This review was not written soon enough, but I can sum it up in just a few words: book The Charleston for your event. Just do it. We booked for a wedding on a very short timeline for a smallish group, and top to bottom, we had an amazing experience. They made planning so easy, from our amazing point of contact/coordinator Emily answering every silly question I had, to the digital planning offerings so we could make our own floor plans for the team. The owner Summer was also highly responsive when we needed to touch base. Day of, everything was so streamlined that we hardly had to lift a finger beyond getting our decorations out of the building. The staff was on top of every element and they were all so sweet. On top of that, EVERY SINGLE one of our guests commented on how gorgeous the venue is, with some family members excited to find a place for their own events. We booked a buffet style dinner and added the lighting package, the coordinator upgrade, cake cutting, coffee service, soft drinks, and signature cocktails for a cash bar. First of all, the food is phenomenal. It's easy to dismiss any sort of banquet service, especially a buffet style, as something somewhat less than a gourmet meal, but not here. Not by a long shot. EVERYTHING is good, from the meats and sides down to the bread (at one point in the evening one of our guests had a plate of about 10 rolls, which was completely understandable.) My husband is a snob about meat, especially steak, and basically cried at our tasting with how incredible it was. We got great feedback from our guests both the day of and afterward about how great the meal was. The other really standout add on was the cocktails. It's another thing that every single guest (who imbibed) commented on, telling us not just how good they were but also how they loved trying "the groom" vs "the bride" drinks. The Charleston takes its alcohol seriously as a craft, with these drinks being the most truly *crafted* cocktails I've had in a while. It added an amazing element for our guests that they really noticed. From the "executing our vision" end of planning, the coordinator upgrade was *invaluable.* Emily handled all of our decor setup and strike, including packing things. I overplanned tablescapes, decor, and timelines, which made her job easy, but she's such a pro that she's usually the one to handle such things. (As an aside, she took my concept and ran with it in ways I didn't think of, and I was so thrilled with her execution. Emily, I adore you and your creative brilliance.) The other item we are so glad we added for our vision of the day was the lighting package. It was the thing that took a gorgeous ballroom reception into what felt like a bespoke event, from our spotlighted entrance to the lighting on the floor for our first dance. There IS an add on package that covered both of these line items and more, but because we wanted to choose some of our own vendors, we opted for only the individual items. I love who we hired, but for simplicity's sake, the larger package would probably be much easier for a couple looking for a "set it and forget it" style of wedding planning. We loved our experience with The Charleston and I'd book our special day there a million times over. The building is gorgeous and with a rich history, but beyond that, it's so welcoming--not just the people but the vibe there. For us, there was never any other venue for our wedding than The Charleston, and I'll tell everyone who will listen how much we loved it. I know yall read these reviews, so to the team directly: thank you for everything. It was the day we both always wanted, and you all made it special. We are infinitely grateful. read more

The Charleston - Highlighting the lighting package with spotlights and ceiling lights. (Candles we brought.) - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Fullerton, California

See all

We felt extremely lucky to find The Charleston for our wedding last autumn.The restored historical fixtures and art-deco elements gave the venue a unique feel. We got away with less extra decor. The main area for cocktail hour was cozy but not too small for our guest count of about 150 people. The venue had many chairs and leather sofas across 2 bars which allowed our guests to chat and lounge comfortably. There were TV screens that we used to project a picture slideshow, adding a personal touch. The spacious ceremony room on the top floor was full of natural lighting and elegant, and the ballroom for our reception was grand and accommodated dining and dancing. The Charleston also had a very large and comfortable bridal suite that we were able to get hair and makeup done in and use as storage the day-of. We received many compliments on the choice of venue from our guests. Most importantly, the staff at The Charleston were a pleasure to work with, and we were so happy to go with a local business. The owner, Summer, was very transparent with their pricing, and she always considered our special requests and worked with us to see what we could make happen. We had an outside vendor for catering, and they were able to tour the space months ahead of the wedding. On the day-of, they were able to use the facilities at The Charleston without issue. We primarily were in contact with Emily, and we also had her as our day-of coordinator. She answered our questions promptly and thoroughly, and she was easy to work with. Especially as we approached our big day, it was nerve-wracking to hand over the reins to Emily and our other vendors, but Emily collaborated with our vendors well, and she created a seamless day-of plan. On the wedding day, Emily took care of all the set-up of wedding activities and decor, checked in with the vendors, and actively assisted the bridal and groom's parties with everything we needed while getting ready at the venue. She really went above and beyond; we highly recommend her day-of coordinator services. We are so happy to have held our special day at The Charleston. read more

