Thr Ultimate Guide to Getting Married at The Pretty Place Chapel

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married at Pretty Place Chapel

If you’re dreaming of a wedding with jaw-dropping Blue Ridge Mountain views, Pretty Place Chapel (Fred W. Symmes Chapel) might be the perfect ceremony location for you. This open-air mountaintop chapel sits on the border of North and South Carolina, offering a breathtaking and peaceful setting that feels almost otherworldly.
Whether you’re planning an elopement, intimate micro-wedding, or a full ceremony with family and friends, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before saying “I do” at Pretty Place.

Why Choose The Pretty Place Chapel for Your Wedding?

✔️ Unparalleled Views — You’re literally saying your vows at the edge of a mountain, overlooking miles of rolling hills and valleys. The scenery requires little to no décor—nature does all the work!
✔️ Perfect for Intimate Weddings — Whether you have just the two of you or 100 guests, the chapel’s setup ensures a personal and meaningful experience.
✔️ Ideal for Sunrise or Sunset Ceremonies — Early morning weddings offer golden sunlight streaming through the chapel’s arch, while late afternoon ceremonies often feature soft, colorful skies.
✔️ A Unique & Spiritual Ambiance — As part of YMCA Camp Greenville, the chapel has a peaceful and reflective atmosphere that enhances the meaning of your wedding day.

Important Things to Know About Pretty Place Weddings

💡 Pretty Place is a Ceremony-Only Venue — There are no receptions on-site, so you’ll need to choose a separate venue for your post-ceremony celebration (we’ve got you covered below!).

💡 Time Slots Are Limited — Weddings at Pretty Place book in two-hour blocks (including setup and cleanup). You may be able to extend your time, but availability is limited.

💡 Weather Can Be Unpredictable — The chapel is open-air and fully exposed to the elements. Expect anything from foggy, dreamlike backdrops to clear, golden sunsets.

💡 Guest Parking is Limited — The lot accommodates about 100 vehicles. If you’re expecting a large crowd, carpooling is highly recommended.

💡 Restrictions to Keep in Mind:
🚫 No alcohol, smoking, or pets allowed
🚫 No climate control—plan for seasonal temperatures
🚫 Some accessibility limitations (ramp available, but stairs at the front)

How to Book Your Wedding at Pretty Place

📆 Plan Ahead! Pretty Place is a popular wedding venue, and dates book up quickly. Reservations are managed by YMCA Camp Greenville, and you can check their availability and pricing directly on their website: Pretty Place Chapel

💲 Fees & Time Blocks

• Standard Booking: 2-hour time slot
• Sunrise Ceremonies: Book the earliest slot for dramatic light (but risk fog!)
• Sunset Ceremonies: Later slots offer warm, golden-hour lighting
• Extra Time: Available for an additional fee if slots are open

📜 South Carolina Marriage License Required
Even though you’ll cross the NC/SC border driving to the chapel, Pretty Place is officially in South Carolina, meaning you’ll need an SC marriage license before your ceremony.

📍 Location:
Pretty Place Chapel is located at:
100 YMCA Camp Road, Cleveland, SC 29 635

🚗 Driving Considerations:

• The winding mountain roads can be challenging—drive carefully, especially in winter!
• Limited cell reception—make sure guests know the directions ahead of time.

The Best Time to Get Married at Pretty Place

Spring & Fall: Most Popular!

• Spring (March–May): Lush greenery, blooming flowers, and pleasant weather.
• Fall (September–November): Stunning autumn foliage, crisp air, and dramatic colors.

Summer: Gorgeous but Hot

• Be prepared for warmer temperatures—the chapel has no AC.
• Sunrise weddings are ideal for avoiding midday heat.

Winter: Romantic & Moody

• You may get fog, mist, or even snow, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
• Bundle up—it can be significantly colder at the higher elevation.

Photography Tips for Pretty Place Weddings

📸 Hire a Photographer with Pretty Place Experience — Lighting at the chapel is tricky, with bright mountains in the background and deep shadows in the foreground. An experienced photographer knows how to balance exposure to capture both the landscape and your emotions.

📸 Consider a Sunrise or Sunset Ceremony — The lighting is best during these times, but fog can be a factor in the morning.

