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 Chester, 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 Chester, 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 Chester 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:
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 Chester'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 Chester.
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 Chester, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:
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.
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.
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 Chester, 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.
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.
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 Chester, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.
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.
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.
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.
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 Chester, 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.
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.
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.
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 consultationCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Albemarle Corporation, a chemical manufacturing company, is investing $1.3 billion and creating 300+ jobs to build a new “Mega-Flex” lithium hydroxide process facility in Chester County.Officials say the facility will support the increasing demands for electric vehicles and other energy storage applications that use lithium-ion batteries.Albemarle’s new plant will be nearly 800 acres near Richburg, the facility will be called the “Mega-Flex” facility because it will hav...
CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Albemarle Corporation, a chemical manufacturing company, is investing $1.3 billion and creating 300+ jobs to build a new “Mega-Flex” lithium hydroxide process facility in Chester County.
Officials say the facility will support the increasing demands for electric vehicles and other energy storage applications that use lithium-ion batteries.
Albemarle’s new plant will be nearly 800 acres near Richburg, the facility will be called the “Mega-Flex” facility because it will have the ability to process diverse lithium feedstock, including lithium from recycled batteries according to officials.
The new facility is expected to produce approximately 50,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually from multiple sources, with the potential to reach up to 100,000 metric tons.
“Albemarle is focused on meeting growing customer demand and this investment is part of our global commitment to transforming essential resources into critical ingredients that enable a more resilient world. We wanted a location with access to nearby rail and port transportation and the availability of skilled workers. We’re excited to have chosen South Carolina and to be closer to our customers as the supply chain is built out in North America.” said Albemarle Corporation Chief Executive Officer Kent Masters.
Governor Henry McMasters added, “Albemarle’s commitment to our state, with its impressive investment of at least $1.3 billion, further proves South Carolina is one of the best places in the country for electric vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers to call home. We proudly welcome Albemarle and look forward to seeing their tremendous impact in Chester County and beyond.”
Albemarle is joining other vehicle manufacturers who have decided to set up shop in the Palmetto state. Scout Motors is building a new 1100-acre-electric vehicle plant in Richland County, Governor Henry McMaster signed the “Scout Bill” earlier this week.
A press release read that Albemarle is a global leader in providing essential elements for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health.
If you are interested in working for Albemarle, visit their career page.
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Lance Spencer said he works nights as a driver and bought the ticket on his way to work.RALEIGH, N.C. — Lance Spencer of Chester, South Carolina, is celebrating after his $1 Cash 5 ticket became a $178,158 jackpot dream come true.“I’m going to make some good memories with my grandkids with this,” he said.Spencer bought his Quick Pick ticket for Thursday’s Cash 5 drawing from QuikTrip on Sandy Porter Road in Charlotte. He said he works nights as a driver and bought the ticket on his way to wo...
Lance Spencer said he works nights as a driver and bought the ticket on his way to work.
RALEIGH, N.C. — Lance Spencer of Chester, South Carolina, is celebrating after his $1 Cash 5 ticket became a $178,158 jackpot dream come true.
“I’m going to make some good memories with my grandkids with this,” he said.
Spencer bought his Quick Pick ticket for Thursday’s Cash 5 drawing from QuikTrip on Sandy Porter Road in Charlotte. He said he works nights as a driver and bought the ticket on his way to work.
“I was just driving around that night thinking about what it would be like to win,” he said. “I just had a dollar and a dream.”
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Later that night, he looked up the results of the drawing.
Playing the lottery is a form of gambling. If you are concerned about your gambling or worried about a friend, you can call the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. You can also contact the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
“I checked the jackpot amount first and saw someone hit it because it was back to $100,000,” Spencer recalled. “Then I checked my ticket and smiled. It was awesome.”
Spencer arrived at lottery headquarters Monday to collect his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $126,938.
He said he will use the winnings to do some projects around the house, go on a vacation with his grandchildren, and put the rest in savings.
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South Carolina Gov. McMaster announced a new $360 million development that's expected to bring 200 new jobs to Chester County.CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and the CEO of IKO Industries announced two major economic developments Wednesday that are expected to bring an estimated 200 jobs to Chester.IKO, which produces roofing, waterproofing and insulation raw...
South Carolina Gov. McMaster announced a new $360 million development that's expected to bring 200 new jobs to Chester County.
CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and the CEO of IKO Industries announced two major economic developments Wednesday that are expected to bring an estimated 200 jobs to Chester.
IKO, which produces roofing, waterproofing and insulation raw materials, announced it will revitalize a factory on Lancaster Highway that's been closed as part of "Project Phoenix." The fiberglass plant was originally opened by PPG in 1996 before the company sold it to Nippon Electric Glass in 2017. It was shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting over 100 employees out of work.
The $360 million investment is IKO's largest ever in the U.S., David Koschitzky said.
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McMaster said he hopes the projects will encourage more companies to consider moving their operations to South Carolina.
