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 Pickens, 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:
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 Pickens'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 Pickens.
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 Pickens, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:
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.
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 near Pickens, 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 near Pickens, 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 near Pickens, 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 consultationInside: A list of local parks and playgrounds in the Easley and Pickens, SC areas, with details and tips from local parents.Looking for parks in Easley? My favorite time of year has arrived, and I am so excited! Spring is working hard to break its way into the Southern summer. Recently my kids and I decided to leave the “big city” to check out the suburbs. We set out on a mission to explore some of the ...
Inside: A list of local parks and playgrounds in the Easley and Pickens, SC areas, with details and tips from local parents.
Looking for parks in Easley? My favorite time of year has arrived, and I am so excited! Spring is working hard to break its way into the Southern summer. Recently my kids and I decided to leave the “big city” to check out the suburbs. We set out on a mission to explore some of the Easley parks and were pleasantly surprised with what we discovered!
We’ve also added some information for you about all parks in Easley and Pickens Counties, even if we haven’t had the opportunity to visit them yet.
Once Upon a Time, in my former life, I was a baseball wife. My family spent countless hours at baseball parks. I’d been to JB Owens Complex on many occasions. I had no idea there was a playground – obviously, my visits took place before I was a mom. The playground has a climbing structure, one slide, and a swing set. A nice covered picnic shelter has seven tables and a Powerade machine. This might come in handy if you are like me and always manage to forget drinks!
While the playground itself is pretty ordinary, it’s the surrounding area that caught my attention. In a very large wooded area, you’ll find a disc golf course. There are plenty of places to tie up your hammock, too. I saw several of these the day we were there. You have no idea how badly I wanted to join them! Can you say relaxing?!
Are you familiar with free libraries? Well, good news! Pickens County has placed one at this playground. If you have books your family has memorized, bring them and make an exchange. There’s one other feature I have to tell you about before moving on. Red Owens Complex has a “Born Learning Trail.” If you’re like me, you have no idea what that is. It’s just what the name says… a trail where you learn. Stations for younger children are set up across the field. Your job is to follow the directions on each sign. It is one of the coolest things I’ve seen outdoors! It provides such a wonderful teaching opportunity.
Pope Field is a small playground for ages 5-12. What stood out to me most were the four slides. Three are side by side. I didn’t have the kids with me on this particular trip, but I can easily imagine the races that would take place. In addition to the playground, there are two ball fields and a picnic shelter.
This park will appeal to you for several reasons. There are two separate playgrounds. The one for ages 2-5 is simple and somewhat secluded. There are two covered shelters and a bathroom. Please note, I am using the term “bathroom” loosely. I’d suggest you make everyone go before heading to this park.
The upper playground, for ages 5-12, is pretty large. It sits beside a basketball court and two volleyball stations. Remember to bring balls to take advantage of these courts. There are no shelters, but several picnic tables and plenty of green grass with perfect spots to throw down a blanket.
Hagood Park is also the perfect place to bring your furry friends. There are two separate fenced-in parks for your dogs. You heard that right! One park is designated for pups, the other for larger dogs.
Picnic tables, a shelter, a concrete walking trail and trains are just a few of the features this park offers. If you have a kid who loves trains, this should be on your list of places to visit. And three cheers for a nice clean bathroom at Doodle Trail Park.
Learn More About Having Fun on The Doodle Trail in Easley, SC
Alice Mill Park102 Nalley Street, Easley
Kings ParkOak Circle, Easley
Nalley Brown Nature Park380 Adger Road, Easley
Woodside Park200 South 8th Street, Easley
Check Out Our Guide To Spending A Day in Easley, SC For More Fun Things To Do
I saved the best for last. Jaycee Park is located off Main St in Pickens. I was so excited about this park, I picked the boys up from school and drove all the way to Pickens a SECOND time so they could see it. With the price of gas, that speaks volumes.
I followed the GPS the first time to get photos and check it out. I immediately fell in love. The largest structure is wooden with a slide, ladders, and a bridge. It reminded me of Kids Planet. Everything else is made of tires. There’s a zip line, swings, balance beams, and even ladders made of tires. The boys were fascinated. The climbing wall was ocean-themed and the walking trail was paved. There was even a Born Learning Trail on the other side of the fence.
A gate from the playground leads to a shallow creek with a sand bar. If your children are into skipping rocks and wading in ankle-deep water, you could easily spend the majority of your time here. It wouldn’t hurt to throw water shoes and a towel in your bag. You might be sorry if you don’t – I may or may not be speaking from experience.
This is just a rough overview of some of the family parks in the Easley/Pickens area. A short drive from Greenville, you’ll enjoy checking out these new discoveries as much as I did.
