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Wedding & Event Venue Near Allendale, SC.

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Your Magic Moment Awaits

Your wedding day. Without a doubt, it's one of the most significant events you will ever experience - when you and the love of your life officially seal the deal and get married. On this day, your friends and family will gather to celebrate the next step in your life. Photographers will be running around snapping photos, catering plates delicious food for guests to enjoy, and the DJ sets the mood for a night of fun and libation. You've worked extra hard to make everything look perfect and run smoothly. You have examined every moving part down to the tiniest detail. At the center of all your effort is your wedding venue in Allendale, SC.

Your event space can mean the difference between an unforgettable event and an average occasion. Capturing your uniqueness as a couple is paramount to a memorable wedding. But, without the right venue location and staff, your unforgettable event can turn into a painfully average occasion. Fortunately, at Abney Hall, you won't ever have to worry about dingy reception spaces and crummy chow halls.

Constructed in Allendale, SC, in 1962, Abney Hall is 15,000 square feet and sits on 500 acres of land, making it a large wedding venue unlike any other. Abney Hall was originally the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney, a Allendale native who was a lifelong philanthropist. Mrs. Abney devoted much of her time and effort towards supporting charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other noble efforts. Today, Abney Hall stands tall as a symbol of love, both in our community and for the couples who choose to get married here.

Abney Hall is an exclusive event experience unlike any other, surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling ponds. Our venue is a natural fit for several occasions, including:

Special Event Space Allendale, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Allendale, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Allendale, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Allendale, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Allendale, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Allendale, SC

Much More!

 Wedding Space Allendale, SC

The Top Wedding Venue in Allendale, SC

The beginning of your life starts at Abney Hall. With our team by your side, we can create the fairy tale wedding you have dreamed about since childhood. Whether you have 100 guests or 1,000, our waterfront ceremony locations and French-inspired courtyard are perfect for your big day. Celebrate in luxurious style surrounded by shady magnolia trees, a private forest, large ponds, and the beauty of Mother Nature. While our venue location and aesthetic have been praised far and wide, so too have the practical aspects of Abney Hall. Looking for a relaxing, comfortable spot for your bridal party to get ready in? We offer an entire floor in the Abney Hall residence to get the bridal party ready. Want to make your groomsman feel extra-special too? We've got a private, plush house just feet from a sparkling pond that is a proper hangout spot for the guys in your group.

To make life easier on you, we also offer Abney Hall as your go-to spot for rehearsal dinners. Why book an expensive restaurant or travel to another location when unmatched beauty and convenience are right at your fingertips? Abney Hall is just the place for that very important dinner the night before your big day. We are also happy to host your bridal shower at Abney Hall. Our venue makes for one of Allendale's most unique bridal shower settings, where your family and friends can gather to give gifts and be merry before you walk down the aisle.

With such a large, magnificent house and a vast property, Abney Hall also makes for an unforgettable location for your bridal portraits and other wedding-related photography needs. Don't take our word for it - book a tour and see for yourself why so many new brides and grooms choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Allendale.

 Wedding Venue Allendale, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues in Allendale?

You've already found the person you want to spend the rest of your life beside. The next step? Finding the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, and celebration of your lifelong commitment to one another. Remember, the backdrop for photos, dancing, eating, and all other activities will be at your wedding venue. That's why we work so hard to set Abney Hall apart from our competitors - so you and your guests can focus on love and living your new life while we work with your vendors and photographers to make your magic night a reality.

Here are just a few reasons why guests choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Allendale, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:

Venue Size

Choosing the appropriate-sied venue for your desired guest count is a critical decision. A venue's capacity affects the number of people you need to consider having at your ceremony and reception. As you're first starting out, we recommend having a guest count in mind as you're searching for the right venue. Try to stick with that number. You may fall in love with a particular venue, but if its max capacity can't accommodate your guest count, it may be time to cross them off your list.

 Corporate Conference Hall Allendale, SC
Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite the college roommate you shared a dorm with for one semester. At the end of the day, your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Abney Hall is equipped for both small and large weddings, consisting of 500 acres of forest, ponds, and lush natural beauty. Whether you want an intimate wedding with only your best friends or a grand ceremony with hundreds of people, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.

Location and Nearby Lodging

On your big day, you're likely to have friends and family traveling in from other parts of the state or country. These folks will need a place to stay during and even after your wedding. Accessibility and ease are important factors when it comes to choosing your wedding venue for both you and your guests.

