Bravo fans, get ready—your favorite Southern Charm duo is officially in their wedding era. When Craig Conover and Austen Kroll announced they were opening a wedding and event venue in Charleston, South Carolina, the news instantly caught our attention. Their new space, The Waverly, officially opened its doors in May 2025, offering a fresh blend of modern elegance and Southern charm (wink, wink) right in the heart of downtown. Now, we’re getting the inside scoop straight from Craig and Austen on how the venue came to life, what makes it unique, and how the city’s rich wedding culture shaped their vision.
Q: Charleston is packed with wedding venues—what makes The Waverly stand out from the crowd?
Craig: “Charleston has been a top wedding destination for years now, and is home to some really awesome venues. With The Waverly, we wanted to create something that was accessible yet elevated, and that supplies brides and grooms with everything they could need on their special day. They can have all of their wedding day events right on the premise, from their cocktail hour to ceremony to reception. We have on-site parking and a 2 a.m. curfew (a rarity for venues downtown!), plus a Bridal and Groom’s Suite, full catering kitchen, and a nice indoor/outdoor flow. Since we’re in partnership with Uptown Hospitality Group, you can even have the remainder of your wedding weekend just within the portfolio—maybe it’s a bachelorette party at Uptown Social, a post-wedding brunch at Bodega, or a post-wedding night out at our restaurant, By The Way.”
Q: Charleston has such a rich wedding culture. How did that history influence how you envisioned The Waverly’s role in the city’s venue scene?
Austen: “I hate to sound cheesy, but it really does blend classic ‘Southern charm’ with modern elegance. You’ll notice that throughout the space. We really were intentional with the design and wanted it to feel elegant but approachable, a space that can be transformed to suit a variety of styles and tastes. There’s a lot of flexibility with this venue so couples can get creative with their own visions for their special day.”
Q: The Waverly has such a distinct vibe. What kind of energy or experience did you want couples and guests to feel the moment they walk in?
Craig: “It’s that mix of laid-back Southern charm with refined details. We wanted guests to feel like they’ve stepped into a space that’s thoughtfully curated, but still personal, like a celebration that’s both timeless and totally unique to them. At the end of the day, this space is about creating memories in a place that feels special to every person who steps through the doors.”
Q: What kind of couple do you see falling in love with this venue? Who’s your Waverly client, in your minds?
Austen: “In my opinion, The Waverly couple values experience but are also stylish and fun! I also think these aren’t just couples that are local but also from all around. I can’t tell you how many I’ve talked to through my travels that have expressed wanting to get married in Charleston. There’s certainly a need for this.”
Q: What was the hardest part about opening a venue in the middle of downtown Charleston? What surprised you most?
Craig: “We’re lucky to live in such a historic city, but that can also bring its own challenges. There are a lot of regulations and logistical hurdles when you’re trying to bring something new to a place with so much history and character. We wanted to honor that charm while still creating a modern, versatile space. What surprised me most was how supportive the wedding and events community has been since we opened our doors. This community has such a strong sense of pride, and seeing everybody get genuinely excited about The Waverly and what it brings to the area has been really rewarding.”
Q: Outside of weddings, what kind of energy or community do you hope The Waverly brings to the Charleston scene—drag brunch? Dog birthday? Craig Conover pillow pop-up?
Austen: “We’ve already hosted a wide range of events since we opened, anywhere from fitness classes to corporate group events. That’s what’s so nice about the space – it’s really versatile. As for the few you mentioned, the door is certainly open!”
Q: How did your partnership with The Waverly come about?
Craig: “It was a natural extension of our partnership with Uptown Hospitality Group, who we worked with to open By The Way last year. Having been to so many weddings in the city ourselves, and having spoken to couples who have always dreamed of getting married here, it sparked the idea to create something that could be a fit for everyone. It’s been an exciting process and it finally feels like the work is paying off.”
Q: What drew you both to the wedding industry—and why now?
Austen: “The Waverly was really a step in a bigger vision we’ve had for a while, which is creating spaces in Charleston that bring people together in fun, meaningful ways, which started with opening By The Way. Our partnership with UHG was a huge part of that. They completely understood our passion for creating not just beautiful venues, but full experiences. Timing-wise, it just felt right. We’re both at a place in life where we’ve seen what goes into planning a great event, and we wanted to create a space that made that process easier, more stylish, and more fun. The Waverly gave us the opportunity to take everything we love and bring it into a space where you might be celebrating one of the biggest moments of your life. We don’t take that lightly, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Q: You’ve both made careers out of creative pivots. How does The Waverly reflect your personal or professional growth?
Craig: “We’ve definitely taken some unexpected paths in our careers, from reality TV to our own solo ventures, and I think each pivot taught us something new about building things from the ground up. The Waverly is a great reflection of that growth. It’s not just about creating a beautiful space; it’s about building something lasting, something that brings people joy and feels personal.”
With its all-in-one design, central location, and undeniable personality, The Waverly is already making waves in Charleston’s vibrant wedding scene. Craig Conover and Austen Kroll have created a space designed for unforgettable celebrations, where couples can host every moment of their big day in one stylish setting. Whether you’re planning your own “I do” in the Holy City or just love seeing Bravolebs branch out beyond the screen, this new chapter for the Southern Charm duo proves they’re just getting started.
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