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Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly. SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Chester County Council took a step forward Monday on a proposed $70 million solar farm project.Council approved the first of three votes needed for an incentive agreement for the yet unnamed company. The incentives would run 40 years and is dependent on power generation at the site.County bond attorney Michael Kozlarek offered some detail Monday night. The solar generation site would produce about 70 megawatts of AC power annually.“They are currently in discussions with a power grid provider to offload that power,&...
Chester County Council took a step forward Monday on a proposed $70 million solar farm project.
Council approved the first of three votes needed for an incentive agreement for the yet unnamed company. The incentives would run 40 years and is dependent on power generation at the site.
County bond attorney Michael Kozlarek offered some detail Monday night. The solar generation site would produce about 70 megawatts of AC power annually.
“They are currently in discussions with a power grid provider to offload that power,” Kozlarek said.
The incentive, based on a planned $4,500 per megawatt hour, would come to about $314,000 annually. The fee is what the company would pay instead of taxes. The incentive agreement could be complete as soon as April 3.
A megawatt equates to a million watts. For comparison, Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions announced its largest solar farm to date on Wednesday with a 250 megawatt facility in Texas. Estimates vary by area on how many homes a megawatt can power. According to the York Electric Cooperative estimate of 50 kilowatts powering seven homes, a single megawatt would power 140 homes.
Chester County has the solar farm decision as council moves forward on several major projects.
Another vote finalized some legal work for the already announced IKO project. The roofing product maker aims to bring 180 jobs.
Also, council voted Monday to move forward on three zoning changes related to an also unnamed project. Final approval on each zoning change is needed to allow a 700-acre manufacturing project off Lancaster Highway, east of I-77 near Richburg.
Because the new company hasn’t been named, there have been some public and even council questions in the past week related to public safety and overall quality of the project. Council members Corey Guy and Erin Mosley recently met with county economic development staff, and both now say they’re more comfortable supporting the project.
“I’m pleased with the answers that I got to a lot of questions that I asked,” Guy said.
The chemicals used by the new company are similar to those being produced or used elsewhere in the county now, and are similar to what many people wash with in their own homes, Guy said. Mosley said council members can’t share many details now, and it’s difficult to ask people to blindly trust government.
“It’s not trusting in government, it’s trusting in us to serve you,” Mosley said.
Chairman Joe Branham said he also learned a $6 million bridge over S.C. 9 for rail will be paid entirely by the incoming company.
“No tax dollars whatsoever,” Branham said.
The tallest structure on site will be about 150 feet, but most structures will be 50 feet or below.
This story was originally published March 8, 2023, 10:23 AM.
Maggie James was one of just a few dozen Black students to integrate Chester County Schools in 1965.CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — This year marks 69 years since the segregation of children in public schools was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.Despite the landmark supreme court decision, it would take decades for schools in the Carolinas to follow the law.In Chester County, it took about 11 years.Maggie James...
Maggie James was one of just a few dozen Black students to integrate Chester County Schools in 1965.
CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — This year marks 69 years since the segregation of children in public schools was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Despite the landmark supreme court decision, it would take decades for schools in the Carolinas to follow the law.
In Chester County, it took about 11 years.
Maggie James’ memories of this time are those of pain.
"To have endured nobody talking to you all day," James said. "Nobody even acting like you're irrelevant and to then to be treated like you weren't human."
James was one of just a few dozen Black students to integrate Chester County Schools in 1965.
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"Our parents were sent a form asking if they wanted to transfer us to, you know, the white school," James said.
Moving from the all-Black schools meant having a cafeteria, lockers, a gym, and even new books.
However, James said she underestimated the trauma she would face.
"Some of the students thought we were animals, they would make fun of our faces of our features, you know, my mouth, my nose, my lips," James said.
The backlash was swift and lasted for years.
"We didn't talk about making history," James said. "All I knew was that we had made this choice."
It's a choice that would lead her to the It's a choice that would lead her to the Chester County School District’s Board of Trustees meeting room.
"I am the longest serving school board member, I think ever -- 27 years," James said.
James was the first Black female elected to the Chester County Board of School Trustees in March 1993.
The eighth-grade student at the mercy of others is now the one making decisions to impact hundreds of students.
"I was determined that I was going to be a part when the decisions were being made," James said.
She would later go on to serve as vice chair and then chairwoman, becoming the first Black female to ever hold the office and the second Black person in nearly 45 years to have held the title.
"I would have never imagined this little cinnamon-colored Black girl to come as far as I have come," James said.
She said now, there’s a new battle to fight for fairness in school and it's a lack of school funding.
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"It's almost like instead of going forward, they want to go back and not provide the services, the education, the tools, what they need, what the students need to go forward," James said.
More than 50 years after integrating local schools James continues to make a difference.
"To now sit on a board, and be a part of a district that used to not provide the educational background of things that I needed when I was growing up, and to sit now at the top, it is -- it is overwhelming," James said.
It's also a full-circle moment.