Located in Allendale, SC, Abney Hall is situated in a memorable, natural setting, giving your wedding a private vibe in the midst of Mother Nature. While we pride ourselves on having a secluded wedding event space, our venue is within an easy driving distance of hotels and vacation rentals.

Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

When you contact us for a tour, make sure to speak with our experienced venue manager about nearby hotels and shuttle service options. We understand that your guest's comfort and convenience are important, and we're happy to work with you to figure out the best way to get your guests to Abney Hall.

Venue Staff

At Abney Hall, our staff has earned its reputation as one of the industry's most friendly, accessible teams. We will provide you with a purpose-minded point of contact that can help answer questions relating to timelines, preferred vendors, and every aspect of your wedding. When you tour our wedding venue in Allendale, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.

We would be happy to go over:
  • Venue Pricing
  • Ceremony Specifics
  • Reception Specifics
  • Catering Possibilities
  • Decorating Possibilities
  • Entertainment Options
  • Photography and Photo Opportunities
  • Venue Amenities
  • Bridal Party Needs
  • Groomsman Needs

At Abney Hall, our goal is to be your first resource when it comes to setting up and coordinating the details of your wedding day.

Decor

When it comes to your wedding's decor, you probably already have a few ideas in mind. We love it when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because one of our greatest joys is turning that vision into a reality. At Abney Hall, our team is available to help you and your decorator fit, accent, and accommodate your fairy-tale wedding - whatever that may be.

Are you looking to dress up your wedding with decorations galore? Just want to add a few accents that tie into your preferred color palette? Abney Hall is versatile and ready to help however we are able.

 Reception Hall Allendale, SC
Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

If you're thinking about bringing in your own greenery, lighting, floral pieces, and more, we recommend discussing your vision with us on your initial tour of our event space. That way, we can get a head start on making your big day exactly how you envision it.

Photo Opportunities

10 years from now, when you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, you will pull out photographs from your wedding and will reminisce about the unforgettable time you spent at Abney Hall. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, and as such, we work closely with you and your photographer to suggest extra-special photo op spots that you can only find on Abney Hall grounds.

From the grand staircase and French-inspired courtyard to our manicured gardens and lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from. As one of the most popular wedding venues in Allendale, SC, we have worked with dozens of photographers over the years.

Our experience has allowed us to cultivate a list of preferred photographers - all of whom have the talent to take your pictures to the next level in a setting they're familiar with. We encourage you to check out our gallery to get a sense of the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.

Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip

The gallery on our website is extensive but be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. We keep our social pages updated with recent wedding photographs, giving you an incredible resource that you can use for your own photography purposes.

Special Event Space Allendale, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue in Allendale, SC

Abney Hall is known across the United States for our stunning weddings, but we also play host to some of the largest corporate events in South Carolina. Why choose a bland, lifeless meeting space when you can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature coupled with a professional atmosphere? If you have an important team-building event or corporate conference that you have to coordinate, look no further than Abney Hall.

The epitome of class and style, our corporate event space is large, lavish, and chock-full of onsite amenities for you and your co-workers to enjoy. If your team needs a morale boost, don't bring them to the local Olive Garden for a cheap lunch. Treat them to a refreshing experience in our main dining room, where we can work with you to incorporate your catering options with the goals of your event.

When the hard work is done, and your team needs a breather, what better way to relax than with a quick dip in our pool? To burn off a little steam, head over to our brand-new tennis court - the perfect place to get some exercise in an ultra-private setting while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles for a couple of hours of fishing. There's even an opportunity to go hunting if you wish.

 Event Venue Allendale, SC

Elegance at Its Finest - Only
a Phone Call Away

If you're ready to learn more about Abney Hall as your wedding venue, don't hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear more about your plans, your vision, and your needs. We know that planning a wedding isn't easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a whole lot of patience. Our goal is to help provide you with all the info you need to learn more about our venue. Once you decide on a date, we'll work closely with you and your vendors to craft a wedding experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Our available dates for your big day are going quick, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation
 Event Space Allendale, SC

Latest News in Allendale, SC

'Everything's gone:' Parts of Allendale County ripped apart from tornado damage

ALLENDALE COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — On Tuesday evening, tornadoes ripped through parts of South Carolina and the rest of the Southeast.The National Weather Service has already confirmed several in the Midlands.LOCAL FIRST | Tornado Watch dropped across the SC Midlands Wednesday evening“Everything’s gone. We have...