Town Creek Bike Park545 State Road S-39-190, Pickens
The Town Creek Bike Park (TCBP), is an off-road bicycling facility with a number of features, including:
TWH- In an abundance of caution, The Wild Hunt is sharing this story with our community. We have learned that Stillwater Christian Fellowship recently announced plans to return to The Market on the Mill, stating their intent to “bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have been deceived and enslaved by the lies of witchcraft and paganism.”The post below was released on ...
TWH- In an abundance of caution, The Wild Hunt is sharing this story with our community. We have learned that Stillwater Christian Fellowship recently announced plans to return to The Market on the Mill, stating their intent to “bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who have been deceived and enslaved by the lies of witchcraft and paganism.”
The post below was released on social media earlier today, Thursday, May 8, 2025, presumably calling for a gathering on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
Concerns about the Stillwater Christian Fellowship targeting the local Pagan and Witchcraft community first emerged in early 2025. As TWH reported, members of the church confronted vendors at a local market, allegedly harassing at least one Wiccan vendor selling Witchcraft materials and tools. Witnesses reported that church members condemned the vendor and supportive individuals to hell, citing Exodus 22:18, the often-quoted and likely mistranslated verse, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”
The specific incident reportedly took place on February 15, 2025, at The Market on the Mill—a venue known for hosting local businesses, boutiques, antiques, and flea market items. While no physical harm was reported, the confrontation sparked concern within the Pagan and Witchcraft community, leading to calls for increased vigilance.
The church’s involvement was later confirmed through an online broadcast. On February 18, Kevin Harden of Gaining Ground Ministries released a YouTube video titled “Witches Be Crazy with Pastor Barry Vaughn.” The video opened with Harden quoting Deuteronomy 18:9-12, which warns against practices like divination, sorcery, and necromancy. During the broadcast, Vaughn confirmed that he and others had attended a recent witchcraft festival in Pickens, where they initially protested outside the venue before being asked to leave by event organizers.
In response to criticism, Stillwater Christian Fellowship continued to escalate its messaging through sermons, podcasts, and videos. Members called on pastors to “chase the wolves out,” a phrase that some critics argue refers to witches, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and abortion rights supporters. Vaughn later attempted to clarify his stance, stating in a follow-up video that he does not advocate for physical violence but supports the enforcement of what he calls “God’s law.”
We encourage community members to remain aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions.
TWH will continue to follow the story and report as we know more.
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Inside: Local parents share what to do when you spend a day in Pickens, SC. Plan a day trip and explore.If you’ve never spent a day exploring Pickens, SC, you should add it to your bucket list. Pickens County is home to some of the most naturally beautiful locations in South Carolina, including Table Rock and Lake Jocassee. You can also find excellent shopping at the Market at the Mill and local antique shops. There is just so much to do in Pickens, SC! We went on a search for fun in this beautiful area of the U...
Inside: Local parents share what to do when you spend a day in Pickens, SC. Plan a day trip and explore.
If you’ve never spent a day exploring Pickens, SC, you should add it to your bucket list. Pickens County is home to some of the most naturally beautiful locations in South Carolina, including Table Rock and Lake Jocassee. You can also find excellent shopping at the Market at the Mill and local antique shops. There is just so much to do in Pickens, SC! We went on a search for fun in this beautiful area of the Upstate and came back with a long list of things to do on a day trip to Pickens, SC any time of year.
This article includes:Summer: Pickens, SCFall: Pickens, SCWinter: Pickens, SCSpring: Pickens, SCWhere to Eat in Pickens, SCShopping in Pickens, SC
Are you looking for a not-too-far-away place to escape to this week with your kids? Possibly a place or two where they can run free and explore without a care in the world (well almost). One of the things that are incredible about the Upstate, is that there’s always something new to discover. Just when we think we’ve covered everything there is to do locally, we discover more.
There are so many unique things to do in Pickens, SC, so I decided to split this up into a seasonal guide. Most of the outdoor activities that don’t include getting in the water can be done at any time of year, weather permitting.
One of the best times of day to enjoy the state parks in Summer is in the morning (fewer crowds for the win!). So head out early and grab breakfast at You Drive Me Glazy. You can get a dozen mini cake donuts with custom toppings to take on your adventure. Then choose one or more of the following places to cool off in the summer sun. Pickens County has so much natural beauty, you can fill an entire day with outdoor fun!
Other Popular Places For Summer Fun In Pickens, South Carolina
Be sure to visit one of the many parks in Pickens County!
