Top Tips for Selecting a Wedding Venue in Upstate SC

Inspiration

At Toujours Events, we believe that your wedding venue is the foundation of your celebration. Your venue choice becomes the backdrop for every photo, influences guest experience, and drives many logistical decisions. Use these tips for selecting a wedding venue in upstate SC — plus our curated local list — to streamline your planning and find a space that truly fits your vision.

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Venue in Upstate SC: Prioritize Your Budget

One of the most important factors when selecting a wedding venue in upstate SC is your budget. Your venue cost often makes up a significant portion of your overall wedding spend, so it’s essential to know your limits before booking tours. Start by establishing a total wedding budget and earmark about 15-20% to your venue rental. If your venue includes catering and rentals, this will need to be increase accordingly (30-40%).

When comparing venues, ask for a full breakdown of costs: base rental fee, service charges, insurance, taxes, security, and overtime fees. This ensures you’re evaluating true costs rather than just headline prices. Selecting a wedding venue in upstate SC with a transparent pricing structure helps you avoid surprises later and allows you to allocate more funds to décor, entertainment, or photography.

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Venue in Upstate SC: Capacity

When you begin the search, define your guest count range early. Obviously, the more guests you invite, the larger the venue, and budget, you’ll need to accommodate them. It’s easy to fall in love with a space that’s too big (or too expensive), or too small for your needs. With a clear headcount and budget limit, you can filter out venues that don’t match your scale. Always request a full layout of the venue and discuss how many guests can comfortably occupy each space.

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Venue in Upstate, SC: Visit in Person & Visualize Flow

Don’t rely solely on photos. When selecting a wedding venue, schedule walkthroughs at the same time of day your wedding will be held. That lets you see lighting, check the flow between ceremony and reception spaces, and evaluate vendor access (loading docks, parking, etc.). Pro tip: Bring us along so we can help you imagine where key elements (dining, dance floor, lounge, bars) will live. We’ll also help you ask all those important vendor-related questions!

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Venue in Upstate SC: Evaluate Amenities & Backup Plans

A great venue offers more than just space. Prioritize selecting a wedding venue that includes or accommodates essentials: adequate restrooms, bridal/groom suites, in-house lighting or AV, vendor prep areas, climate control, and an indoor backup for outdoor ceremony sites. Ask about staffing, insurance, restrictions (noise, curfews), and whether they require preferred vendors.

Tips for Selecting a Wedding Venue in Upstate, SC: Consider Accessibility & Guest Experience

Make it easy for your guests. When selecting a wedding venue in Greenville, SC, check for ample parking or valet service, accessibility for elderly or disabled guests, proximity to hotels, and clear signage or transportation routes. A beautiful venue means less when guests struggle to get there or move between spaces.

Upstate SC Venues We Love:

VenueHighlights & Capacity*Why It’s Worth Touring
Hotel DomestiqueBoutique hotel setting
~135 capacity
Euro chateau style venue with rustic charm and stunning backdrops
(https://hoteldomestique.com/things_to_do/weddings/)
AC Hotel GreenvilleModern hotel with a variety of settings to choose from
~200 capacity
Stylish downtown hotel venue with modern design influence (https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/gspac-ac-hotel-greenville/events/)
The Westin Poinsett, GreenvilleIconic downtown hotel landmarkClassic ballrooms + full service hotel conveniences (https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/gspwi-the-westin-poinsett-greenville/events/)
The Grand BohemianNature-inspired boutique lodge
~150 capacity
Beautiful setting and unique style + full service hotel conveniences
(https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/gspak-grand-bohemian-lodge-greenville-autograph-collection/events/)
The Upper RoomPrime location in downtown Greenville with indoor/outdoor space
~150 capacity
Historic downtown venue with sweeping windows, exposed brick, rooftop garden and refined feel (https://theupperroomgreenville.com/)
Heather Hill EventsBeautifully renovated 1800s home with indoor/outdoor space
~200 capacity
Smalltown charm meets southern, historic elegance
(https://www.heatherhillevents.com/)
AvenueConveniently located with a variety of settings to choose from
~200 capacity
In-house catering and bar make for an easy planning experience
(https://www.avenuegreenville.com/)
Huguenot Mill & LoftVersatile space with multiple indoor settings
~250 capacity
Converted mill with original flooring and exposed brick architecture
(https://specialevents.peacecenter.org/weddings/)

* Capacities are approximate—always confirm with the venue.


How Toujours Events Can Help You Choose Smartly

As experienced wedding planners, we bring insider knowledge to your venue search. We help you:

  • Filter viable venues based on style, budget, and guest count
  • Schedule and accompany you on tours
  • Negotiate contracts and identify hidden costs
  • Produce floor plans and logistics coordination
  • Ensure seamless transitions and flow on your wedding day

You don’t have to go it alone—let us simplify selecting a wedding venue so you can enjoy the excitement of envisioning your day.


Ready to begin touring venues? Reach out to Toujours Events to book a venue discovery consultation and get early access to upstate SC’s hidden gem spaces. Let us help you confidently select a wedding venue in that fits your dream.

To see other venues we love, check out our Instagram!

Comments

Reply...

Leave a Comment

Read how we got started

Our own love story is why we seek to create unique and effortless wedding experiences for each couple we meet and remains the driving factor behind all we do.

the husband & wife founders of
Toujours Events

We’re Sam & Callie

Planners. Creatives. Visionaries.

Let's discuss how we can make your dreams a reality. Click below.

We Can’t Wait to Meet You

LET'S CONNECT

inquire

LET'S CONNECT