s an investment. But you get quality food and an open bar, which definitely enhances the experience.

Here’s an insider tip: sit on the left side for the best bridge views. Trust me on this one.

The cruise lasts about three hours. Perfect timing to feel romantic without getting seasick. Proposing here would be a great idea.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides: A Classic Thing to Do in Charleston for Couples

Palmetto Carriage Works
Website: https://palmettocarriage.com
Address: 8 Guignard St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 938-4747

I know this sounds incredibly touristy. And it absolutely is. But here’s the thing: it’s genuinely wonderful if you embrace the experience.

Private tours cost around $150 for two people. Worth every penny if you’re celebrating an anniversary or special occasion. Regular tours run about $28 per person, though you’ll share the carriage with other couples.

Nobody tells you this beforehand, but the horses do have a distinct smell. Downtown can get pretty loud too. However, the guides share fascinating historical stories, and you’ll see parts of Charleston you’d never discover on foot.

Discover Charleston’s Wine Bar Scene

Bin 152
Website: https://bin152.com
Address: 152 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 577-7359

This wine bar absolutely gets it right. The wine selection isn’t pretentious, their cheese boards are generous, and you can actually have intimate conversations without shouting over noise.

Wine glasses range from $12 to $18, which is reasonable for downtown Charleston. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between elegant and cozy.

Pro tip: arrive before 8 PM. After that, it fills up with tourists who just discovered it on Instagram.

Their truffle cheese is legitimately outstanding. Even if you’re not typically a cheese person, order it. You won’t regret it.

Explore Middleton Place Gardens

Middleton Place
Website: https://www.middletonplace.org
Address: 4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414
Phone: (843) 556-6020

This garden is absolutely stunning.

Admission costs $35 per person. Seems steep initially, but once you see the 65 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, you’ll understand the value.

Spring is obviously the ideal time to visit. Everything’s blooming and the weather is perfect. Summer visits can be brutal with the heat and insects, so plan accordingly.

The Butterfly Lakes are Instagram famous for obvious reasons. Personally, I love finding the quieter corners where other visitors rarely venture.

Capture Professional Photos

Here’s where I get to share my professional perspective. Charleston offers incredible photo opportunities, but having someone who knows the hidden gems makes all the difference.

Rainbow Row is beautiful but constantly crowded. I know secluded alleyways and private gardens that most tourists never see.

Things to do in Charleston for couples should definitely include professional photography. Just make sure you do it right. Don’t settle for having strangers take phone photos when you could have stunning images.

More Fun Things to Do in Charleston for Couples

Art Walks: A Cultural Thing to Do in Charleston for Couples

Charleston’s gallery scene might surprise you, it’s impressively sophisticated.

First Friday gallery walks happen monthly. You’ll get complimentary wine, see interesting local art, and can explore about ten different galleries downtown.

Some galleries can feel pretentious. But several showcase incredible local artists doing genuinely innovative work. Plus, it’s completely free entertainment.

Take a Culinary Food Tour

Charleston Culinary Tours
Website: https://charlestonculinarytours.com
Phone: (843) 259-2966

I was initially skeptical about paying for a food tour in a city I know well.

Turns out, I discovered restaurants I’d never heard of before. The Upper King Street tour is excellent and costs about $65 per person.

You’ll walk off some calories between stops. The guides actually know Charleston’s culinary history and current scene inside and out.

Plan a Waterfront Park Picnic

Goat. Sheep. Cow.
Website: https://goatsheepcow.com
Address: 106 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: (843) 480-2526

This specialty cheese shop has everything needed for an elevated picnic.

Waterfront Park gets busy on weekends. Find a spot away from the Pineapple Fountain for a more peaceful experience.

Those harbor views are completely free. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need for a perfect date.

Planning Your Wedding in Charleston?

If you’re considering Charleston for your wedding, I have insights from photographing weddings at about thirty different local venues.

Charleston weddings are absolutely gorgeous. They’re also expensive. Venue costs typically start around $8,000 and increase significantly from there.

Spring and fall offer ideal weather. Summer weddings can be challenging because of heat and humidity. Your guests will definitely notice the difference.

Some venues look stunning but have logistical nightmares. Others appear simple but photograph beautifully. This is exactly why working with experienced local vendors matters.

Popular venues book eighteen months in advance. If Charleston is calling to you, start planning immediately.

You can explore our favorite Charleston wedding venues or learn more about the stunning Lowndes Grove plantation.

Check out our favorite Charleston venues for weddings here or take a deep dive into the charming Lowndes Grove.

The Reality of Charleston Romance

I could spend hours talking about Charleston’s charm and legendary Southern hospitality. You’ve probably heard most of that already.

Here’s what I’ll tell you instead: Charleston forces you to slow down. The pace here is genuinely different. You can’t rush through a carriage ride or harbor cruise.

Friends who visit from larger cities always comment on how relaxed they feel here. There’s something about Charleston that encourages you to focus on each other instead of constantly checking phones.

Things to do in Charleston for couples aren’t just activities. They’re opportunities to connect without typical daily distractions.

It’s pretty incredible for romance.

Still need your perfect dress? Stop by some of our favorite wedding shops Charleston SC.

Ready to Document Your Charleston Love Story?

This is where I get to talk about what we do at Thin Spaces. We photograph and film couples who genuinely enjoy each other’s company.

We take time understanding what makes your relationship unique. Then we find Charleston locations that match your personalities. Not every couple needs Rainbow Row photos. Some look amazing in hidden gardens or industrial downtown settings.

We’ve been working in Charleston long enough to know which locations deliver. We know parking situations, optimal lighting times, and how to avoid tourist crowds.

Whether you’re planning a Charleston wedding or want to remember this special trip, let’s have a conversation.

We would love to be your wedding photographer Charleston: contact us to learn about our Charleston photo and film collections.