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Wedding & Event Venue near Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Hilton Head Island, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Hilton Head Island, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Hilton Head Island, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Hilton Head Island, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Hilton Head Island, SC

Much More!

The Top Wedding Venue near Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island'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 Hilton Head Island.

 Wedding Space Hilton Head Island, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues near Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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.

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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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue near Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, SC

Latest News near Hilton Head Island, SC

Preparations underway for RBC Heritage

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. —As the top golfers in the world assemble this week at Augusta National for the Masters, many of them will be making their way to the Lowcountry and Hilton Head Island for next week’s RBC Heritage.And tournament organizers and the folks at Harbour Town are ready for it.They are ready to get their plaid on at the Harbour Town Golf Links. Preparations are well underway at the course as they get ready to welcome the world’s best golfers next week for the RBC Herita...

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. —

As the top golfers in the world assemble this week at Augusta National for the Masters, many of them will be making their way to the Lowcountry and Hilton Head Island for next week’s RBC Heritage.

And tournament organizers and the folks at Harbour Town are ready for it.

They are ready to get their plaid on at the Harbour Town Golf Links. Preparations are well underway at the course as they get ready to welcome the world’s best golfers next week for the RBC Heritage.

“I've used this analogy in ways almost like when you do construction on a house, it kind of gets worse before it gets better," said Steve Wilmot, tournament director of RBC Heritage. "We're in that worse stage, you could say that, but there's so much happening. But then every day, every hour, every moment right now, I mean, it's getting closer and closer.”

The RBC Heritage is now one of the premiere events on the PGA Tour, now a signature event, featuring only the top golfers in the world. A far cry from when this tournament was in jeopardy of being cancelled for good.

“Think where we were in '10 and '11, that we weren't really sure what was going to happen in 12," explained Wilmot. "To be here today is a signature event. Last year was a designated event or a signature event. So it's really only been a couple of years.”

The RBC Heritage is certainly no stranger to sporting a star-studded field for this tournament. And now that the event is a signature event on the PGA Tour, it features its best field is ever seen.

“We have 29 of the top 30 from the current, FedEx list," said Wilmot. "We have 49 of the top 50 that are eligible. We have 45 of the top, the official world golf ranking players in all two. So everyone's going to be here.”

The RBC Heritage will officially begin with the opening ceremonies Tuesday, April 15, at noon.

The first round of competition begins next Thursday morning, April 17, at the Harbor Town Golf Links.

Is Trader Joe’s really coming to Bluffton? Here’s what we found out

Rumors circulated on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor on Tuesday that probed about the possibility of a Trader Joe’s coming to Okatie Crossing in between the Bluffton and Hardeeville areas.But was it an April Fool’s joke or a serious development scoop?At the intersection of U.S. 278 and S.C. 170, this corridor is at a prime location between highly populated areas and roadways for both Jasper County and greater Beaufort County residents.It has long been predicted that the national grocery s...

Rumors circulated on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor on Tuesday that probed about the possibility of a Trader Joe’s coming to Okatie Crossing in between the Bluffton and Hardeeville areas.

But was it an April Fool’s joke or a serious development scoop?

At the intersection of U.S. 278 and S.C. 170, this corridor is at a prime location between highly populated areas and roadways for both Jasper County and greater Beaufort County residents.

It has long been predicted that the national grocery store chain would make its landfall in the Lowcountry, but according to local officials and store representatives, the rumor is just a rumor.

“We’re actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country, so there is a possibility we are looking at something in the area,” said Nakia Rohde, public relations manager for Trader Joe’s. “At this time, we do not have any locations confirmed in the area.”

The proposed space for the new grocer that residents and online posts pointed out is the vacant lot space behind the Wendy’s on Okatie Center Boulevard.

Back in 2019, this lot was also seen as a potential space for a Costco, which has since fallen through due to cost constraints.

“The property is not currently under contract and nothing is imminent at this point,” said Michael Patterson, president for Horne Properties, which oversees development in Okatie Crossing Center. “The property is still available at this time.”

Even though this area serves many residents of Beaufort County, the land is located within Hardeeville’s city limits.

City Manager of Hardeeville, Josh Gruber, also confirmed Wednesday that the Trader Joe’s rumor was not true.

The Island Packet also reached out to the Town of Bluffton in regards to other rumors of a Trader Joe’s opening in the area. Spokesperson for the town, Debbie Szpanka, debunked these rumors, too.

“The Town has no information that would indicate a Trader Joe’s is on its way,” she said. “However, Bluffton would welcome one with open arms. I feel certain Trader Joe’s would be very happy with us and be pleased with its decision to open its doors here.”

While this Trader Joe’s rumor made the rounds online, it turns out it was simply the product of an April Fool’s fiasco and Lowcountry residents won’t be visiting this new grocery chain anytime soon.