We recently hosted our 50th anniversary and holiday party at The Charleston on December 19th, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, the service was impeccable--attentive, professional, and genuinely warm. Every detail was handled seamlessly, allowing our guests to relax and fully enjoy the evening. A special shoutout to the event coordinator Emily, who was truly outstanding. Her guidance, responsiveness, and attention to detail made the planning process effortless and ensured the event ran flawlessly. It's rare to find a venue that combines elegance, top-tier service, and a team that clearly takes pride in what they do--but The Charleston delivers on all fronts. Our guests are still talking about what a beautiful and memorable celebration it was. We couldn't have chosen a better venue for such a milestone occasion and would highly recommend The Charleston for any special event. read more

Let me start off by saying, I love this venue. The venue is the type of venue that makes your guests feel elevated and classy. I highly recommend this venue. I had guests compliment on how much they loved it because it was a wedding venue they've never experienced before. I also highly recommend also booking their florist jennybflorals because they really know what they're doing. Also shout out to our event coordinator, Emily!!! She really is the best! Emily kept me calm and sane. Shes so sweet and I wish her and the staff the Charleston the best! read more

The Charleston - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Fullerton, California

See all

I have helped host 2 high school sports banquets here, and currently planning a third. This venue is amazing to work with! Clear communication, fair prices, excellent service, food is good, building is beautiful! Summer and Emily take the stress away from coordinating all the details. The guests enjoy the events! read more

See all

We hosted our daughter's quinceañera at The Charleston in downtown Fullerton, and we truly couldn't have chosen a more perfect venue. Words and photos do not do justice to the natural beauty, charm, and overall vibe of this building--you truly have to experience it in person! With so many thoughtfully curated packages, preferred vendors, and food options to choose from, The Charleston is a true one-stop shop and an easy choice for anyone looking to host a stress-free event. Every detail made the celebration feel grand and meaningful. Each space within the venue has its own unique character, creating stunning backdrops for photos, dining, and dancing throughout the night. Our guests are still raving about the venue and how unique, elegant, and unforgettable it felt. Emily, Summer, Larry, and the entire Charleston team went above and beyond--far exceeding anything we could have imagined for our daughter's special day. They truly brought our vision to life with care, professionalism, and heart. Thanks to The Charleston, our daughter's quinceañera was everything we dreamed of and more. We highly recommend this venue for any milestone celebration or special event. We are forever grateful for their hospitality and dedication and wish nothing but the very best for the team and the Houser family! read more

See all

The Charleston is a private event venue located in the historic Williams building in Fullerton. The place is beautiful and the art-deco décor, high ceilings, & wooden accents add to the charm. There is also a members only speakeasy with lockers to store your special private reserve. I came here for a celebration of life for a dear friend. We had a private room located next to the speakeasy bar. There was a nice buffet, which the guests enjoyed. I had a wonderful conversation with Jeff, the bartender. He made a delicious & refreshing French 75. If you need a place for a special occasion, I would recommend The Charleston. read more

See all

They provide a great gathering without excess stress. My friend had his 52nd birthday there and it was wonderful. The theme was 1920s. Thanks to all the staff, friends, and family that made the night happen at the Foxtrot. read more

See all

Such a cool speakeasy type venue in an old historic brick building in the middle of Fullerton. When entering the bar area, you feel like you're transported back in time, especially with black and white photos of revelers enjoying the place during the 1940's and 1950's. It's a private club so the only entry is as a member or invited guest. If I lived in Fullerton or nearby, I'd join. Luckily, I belong to a wine club that also permits me admission so I get to go often. read more

Cannot wait to return to this place. We are actually coming for a birthday party. Your location is very classy but in a vintage way. Love how you have made this beautiful place come alive again. read more

See all

The Charleston is truly a top tier venue. I've hosted both corporate and personal events here, and every experience has been amazing. From corporate holiday parties to quarterly business meetings with 60+ attendees, the team consistently delivers exceptional service. What really sets this place apart are the owners and the people who work here. The culture they have created is welcoming, professional, and incredibly attentive. You can tell the team genuinely cares about making every event successful. If you are looking for a venue that is organized, accommodating, and has an incredible team behind it, The Charleston is it. Not to mention- the venue itself is incredible. I highly recommend it for both business and personal events. Summer, Larry, Jeff, Rich, Sam, John, Heather are all incredible people and I look forward to seeing every one of them every time I host an event at the Charleston. read more