ALLENDALE COUNTY, S.C. (WACH) — On Tuesday evening, tornadoes ripped through parts of South Carolina and the rest of the Southeast.

The National Weather Service has already confirmed several in the Midlands.

LOCAL FIRST | Tornado Watch dropped across the SC Midlands Wednesday evening

“Everything’s gone. We have to rebuild," said Ronald Scott, who owns a mobile home outside of Allendale.

When the sun rose on a new day, everyone stepped outside to a strange, new scene.

"I've never seen anything like this," added Sarah Batson. Her grandmother lives along Highway 278 near town.

Along highway 278, buildings were ripped apart. Houses covered with fallen trees.

Sarah's grandmother is 90 years old. She's spent two thirds of her life in the same spot and the same house.

Tuesday evening, she weathered the tornado from inside her home as trees crashed down around her.

"She had a stand with a lot of angels on it and none of it was damaged. Those ceramic angels. So, she said it was a little miracle that she was safe through all of it," described Sarah.

LOCAL FIRST | SC ranks top tier in National Emergency Preparedness report

In the more rural areas, the damage was more intense.

A mobile home was flipped off of it's foundation - shattered on the ground - and debris spread for hundreds of feet to the tree line behind.

The owner was only given minutes of warning, but thankfully he wasn't home.

"When they tell you to get out, get out," said Ronald Scott, the owner.

Down the road, a tornado caught a man while he was inside his home.

His niece now taking stock of the damage.

"He was in the house, relaxing, and the storm came and knocked it off the block," explained Harriet Willams, the homeowner's niece. "He had enough nerve to jump out the window. I probably would have had a heart attack."

Some of the worst damage was just next door.

Two mobile homes were ripped off the ground and flown into the trees - still stuck there a day later.

Emergency crews knew that the owner, Barbara Gill, was still there the night of the storm.

The problem, they couldn't find her.

"I started calling her name. Barbara, Barbara. She finally reached out and responded back," described Eugene Capers. Eugene went around and checked on everyone in the neighborhood shortly after the storms.

The owner of the homes was found in her car taking shelter.

She was surrounded on all sides by the remnants of her home. Most things covering the ground, but a good chunk hanging in the trees.

Emergency crews were able to get her out of the car, but she was still in a state of shock.

"She didn't know nothing, what happened, what went on," added Eugene.

She was sent to a hospital to treat her injuries.

15 other families were helped by the American Red Cross.

Still no official rating on these tornadoes.

But, for a second night in a row, tornadoes a concern once again.

With Hurricane Idalia on the way, farmers in Allendale brace for impact

ALLENDALE, S.C. (WJBF) – Farming has been a way of life for many in Allendale. But with Hurricane Idalia expected to have major impacts in the area, farmers aren’t taking any chances.Experts from Clemson’s extension office in Allendale County say one of the things farmers need to do to prepare is to protect their livestock.Along with having access to fresh water and food, they say farmers have a couple more important things to take care of.“You need to make sure they get to higher...

ALLENDALE, S.C. (WJBF) – Farming has been a way of life for many in Allendale. But with Hurricane Idalia expected to have major impacts in the area, farmers aren’t taking any chances.

Experts from Clemson’s extension office in Allendale County say one of the things farmers need to do to prepare is to protect their livestock.

Along with having access to fresh water and food, they say farmers have a couple more important things to take care of.

“You need to make sure they get to higher ground,” said Area Livestock and Forges Agent Hillary Pope. “We don’t know if you live in a flooded state/area. So they need to be able to get to higher ground. Have some way to ID your livestock, you can get some livestock safe spray paint and spray paint your number on the side.”

But some farmers also say protecting their crops needs to be a priority as well.

Baynard Connelly has been farming his whole life, and he says the rain would be great for his corn, but the potential heavy wind damage would not.

“I’m worried about the wind more so than the rain,” said Connelly. “We’re in a drought situation down here now, so we need the water, but not the wind to go with it.”

According to Connelly, at his farm they have 3,000 acres of corn, and him along with 11 other people in his family have been working day and night to cut the corn.

After working for the past couple days, they are down to the last 500 acres.

