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Wedding & Event Venue Near Chester, 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 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:

Special Event Space Chester, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Chester, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Chester, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Chester, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Chester, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Chester, SC

Much More!

 Wedding Space Chester, SC

The Top Wedding Venue in Chester, 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 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.

 Wedding Venue Chester, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues 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:

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 Chester, 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 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.

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 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.

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 Chester, 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 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.

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 Chester, SC

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

Latest News in Chester, SC

Chester County, South Carolina: South Charlotte’s Innovation Corridor

Nestled on Interstate 77 between the breathtaking growth of Charlotte and Columbia, we’re growing fast yet there’s room for more.hester County in South Carolina has remained a hidden treasure for some time, but it’s quickly gaining recognition as an attractive destination for a growing roster of forward-thinking companies looking to leverage the I-77 region’s dynamic economic growth.Situated as the southernmost county of the Charlotte metro area and conveniently close to the state capital of Columbia, th...

Nestled on Interstate 77 between the breathtaking growth of Charlotte and Columbia, we’re growing fast yet there’s room for more.

hester County in South Carolina has remained a hidden treasure for some time, but it’s quickly gaining recognition as an attractive destination for a growing roster of forward-thinking companies looking to leverage the I-77 region’s dynamic economic growth.

Situated as the southernmost county of the Charlotte metro area and conveniently close to the state capital of Columbia, this location affords access to a labor force of roughly 1.4 million people. A massive labor pool that also has grown by eighteen percent (18%) since 2012 versus the nation’s rate of six percent (6%) during that time.

The swift expansion and diversification of Chester County’s industrial base is building the case for the moniker: “South Charlotte’s Innovation Corridor.” Key sectors driving this growth include advanced manufacturing operations; professional, scientific, and R&D services, as well as information technology.

The growth has been consistent for over a decade and yet the momentum is still picking up speed. Chester County’s manufacturing industry saw employment jump 70% from 2010-2020, fastest among the eleven counties in the metro Charlotte region, and second fastest in South Carolina. And yet since 2020, the county has landed 27 new announcements representing more than $2.5 billion in pledged capital investment and more than 1,400 new jobs.

Here are some recent highlights:

These exciting renovations are expected to help spark more revitalization of the old mill and farm town of Chester, much like what has happened in the county’s northern neighbors as the explosive Charlotte growth continues moving south.

Overall, not only is Chester County leading the region’s manufacturing growth, but it likely will be South Carolina’s fastest-growing county over the coming years. The housing boom has begun. Five new developments totaling 3,000 homes have been approved, for example, and two of them are already under construction.

Those who choose to live here enjoy a low cost of living, expanding housing options, and a lifestyle that’s small-town and rural yet close to uptown Charlotte and downtown Columbia and all that those major metros have to offer in terms of education, culture, sports, dining, and entertainment.

Outdoor opportunities abound as well, with two bucolic state parks, lakes, rivers (including the recently re-opened stretch of whitewater on the Catawba River), golf courses, and even a skydiving operation at the local airport for the particularly adventurous.

A Business-Friendly Infrastructure Connects Chester To The World

The incentives for locating in Chester County include business-friendly tax and permitting processes and programs, a nationally recognized technical college and specific job-training ecosystem, and transportation infrastructure that gives companies here easy access to national and global markets.

For instance, nearby Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers direct flights to Toronto, hometown of IKO and its global network of 35 manufacturing facilities. I-77 itself runs from Columbia north to Cleveland, Ohio, and closer to home, provides easy access to I-85 and I-20. The Port of Charleston is about a three-hour drive to the south, and two major railways serve the county.

In fact, Chester County is in the unique position of having a long-established short-line railroad, the L&C Railway, that connects with both Norfolk Southern and CSX. Industrial clients often save 20% to 30% on rail freight costs by not being captive to one rail carrier. That was a significant factor in Gallo’s decision to come here.

South From Charlotte, North From Columbia, Sited Just Right, And The Time Is Now

Chester County is in an enviable position with growth moving south from Charlotte and north from Columbia. The former has been ongoing for years and the latter is suddenly being supercharged by Volkswagen’s announcement that its new Scout division will build an electric SUV and pickup assembly plant just north of the capital city, pledging to hire 4,000 workers at the plant.

