Columbia, nestled between the Congaree River and historic Gervais Street Bridge, offers a blend of natural elegance and urban charm. The city’s venues, such as Senate’s End with its wooded ravine and outdoor gardens, and Historic Columbia’s Hampton-Preston Mansion with its sophisticated gardens, provide a rich tapestry of settings. Couples can enjoy the city’s vibrant downtown, ample amenities, and a mix of historic and modern flair, making Columbia an enticing choice for a wedding that combines character and convenience.
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
Still looking for the perfect photographer, caterer, or florist? Check out our partner site to browse thousands of the best vendors.
Best Wedding Venues in Columbia
1208 Washington Place
1208 Washington Place, located in the heart of Downtown Columbia, SC, is a historic and elegant wedding venue that dates back to 1924. Originally the First National Bank, this venue is listed on the National Historic Register and retains its original charm, including bank vaults, a board room, and early 20th-century architectural features. It offers multiple event spaces, such as the National Republic Ballroom and the Washington Street Ballroom, each with its unique atmosphere. The venue also features three-tiered outdoor terraces perfect for cocktail hours or ceremonies. Its historic and beautifully preserved setting makes it an ideal choice for weddings, requiring minimal decorations to create a stunning and timeless ambiance for the special day. The venue’s central location and accommodating staff ensure a smooth and enjoyable wedding experience.
701 Whaley
701 Whaley in Columbia, SC, is a historic and elegantly restored 1903 building, formerly the community center for mill workers. This venue offers a unique and captivating setting for weddings, with its Grand Hall featuring a glass storefront, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand staircase. The Olympia Room, with its original hardwood floors and lofty windows, is ideal for ceremonies. The historic Pool area, complete with a glass floor and original tile, adds a distinctive ‘wow factor.’ The venue’s blend of Southern charm and modern elegance, along with its flexible and beautifully appointed spaces, makes it an exceptional choice for couples looking to host both their ceremony and reception in a singularly beautiful location.
City Art
City Art in Columbia, SC, is a charming and elegant wedding venue nestled in the historic Congaree Vista area. This turn-of-the-century building, now an art gallery, features maple plank flooring, 14-foot ceilings, and sand-blasted brick walls, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The venue boasts three galleries filled with original contemporary art, and its Main Gallery offers 2,800 square feet of flexible space, ideal for dancing. Twinkling white lights adorn the trees at the entrance, adding to the venue’s enchanting ambiance. This unique setting, combined with its convenient location and beautiful artwork, makes City Art an ideal choice for a sophisticated and heartfelt wedding celebration.
The Gala Event Center
The Gala Event Center in Columbia, SC, is a romantic wedding venue spanning 4,000 square feet, offering ample space for wedding receptions, bridal showers, and engagement parties. Located near downtown Columbia, it provides easy access to hotels and stores. The venue features indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a patio with a pergola, and can accommodate up to 250 guests. With dark hardwood floors, high ceilings, and ample dance floor space, it creates an elegant atmosphere. The venue offers various services, including lighting, rental items, and an in-house culinary team, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to personalize their special day in a beautiful and comfortable setting.
Hilton Columbia Center
The Hilton Columbia Center in Columbia, SC, is an elegant and versatile venue ideal for weddings. Located in the heart of the historic Congaree Vista District, it offers easy access to numerous restaurants, museums, and boutique shops. The venue features a state-of-the-art meeting space with 6,000 square feet, recently renovated with a modern design. The Palmetto State Ballroom can seat up to 200 guests, while the Yellow Jessamine & Carolina Wren Ballroom provides a more intimate setting for 80 guests. With upscale accommodations in 222 renovated rooms, award-winning catering by Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and convenient parking options, this venue ensures a sophisticated and well-organized wedding experience for couples and their guests.
Junction 800
Junction 800, located in the Vista of Columbia, SC, is a newly established and vibrant wedding venue. This venue offers a unique and elegant setting, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to celebrate their special day. With ample space for dancing, Junction 800 is perfect for hosting a lively reception, as evidenced by the energetic performances of bands like the Finesse Band. The venue’s modern amenities and versatile layout allow for a beautifully set up and organized wedding, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for the couple and their guests. Its proximity to other scenic locations in Columbia adds to its appeal, making it a great option for those seeking a picturesque and well-coordinated wedding celebration.
