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Wedding & Event Venue near Camden, SC

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 near Camden, 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 Greenwood 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 Greenwood 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 Camden, SC

Weddings

Event Venue Camden, SC

Bridal Showers

Event Space Camden, SC

Bridal Portraits

Rehearsal Dinner Venue Camden, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

Bridal Shower Venue Camden, SC

Corporate Events

Business Event Space Camden, SC

Much More!

The Top Wedding Venue near Camden, 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 Camden'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 near Camden.

Wedding Space Camden, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues near Camden?

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 near Camden, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:

Venue Size

Choosing the appropriate-sized 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.

Wedding Venue Camden, 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 near Camden, 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 near Camden, 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.

Corporate Conference Hall Camden, 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 near Camden, 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.

Reception Hall Camden, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue near Camden, 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.

Special Event Space Camden, SC

What Our Clients Are Saying

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 Venue Camden, SC

Latest News Near Me Camden, SC

Camden South Carolina gets bus route starting in August

Camden launches its first city bus route, King Haigler Express, on August 4th with free rides during the pilot phase.CAMDEN, S.C. — The city of Camden is getting its own downtown bus route.“We are investing in common sense solutions that help people live work and do business right here in the community,” said Councilman William WilkesCamden is rolling out its first the city bus route, the King Haigler Express, beginning August 4th.The city is working with the Santee Wateree Regional Transportatio...

Camden launches its first city bus route, King Haigler Express, on August 4th with free rides during the pilot phase.

CAMDEN, S.C. — The city of Camden is getting its own downtown bus route.

“We are investing in common sense solutions that help people live work and do business right here in the community,” said Councilman William Wilkes

Camden is rolling out its first the city bus route, the King Haigler Express, beginning August 4th.

The city is working with the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority to bring it to life.

The pilot phase is being paid for with federal transportation grants and support from the city of Camden.

During the pilot phase, it'll be free to ride.

The service will run Monday through Friday, from 10am to 4pm with the bus making roughly 18 stops around town.

The stops include grocery stores, downtown Camden, MUSC, the library to name a few.

Councilman William Wilkes is spearheading the project, and he says it will always be low cost to ride.

"The most it will ever cost is one dollar. And hopefully it will be free,” said Wilkes

Temporary bus stop signs will go up later this week as the route gets finalized.

The route will start in Boykin Park and end at Monument Square.

Wilkes says they expect higher ridership from areas around residential homes.

The United Way of Kershaw County had been offering transportation help, but that funding ran out at the start of the new fiscal year.

"We're really excited that Santee Wateree RTA is stepping up. We were just bridging the gap until that time."

Camden resident Derwin Jeffcoat says the new route could have a big impact.

“I think now with a new bus route and city of Camden, and DeKalb, I definitely think it is going to help tremendously.” Said Jeffcoat.

City leaders say this is just the beginning and they'll be making changes as needed based on what the community wants.

"We are open to making changes, modifications, changing hours, stops, adding stops, taking away stops," says Wilkes.

Kershaw County may join Camden in pausing housing development, but residents say area 'has to grow'

CAMDEN — Amid a yearlong pause on new housing developments, some residents in a fast-growing Midlands city say there should be more affordable housing, while others oppose major residential projects.Census estimates ...

CAMDEN — Amid a yearlong pause on new housing developments, some residents in a fast-growing Midlands city say there should be more affordable housing, while others oppose major residential projects.

Census estimates released this month show Camden added 436 residents last year for a total of 8,899 — its largest increase in years and 10th-fastest growth in the state. Since 2020, the community has grown 14 percent, adding 1,092 people, the data shows.

Shawn Putnam, Camden’s planning director, said growth has partly come from military families relocating after U.S. Army Central moved to Shaw Air Force Base in 2011, more than 20 miles from the city. Additionally, he points to the Haile Gold Mine’s reopening nearly a decade ago.

"I've heard stories from realtors about them selling homes or finding apartments for people that work there," Putnam said, referring to the gold mine, which reports employing more than 700 workers.

According to city planners, the city issued 122 permits to build new homes in 2024 and 220 in 2023. From 2006 to 2019, annual permits ranged from 14 to 42 before jumping to 110 in 2020, the year the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S.

“The pandemic caused people to reevaluate their living situation, especially people that could work remotely, or were retired,” Putnam said.

In September 2024, citing concerns that major housing projects might not align with the city's vision, Camden's City Council enacted a six-month pause on new residential development. Elected officials extended the moratorium another six months in March to give the new mayor and mostly new council time to study the issue.

Last week, the Kershaw County Planning Commission approved a similar moratorium, which the County Council plans to discuss May 27 and vote on in June.

To gather input from residents, the city posted a now-closed survey, hosted an event with the planning director and consultants and set aside time at a council meeting for public comments on future development.

More growth, more traffic

Robert Lamprecht, 69, lives in eastern Camden near the site of a proposed housing development for hundreds of houses. It would be just outside city limits. He worries future residents would crowd the stretch of Jefferson Davis Highway that runs past his neighborhood. Both traffic and the number of people in stores has increased in recent years, he said.

"Our local Walmart, it's busier," said Lamprecht, who moved to Camden in 2012 after years of commuting from Summerville to work at the Target distribution center in Lugoff. "The traffic probably is one of the bigger problems."

In the parking lot of a downtown hair salon, Lamprecht told The Post and Courier he wants rules that require at least a half-acre of space per home to limit how many are built.

