Welcome to The Grand at 81 Mary, Charleston’s premier venue owned and operated by Duvall Catering & Events. Just steps from King Street, this historic Gothic Revival train station—originally built in the 1850s—has been reimagined into 13,000 square feet of versatile event space. Guests will be surrounded by original exposed brick, wooden beams, rosette windows, sparkling chandeliers, and beautifully appointed bride and groom suites.
Over the years, 81 Mary Street has served as a bustling train station, the Charleston Bagging & Manufacturing Company, the Metro Chamber of Commerce, and even the Charleston School of Law. Today, it begins its newest chapter as a premier event destination. The Grand combines Charleston’s rich history with the trusted expertise of Duvall Catering & Events—Charleston’s oldest catering company, established in 1978. From exceptional cuisine and bar service to floral, rentals, and décor, our team provides everything you need to create unforgettable celebrations.
The venue accommodates up to 500 guests seated and 1,000 for receptions, making it ideal for weddings, galas, rehearsal dinners, and corporate events. Venue rental includes modern white china, gold flatware, glassware, gold chiavari chairs with ivory cushions, 60” dining tables, and private suites for both wedding parties.
For more information or to schedule a tour, call 843.763.9222 or email info@duvallevents.com.
The Grand
Spaces
The Grand accommodates 400-500 guests for seated events and up to 1,000 guests for cocktail receptions, making it the ideal setting for weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate receptions, galas, and more.
Notable features include abundant natural light, soaring ceilings with exposed wood beams, grand chandeliers, audio/visual capabilities, and elegantly appointed bride and groom suites.
Cocktail Foyer
Discover the elegance of The Grand, where our Cocktail Foyer offers a sophisticated setting for intimate cocktail hours and networking events. Perfect for gatherings before the main occasion, this area can comfortably accommodate up to 400 guests in a cocktail-style arrangement, ensuring a refined and memorable experience.
Grand Ballroom
The Grand Ballroom offers a versatile space ideal for seated dinners for up to 500 guests. Ideal for weddings receptions, corporate events or galas. This space is designed for maximum audience engagement. With configurable ambient lighting and full audio/visual capabilities, it adapts to various event needs.
The Patio
Step outside the venue and discover a serene patio space, where guests can enjoy a refreshing breath of fresh air. This charming area is nestled under a beautiful canopy of trees, creating a natural retreat. The gentle rustling of leaves overhead adds to the soothing ambiance, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Whether seeking a moment of tranquility or a pleasant conversation in the open air, this patio provides an inviting escape from the hustle and bustle inside.
Bar
Packages
Bar Packages
Premium Full Bar Package
$56.00 per person for four hours; each additional hour +$5 per hour
Spirits—Tito’s Vodka, Chivas Regal Blended Scotch, Crown Royal Whiskey, Tanqueray Gin, Maker's Mark Bourbon, Bacardí Rum, Espolón Blanco Tequila
Wine
Riff - Pinot Grigio, Ora, Italy
Bernier - Chardonnay, Loire Valley, France
Poppy - Pinot Noir, Monterey County, California
Pavette - Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Domestic & Local Beers—Michelob Ultra, Yuengling, Westbrook White Thai, Holy City Overly Friendly IPA
Sodas, Mixers, Juices— Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Club Soda, Tonic, Ginger Beer, Grenadine, Vermouth
Cranberry, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Orange Juice, Sour Mix, Lime Juice
Garnish—Lemons, Limes, Olives, Oranges
Platinum Full Bar Package
Starting at $66.00 per person for four hours, each additional hour +$5 per person
Spirits—Grey Goose Vodka, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Hendricks Gin, Mount Gay Rum, Glenlivet Scotch
Casamigos Blanco Tequila
Wine
Long Meadow Ranch - Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford, California
Isabelle et Denis Pommier - Petit Chablis Hauterivien Chardonnay, Burgundy, France
Flâneur - Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR
Timeplace - Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA
Domestic & Local Beers—Michelob Ultra, Yuengling, Westbrook White Thai, Holy City Overly Friendly IPA
Sodas, Mixers, Juices—Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Club Soda, Tonic, Ginger Beer, Grenadine, Vermouth
Cranberry, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Orange Juice, Sour Mix, Lime Juice
Garnish—Lemons, Limes, Olives, Oranges
Ice—Premium rocks
Premium Beer & Wine Bar Packages
$37.00 per person for four hours, each additional hour +$5 per person
Wine
2023 Riff Pinot Grigio, Ora Italy
2023 Bermier Chardonnay Loire Valley, France
2023 Poppy Pinot Noir, Monterey County, California
2023 Pavette Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Platinum Wines—Available upon request for Additional Charge
Domestic & Local Beers—Michelob Ultra, Yuengling, Westbrook White Thai, Holy City Overly Friendly IPA
Sodas—Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite
Garnish—Lemons, Limes, Oranges
Optional Alcohol Considerations
Sparkling Options
Coste Petrai Prosecco Veneto, Italy
Singular bottle Sparkling Toast for Client @ $30.00
Sparkling Toast For All Guests @ $4.00 per person
Sparkling Added to the Full Bar @ $4.00 per person
Champagne Flutes (Setups) @ $1.00 per person
Champagne upgrade by bottle ~ ask for pricing
Wine Service-
Wine service @ $7.00 per person, and additional wine needed. Additional service staff will be required.