The Okatie Crossing Center has been a hot spot for new development, with the newest additions being a Pet Paradise Dog Daycare Center that opened in 2024 and a new Harbor Freight location on the way soon.

This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 4:24 PM.

A new Aldi in Hilton Head is one step closer to opening. Here’s what we know

Aldi grocery store has taken a big step toward opening its newest location in Hilton Head.The construction representatives for Aldi presented their designs to The Town of Hilton Head’s Design Review Committee On March 25 and were approved the space, so long as some tweaks are made.The new grocery will occupy the empty lot space at 80 Matthew...

Aldi grocery store has taken a big step toward opening its newest location in Hilton Head.

The construction representatives for Aldi presented their designs to The Town of Hilton Head’s Design Review Committee On March 25 and were approved the space, so long as some tweaks are made.

The new grocery will occupy the empty lot space at 80 Matthews Drive, off William Hilton Parkway, within Sea Turtle Marketplace.

The Aldi will be located near the Homegoods and Northridge Cinema 10 within the marketplace, right next to the Hilton Head Island Airport.

Spokesperson for the Town of Hilton Head, Heather Woolwine, confirmed that the new Aldi location on the island was set for final approval once those design adjustments were made. The changes needed for final approval include pedestrian access, lighting and grocery cart storage.

The new Aldi grocery store will be a freestanding 20,000 square-foot building with its own parking lot.

The proposal for Aldi’s grocery store began last year, when the construction and civil engineering companies representing the store first presented the idea to the Town of Hilton Head.

Following this, The Providence Group, which manages leasing for Sea Turtle Marketplace, announced on Facebook last February that it had signed two new tenants for the marketplace, Aldi Grocery and Fidelity Investments.

While there is still no construction date in sight, once those design changes are made, Aldi will officially be set to break ground at the new location.

In January 2023, an Aldi opened along U.S. 278 in Bluffton.

In February 2024, another location was approved by Beaufort’s planning commission to start construction in Beaufort Station. This shopping center is located at the heavily trafficked intersection of Robert Smalls Parkway and Parris Island Gateway.

Aldi is a grocery store based in Germany that is headquartered in Batavia, Illinois, just west of Chicago.

However, Aldi is two companies. The chain was founded by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht in 1946. The business later split into two separate grocery store groups in 1961.

Aldi is known for being a discount grocer that holds a “no-frills” approach to keeping prices low.

4 Beaufort and Jasper County restaurants with worst SC inspections for February. Here’s why

Three Beaufort County food businesses and one Jasper County business were cited with “B” grades in February’s health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.Here is a rundown of restaurants that received the lowest ratings in February:Chophouse 119 scored 86% (B) on Feb. 13 in a ...

Three Beaufort County food businesses and one Jasper County business were cited with “B” grades in February’s health inspections by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Here is a rundown of restaurants that received the lowest ratings in February:

Chophouse 119 scored 86% (B) on Feb. 13 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:

Chophouse 119 was reinspected on Feb. 21 and scored 100% (A).

Dolphin Head Golf Club scored 79% (B) on Feb. 11 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:

Dolphin Head Golf Club was reinspected on Feb. 21 and scored 100% (A).

Taqueria El Primo scored 85% (B) on Feb. 25 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:

Taqueria El Primo has not been reinspected as of March 7, but one is required within 10 days.

Bryan’s Country Store scored 79% (B) on Feb. 11 in a routine inspection. Issues noted by inspectors included:

Bryan’s Country Store was reinspected on Feb. 20 and scored 100% (A).

Inspectors give restaurants a grade of A, B or C, depending on the conditions found at the time. Points are docked for various infractions, and restaurants have a chance to correct the problems and improve their score in a reinspection.

The grade scale is as follows:

During February, SCDA recorded 227 inspections of restaurants, schools, stores and other food establishments in Beaufort County and 43 in Jasper County.

The agency publishes the results of these health inspections on its website.

Newer food-grade decals include a QR code that customers can scan with their phones to see a food establishment’s latest report.

This story was originally published March 7, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

The Island Packet

(843) 626-0211

Anna Claire Miller is the Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet. Originally from Georgia, she has experience in magazine writing, non-profit communications and city government. Anna Claire has a bachelor’s degree in journalism, legal studies and English from High Point University.

As the climate warms, this pink bird is moving north into the Hilton Head area

The Lowcountry has long been a popular destination for Florida expats looking to escape - add to that list a familiar but mysterious species of pink birds that are increasing in population in the Hilton Head and Beaufort County marshes.When spotted locally, the Roseate Spoonbill is far from what his or her ancestors considered home. At first glance, the large, pink bird standing in a Beaufort County marsh could be mistaken for a flamingo. But what sets a Roseate Spoonbill apart from their pretty, pink cousins is a shorter neck and a l...

