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Wedding & Event Venue Near Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, 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 Barnwell 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 Barnwell, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Barnwell, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Barnwell, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Barnwell, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Barnwell, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Barnwell, SC

Much More!

 Wedding Space Barnwell, SC

The Top Wedding Venue in Barnwell, 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 Barnwell'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 Barnwell.

 Wedding Venue Barnwell, SC

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

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 Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue in Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, 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 Barnwell, SC

Latest News in Barnwell, SC

9th Grade Girl Sues SC High School Over Pledge Of Allegiance Confrontation

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The parents of a ninth grade South Carolina student who said she was accosted by a teacher for walking to class instead of stopping and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are suing the teacher, principal, school district and state education officials.Marissa Barnwell said she was walking quietly to class and decided not to stop for the pledge or a moment of silence that followed. A teacher yelled at her, confronted her and pushed her against a wall.AdvertisementBarnwell was then sent to the pri...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The parents of a ninth grade South Carolina student who said she was accosted by a teacher for walking to class instead of stopping and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are suing the teacher, principal, school district and state education officials.

Marissa Barnwell said she was walking quietly to class and decided not to stop for the pledge or a moment of silence that followed. A teacher yelled at her, confronted her and pushed her against a wall.

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Barnwell was then sent to the principal’s office, which she said was humiliating because she feared she was in trouble. The principal sent her back to class, but Barnwell said he never let her know that the teacher was wrong and she was right.

“I was completely and utterly disrespected,” Barnwell, 15, said at a news conference Thursday, according to The State newspaper. “No one has apologized, no one has acknowledged my hurt. ... The fact that the school is defending that kind of behavior is unimaginable.”

Barnwell’s parents are suing the River Bluff High School teacher, the principal, Lexington School District 1, and the South Carolina Education Department in federal court, saying they violated the girl’s civil rights and her First Amendment rights to both free speech or not to speak at all.

A state law passed more than 30 years ago requires public schools to play the Pledge of Allegiance at a specific time every day.

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But that law also prohibits punishing anyone who refuses to recite the pledge as long as they are not disruptive or do not infringe on others.

“The thing that’s beautiful about America is we have freedoms,” said Tyler Bailey, the family’s lawyer. “Students in our schools should feel safe, they should not be feel threatened for exercising their constitutional rights.”

Barnwell said she called her parents in tears and they said the teacher, principal or district never responded.

Lexington School District 1 said its attorney is working on a response to the lawsuit and didn’t have any additional comment. River Bluff High School’s website indicates the teacher and principal are still working at the school.

“I was just in disbelief,” Barnwell said, adding that she told the teacher, “Get your hands off of me.”

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South Carolina student’s parents sue over Pledge of Allegiance controversy at school

The parents of a 9th grader in South Carolina are suing after their daughter was allegedly accosted for not saying the Pledge of Allegiance while she was walking to class instead of stopping to recite it.Marissa Barnwell, the student, said during a news conference on Thursday that she was walking quietly to her class at River Bluff High School in Lexington, South Carolina and decided not to stop walking to recite the p...

The parents of a 9th grader in South Carolina are suing after their daughter was allegedly accosted for not saying the Pledge of Allegiance while she was walking to class instead of stopping to recite it.

Marissa Barnwell, the student, said during a news conference on Thursday that she was walking quietly to her class at River Bluff High School in Lexington, South Carolina and decided not to stop walking to recite the pledge or a moment of silence.

A teacher at the school allegedly yelled at her, confronted her, and pushed her against a wall nearby.

“I was just in disbelief,” Barnwell said, recalling that she told the teacher “Get your hands off of me.”

Barnwell, who’s 15 years old, was sent to the principal’s office afterward, which she described as humiliating because she thought she was in trouble.

After the meeting, the principal sent Barnwell back to class, but didn’t let her know that the teacher was wrong for accosting her and pushing her into a wall for not stopping to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

“I was completely and utterly disrespected,” Barnwell said, according to The State newspaper. “No one has apologized, no one has acknowledged my hurt. … The fact that the school is defending that kind of behavior is unimaginable.”

After the meeting, the principal sent Barnwell back to class, but didn’t let her know that the teacher was wrong for accosting her and pushing her into a wall for not stopping to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

“I was completely and utterly disrespected,” Barnwell said, according to The State newspaper. “No one has apologized, no one has acknowledged my hurt. … The fact that the school is defending that kind of behavior is unimaginable.”

Barnwell’s parents have filed a lawsuit against the River Bluff High School teacher, principal, Lexington School District 1, as well as the South Carolina Education Department in federal court, stating that their daughter’s First Amendment and civil rights were violated.