If you have an event to coordinate in the OC area, you have to look at the Charleston! My family and I were looking for a venue to celebrate my 30th birthday, and the Charleston was our first pick. Summer and Emily both assisted me and they were so kind and professional. We were able to do multiple walkthroughs of the venue, and the Charleston boasts five different lounges and ballrooms, including a speakeasy on the third floor of the building. We reserved the Foxtrot Lounge, which was this beautiful 1100-square foot space with comfy couches and a faux fireplace. The venue is located in a historical building as well, which adds to its appeal. I worked with Summer and Emily to figure out table and couch layout, and they do catering internally as well. Their catering and alcohol packages are extensive and quite affordable! You are also able to get food catered from an outside vendor, but you'll have to get it cleared with the venue first. The food we catered from the Charleston was delicious, and the staff that were onsite during our event were amazing and polite. I want to give a shout out to Summer, Emily, Chandler, and Nick for being so amazing and for helping me celebrate my birthday! I highly recommend the Charleston for any birthday, bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, wedding, reception you plan to have! read more

See all

I DJ'd a wedding there in November '25, and it was a pleasure. I worked with Emily Taylor, what a treat. I've worked with hundreds of coordinators, and she is definitely one of the best. Always had her eyes and ears open. She made sure I had what I needed, and whatever I asked of her she did her best to make it happen. The venue is a beautiful old-style environment, sound system and lighting are great. I recommend this venue but make sure you ask for Emily, she's the real deal as far as coordinators go. read more

After attending an event at The Charleston for New Year's, I knew I had to return. It was such a great experience that I decided to host my daughter's bridal shower at the venue as well. We held the event in one of their smaller rooms--the Champagne Parlor and Jitterbug Bar. The party was planned as an intimate gathering of 20-25 people, and the space was absolutely perfect. The beautiful, comfy yellow couches screamed "Jitterbug" and added so much personality. The elegance was unmatched, and the vibe felt just right. I was going for a European-style feel, and the whole setting fit perfectly. For a smaller event, I loved the layout--it didn't feel too small or too crowded, just cozy and ideal. The staff was amazing, helping with any questions we had, and everyone raved about the food. We went with simple sandwiches and salads, and people still couldn't stop talking about how good everything was. All in all, it was a perfect event--so much fun and such a memorable day! read more

Amazing venue, we knew the first day we accidentally ran into the Charleston this would be the perfect venue for our daughter's French/Goth inspired Quinceañera. Summer and Emily along with their entire team made it a wonderful flawless experience. Loved everything about that day, the only complaint, it went by too fast read more

See all

He had our wedding here at The Charleston and it honestly could not have been better for us to spend our special day! Summer and Emily were amazing throughout the entire process and made it as easy as possible. The food was excellent, and the venue was beautiful and very spacious. The reception and ballroom were very beautiful and definitely added character with its historical aspects. Thank you again for having us! read more

Amazing service, great food and even better staff. My Birthday will be remembered for a long time. Thank you so much. read more

See all

We held our corporate Holiday Party at the Charleston and had an amazing time. Everything was perfect - from the pre-planning to the food selections, private room, staff hospitality and fantastic cocktails. We will definitely hold more events there in the future! read more

I recently had my wedding reception here and I could not be happier! Summer, who is one of the owners of the venue was so helpful figuring out the best options for us to use at their venue that fit our budget. This venue can offer bundle deals where they offered (at the time I booked) floral arrangements, photo booths, Dj and two signature drinks! They also offer their own day of coordinator who was more than I could ask for! Emily, who was our day of coordinator was amazing! She went above and beyond my expectations as a day of coordinator. Although I would hate to say this, but I could be a type A planner/person. However, Emily was so attentive and made me feel so comfortable and so confident on the venue when it came to wedding planning. Every follow up meeting we had, she eased all my stresses and worries! When the day of the wedding came, we had no issues! The food was delicious, (which was made fresh downstairs) bartenders were amazing and used top self liquor (with our package) and was fun to be around. Every guest we had who talked to us had nothing but amazing things to say about this venue. I've even had some kids who said "this is the best wedding ever!!". This venue is not like your typical wedding venues. It gives historic, traditional, classic, romance, comfort, and warmth to its feel! I highly recommend this venue to all! read more

See all

I used The Charleston for my company Holiday party. It was a beautiful place to have this event. From beginning to end I was well taken care of. I will recommend this place for all events. read more

See all

Good spot for a celebration. A close friend had a retirement party there and it was a great time with good food!