There’s still room to grow and time to act in Chester County. “We can see our community and the whole I-77 corridor in South Carolina growing quickly into the new I-85, like we all see from Charlotte to Atlanta,” said Robert D. Long, CEcD, Director of Chester County Economic Development.

“We still have the affordable land and infrastructure in place and available to fit nearly any plans for manufacturing and distribution operations,” Long said, “and quality of life that only comes with an area so rich with small town and rural living options and outdoor recreation offerings.”

To learn more about the opportunities available in Chester County, South Carolina, please visit www.choosechester.com. Chester County is part of the five-county S.C. I-77 Alliance. Check us out at www.i77alliance.com for robust economic and demographic data, available sites, and much more.

City of Chester awarded $250K grant in support of growing rural communities

Improvements will be made to both the Farmers Market Pavilion and the Agribusiness Center.CHESTER, S.C. — Nestled in the northern region of South Carolina is Chester, a small rural city with a population of just over 5,000 people. That’s only about 1,500 more people than the largest CMS high school, but the city is growing and residents are proud of it.That growth is the reason the ...

Improvements will be made to both the Farmers Market Pavilion and the Agribusiness Center.

CHESTER, S.C. — Nestled in the northern region of South Carolina is Chester, a small rural city with a population of just over 5,000 people. That’s only about 1,500 more people than the largest CMS high school, but the city is growing and residents are proud of it.

That growth is the reason the South Carolina Department of Commerce is recognizing Chester with a $250,000 grant.

“I get to see this, I grew up here,” Chester Mayor Carlos Williams said. “I walked the streets of Chester. And to see the city grow in such a short time in a positive way that makes me feel good.”

It is home to Williams, who said the city is growing while keeping its charm.

“We have a lot of people moving from up North, from down South," Williams said. “They love the small-town feel.”

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This city with a small-town feel is getting some upgrades thanks to the grant, which is aimed at growing rural communities.

“We don’t have many gathering places here in Chester in the city or in the county of Chester,” Williams said. “The upgrades this grant is going to be able to provide for the pavilion and the Agribusiness Center it is going to open doors to more and more growth in Chester.”

The outdoor Farmers Market Pavilion and the Agribusiness Center are centrally located downtown. In the Agribusiness Center, the floors will be completely replaced, insulation will be added to the ceiling and the HVAC and Duct system will be upgraded.

When it comes to improvements in the pavilion, Williams said they plan to add a guardrail, some ceiling fans, and some decorative finishes to the columns.

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Dawana Hinton, who has lived in the area for nearly 30 years, said these are welcome changes.

“It gives people within the community a place they can host events such as weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, and conferences,” Hinton said. “It gives us a meeting space where we don’t have to go out of town.”

The city of Chester also committed $53,000 COVID money to the project. Williams said these are spaces that will help build community and strengthen the local economy.

“If they can live, eat and play in their community then our dollars stay here at home,” Williams said.

‘Bubba Strong’: Chester 3-year-old fighting to walk again after losing mom in drunk driving crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Last month, 3-year-old Jamison Johnson was only focused on one thing — his Halloween costume.“He was so happy to be Bam-Bam,” Johnson’s father Clay Johnson said. “Only thing he talked about was he wanted to show his muscles off.”Now, the kid everyone calls “Bubba” is showing off a different kind of strength.On Oct. 25, Johnson was riding in the backseat of the car with his 5-year-old sister Natalee. Johnson’s mother, Kaitlyn Potter, was drivin...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Last month, 3-year-old Jamison Johnson was only focused on one thing — his Halloween costume.

“He was so happy to be Bam-Bam,” Johnson’s father Clay Johnson said. “Only thing he talked about was he wanted to show his muscles off.”

Now, the kid everyone calls “Bubba” is showing off a different kind of strength.

On Oct. 25, Johnson was riding in the backseat of the car with his 5-year-old sister Natalee. Johnson’s mother, Kaitlyn Potter, was driving along Highway 72 near Chester, S.C. when an alleged drunk driver hit their car head-on reportedly driving 90 miles per hour, killing Potter — who was seven months pregnant — on the scene.

Jamison was airlifted to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte with severe brain trauma.

“Bubba was immediately sent to emergency surgery to have 12 to 15 pieces of his skull removed,” Clay Johnson said. “He’s very likely to never walk, talk, or eat again.”