The South Carolina legislature passed a law over 30 years ago requiring schools in the state to play the Pledge of Allegiance at a certain time each day, but also prohibits punishment for students who refuse to recite the pledge, given they are not being disruptive.

Tyler Bailey, the family’s attorney, said that students should be able to exercise their constitutional rights.

“The thing that’s beautiful about America is we have freedoms,” Bailey said. “Students in our schools should feel safe, they should not be feel threatened for exercising their constitutional rights.”

Lexington School District 1 said in a statement that its attorney is writing a response to the lawsuit, but didn’t provide additional comment.

The teacher and principal allegedly involved in the incident are still employed at the school, according to its website.

9th grader sues over Pledge of Allegiance confrontation

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The parents of a ninth grade South Carolina student who said she was accosted by a teacher for walking to class instead of stopping and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are suing the teacher, principal, school district and state education officials.Marissa Barnwell said she was walking quietly to class and decided not to stop for the pledge or a moment of silence that followed. A teacher yelled at her, confronted her and pushed her against a wall.Barnwell was then sent to the principal’s offic...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The parents of a ninth grade South Carolina student who said she was accosted by a teacher for walking to class instead of stopping and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are suing the teacher, principal, school district and state education officials.

Marissa Barnwell said she was walking quietly to class and decided not to stop for the pledge or a moment of silence that followed. A teacher yelled at her, confronted her and pushed her against a wall.

Barnwell was then sent to the principal’s office, which she said was humiliating because she feared she was in trouble. The principal sent her back to class, but Barnwell said he never let her know that the teacher was wrong and she was right.

“I was completely and utterly disrespected,” Barnwell, 15, said at a news conference Thursday, according to The State newspaper. “No one has apologized, no one has acknowledged my hurt. ... The fact that the school is defending that kind of behavior is unimaginable.”

Barnwell’s parents are suing the River Bluff High School teacher, the principal, Lexington School District 1, and the South Carolina Education Department in federal court, saying they violated the girl’s civil rights and her First Amendment rights to both free speech or not to speak at all.

A state law passed more than 30 years ago requires public schools to play the Pledge of Allegiance at a specific time every day.

But that law also prohibits punishing anyone who refuses to recite the pledge as long as they are not disruptive or do not infringe on others.

“The thing that’s beautiful about America is we have freedoms,” said Tyler Bailey, the family’s lawyer. “Students in our schools should feel safe, they should not be feel threatened for exercising their constitutional rights.”

Barnwell said she called her parents in tears and they said the teacher, principal or district never responded.

Lexington School District 1 said its attorney is working on a response to the lawsuit and didn’t have any additional comment. River Bluff High School’s website indicates the teacher and principal are still working at the school.

“I was just in disbelief,” Barnwell said, adding that she told the teacher, “Get your hands off of me.”

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Student sues school district when teacher physically assaults her for not reciting Pledge of Allegiance

In South Carolina, Marissa Barnwell, a 9th grade student, is filing a lawsuit against a teacher, principal, school district, and state education officials after she was allegedly accosted for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.This case highlights the importance of protecting the civil and constitutional rights of students and of understanding the law that governs the Pledge of Allegiance in South Carolina.South Carolina Law and the Pledge of AllegianceSouth Carolina is one of several states in the US where it is ma...

In South Carolina, Marissa Barnwell, a 9th grade student, is filing a lawsuit against a teacher, principal, school district, and state education officials after she was allegedly accosted for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

This case highlights the importance of protecting the civil and constitutional rights of students and of understanding the law that governs the Pledge of Allegiance in South Carolina.

South Carolina Law and the Pledge of Allegiance

South Carolina is one of several states in the US where it is mandatory for the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited in public schools. The law, passed more than 30 years ago, requires the Pledge of Allegiance to be played or recited at a specific time every day. However, the law also states that no one can be punished for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, as long as they are not disruptive or infringing on the rights of others.

Marissa Barnwell’s Case

Marissa Barnwell, a 15 year old, said she was walking to class silently when she decided not to stop for the Pledge of Allegiance or for the moment of silence that followed. She was then confronted by a teacher and pushed against a wall. Barnwell was then sent to the principal’s office, where she felt humiliated because she feared she was in trouble. The principal sent her back to class, but Barnwell said he never let her know that she was in the right and the teacher was in the wrong.

“I was completely and utterly disrespected,” said Barnwell. She believes that the school is defending the teacher’s behavior and that no one has acknowledged her hurt or apologized.