Once the weather cools off a bit, and doing things outside is a little more hospitable, Pickens has plenty of trails and other things to explore
The playground at the Pickens end of the Doodle Trail is so much fun!!! We Even took my daughter before she could walk since there’s a structure for babies. Plenty of fun for babies, toddlers, and big kids.
Heather H.
Other Popular Places For Fall Fun In Pickens, South Carolina
Other Popular Things To Do During Springtime In Pickens, South Carolina
Pickens, SC is loaded with antique shops and refurbished mill spaces that have transformed into the ultimate shopping experience. If you are heading to Pickens, SC, then add these local places to shop to your day trip list!
Looking for something fun indoors during your day trip? Check out our Indoor Things to Do guide for Pickens County!
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Pickens’s city leaders hosted a town hall after a petition against a 200-acre annexation request drew over 900 signatures.Developers are proposing to build a large subdivision off Mauldin Lake Road. The small conference room wasn’t large enough to fit the crowd of residents.“If we let one national builder in here, they’re going to be knocking on our door like they have been Easley and we’re going to get overrun,” Jessica Merrill who lives near the project sit...
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Pickens’s city leaders hosted a town hall after a petition against a 200-acre annexation request drew over 900 signatures.
Developers are proposing to build a large subdivision off Mauldin Lake Road. The small conference room wasn’t large enough to fit the crowd of residents.
“If we let one national builder in here, they’re going to be knocking on our door like they have been Easley and we’re going to get overrun,” Jessica Merrill who lives near the project site.
A development team is seeking to annex around 200 acres into the city of Pickens in order to build a subdivision with around 142 homes. City council paused voting weeks ago after concerned residents gathered hundreds of signatures against it.
“Everybody has a right to build a house to live in, but high density block development is not appropriate here,” said Peter Greenberger who lives near the project site.
Neighbors fear the development would interrupt the rural characteristics that drew them outside the city in the first place. They also worry about it creating heavier traffic, infrastructure challenges and strain on schools.
Developers say all the concerns have been debunked by studies.
“But you can’t at least acknowledge the way this has been handled with more detail, more accountability, and more demands --we’re going on 2 1/2 years--than any other project I’ve ever seen in this county, in the upstate,” Dan Bracken, land broker.
Developers said they’ve dropped 67 homes, increased some lot sizes, added more buffer and greenspace to help appease neighbors.
“We need to make sure we can still have a project that’s economically viable,” said Brian Gullette from BRD Land & Investment.
City council will discuss the project during Monday’s work session.
“We also welcome a man to be able to do with his land like he wants to, under the premises of community, we’re trying our best to do the best that we can for everybody affected,” said Mayor Isaiah Scipio.
Even if the annexation is approved council will then have to approve a development agreement before the developers can break ground on anything.
Copyright 2025 WHNS. All rights reserved.
PICKENS, S.C. —The future of a massive development project has been the center of debate in Pickens County. On Wednesday, Pickens City Council hosted a town hall to provide updated plans and hear from the public.An overcapacity room and subsequently a hallway were packed full of people for Wednesday's town hall meeting in Pickens County.It was hosted to discuss a highly contested potential project in Pickens County that would put 142 homes along Mauldin Lake Road."We've now taken and ch...
PICKENS, S.C. —
The future of a massive development project has been the center of debate in Pickens County. On Wednesday, Pickens City Council hosted a town hall to provide updated plans and hear from the public.
An overcapacity room and subsequently a hallway were packed full of people for Wednesday's town hall meeting in Pickens County.
It was hosted to discuss a highly contested potential project in Pickens County that would put 142 homes along Mauldin Lake Road.
"We've now taken and changed our game from smaller houses on smaller lots to bigger houses on bigger lots, and then more expensive houses on smaller lots that have incredible views," said Brian Gullette with BRD Land and Development.
The property sits untouched, less than a quarter mile from Pickens city limits, meaning it would need to be annexed and rezoned.
Developers say a development agreement would need to be approved by multiple parties.
"It's a higher standard than zone site, green space, firm buffer, numbers of homes, it's all nailed down in writing. The developer can't change the city, can't change. The land ever changes hands, and the developer leaves. The next person can't change it," explained real estate broker Dan Bracken.
Peter Greenberger lives down the road from the property and thinks Pickens can find other ways to bring people in.
"Special events and, working on the downtown core, I think, is a path to success and prosperity, not bulldozing agricultural land," he says.
This Pickens mayor ended the town hall on this note -
"Let's work together to make this as good as possible, because I made a commitment that I wanted growth, but I did not want to lose our identity," he says.
Developers also say the 142 homes will cost between $400,000 and $600,000, but they did not express how those values would impact taxes for surrounding properties.
The city council will also discuss the project in a meeting on Monday.