The Lace House
The Lace House in Columbia, SC, is a captivating wedding venue that combines Southern charm with rich history. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, this three-story historic home features unique architectural details and is surrounded by lush, beautifully maintained gardens. The venue offers multiple outdoor ceremony spaces, including the intimate walled Wedding Garden, and can accommodate up to 600 guests. The staff is highly praised for their exceptional service, ensuring every detail is meticulously handled to make the wedding day perfect. The bridal and groom suites are spacious and well-appointed, and the venue provides ample opportunities for stunning wedding photos, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking an elegant and picturesque wedding setting.
The Laundry
The Laundry in Columbia, SC, is a historic wedding venue that offers a unique and elegant setting for your special day. Originally constructed in the 19th century, this venue has been lovingly restored to preserve its unique features, including exposed brick walls, pinewood beams, and trusses. The main venue boasts an open floor plan with natural light pouring in through restored window openings, clerestory, and skylights. The half-acre outdoor space, The Grove, is perfect for ceremonies, while The Upper Room provides an intimate reception area with stunning views. With a bridal suite, dedicated catering room, and ample parking, The Laundry ensures a seamless and enchanting wedding experience. Its blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a distinctive and beautiful wedding celebration.
The M Garden
The M Garden in Columbia, SC, is a serene and enchanting venue ideal for weddings. Located on a picturesque site, it features picturesque ponds, a waterfall, and an old wooden water wheel, creating a tranquil and romantic atmosphere. The venue offers multiple ceremony spots, including a wooden pergola and a stone bridge, both surrounded by breathtaking woodland scenery. The reception hall is elegant with hardwood floors, neutral white walls, and three magnificent chandeliers, along with a state-of-the-art sound system. The outdoor areas, complete with firepits and a cozy terrace, provide a perfect backdrop for capturing special moments and enjoying a magical evening celebration. The venue’s beautiful setting, combined with its modern amenities and attentive staff, makes it an excellent choice for a wedding.
The River Center at Saluda Shoals Park
The River Center at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC, offers a picturesque and secluded setting ideal for weddings. Nestled within the scenic Saluda Shoals Park, this venue provides a tranquil atmosphere, escape from the hustle and bustle, and stunning views of dense woods through its expansive glass windows and patios. The flexible meeting space, spanning over 5,000 square feet, can be divided into five rooms, allowing for customized configurations. The venue features a magnificent two-story stone fireplace and includes tables, chairs, and ample lighted parking. Its serene location and elegant ambiance make it a perfect choice for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsals, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, SC, offers a unique and enchanting setting for weddings. This wildlife park is home to over 2,000 animals and features breathtaking gardens, providing a nature-inspired backdrop for your special day. The venue boasts several event spaces, including the Ndoki Lodge, Magnolia Room, Sea Lion Landing, The Birdhouse, and The Aquarium Reptile Conservation Center, each offering distinct natural settings and amenities. With in-house catering, lighting, and sound systems, as well as beautiful gardens and animal exhibits, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden ensures a captivating and elegant experience for couples and their guests. The venue’s diverse spaces can accommodate intimate gatherings to large celebrations, making it an ideal choice for a truly special wedding.
Rockbridge Club
Rockbridge Club in Columbia, SC, is an idyllic wedding venue offering both indoor and outdoor event spaces. The venue features a banquet-style hall with polished wooden flooring, arched ceilings, and walls of picture windows that allow natural light to enhance the occasion. The large outdoor deck overlooks Spring Lake, providing a picturesque setting for ceremonies and receptions. With a capacity to accommodate up to 250 guests indoors and 100 on the outdoor deck, Rockbridge Club offers an elegant and scenic backdrop for a wedding celebration, complete with get-ready rooms, ample parking, and WiFi throughout the venue. Its elegant decor and personable service make it an ideal choice for a beautiful and unforgettable wedding.