*Cost includes caterer providing all alcohol, glassware (stemmed wine glasses and non-alcoholic glasses), cocktail napkins, & ice.
**Cost includes caterer providing all alcohol, glassware (stemmed wine glass, rocks glass, and non-alcoholic glasses), bar fruit (lemons and limes), cocktail napkins, ice & additional mixers.
Please add 20% Production Fee, 7.25% Sales Tax and 1% food & beverage tax to beverages. Bartender fees still apply.
Wine Selection is Subject to Change.
The above pricing is based on a four hour event; for every hour thereafter please add $6.00 per person.
Any items not listed in the above packages may be added on through Best Impressions at a per item price and may be discussed with your account executive.
SAMPLE SERVED DINNER
Passed Hors D'oeuvres
Braised Short Rib & Kimchi Dumpling
dressed with ponzu sauce
Charleston Shrimp Toast
beene seeds, sweet chili sauce
Savory Goat Cheese Tart
fresh fig, toasted pistachio and fresh thyme
Served Dinner
She-Crab Soup
jumbo lump crab, sherry wine, crab roe. fresh chives
Choice Entrée Course
Whole Roasted Tenderloin
whole Roasted Herb & Garlic Tenderloin center cut. served medium rare
OR
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
drizzle cajun caper remoulade
Accompanied By:
Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus
with crushed garlic and olive oil
Freshly Baked Artisan Rolls & Butter
Dessert Course
Huguenot Torte
traditional Charleston baked apple crumble, chopped
pecans, fresh strawberries, whipped cream
Displayed Hors d’oeuvres
King Street Charcuterie Display
chef ’s curated selection of local artisan cheeses & cured meats and salamis fruits & berries, jams & spreads, honey, raspberry preserves, walnuts, gherkins whole grain mustard roasted savory mushrooms caramelized balsamic onions, marinated olives, lavosh, focaccia, crostini
Served Dinner Sample Menu presented is $120.00 per person++
Our most formal style of dinner includes a coursed menu served table-side to your guests. A served dinner typically consists of passed hors d’oeuvres during your cocktail hour, a starter soup or salad course, a single or dual protein entree, two sides, artisan bread & butter, dessert, and water service. The per person price includes modern white china plates, gold flatware, and standard glassware.
SAMPLE COMPOSED PLATES MENU
Passed Hors D'oeuvres
Braised Short Rib & Kimchi Dumpling
dressed with ponzu sauce
Local Shrimp, Corn & Okra Fritters
Buttermilk Fried Green Tomatoes
white cheddar pimento cheese, red pepper garnish
Cheerwine Glazed Pork Belly Skewers
fresh fig, toasted pistachio and fresh thyme
Displayed Hors d’oeuvres
The Grand Raw Bar
lemon and old bay poached shrimp, raw local oysters, assorted crudo, crab claws
house made mignonette, horseradish, cocktail sauce *attended
Composed Small Plates
served on 7" small plates
Beef Tenderloin
mashed yukon gold potatoes, grilled asparagus, demi glace
Lump Crab Cakes
sweet corn and okra succotash, cajun caper remoulade
Seared Local Grouper
Charleston gold rice, roasted asparagus, lemon white wine reduction
Desserts
Attended Beignet Station
fresh beignets ~ served in a paper boat
toppings ~ chocolate sauce, caramel sauce berry coulis
Mini Sweets Display
strawberry shortcake, citrus panna cotta
smores tart, churros with caramel sauce, cannoli
Composed Stations Sample Menu presented is $128.00 per person++
With this dinner type, we typically see limited seating to encourage a free-flowing environment, but you do have the option of creating a more formal atmosphere with a seat for all guests. Each food station is equipped with 7-inch white china round plates, cocktail forks, (and dinner knives if menu requires them.) and paper napkins.
