If you want to live out your Parent Trap dreams of having your wedding reception on a yacht, this wedding package might be for you.
Through the Tulle Together Wedding Pricing Transparency Project, we have the pricing PDFs for more than 2,400 wedding venues across the country, including nearly 100 in South Carolina. All of these pricing documents are submitted by other couples planning their weddings, and one couple submitted a pricing PDF for The Carolina Girl Yacht. The Carolina Girl Yacht offers a truly unique venue: a luxury yacht chartered exclusively for your event, cruising Charleston’s beautiful waterways. With a capacity of up to 125 guests, this floating venue blends maritime charm with upscale event amenities, perfect for couples seeking something off the beaten path.
Since we have the pricing PDF, we can walk through the venue costs for you without you having to email them. Below, we’ve broken down everything in the pricing PDF to help you figure out whether The Carolina Girl Yacht fits your budget and your vision.
Want to access the original pricing PDF and help estimating your potential cost? Log in to Tulle Together‘s Wedding Pricing Transparency Project to access the full venue pricing PDF and more than 2,400 other pricing PDFs.
Ceremony & Reception Costs at The Carolina Girl
First, let’s look at the spaces available in the boat. The yacht includes three main levels:
- Top Deck: Ideal for ceremonies with views of Charleston Harbor. Max capacity is 75 guests standing, so if you plan to have your ceremony on the boat, you’ll need a smaller group.
- Main Dining Room: For seated dinner and bar service.
- Key West Room: Lounge-style space great for cocktails or secondary bar setups.
While ceremonies are optional, receptions unfold across all three levels, with cruising routes offering scenic views of Charleston’s waterfront and marshes.
Venue Rental Fees
The yacht is rented by the hour, with a 4-hour max per event.
Peak Season (April, May, June, September, October, December):
- Saturday: $1,500/hour (4-hour minimum)
- Sunday–Friday: $1,400/hour
Off-Season (January, February, March, July, August, November):
- All days: $1,300/hour (3-hour minimum on Saturdays)
💡 That means a Saturday evening in May would cost $6,000 just for the yacht rental.
What’s Included in the Venue Fee
The yacht rental itself includes:
- Exclusive use of the vessel for 4 hours
- Captain, Co-Captain, Engineer, and mates (labor cost additional)
- Dockside time for guest departures
- Limited event setup and planning time onboard
Not included in base fee:
- Bar packages (required)
- Event coordination (required)
- Staff labor costs
- Catering (required from preferred list)
- Rentals like linens, tables, or A/V equipment
- Taxes and gratuities
Food & Beverage Fees
Catering for food must be selected from a preferred list provided by The Carolina Girl. Each caterer adds a venue impact + insurance fee to cover wear and tear. Here are the options for the required bar package:
Bar Packages (required):
- Beer & Wine Bar: $28–$37 per person
- Full Bar: $34–$45 per person
- Premium Bar: $40–$53 per person
- Platinum Bar: $55–$73 per person
A 4-hour premium bar for 100 guests = $5,300
Top Deck or Key West Room bars cost $500 each if added. And at 75+ guests, an extra bar is required.
Bartender Costs:
$200 for 3 hours + $25/hour after
Expect at least 2 bartenders for large groups.
Additional Fees & Taxes to Budget For
In addition to your per person costs, keep in mind the following extra fees, with some being optional:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Required Event Coordination | $1,200 |
| DJ/Music Service | $325/hour |
| Ceremony Rehearsal | $200 |
| A/V Equipment (55” screen) | $300 |
| Band Surcharge (if used) | $300 (max 60 guests) |
| Staff Labor (Captain, etc.) | Varies—added to final invoice |
| Gratuity (required 75+ guests) | 20% of subtotal |
| Bartenders | $200 (3 hrs) + $25/hr after |
| Taxes | Included in pricing |
| Fuel Surcharge | May apply based on market value |
| Guest Transportation | Required (no onsite parking) |
How much could your wedding cost if you had your wedding reception on the Carolina Girl Yacht?
When we add up all the costs, this is what you could expect to pay for your venue, food & beverage, and DJ on the yacht.
💰 Estimated Total Cost for 100 Guests on a Saturday in May: $28,510–$29,010
| Category | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Yacht Rental | 4-hour Saturday rental in Peak Season | $6,000 |
| Event Coordination (required) | In-house, includes limited planning + day-of | $1,200 |
| Catering | $80/person from preferred list | $8,000 |
| Catering Venue Impact Fee | Estimated at ~$10/person | $1,000 |
| Bar Package | Premium Bar, 4 hours at $53/person | $5,300 |
| Bartenders | 2 bartenders: $200 each (3 hrs) + $25/hr x 2 | $550 |
| Top Deck Bar | Required at 75+ guests | $500 |
| Key West Bar (optional) | Optional 2nd station for beer/wine | $500 (optional) |
| Gratuity | 20% of subtotal (catering + bar) | $2,660 |
| Staff Labor | Captain, Engineer, Mates (est. range) | $1,000–$1,500 |
| DJ/Music | 4 hours at $325/hour | $1,300 |
| Transportation | Shuttle/Uber for guests (est.) | $1,500 |
When you factor in the additional fees like attire, photography, decor, etc., Tulle Together’s Cost Forecast Tool projects that the total budget of wedding on the Carolina Girl Yacht could land around $56,000 if you forgo a wedding planner and depending on your guest count (this estimates a 200 person guest count on a peak-season Saturday), design scope, and other vendor selections. This estimate factors in a range of typical wedding expenses beyond the venue & catering itself, helping couples get a realistic view of what their wedding might actually cost before making any commitments. Of course, someone could spend more or less than this (especially if you go with off-season pricing and less guests!) – but it’s an average estimate for what that total wedding cost could look like.
The Cost Forecast Tool is just one of Tulle Together’s budgeting resources. On the website, you’ll find a variety of budget tools designed to help couples plan out their total wedding costs before they book anything. Whether you’re estimating expenses, tracking your spending, or looking for real venue pricing, Tulle Together’s tools provide a transparent approach to wedding budgeting—so you can plan confidently and avoid unexpected surprises. Sign up here for a smarter way to plan your wedding!
Final Thoughts
Hosting your wedding reception on a yacht like The Carolina Girl isn’t just about the views—it’s about creating an experience your guests will never forget. From cruising through Charleston’s scenic waterways to dancing on the top deck under the stars, it brings a sense of adventure and elegance that’s hard to match. And while a yacht might sound like a luxury splurge, the total cost lands right in line with many traditional wedding venues in the Charleston area, especially once you factor in bar service, staffing, and coordination. For couples looking to do something fun, different, and undeniably memorable, this floating venue delivers all that and more—without straying from your budget range.
Tulle is here to make wedding budgeting clearer, one venue at a time. Want pricing breakdowns for more venues like this? Explore the full collection on Tulle Together’s Wedding Pricing Transparency Project.
Photo Credit: The Carolina Girl Yacht Pricing PDF
