That's how precious your wedding day is to me

It's here. The day you have dreamt about since you were little is all about to come true. It will be picture perfect!

And the best part is the love you are committing to ever after. I'm here to exquisitely capture through photography the true romance, connection and story of your love in such a way that when you show the wedding photos to your little ones, they will be transported into a wondrous, beautiful fairytale that is their parents love. Sparking a joy and hope for their own future.

The Day Your Dreams Come True

Charleston wedding photographer who magically captures

Hello love, i'm Maria

luxury destination wedding photographer serving couples in Charleston, South carolina & worldwide

charleston Wedding Photographer
For the enchantingly in love

Here we believe in happily ever afters! With the Maria McKenzie Wedding portrait experience, you can be sure all of the photos of your special day will capture the dreamy elegance of a fairytale that radiates the  joy of your love story!  We also have your back in answering any questions about our favorite city Charleston! 

Wedding Experience

The Maria McKenzie

There'sExtraordinary Magic

to saying i do in a location that holds a special place in your heart

Charleston is a top destination for distinguished weddings

01

Charleston is known as the Holy City for good reason. With its many historic churches and grand cathedrals, it's a city that's steeped in sacredness and tradition. For couples seeking a wedding that's filled with meaning and reverence, Charleston offers an abundance of opportunities to celebrate your love in a spiritual and meaningful way. Imagine exchanging vows in a stunning cathedral or saying "I do" beneath a centuries-old oak tree. With its rich religious history and inspiring architecture, Charleston is a city that will infuse your wedding day with a sense of sacredness and wonder.

Holy sacredness

03

Charleston is a city that embodies coastal romance. With its sweeping ocean views, swaying palm trees, and glowing Spanish moss, it's the perfect place for couples to begin their journey together. From exchanging vows on the sandy shores to strolling hand-in-hand along the picturesque streets, Charleston offers a unique and unforgettable experience for any couple seeking a romantic wedding destination. 

COASTAL ROMANCE

02

Charleston is a city steeped in history and beauty, and with its southern charm and hospitality, it is the perfect destination for any bride looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding experience. The city's cobblestone streets and alleyways, pastel buildings adorned with elaborate window boxes, and flickering lanterns create a picturesque backdrop for any occasion. 

southern charm

3 reasons why Charleston is a top destination for distinguished weddings

3 reasons why 

inquire about your date

(And why I personally love it so much)

MORGAN & MIKE 
DAYTONA, FL

I have had 3 sessions with Maria and each one has been perfect! Having a photographer that has watched you grow up makes each session so much more special. Maria hid in the bushes to take surprise pictures of my proposal, she will literally do anything for her clients. All of my sessions have been in the Orlando, FL area, she will literally travel anywhere she has to to make your photo dreams come true! Thank you Maria for photographing my life and capturing moments of my life that I will never forget.

she will literally travel anywhere she has to to make your photo dreams come true! 

ERIN & MICHAEL
INDIANAPOLIS, IN

She was so organized and knew exactly what needed to be done. During my event Maria also focuses on making sure I was happy! My pictures turned out great! I love them so much and couldn’t be happier. It was worth every dollar spent!

Maria did a great job with my large wedding party. She was able to get everyone listening and in place so quickly.

KACIE & CAM 
FORT MYERS, FL

I cannot say enough good things about Maria!! Truly so kind hearted and truly cares about what she does and it shows! I cried when I got my engagement pictures back. I wouldn't trust anyone else to do our destination wedding .  And I cannot wait! I know she will blow me away once again!

I wouldn't trust anyone else to do our destination wedding

love letters

Angela & Paul

Maria is incredible! On the day of the wedding, Maria was an absolute pro. She worked tirelessly to capture every moment, from the smallest details to the grandest gestures. She put us at ease and made the entire experience feel natural and effortless.
And the photos! Oh, the photos. They are simply breathtaking. Maria McKenzie's light and airy technique creates an ethereal quality that makes every moment feel like it's been plucked straight from a fairy tale.

If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Charleston, look no further 

Alex & Alec

Her light and airy style is exactly what I was hoping for and as a bonus, she provides so much wedding guidance on top of the photography.

She traveled to Charleston, SC to make our dream of destination engagement photos come to life and we couldn’t be happier with how they turned out! She found the most gorgeous locations throughout the city and even came up with a plan to get us sunset pictures on the beach. She guided us through poses and made the whole day such a fun and special experience that we’ll always remember through the beautiful pictures.

Maria is so kind and truly amazing at what she does.

Morgan & Gabe

She is oh so kind and I could not be happier with how our photos turned out! She went above and beyond to make sure the entire process was perfect and that we felt confident and taken care of!

Maria is SO much fun to work with

Danielle & Zach

She knew exactly where to go to get the best shots. She even had the pink figgy come out for our pictures! It was such a great time and memory for us.

We loved getting our anniversary pictures done with Maria in Charleston!