The Legal Implications

Barnwell’s parents are suing the school district, teacher, principal, and state education officials, saying they violated the girl’s civil rights and her First Amendment rights to both free speech or not to speak at all. The family’s lawyer, Tyler Bailey, commented on the situation, saying, “The thing that’s beautiful about America is we have freedoms. Students in our schools should feel safe, they should not be feel threatened for exercising their constitutional rights.”

The school district said its attorney is working on a response to the lawsuit and did not have any additional comment. The teacher and principal at River Bluff High School are still working at the school.

Conclusion

The case of Marissa Barnwell is a reminder of the importance of protecting the civil and constitutional rights of students. The law in South Carolina is clear that no one can be punished for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, as long as they are not disruptive or infringing on the rights of others.

Everyone should have the right to choose whether to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or not, and no one should be subjected to humiliation, disrespect, or physical force for exercising this right. It is the responsibility of the school district, principal, and teacher to ensure that students feel safe and respected, and that their constitutional rights are respected.

–sources:https://www.wsaz.com/2023/03/10/9th-grader-sues-over-pledge-allegiance-confrontation/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marissa-barnwell-pledge-of-allegiance-lawsuit_n_640ba123e4b01ea51226d419

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/parents-accuse-teacher-shoving-15-year-old-child-not-reciting-pledge-a-rcna74340

Barnwell football coach making move to Aiken High School

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Dwayne Garrick will soon lead a new team of student athletes as the recently selected head football coach of the Aiken High School Hornets.The highly regarded coach with more than 200 wins over the last 23 years and a reputation for turning around programs throughout the state says he’s been interested in the potential at Aiken High for some time now.“It’s a spot that I’ve always had my eye on,” Garrick said. “It will take some work. But, with the type of players the...

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Dwayne Garrick will soon lead a new team of student athletes as the recently selected head football coach of the Aiken High School Hornets.

The highly regarded coach with more than 200 wins over the last 23 years and a reputation for turning around programs throughout the state says he’s been interested in the potential at Aiken High for some time now.

“It’s a spot that I’ve always had my eye on,” Garrick said. “It will take some work. But, with the type of players there and coaches already in place, the program can be very very successful.”

MORE | Family of Aiken crash victim looks at long road to recovery

A diverse group of teachers, players, administrators, and community members served on a hiring committee and conducted nearly a dozen interviews to select the new coach.

“He was the top choice for all of us,” Aiken High School’s Principal Alisa Hamrick shared, “and really stood out to the players.”

Garrick currently serves as Barnwell High School’s head coach.

Throughout his time at Barnwell, he has coached the Warhorses to multiple region and lower state championships, and boasted a perfect regular season record in 2022. Garrick has led the Warhorses as their Head Football Coach for the last eight seasons, although his responsibility for the progression of Barnwell’s football program dates back much further.

He first served the Warhorses as an Assistant Football Coach in 1997, and was promoted to Head Coach and Athletic Director in 1999. He left Barnwell in 2002 for a position as the head football coach and athletic director at Hillcrest High School. He went on to serve in similar capacities at Dorman, Williston-Elko and River Bluff, before returning to Barnwell as the school’s head football coach in 2015.

Garrick attended Presbyterian College, where he studied history. He gained certification as a secondary Social Studies teacher in 1990, as he also pursued a graduate degree at SC State University. While at State, he coached the Bulldogs’ inside and outside linebackers and served as a special assistant to the defensive coordinator.

Among numerous coaching accolades are Region 5 Coach of the Year (2018-2019), CSRA Coach of the Year (2018), South Carolina Football Coaches Association (SCFCA) Class A Upper State Coach of the Year (2010), Class A Division II Coach of the Year, and High School Sports Report (HSSR) Class A Division II Coach of the Year (2009).

He has also been named coach of several post-season teams, including South Carolina’s Head Coach in Border Bowl (2018), North-South All Star Game Head Coach (2018), and Shrine Bowl Assistant Coach (2010).

While Garrick doesn’t officially begin his new role as Aiken coach until June 10, he plans to get started soon for March’s open season.

“Football in high school is a year-round sport,” he shared. “Dedication, commitment, teamwork, all of those things will be big for our players. Athletics will be a stepping stone for these young men as far as life is concerned. We’ll teach those things on the football field that will help them achieve success in their lives.”

The Hornets are buzzing with excitement to welcome Garrick.

“He really seemed like a college coach,” Hamrick commented. “His coaching philosophy and commitment to helping players find success by overcoming obstacles in the sport and in their lives is really impressive.”

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

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