📸 Plan for Extra Couple’s Photos at Nearby Scenic Spots — Some of the best photo locations near Pretty Place include:

• Bald Rock (10 minutes away) — Stunning rock formations and sweeping views.
• Caesar’s Head State Park (20 minutes away) — Endless mountain vistas.
• Victoria Valley Vineyards (30 minutes away) — A romantic vineyard setting.

Reception Venues Near Pretty Place

Deerwoode Reserve

📍 Location: Brevard, NC
🚗 Distance: ~30 miles (50-minute drive)
✨ Why Choose It? Nestled in the serene landscapes of North Carolina, this private reserve offers a beautiful rustic lodge, cabins, and riverfront scenery, ideal for an intimate or nature-inspired wedding reception.
🔗 Deerwoode Reserve

Green Valley Country Club

📍 Location: Greenville, SC
🚗 Distance: ~45 miles (1-hour drive)
✨ Why Choose It? This elegant venue features well-manicured grounds, a spacious banquet hall, and both indoor and outdoor spaces for a versatile reception experience.
🔗 Green Valley Country Club

Victoria Valley Vineyards

📍 Location: Cleveland, SC
🚗 Distance: ~15 miles (30-minute drive)
✨ Why Choose It? Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this vineyard offers a charming and romantic setting with European-style architecture.
🔗 Victoria Valley Vineyards

The Lodge at Table Rock State Park

📍 Location: Pickens, SC
🚗 Distance: ~20 miles (40-minute drive)
✨ Why Choose It? A rustic yet modern lodge surrounded by nature, perfect for couples who love a cozy mountain retreat atmosphere.
🔗 The Lodge at Table Rock State Park

Hotel Domestique

📍 Location: Travelers Rest, SC
🚗 Distance: ~25 miles (45-minute drive)
✨ Why Choose It? A luxurious yet rustic boutique hotel inspired by European cycling culture, offering breathtaking views and intimate reception spaces.
🔗 Hotel Domestique

Lodging Options for You and Your Guests

Accommodations near The Pretty Place range from cozy inns to modern hotels, ensuring comfort for you and your guests:

• The Sunset Motel
  Location: Brevard, NC
  Distance from The Pretty Place: Approximately 11 miles (about a 20-minute drive)
  Description: This retro-style motel offers a nostalgic experience with modern comforts. Guests appreciate its proximity to downtown Brevard’s shops and restaurants.
  Website: The Sunset Motel
  Note: Ideal for guests seeking a blend of vintage charm and convenience.
  tripadvisor.com
• Highland Lake Inn & Resort
  Location: Flat Rock, NC
  Distance from The Pretty Place: Approximately 13 miles (about a 25-minute drive)
  Description: Set on 26 acres, this resort offers a variety of accommodations, from cozy cabins to spacious lodge rooms. Amenities include on-site dining and recreational activities.
  Website: Highland Lake Inn & Resort
  Note: A great choice for guests desiring a resort experience amidst nature.
  tripadvisor.com
• Hampton Inn Brevard
  Location: Pisgah Forest, NC
  Distance from The Pretty Place: Approximately 12 miles (about a 20-minute drive)
  Description: This modern hotel provides comfortable rooms and suites, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to local attractions.
  Website: Hampton Inn Brevard
  Note: Suitable for guests looking for reliable amenities and proximity to outdoor activities.
  tripadvisor.com
• Kanuga Inn & Lodging
  Location: Hendersonville, NC
  Distance from The Pretty Place: Approximately 9 miles (about a 20-minute drive)
  Description: Offering a range of accommodations, including inn rooms and cottages, Kanuga provides a serene environment with lake views and walking trails.
  Website: Kanuga Inn & Lodging
  Note: Ideal for guests who appreciate tranquility and natural surroundings.
  hotelguides.com

Final Thoughts

Pretty Place is one of the most magical places to say “I do, ” but it requires some extra planning to make sure everything goes smoothly. If you’re ready to capture your love story in this stunning location, I’d love to be your photographer!

📩 Reach out to inquire about my Pretty Place wedding packages! Let’s make your mountaintop wedding dreams come true.