From the outside, the Swain Boating Center may appear to be another waterfront building on The Citadel’s campus. But step inside, and anyone can see the potential the space holds for celebrations, connections and moments that matter.
Tucked along the Ashley River, it offers something rare for event planners in the Lowcountry — a downtown venue on the waterfront with free, on-site parking. While the space, which was rebuilt in 2020, had long served cadets and other affiliated Citadel groups, it has become a sought-after setting for welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, weddings and more.
“It’s rare you get all three — downtown location, waterfront views and free parking — for a fraction of the price. The rental fee is a steal compared to a lot of venues in Charleston,” said Cara Mohr, event manager of the Swain Boating Center. “When I tell a client about those three things, their eyes light up.”
Mohr described the space as beautiful and coastal, with high vaulted ceilings and picturesque views of the Ashley River. The space was originally intended as a campus resource, but over time, it has become a destination for many events. There is a common misconception about renting the Swain Boating Center, though.
“This space is for public use, so you don’t need to have a Citadel affiliation. A lot of people think you do, and I’m trying to break that stigma. A lot of couples looking at Charleston as a wedding destination might not first think of the Swain Boating Center; we want more people to know that we’re here and this space is available,” said Mohr.
The venue includes a vaulted main room with panoramic windows, a screened-in porch, a side room for buffet or bar service and a flexible floor plan that gives freedom when it comes to the layout of an event. Tables and chairs are included, along with AV amenities like a microphone, projector and screen. Outdoor ceremonies or cocktail hours can also be staged on the adjoining lawn or dockside.
“What’s great about this place having a neutral palette and the view of the Ashley River is that you can pull in the natural colors from the outside and bring them inside with your decorations. The nice part is that it doesn’t take a lot, you don’t need a lot to make the space beautiful, it’s already beautiful and sometimes the simple decorations go a long way, especially with the view that you have,” said Mohr.
While the Swain Boating Center has been drawing interest from all over, it plays a meaningful role within The Citadel community. Mohr described how cadets find moments of peace there, and how alumni often return to host weddings or reunions at the place where so many important relationships began.
“I love seeing the cadets come here and hangout on the screen porch area or over at the docks and just relax. A recent alumni came here with his fiancée to have their rehearsal here, and they were telling me that while they were dating, he would take her here to have lunch, and it’s where they really grew their relationship,” said Mohr. “Seeing how this space grows relationships is so special. I think it supports The Citadel’s overall mission; the cadets enjoy it, and the alumni love coming back to see it and talk about the stories of how it used to look.”
Mohr recommends reserving the venue at least six to 12 months in advance, especially during peak wedding season. Discounts are available for Citadel-affiliated clients, which include alumni, students, faculty, staff and active-duty military. For more information and how to reserve the space, click here.
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