Planning your upstate south carolina wedding
If you’re in the middle of planning your Upstate South Carolina wedding, first of all… take a deep breath. You picked one of the most beautiful regions in the Southeast to say your vows. From peaceful farms to sweeping mountain ranges, this corner of the state offers some of the most stunning and versatile backdrops you could dream up.
As wedding photographers who spend a lot of time exploring South Carolina wedding venues, we see firsthand how different each space feels. Some couples want mountaintop views at golden hour. Others want a quiet orchard, a historic home, or a wide open pasture that feels like home. The beauty of Upstate South Carolina is that you truly get both elegance and ease all in one place.
Below you’ll find five laidback venues that bring together scenery, charm, and space to celebrate well without feeling overdone. Whether you’re envisioning a small intentional ceremony or a full guest list surrounded by nature, these locations give you room to breathe and room to celebrate.
South Carolina Mountain Chapels
with a view
If you are drawn to a ceremony that feels sacred, peaceful, and completely surrounded by God’s creation, the chapels in Upstate South Carolina are hard to beat. Perched high above the Blue Ridge Mountains, these ceremony only locations allow your vows to take center stage without distraction. The open air views, the quiet stillness, and the way the light rolls across the mountains make these chapels some of the most iconic spots for Upstate South Carolina weddings. If your heart is set on a mountaintop moment that feels intimate yet breathtaking, these are for you.
(THESE PHOTOS ARE FOR COMMERCIAL USE)
glassy mountain chapel
98 The Cliffs Pkwy, Landrum, SC 29356
215 815 9346
Ceremony only
Accommodates up to 200 guests
Perched high above the Blue Ridge Mountains, Glassy Mountain Chapel is one of those places that makes you feel like you are standing in a painting. Built in 1994 by The Cliffs developer, this intimate stone chapel offers panoramic mountain views that truly speak for themselves.
The highlight here is simple. The view. Whether you choose dawn or dusk, the light wrapping around the mountains creates the most breathtaking backdrop for your vows.
It feels peaceful, elevated, and sacred all at once.
Best time to get married here is in the fall when the mountains are covered in rich color and golden light.
Pretty Place Chapel at YMCA Camp Greenville
4399 YMCA Camp Road, Cleveland, SC 29635
864 836 3291
Ceremony only
Accommodates up to 200 guests
Pretty Place Chapel, also known as Symmes Chapel, sits right on the edge of a cliff overlooking miles of South Carolina landscape. It is an open air chapel that feels both grand and deeply personal at the same time.
Owned and preserved by generations connected to Camp Greenville, this historic location has become one of the most iconic ceremony spots in the Southeast. There is something unforgettable about standing at the top of the mountains and saying your vows with the sky wide open behind you.
Spring through fall is the best time to marry here, when the weather and mountain views are at their finest.
Farms, Estates, and Timeless Southern Charm
If you’re envisioning more than just a ceremony backdrop and want a full wedding day experience, these venues offer space to settle in and celebrate. From historic estates to family owned farms, these South Carolina wedding venues blend natural beauty with thoughtful amenities. You’ll find open pastures, glowing barns, garden courtyards, and elegant reception spaces that feel welcoming instead of overwhelming. These locations are perfect for couples who want their Upstate South Carolina wedding to feel relaxed, intentional, and surrounded by the kind of scenery that makes everyone stay a little longer and soak it all in.
The Baulknight House
408 E Main St, Walhalla, SC 29691
864 916 9300
ACCOMMODATES UP TO 150 GUESTS
CEREMONY AND RECEPTION SPACE
This historic private residence has been standing since 1906 and carries so much charm and character. The home itself accommodates 20 or more guests inside, while the courtyard can host close to 150 guests for your ceremony or reception.
One of the standout features is the newly installed glass house reception space. It offers a romantic, light filled setting that blends history with modern elegance. There are also on site rooms available for getting ready, which makes your day feel relaxed and seamless.
Spring and fall are ideal seasons here, when the gardens and outdoor spaces truly shine.
McLadke Orchards
596 Sitton Shoals, Seneca, SC 29678
864 523 0123
Accommodates up to 100 guests
Ceremony and reception space
McLadke Orchards is family owned and full of heart. What started as a five acre farm stand grew into a dream venue that officially became a reality in 2019. This space is perfect for couples who want an outdoor wedding surrounded by nature.
The ceremony site features wildflowers along the banks and a peaceful pasture complete with a pond, ducks, birds, and even horses. There is also a beautiful wooden barn for rainy days, filled with warm golden twinkle lights that make the space feel cozy and inviting.
One of the most special touches is Luke’s horse and carriage. He escorts the bride through the pasture for her entrance and again as the newlyweds exit, allowing you to experience the full beauty of the property in such a memorable way.
Spring and fall are the sweetest seasons here.
The Venue at Edgewood
1100 Slaton Rd, Townville, SC 29689
864 293 8809
Accommodates up to 250 guests
Set on 28 acres, The Venue at Edgewood offers multiple ceremony locations across the property, giving couples flexibility to design a day that fits their vision. The Hemlock Barn accommodates up to 250 guests and is fully heated and cooled, making it a comfortable option year round.
There are dedicated spaces for both the bridal party and groomsmen, which keeps your morning organized and stress free.
One of the biggest highlights is the on site cottages. The bride can stay the night before, and the couple can enjoy the night after the wedding together on property. It turns your wedding into a full experience rather than just a few hours.
This venue truly works beautifully in every season.
HSP
LET ME TAKE THE STRESS OFF YOUR PLATE
If you are planning a laidback wedding in Upstate South Carolina and want a photographer who knows these spaces and how to use that mountain light to your advantage, you already know I am your girl. Let’s make it magic.