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more about maria

Welcome, friend! I am Maria, a Charleston Wedding Photographer  who believes in love and happily ever afters! 

When I am not spending time with my husband Matthew, our two littles Ella and Aiden, and our four crazy pups Sophie ,Denali,  Aulani, Everest, and Reine ; I am photographing some of Indianapolis' most beautiful weddings, capturing love stories and memories to cherish and pass down to future generations. There is also a chance I am planning our next Disney Destination Vacation!

Wedding Photographer. BELIEVER, WIFE, MOMMA, & DISNEY ENTHUSIAST

Meet Maria

Feeling a little overwhelmed planning a destination wedding in charleston?

Just call me your Fairy Godmother

From being a part of hundreds of weddings, I've curated the best information on how to plan a dream fairytale wedding IN CHARLESTON.  Subscribe to my photography email list to get exclusive access! From the perfect engagement photoshot, to my top 5 honeymoon destinations... I cover it all! 

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The Mills House

The Mills House Hotel is the perfect location for couples looking for a quintessential Charleston experience.

The hotel's iconic pink facade, complete with swaying palm trees, cast iron balconies, and lanterns, exudes Southern charm. Its central location in the heart of Downtown Charleston on Queen Street makes it a convenient spot for couples who want to explore the city's many sights and sounds.

Plus, the hotel is just a short walk from the picturesque Chalmers Street and the beautiful Hibernian Society, making it an ideal location for engagement or wedding photos with plenty of variety in close proximity.

Chalmers Street

Immerse yourself in the charming beauty of Chalmers Street in Charleston for the perfect engagement photo shoot.

Adorable cobblestone roads, historic homes, and flickering lanterns around every corner create the perfect romantic atmosphere for capturing unforgettable memories. Don't miss the stunning crepe myrtle trees, adding a touch of natural beauty to the already breathtaking scenery.

With its picturesque setting and undeniable charm, Chalmers Street is the ideal location for any couple looking to capture their love story in the heart of Charleston.

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is one of Charleston's most famous and iconic locations, and for good reason.

The row of pastel-colored homes on East Bay Street is a sight to behold and the perfect backdrop for any engagement or wedding photos. The homes are lined with charming window flower boxes and gas lanterns, adding to the already picturesque setting.

Couples can pose in front of the vibrant homes and take a stroll down East Bay Street, admiring the historic architecture and stunning views of Charleston Harbor.

Tradd Street

Tradd Street is a quieter, more secluded location in Downtown Charleston, but it is no less beautiful!

The street is home to some of the city's most charming and picturesque homes, including the famous "little white house" with blue shutters that gives off Santorini vibes. Couples can walk down the street, taking in the beauty of the historic homes and charming alleyways.

The area is also just a short walk from the Battery and White Point Gardens, making it a convenient location for couples looking to explore more of Charleston.

Hampton Park

Hampton Park is a short drive from Downtown Charleston, but it is well worth the trip.

The park is home to some of the city's most beautiful oak trees and Spanish moss, creating a stunning backdrop for engagement or wedding photos.

The park is especially beautiful during golden hour, when the sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm and glowing atmosphere. Couples can take a stroll through the park, hand in hand, and capture beautiful photos that exude the natural radiance  of Charleston.

Folly Beach &
Isle of Palms

Charleston is known for its beautiful beaches, and Folly Beach and Isle of Palms are two of the best.

Couples can dip their toes in the water, splash in the waves, and watch as the sun rises or sets over the water, creating a beautiful cotton candy sky.

The beaches offer a fun and playful location for engagement or wedding photos, and they are a great way to add some variety to a session.

The Hibernian Hall 

The gorgeous Hibernian Hall is right next to the iconic Mills House Hotel and Chalmers Street.

It is a beautiful white courthouse that has black and white checkered floors and is covered, making it a perfect location for those timeless photos. The classic architecture and stunning details of the building provide a stunning backdrop for your engagement or wedding photos.

And, in case of unexpected rain during your session, the Hibernian Hall has you covered. It's an elegant and versatile location that is sure to wow and impress!

BEST PHOTO LOCATIONS IN CHARLESTON

Maria found the most gorgeous locations throughout the city of charleston and even came up with a plan to get us sunset pictures on the beach.

She made the whole day such a fun and special experience!

- Alex & Alec

resources

Everything you need to know about Charleston

Best Engagement Session Locations in Charleston

engagements

A Timeless Charleston Middleton Plantation Elopement Inspiration

editorial

5 Tips to Elevate Your Charleston Engagement Session

engagements

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I'm passionate about not only capturing truly timeless wedding photos, but also about helping you feel confident in front of the camera and making your wedding day feel delightfully magical.

Exquisite fairytale wedding photos to cherish ever after

Want to spend your honeymoon at the Magic Kingdom but don't know where to start? Look no further! As an avid Disney enthusiast I'm destined to make your Disney dream come true! Heres my guide to help your Disney honeymoon to be truly magical!

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Disney Honeymoon Guide

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