RENTAL RATES
$7,000 Monday $5,000
$7,000
Hosting Your Event At The Grand at 81 Mary
For a guest count of 150 -200 our clients can expect to spend on average around $366 per guest.
This includes room rental, food & beverage, rentals, florals, and service fees.
FAQS
May we bring in our own caterer or bar service?
Duvall Catering & Events is the exclusive caterer for The Grand at 81 Mary. As part of our full-service experience, Duvall Catering & Events would be responsible for providing and managing all aspects of food and beverage within the venue.
Do you require a wedding planner?
At minimum, we do require that you have a partial or full licensed event planner, and we are happy to provide a list of recommended planners and coordinators. *Corporate events may be subject to exceptions.
Does the venue rental include a dance floor?
Because each event design is different, a dance floor is not included in the venue rental, but we can rent one that fits your design and budget.
How is additional equipment handled?
For your convenience, Duvall Catering & Events will arrange for all additional equipment rentals within the venue (i.e. linens, tables, chairs, etc.)
Can I bring in my own flowers and decorations?
Duvall Catering & Events is the exclusive provider of your floral and decor, including lighting, draping, and additional decor elements. We will connect you to our in-house floral and decor department and they will bring your vision to life!
Do you have guest count minimums?
We do not have guest count minimums. However, you will be required to meet a food and beverage minimum based on your event date.
Do you offer tastings?
Yes, we host private tastings at our main office. Tastings are complimentary for up to four guests if you have booked our services and paid an initial payment. If you would like to schedule a tasting prior to securing our services, we require payment for the tasting based on the items chosen for the tasting menu, which averages $65.00 per person. We schedule tastings during the week of off-peak season months.
What is the Equipment and Production Fee?
The 22% production fee covers catering production equipment necessary to execute your event such as chafers, tabletop items for stations, serving equipment, along with team planning time and administrative costs. It is based on the food & beverages subtotal of your event.
Is Security required?
Security is required and managed by The Grand at 81 Mary. The total number of guards required will be based on your event details. The fee for security will be a line item in your Duvall Catering & Events contract. Holiday rates may apply.
What is the capacity of The Grand at 81 Mary?
The full seated capacity at The Grand at 81 Mary is 500 guests (not including dancefloor or stage); standing capacity is 1,000 guests.
What does rental of The Grand at 81 Mary include?
(50) 60" Round Dining Tables, (500) Gold Chiavari Chairs, (20) 6' Rectangular Banquet Tables, (20) 8' Rectangular Banquet Tables, (20) Tall Cocktail Tables, Elegant Gold flatware, Glassware, and Modern White China.
Venue Access:
Venue pricing is based on a 5-hour rental of the space. Access to the venue begins 3 hours prior to event start time. If client is using the suites for preparation purposes, access can be granted beginning at 9:00 am, and will require additional security coverage pricing for those hours.
Are there hotels close to The Grand at 81 Mary?
The Grand at 81 Mary is located in the heart of downtown Charleston just minutes from historic King Street, which provides our guests convenient access to multiple hotel properties within walking distance to the venue. From large national changes, boutique hotels, and AirBnB, reach out to us for a list of nearby accommodations!
How do you determine staffing?
Duvall Catering & Events has a strong team of knowledgeable managers and staff who will be onsite throughout your event from start to finish. Our team will arrive approximately two hours prior to the event to execute setup and will be there after the event concludes to complete the breakdown and cleanup of the venue. Depending on your guest count and meal selection, you will have an event manager, along with an industry standard number of servers, bartenders, and culinary professionals.
Do you require a damage deposit?
We do require a $1,000 damage deposit which is a line-item charge in your contract. This is to ensure the venue is left in the same condition it was prior to your event. This damage deposit is refundable, and a refund will be issued by the 15th day of the month following your event assuming there was no damage. You will be notified if damages have occurred, and we will bill you for any repairs over and above the damage fee.
What is the payment schedule?
To secure your date, a signed contract, rental agreement and a non-refundable initial payment are required. The initial payment is the equivalent of the venue rental rate or 20% of your full contract, whichever is higher. Half of the remaining balance is due 60 days prior to your event. The final outstanding balance is due 10 days prior to your event if paying by check or ACH link, and 7 days if paying by credit card. Duvall Events provides services when we have been fully paid in advance or when a direct bill account has been approved in writing. A 3% processing fee will be applied towards all credit card payments.
THEGRANDCHS.COM | 81 MARY ST | CHARLESTON, SC 29403 INFO@DUVALLEVENTS.COM | 843.763.9222