“Well we’re harvesting corn right now. We’ve been almost running around the clock–cutting at night when we could. So they cut last night, and they’re cutting right now,” said Connelly.

But even with farmers doing the best they can to prepare, Pope says there’s no way to predict how bad the damage could be.

“We won’t necessarily know the impact until after the storm. It can go many different ways,” said Pope.

The VIPIR 6 Alert Team at NewsChannel 6 expects the storm to hit Allendale starting in the morning, but the worst of Idalia will come tomorrow afternoon.

Tire maker to hire 1,031 in Fairfax; Orangeburg County lands solar plant

FAIRFAX, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Tin Thanh Group Americas, a tire manufacturer, on Tuesday announced plans to establish its first U.S. operations in Allendale County with a $68 million investment that will create 1,031 jobs.Meanwhile, Orangeburg County will be the site of a global solar panel manufacturer’s first U.S. manufacturing plant.Located at Walker Road in Fairfax, Tin Thanh Group Americas will build a new facility in Allendale County.Tin Thanh Group Americas’ South Carolina location will allow the company ...

FAIRFAX, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Tin Thanh Group Americas, a tire manufacturer, on Tuesday announced plans to establish its first U.S. operations in Allendale County with a $68 million investment that will create 1,031 jobs.

Meanwhile, Orangeburg County will be the site of a global solar panel manufacturer’s first U.S. manufacturing plant.

Located at Walker Road in Fairfax, Tin Thanh Group Americas will build a new facility in Allendale County.

Tin Thanh Group Americas’ South Carolina location will allow the company to manufacture and retread large commercial vehicle tires, as well as operate its commercial tire leasing program.

HOW TO APPLY:

People interested in joining the Tin Thanh Group Americas team should email resumes to the company.

“Allendale County welcomes Tin Thanh Group Americas to our community, and we thank them for their investment in our future and our people,” said Allendale County Council Chairman Matthew Connelly. “Each of the more than one thousand jobs will make a difference in the lives of a family in the region because good jobs and good economic development change lives. We look forward to working with this fine company, which is committed to sustainability and good values, bringing prosperity and progress to our area.”

MORE | S.C. wages hit all-time high as 2-state job market stays strong

Supplying energy from reusable sources, Tin Thanh Group Americas will provide operations in recycled energy, closed industry-agriculture, recycled waste and tire leasing while serving the environment, energy, high-tech agriculture and technology markets.

With a focus on sustainability, the company is committed to implementing sustainable practices to lower the carbon-emission level and provide a cleaner environment, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Operations are expected to be online by September 2024.

MORE | What is Savannah River National Lab planning in downtown Aiken?

The region already has a history in tire manufacturing, with two Bridgestone plants in Aiken County

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $1 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Allendale County to assist with the costs of site preparation and infrastructure improvements.

“This announcement once again shows the world has taken notice of the many benefits of doing business in South Carolina,” Gov. Henry McMaster said. “This major $68 million investment and 1,031 new jobs will be transformative for Allendale.”

Orangbuerg County will be the host of a global solar panel manufacturer’s first U.S. manufacturing plant.

Hounen Solar announced plans to invest $33 million in a new manufacturing operations facility that will create 200 new jobs.

The plant is located at 145 Millennium Drive, the company will be leasing a 200,720-square-foot plant. The plant will not only be the first United States plant for Hounen Solar but also the first South Carolina location for the company.

MORE | Inflation eases but stays high, putting Fed in tough spot

McMaster said: “Hounen’s investment in Orangeburg County not only adds to the state’s growing renewable energy economy but also shows that South Carolina is a place where companies in every industry can thrive. We look forward to creating a strong partnership with Hounen for years to come and seeing the impact of these 200 new jobs.”

The Orangeburg County facility will allow announced plans to invest $33 million in a new manufacturing operations facility that will create 200 new jobs. to develop, manufacture and sell one gigawatt crystalline silicon PV panels in the U.S.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved the job development credits related to this project and also awarded Orangeburg county a $500,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to help with the costs of building improvements.

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

Allendale schools’ chief credited with reviving hope

ALLENDALE, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Allendale Superintendent Dr. Margaret Gilmore is retiring after 40 years in education.After years of trying to revive a failing school system, the state took over and appointed Gilmore to save the district five years ago.Her journey ends this week and as she enters retirement and the community is feeling optimistic about the future.“I will die on that. The school was sinking and she turned it around. I just don’t know what we’re going to do without you,” said a bus dr...

