Spotlight on Event Venues

April 16, 2024

Sites for memorable occasions

If you’re looking for unique locations to host your wedding or special event, consider these unique places in Oconee County.

On Main Street

Considered “The Jewel of Walhalla”, the Bauknight House is an elegant setting for events and weddings. The historic home is located on Main Street in Walhalla. Choice of settings include: a parlor indoors for intimate gatherings, the front veranda or a courtyard on the back lawn for larger ceremonies and receptions. The courtyard has tent space and a pergola area that can seat 150+ guests outdoors. The venue can be rented solely for special events, or for a multi-day experience. Full weekend rentals allow use of the entire property from Friday – Sunday. This includes five bedrooms to accommodate up to 10 people, including a bride and groom’s suite.

At a Manor

Magnolia Manor, in Westminster, SC, offers a choice of venue spaces. There’s the Woodland Chapel, the Manor Garden and the Pavilion. Bride’s room and a grooms cottage are available for pre-wedding primping. Three all-inclusive packages to choose from and optional lodging inside Magnolia Manor for the wedding couple. The venue can accommodate 150 guests.

On a Ridge

The Ridge at Summit Farms is located in Westminster, SC. The venue offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Weddings can be held inside in the main barn ballroom or outside on the lawn. There’s a spacious bridal suite upstairs that overlooks the ballroom and a comfortable groom’s suite on the mail floor. The venue has a natural gas fire pit, corn hole boards and tall heat lamps to keep guests comfortable. Rental includes a catering kitchen and the ability to use your choice of caterer. The venue’s capacity is 299 people.

In a Vineyard

Chattooga Belle Farm has a 5,000 square foot covered space that is ideal for weddings. Located in Long Creek, SC, the event barn is full of rustic charm. The back of the barn has sliding doors that open onto a covered patio that frames a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is one of the most scenic settings anywhere around! All-inclusive packages include: their vendors, a catering kitchen, bride’s dressing room, event barn space, tables, chairs and lawn space for tents.

On a Farm

McLadke Orchards has the farmer and his bride vibe. The 2,800 square foot event barn is great for weddings or parties and spacious enough for dancing and guest tables. They have unique rental options including an old time horse drawn carriage and a mechanical bull. There’s an arbor ceremony site and Silver, Gold and Diamond wedding packages are available depending on the scale of event you desire.

Off the Alley

Originally designed as a storage barn, this structure has undergone a transformation to become Off the Alley at Nimmons Hall, a versatile event venue. Boasting a spacious main hall, a catering kitchen, an elegant bridal suite on the upper level, and a charming covered patio area, complete with ample seating for guests to socialize al fresco. Conveniently located within walking distance of Ram Cat Alley, in downtown Seneca’s historic district, this venue blends rustic charm with modern amenities.

By a Pond

The Walhalla Depot at Kaufmann Square is a charming setting for small gatherings. The property includes a park with a fish pond and a gazebo. Two buildings are available to rent: the Walhalla Depot and Old Saint John’s Meeting House. The Depot is an indoor space with catering kitchen, bathrooms and wrap around deck overlooking manicured grounds and the fish pond. Old St. John’s Meeting House is within walking distance to the Depot. The structure was originally a church but moved to its present location to serve as an event venue. There are 12 pews to seat appoximately 60 guests.

Near a Creek

Chattooga River Lodge is a remote location in Long Creek. The venue has 4,500 square feet of space that includes a full service bar and restaurant, indoor and outdoor stages, a courtyard with large fire pit and nine guest rooms with a separate bath house. This venue doesn’t charge to host events (as long as you use their restaurant and bar for all food and beverages) and they don’t close for private events. The restaurant, Willie’s Tavern, is always open to the public so it won’t necessarily be just your guests milling around. They also have tent campsites along a peaceful creek and RV sites nestled in the woods.

Next to the Lake

The Point Shelter, at High Falls County Park, is an open air structure that provides an idyllic setting for a wedding, family reunion, birthday celebration, or baby shower. Enhanced by stamped concrete flooring, a functional fireplace, a picturesque arbor, and an integrated charcoal grill, it perfectly complements the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Keowee. The rental fee includes 14 tables that can seat 75 people.

Biggerstaff Retreat is a venue on Lake Keowee used by St. John’s Lutheran Church and available to the community for a fee. This is a nice place for a range of occasions, celebrations and small to mid-sized gatherings. On-site amenities include: an enclosed gazebo shelter that seats 100. It has water, electricity, a refrigerator and a fireplace. An amphitheater overlooks Lake Keowee and there’s a small shelter for event preparations.