It’s been a grueling five weeks of physical and occupational therapy for the 3-year-old, and his father says the family still isn’t sure what the future holds for “Bubba.”

“It’s been rough, and it’s not going to get easy either,” Clay Johnson said. “He’s got a very long road ahead of him.”

Johnson’s family has adopted the phrase “Bubba Strong” as they rally around this child fighting to get back home again. Clay Johnson says he’s leaned on his faith during these last few weeks, and that he believes his son’s story will inspire others one day.

“This was how Bubba’s life was written out,” Clay Johnson said. “I believe he’s going to come out of this, and he’s going to be able to tell his story one day. It’s going to change a lot of lives.”

The family has started a GoFundMe campaign to help with the medical bills, as well as the expenses for the necessary modifications for the family’s home when Jamison is released from the hospital.

Boil water notice lifted for most of Chester County

Customers who experience discolored water are advised to flush their faucets until the water runs clear.CHESTER, S.C. — A boil water advisory for most of Chester County was lifted Monday afternoon, officials announced.The boil water notice was issued after a water main break in the town of Fort Lawn. Shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, Chester Metropolitan District, the town's water utility service, said ...

Customers who experience discolored water are advised to flush their faucets until the water runs clear.

CHESTER, S.C. — A boil water advisory for most of Chester County was lifted Monday afternoon, officials announced.

The boil water notice was issued after a water main break in the town of Fort Lawn. Shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, Chester Metropolitan District, the town's water utility service, said only customers on Edwards Road, Carabrook Road and Robinhood Road were still under a boil water notice. The remainder of the county can return to normal water usage.

Chester County Schools operated as normal on Monday but all water fountains were sealed off. The district had water bottles delivered to all campuses to help out during the outage.

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Chester's water provider services approximately 7,000 customers. Chester Metropolitan announced on Facebook that it was working to contact as many customers as possible and used a reverse 911 system to contact customers about water outages and the boil water advisory.

Water service has mostly been restored after the broken water main repairs. Customers who experience discolored water are advised to flush their faucets until the water runs clear. Any water used for cooking or drinking should be boiled to eliminate bacteria that may be in the supply following repairs.

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Two historic downtown Chester buildings to be remodeled for mixed use

CHESTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — With more than 1,400 jobs set to hit the Chester County community, new families are going to not only need places to stay but things to do.A Fort Mill developer is planning to remodel two historic buildings in downtown Chester. His plan is set to make neighbors in the city and the county happy for years to come.“This is the peak of the hill. So this is a very strategic location in do...

CHESTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — With more than 1,400 jobs set to hit the Chester County community, new families are going to not only need places to stay but things to do.

A Fort Mill developer is planning to remodel two historic buildings in downtown Chester. His plan is set to make neighbors in the city and the county happy for years to come.

“This is the peak of the hill. So this is a very strategic location in downtown,” said Chester County Economic Development Director Robert Long.

Shaw Kuester of Kuester commercial is taking advantage of that location. The company is set to remodel two historic buildings dating more than 100 years old.

The Kimbrell building will be a mixed-use space featuring a retail space and apartment units.

“You come in here and you have the street level on Main Street,” Long said. “It actually has two sub-basement levels. So it actually goes back pretty far. So this is actually one of the largest buildings in downtown. And then although it looks currently like it has a second story, it really is faux second story.”

Chester County Economic Development Director Robert Long says Kuester plans to turn the fake second story into a real second story providing more space to use.

The second building up for remodeling is the Schlosburg building would include a coffee shop and the second floor would hold about 10 apartments.

“So it will be an opportunity for those adults that have those mental challenges to have a place not only to socialize but also to contribute in work and also bring awareness to their cause,” Long said.

The cost of the project is about $3.4 million.

In the last two years, the county totaled nearly $3 billion in capital investment and 1,460 jobs.

This year alone has brought in $1.9 billion in capital investments.

“We definitely needed more housing,” said Marquita Fair, the city’s administrative operations manager. “We needed more shopping opportunities, and places that we can go and dine with our families just to have that home feel. Options — we need options here.”

Fair says Mayor Carlos Williams and other councilmembers are excited to see the boom hit Chester. The construction process is likely to take about a year and they plan to start towards the end of the year.

Long says downtown Chester will play a vital role in the economic progress of the county.

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