Savage Craft Ale Works
Savage Craft Ale Works, located in West Columbia, SC, offers a unique and charming setting for weddings. Housed in the former Brookland Fire Station and town hall, the venue blends historic elegance with modern amenities. It features two distinct spaces: The Mooneyhan Room, ideal for intimate gatherings, and The Armory, a spacious hall perfect for larger celebrations with dining, dancing, and a private bar. The venue provides award-winning beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and a delectable catering menu, ensuring a delightful experience for you and your guests. With its veteran-owned commitment to quality and exceptional event team, Savage Craft Ale Works is an excellent choice for a wedding, offering a blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort.
Senate’s End
Senate’s End in Columbia, SC, is a picturesque wedding venue nestled between a lush wooded ravine and the Congaree River, overlooking the historic Gervais Street Bridge. This venue offers a natural and elegant setting with three distinctive buildings: The Hall, the Manor House, and 300 Senate, along with two outdoor Wedding Gardens. It provides flexible space options, ample parking, and proximity to hotels and downtown amenities. With full kitchen facilities, catering by Dupre, and a large bridal suite, Senate’s End ensures a beautiful and seamless wedding experience, making it an ideal choice for couples looking for a unique and enchanting wedding day.
Stone River
Stone River in West Columbia, SC, is a picturesque wedding venue nestled on the banks of the Congaree River. The venue boasts a beautiful stone fireplace, a large built-in bar, and an interior adorned with wood and stone accents, stained concrete, and natural wood floors, all set against a neutral color scheme. Large windows fill the event space with natural light, offering stunning views of the river and the Three Rivers Greenway. Two intimate outdoor spaces, including a wrap-around porch and a covered Pavilion, provide additional charm. This setting creates an enchanting atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a wedding ceremony and reception, with its unique blend of natural beauty and elegant amenities.
Thomas House and Garden
Thomas House and Garden in Columbia, SC, is a picturesque historic wedding venue built in 1906 and listed on the National Historic Register since 1970. This Victorian property offers both indoor and outdoor event spaces, featuring historic charm with 100-year-old wallpaper, heart pine floors, and six beautiful fireplaces. The outdoor space includes a pergola, perfect for exchanging vows, and a spacious get-ready room. The venue provides an all-inclusive package with professional photography, an officiant, floral and decor, and other essentials, making it an ideal choice for intimate and sophisticated wedding celebrations. Its unique historical elements and elegant ambiance create a charming backdrop for any wedding.
USC Alumni Center
The USC Alumni Center, located in the heart of Columbia’s Vista district, is a luxurious and elegant venue ideal for weddings. With 30,000 square feet of beautifully crafted event space, it features a stunning grand staircase and a spacious 10,000-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate up to 550 seated guests or 900 for a reception. The venue also includes a private outdoor gated patio and a pre-function hallway, offering versatile and intimate settings. The hospitality staff provides unparalleled service, assisting with every wedding detail to ensure a seamless and enchanting experience. This venue combines Southern hospitality with first-class service, making it an excellent choice for a wedding.
The Venue at Hunting Creek
The Venue at Hunting Creek, located just outside of Columbia, South Carolina, offers a serene and idyllic setting for weddings. This romantic venue is nestled among oak trees, creating a picturesque backdrop for a fairytale wedding. The barn-inspired event hall is versatile and can accommodate up to 120 guests for a seated dinner or 150 for a standing reception. The venue includes amenities such as a bridal suite, groom’s room, prep kitchen, and a covered side porch ideal for cocktail receptions. With the freedom to choose your own vendors and professional clean-up services, this venue ensures a seamless and enchanting wedding experience.
Wavering Place
Wavering Place, located near Columbia, SC, is a historic and picturesque wedding venue that seamlessly blends natural beauty with modern amenities. The venue features a 1850-built main house, native gardens, and several historic outbuildings, including the award-winning “Green Tree House” pavilion with fireplaces, a Groom’s suite, and a service kitchen. The fully restored Kitchen House serves as a elegant bridal suite. With ample parking, onsite restrooms, and a team of expert coordinators, Wavering Place offers a tranquil and well-manicured setting, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a beautiful and effortlessly managed wedding experience.