ALLENDALE, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Allendale Superintendent Dr. Margaret Gilmore is retiring after 40 years in education.

After years of trying to revive a failing school system, the state took over and appointed Gilmore to save the district five years ago.

Her journey ends this week and as she enters retirement and the community is feeling optimistic about the future.

“I will die on that. The school was sinking and she turned it around. I just don’t know what we’re going to do without you,” said a bus driver.

When Gilmore took over, Allendale County was in the bottom 5 percent of schools in the state.

Community member Kathy Tharin said, “Our school system was going through a very difficult time at the time that Dr. Gilmore arrived. We were at the bottom of the list of all of the academic scales.”

MORE | Columbia County school leaders to host public meetings for millage rates

After years of hardships, Gilmore stepped in as an outsider from Atlanta, appointed by the State School Superintendent.

“Allendale County doesn’t like outsiders. They don’t take kindly to outsiders,” said Gilmore.

Tharin said: “We were skeptical, but we didn’t know her. But she allowed us to get to know her. And to build that trust, and to listen to what she was trying to do for us. And it showed because Dr. Gilmore spent 80 to 85 percent of her time with the kids in the classroom.”

The road to meeting milestones began with recruiting.

“Number one is to recruit and retain highly effective teachers, and leaders, especially teachers to stand in front of our scholars and educate our scholars was extremely important to me,” said Gilmore.

When she arrived, the graduation rate was in the low 70s. It’s climbed as high as 87.9 percent during her tenure.

MORE | Visitation set for retired AU history professor ‘Cowboy Mike’

Now, she feels it’s time to shift her focus back to her family.

“I leave every Sunday evening at four o’clock from Atlanta, which is four and a half hours from Allendale and I travel back to Allendale so that I can be on campus Monday morning at 7:30 a.m.,” said Gilmore.

The community wants a new Superintendent just as dedicated.

Tharin said: “They need to consider what she’s done and how she’s done it to make sure that we get an informed and qualified person to fill her size 20 shoes.”

The district is still under state control. The State Superintendent’s Office says they plan to have a new superintendent in place by early fall.

While Allendale has been improving, there are still many milestones that take time to reach before control can be given back to the board of education.

In the meantime, Angela Jacobs will take over as the Interim Administrator.

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

Track Covid-19 in Allendale County, S.C.

Total populationAges 65 and upAn updated vaccine is recommended for adults and most children. Statewide, 7% of vaccinations did not specify a home county.Nearby hospitalsShare of I.C.U. beds occupiedAbout this data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: The hospitals...

Total population

Ages 65 and up

An updated vaccine is recommended for adults and most children. Statewide, 7% of vaccinations did not specify a home county.

Nearby hospitals

Share of I.C.U. beds occupied

About this data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: The hospitals map shows the average I.C.U. occupancy at nearby hospitals in the most recent week with data reported. The data is self-reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by individual hospitals. It excludes counts from hospitals operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service. Numbers for hospitalized patients are based on inpatient beds and include I.C.U. beds. Hospitalized Covid-19 patients include both confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023.

How trends have changed in Allendale County

About this data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: Weekly county death data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. Hospitalization data is a weekly average of Covid-19 patients in hospital service areas that intersect with Allendale County. Hospitalization numbers early in the pandemic are undercounts due to incomplete reporting by hospitals to the federal government.

Historical trends in Allendale County

The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated.

About this data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated. Weekly county case data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023. Test positivity data is based only on test results reported to the federal government and is a seven-day average.

By Jon Huang, Samuel Jacoby, Jasmine C. Lee, John-Michael Murphy, Charlie Smart and Albert Sun. Additional reporting by Sarah Cahalan, Lisa Waananen Jones, Amy Schoenfeld Walker and Josh Williams. See a full list of contributors to The Times’s Covid-19 data reporting here.

About the data

Data on this page is reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Population and demographic data is from the U.S. Census Bureau. Hospitalization data is reported by individual hospitals to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and it includes confirmed and suspected adult and pediatric patients. The C.D.C. does not provide complete vaccinations data for some counties and caps its vaccination rate figures at 95 percent.

The C.D.C. may make historical updates as more data is reported.

The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on Covid cases in May 2023.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.