6 Unique Places in Charleston to Hold a Memorial
Charleston is a city known for its hospitality, which is probably why there are so many amazing venues in the area to celebrate all of life’s milestones – including the last one.
While memorial services are traditionally held in a funeral home or church, there’s no “right” place to honor your loved one. Non-traditional venues, like waterfront parks or historic homes, can be beautiful places to remember someone’s life and to say goodbye.
Stuhr Funeral Home can help with planning should you decide one of these unique routes would work best for you. In the past, Stuhr has organized services at many non-traditional locations.
“In the wake of COVID, families are also thinking beyond traditional memorial venues, like outdoor spaces, in order to still gather to celebrate a life while also staying safe and social distancing,” adds Brian Calhoun, Funeral Director at Stuhr.
Here are six ideas for non-traditional memorial service venues in and around Charleston.
1. Sweetgrass Pavilion at Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant. Located on the Cooper River in the footprint of Charleston’s most iconic bridge, this venue offers breathtaking views and an intimate setting for up to 50 guests. It also has sliding barn doors and covered porches for an outdoor event that stills offer protection from the elements. For larger events, check out the nearby Cooper River Room.
2. Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. This venue sits on the site of South Carolina’s first settlement, making it the ideal venue to honor someone who loved this historic state. Founders Hall itself blends technology and nature together for a unique event space. It features plenty of natural light, a screened-in porch and a spacious lawn as well as state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, perfect for screening a memorial video.
3. Also located at Charles Towne landing is the Legare Waring House. This historic antebellum plantation home has a lawn overlooking lagoons and a picturesque avenue of oaks. This venue also has a catering kitchen and plenty of parking, so it can easily accommodate a larger service.
3. The South Carolina Aquarium is certainly a less conventional location for a memorial service, but it’s perfect for anyone who enjoyed time spent on the water or marine life. In addition to its aquarium galleries, the venue also has an outdoor space overlooking Charleston harbor and can accommodate groups of almost any size.
5. The Lake House at Bulow is a great location for a small, intimate service. The site is managed by the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission and can be found off the beaten path near Red Top. The luxury home features two porches and a patio overlooking the lakes as well as plenty of outdoor space.
6. The Dewberry in downtown Charleston embracing everything that makes the city charming. The hotel offers multiple event spaces, including the Walled Garden, a 2,250-square-foot outdoor space with live oaks, brick wall draped in English Ivy, bluestone walkways and a raised garden.
These – and many other spectacular settings around Charleston – are wonderful spots for loved ones to gather in a peaceful and beautiful venue as they pay tribute to someone special.
When looking to celebrate the life of a loved one who has moved on, being safe is a top priority, but it doesn’t mean the celebration can’t continue. Consider reaching out to Stuhr to help with planning a memorial service that’s as unique as your loved one.
