Your wedding is inarguably one of, if not the, most important days of your life. While it’s easy to envision your friends and family all gathered together to celebrate with the upbeat music, great food, and tasty drinks, all in a picturesque location, the truth is that it takes careful planning to finally get to the big day. Once you’re ready to start planning your wedding, one of the first major decisions you need to make is selecting your venue.
Your venue will set the tone for your entire wedding and once that decision is made, it’ll be easier to move forward and focus on the details, such as whether the ceremony is indoors or outdoors, if you’re serving a formal dinner or a casual buffet, or the types of tables and chairs you select for your reception. Whether you’re planning a large formal gathering or something a bit more intimate, Columbia County has a variety of venue options and helpful services to take the stress out of planning your special day.
Event spaces for large weddings
The Columbia County Exhibition Center, conveniently located off of Interstate 20 in Grovetown, is Columbia County’s largest indoor venue. This beautiful facility can accommodate anywhere from 350-900 people seated. Amenities include AV equipment, on-site catering, free parking and more. This venue is located nearby a variety of restaurants, hotels and shopping.
For an intimate atmosphere, we recommend Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Perched atop an 80 foot bluff overlooking the Savannah River and the Historic Augusta Canal Headgates, the pavilion provides the perfect backdrop for your special day. This facility offers multiple rooms which can accommodate groups from 12 to 500. Amenities include a commercial kitchen, free parking and breathtaking views.
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If you’re looking for an outdoor venue, consider the historic Dance Hall located at Savannah Rapids Park. This impressive outdoor area overlooks the Historic Augusta Canal. This is a great location if you are dreaming of an outdoor ceremony in a scenic spot but want the option for an indoor reception. The outdoor facility at Savannah Rapids comes equipped with water and electricity, making it easy to accommodate all of your wedding vendors needs as they prepare food or set up the DJ equipment or a photo booth.
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Rustic Chic & Intimate Wedding Venue Ideas
If you’re aiming for a venue that can adapt to nearly any wedding style, a barn venue may be a great option to consider. While a wedding in a barn may conjure up images of animals or farmers, rest assured that barns are the quaint, blank slate you can use to create the most elegant of weddings. They create an exciting and unconventional experience for you and your guests.
Pine Knoll Farms delivers a secluded space along with a cozy atmosphere that has the flexibility to accommodate both indoor and outdoor options which certainly makes for the perfect spot to tie the knot and celebrate your day. Elegant barns, an open chapel and grazing farm animals are just a few of the quaint amenities provided by the excellent staff and owners. There are several cabins available onsite for you and your guests to stay overnight after a beautiful ceremony and reception.
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The Barn at Sanderlin Horse Farm is another gorgeous venue that provides stunning scenery and a rustic farm vibe that will provide excellent photography opportunities on your big day. Located in Appling, GA, just 30 minutes outside of Augusta, the team at Sanderlin Horse Farm offers outstanding service and an amazing barn turned chapel that you will fall in love with.
Other strong considerations for an intimate ceremony include some of the smaller options at Savannah Rapids, such as the Sycamore Room or White Oak Room if you’re planning to have less than 75 - 80 guests. The Eubank Blanchard Community Center is another quaint option to consider. The facility has a ski lodge atmosphere and the ability to accommodate up to 72 guests. It is located in an 8-acre park that can provide the perfect scenery for your special day.
Where to Stay & Things to Do
Columbia County has a variety of hotels for you and your guests and plenty of opportunities to explore and experience the area. Selecting a hotel that fits your guest’s needs is an important part of the planning process. Columbia County offers over 1200 hotel rooms with a variety of options and amities including; indoor pools, pet friendly, free breakfast, gyms and much more. Be sure to browse our available accommodations to find the right hotel and reserve room blocks for your guests. Contact the Columbia County CVB for assistance with discounted room rates and blocks.
There’s no shortage of fun and things to do in Columbia County. From a variety of culinary options to outdoor excursions and family friendly fun, we guarantee there’s something for everyone on your guest list.
Let Us Lend a Hand for Your Big Day
There are a number of factors to consider when weighing your wedding venue options, but once you identify your must-haves and what elements are most important to you and your future spouse, it’ll be easy to make a final decision.
Once you’re ready to start planning, we are here to help with venue selection, discounted hotel rates, welcome bags for guests, and more! Feel free to contact us here for any additional questions or inquiries for your special day.