The Lowcountry has long been a popular destination for Florida expats looking to escape - add to that list a familiar but mysterious species of pink birds that are increasing in population in the Hilton Head and Beaufort County marshes.

When spotted locally, the Roseate Spoonbill is far from what his or her ancestors considered home. At first glance, the large, pink bird standing in a Beaufort County marsh could be mistaken for a flamingo. But what sets a Roseate Spoonbill apart from their pretty, pink cousins is a shorter neck and a long wide bill shaped like, well, a spoon.

This striking bird has been making its way north, from its traditional home range in Florida Bay, up though Georgia and into South Carolina for the last two decades. Driven by warming temperatures and loss of habitat in Florida, there are signs that this climate migrant may soon be in the Lowcountry for good.

“Its very clear that they’re following the temperature,” Jerry Lorenz, a researcher with Audubon Florida who has studied the species for the past 30 years, said. “The country is getting warmer, the world is getting warmer…these birds are taking advantage of warmer temperatures.”

There are now a number of year-round residents in and around Beaufort County, Jenn Clementoni, a master naturalist vice president of Port Royal’s Cypress Wetland, said. A pair of Roseate Spoonbills has taken up residence on Harbor Island, even staying through the snow in January. Another pair have stuck around Cypress Wetlands in the past. A few places in the ACE Basin play host to spoonbills year round now, including Donnelley Wildlife Management Area in Colleton County, Clementoni said.

Historically, most of the country’s Roseate Spoonbills lived in Florida Bay, southwest Louisiana and the Texas coast. In the second half of the nineteenth century, plume hunters drove the population nearly to extinction in pursuit of feathers to adorn women’s hats and other fashions. But by the 1970s, the population in Florida had made a comeback.

A simple roseate Spoonbill appearance in the Lowcountry isn’t necessarily unusual. Spoonbills often return to where they were raised to begin breeding, but after leaving their nest for the first time they often travel far to explore. In fact, they’ve been spotted as far north as Wisconsin, Montreal and New Jersey. Those that astute birders have spotted historically in much of Beaufort County are these errant, curious teenagers.

It’s not unusual for a very small number of birds to spend the winter while the rest of their peers migrate south. But a number of roseate Spoonbill outliers have started to stick around in South Carolina, establishing a year round population, Clementoni said.

Around 2000, Lorenz started to notice that the birds were moving further north and inland into Florida. Since then, many have abandoned their old nesting grounds in Florida Bay as the sea level has risen. Shallow water is necessary for spoonbills to catch food. They stand in shallow water and wave their half open beak back and forth until they catch a small fish or shrimp. If that water gets too high for too long, like it has in Florida Bay, many can’t continue to feed, and therefore live, in the area anymore.

The spoonbill’s move out of Florida Bay has been accompanied by a move north. While a young bird hanging out in the marsh before flying back to Florida to breed isn’t a sign of permanence, breeding in South Carolina certainly is.

In 2020, researchers with the South Carolina DNR documented the northernmost roseate Spoonbill nest ever recorded in Charleston County. This comes after the previous record set in 2011, researchers first recorded a nesting spoonbill in Georgia. To date, there are no records of spoonbills nesting in Beaufort County, Clementoni said.

The spoonbills will not need to deal with many new natural predators, namely alligators, in South Carolina.

“What does affect them is making sure we have healthy, clean marshes,” Clementoni said. “That’s where they feed … So we seem to have the perfect storm as far as what they’re looking for, as far as habitat and as far as food source.”

The Roseate Spoonbill can certainly add to the biodiversity of an area, which is a good thing. But if they become more prolific in the area, they could also displace other native species.

“They’re not introduced, so you can’t call them exotic or introduced or invasive,” Lorenz said. “They may be invasive, but they’re native. It’s just the climate is changing. From a legal perspective, that’s one thing. From an ecosystem level, that’s a whole different question.”

The spoonbills moving up north are not unique, Lorenz said. There are a number of birds and other animals that move north as the climate changes and their home ranges become too warm. He says that state and local governments will need to come up with a plan to manage these species that move into new ranges.

This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 1:22 PM.

Weather News

April 17, 2025 3:24 PM

RBC Heritage

April 17, 2025 12:48 PM

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The Island Packet

202-383-6005

Lydia Larsen covers climate and environmental issues along South Carolina’s coast. Before trading the lab bench for journalism, she studied how copepods (tiny crustaceans) adapt to temperature and salinity shifts caused by climate change. A Wisconsin native, Lydia covered climate science and Midwest environmental issues before making the move to South Carolina.

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