At Books on Broad and Coffee, a used bookstore and coffee shop in downtown Camden, cafe manager McKinley Dixon, 22, said dozens of mostly out-of-state customers ask in a typical week how she likes living in Camden as they consider moving to the area. Oftentimes, she said, they’re families of people working at Shaw Air Force Base.

The people she meets are "barely ever from South Carolina. A lot of them are from mostly up North," said Dixon, who has lived in Camden nearly her whole life.

Dixon also worries about new housing developments, pointing to a project under construction near Camden High School, where she graduated. Drivers already face delays near the school, Dixon said, and she fears new housing could overcrowd classrooms there and at other schools.

Enrollment at Kershaw County's 19 public schools has grown 3.9 percent, or 404 students, over five years, district data shows.

"I know that every year the freshman class gets bigger and bigger and bigger compared to past years," said Dixon, who recalls her 2020 graduating class had about 200 students. "And I just feel like soon there's not going to be enough space for every single student to not be looked over in some way."

Newly elected Mayor Vincent Sheheen told The Post and Courier he discussed the “need for planned growth” during his campaign, but noted some residents want more affordable housing — goals that can conflict with the city’s pause on residential development.

Dixon, who lives with her parents, said she would have to move to another city like Columbia to find an affordable apartment.

"I think that just a tiny bit more affordable housing would make a ton of difference," Dixon said.

'It has to grow'

On a recent Tuesday afternoon, "Like That" by Future, Metro Boomin and Kendrick Lamar blared from All Stars Braid Shop & Champion Barber Shop. The shop sits just blocks from city hall, where the city council was set to meet in half an hour. In interviews, officials have discussed preserving Camden’s historic character in the state’s oldest inland city, home to the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site museum and located near two Revolutionary War battle sites.

When asked about the housing pause, barbershop owner Champ Champion said elected officials need to "get out their bag."

"They can't keep it the same old city that it used to be. It has to grow," said Champion, a 13-year Camden resident originally from New Jersey, with a Jersey accent to match. “If it’s not growing it’s going to die.”

He said when he first opened downtown, businesses wouldn’t open until 10 a.m. and closed early. Growth has led to more customers and allowed him to expand to another barbershop in Elgin, he said.

"It was a hometown, now it's becoming a city," said Champion, who is in his late 40s.

Michael Alexander, 66, recalls when Camden's downtown had dirt roads and juke joints could be found in the surrounding woods. Still, he opposes the moratorium, saying the city needs more affordable housing and jobs for young people.

Closer to Columbia, Blythewood had the sixth-fastest population growth in the state in 2023-24, with officials expecting a boom as Scout Motors’ electric vehicle plant opens in late 2027. In Camden, Alexander hopes the city grows enough to attract major companies to set up shop.

"You're going to have bigger companies come to Camden," Alexander said. "You've got only a few companies here and that's not allowing opportunities for young people to work."

One of SC's fastest growing towns has put a pause on new housing projects

But in the five years since, permits have more than tripled every year, according to the head of the city's planning department. Some residents have also raised concerns to local officials about traffic."There are longer lines at the grocery store, and you go to dinner at a restaurant, and you see very few people that you know, whereas when I was a kid, that wasn't the case," said newly elected City Councilman William Wilkes, who grew up in the co...

But in the five years since, permits have more than tripled every year, according to the head of the city's planning department. Some residents have also raised concerns to local officials about traffic.

"There are longer lines at the grocery store, and you go to dinner at a restaurant, and you see very few people that you know, whereas when I was a kid, that wasn't the case," said newly elected City Councilman William Wilkes, who grew up in the community about 35 miles northeast of Columbia.

Census estimates released this week show the city added 436 residents last year for a total of 8,899 — its largest increase in years and 10th-fastest growth in the state. Since 2020, the community has grown 14 percent, adding 1,092 people, the data shows.

Citing concerns that major housing projects might not align with the city's vision, Camden City Council enacted a six-month pause on new residential development in September and extended it by another six months in March.

With a new mayor and all but one councilmember taking office since November, officials wanted time to engage the public on future development plans.

The city has posted an online survey, which is open until May 17. Last month, it hosted an event for residents to share input with consultants and Shawn Putnam, the city’s planning director. Over 100 people attended the workshop, where they could discuss preferred housing types and what they want to preserve in Camden, Putnam said.

"They wanted to see more residential development downtown, they wanted to see lower density developments on large undeveloped tracts of land. We don't have many of those," he said.

On the same day as the event, the city council set aside time during its regular meeting for residents to weigh in.

Wilkes, the councilmember, campaigned on a "balanced development" platform, while Mayor Vincent Sheheen told The Post and Courier that he also discussed the "need for a planned growth" during his run for office.

Sheheen said residents he’s spoken with want to preserve undeveloped land and natural areas and have raised concerns about whether the city’s infrastructure, including schools, can keep up with growth.

In interviews, he said Camden is not a "sprawly suburb," contrasting it with fast-growing Mount Pleasant, near Charleston, and northeast Columbia.

"I think we want to concentrate on the historic downtown, making it thriving, making it lively, making it continue to be a special place and less of loss of green space in the community, strip malls and that type of development," Sheheen said, referring to the area that includes the Camden Opera House and Clock Tower, built in 1886, and is near the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site.

Even so, he noted that some residents have called for more affordable housing, adding that those goals can conflict with the city's move to pause residential development.

Last year, former Camden councilwoman Joanna Craig proposed the moratorium but lost her seat in the November election. She said she pushed for the pause partly out of concern over several large developments in the area. She said she hopes the order prompts officials to identify and study ways to enhance affordable housing, including converting existing homes into duplexes or places where multiple generations can live together.

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Event Space Camden, SC

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