How Much Does a Symmes Chapel Wedding Cost?

Nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina, Symmes Chapel, also known as “Pretty Place,” offers an idyllic, affordable option for couples seeking a rustic yet spiritual wedding ceremony site. With its scenic views and natural charm, it’s easy to see why this open-air mountain chapel has become a hugely popular venue for elopements and small weddings in the Southeast.

But for all its natural beauty and charm, Symmes Chapel does have limitations. There is no electricity, no indoor reception hall, and very few amenities compared to luxury venues. However, what you pay in simplicity, you gain in beauty and affordability. This article will break down the cost factors and key details to help you budget for a Symmes Chapel wedding.

How Much Does a Symmes Chapel Wedding Cost?

The cost of a Symmes Chapel wedding, for the chapel site rental alone, range from $1,500 to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage) for a standard Saturday ceremony booking. This base fee buys you exclusive access to the chapel for two to three hours.

Smaller elopements on weekdays with minimal guests can book special all-inclusive packages starting as low as $500 to $1,000 (≈1.7 weeks working every single day at $15/hour). These intimate elopements allot only one hour at the venue.

Peak season weekends naturally command the highest rental rates, while off-season weekdays offer major discounts. Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, so expect premium pricing for both ceremony slots and local lodging.

The Symmes Chapel fee purely covers use of the ceremony site itself. Couples must independently secure all other vendors for their wedding day.

According to StoryBright Films, Symmes Chapel, also known as Pretty Place Chapel, located at YMCA Camp Greenville in South Carolina, offers wedding ceremonies with pricing generally ranging from about $2,000 to $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) for a two-hour time block, depending on whether the wedding is held on a weekday or weekend. Additional hours can be added for an extra fee. The chapel accommodates up to around 350-400 people, though practical guest counts are closer to 100 due to logistics and parking considerations.

More detailed pricing from J. Richard Photography lists a two-hour minimum rental at $2,450 (≈4.1 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) for Friday through Sunday and $1,750 (≈2.9 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) for Monday through Thursday, with each additional hour costing $1,200 (≈2 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) on weekends and $800 (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary) on weekdays. Sound system rental is an additional $125 (≈1 day working without days off at $15/hour). Reservations are required well in advance, especially for popular months like October, when demand is high.

YMCA Camp Greenville’s official site provides event inquiry and reservation details, emphasizing the importance of booking early due to the chapel’s popularity and limited availability. The venue offers practical amenities such as ample parking, restrooms, a covered chapel space with seating, and a small bridal suite, making it a unique mountain overlook wedding location with spectacular views.

Other sources like Eventective report wedding pricing from $2,250 to $3,200 (≈1.2 months of your working life at $15/hour), consistent with other listings. Couples planning a wedding at Pretty Place should consider travel times to and from Greenville and reception locations, as the chapel is about an hour’s drive from the city, and mountain roads can be challenging.

Venue Rental Cost Breakdowns from Local Wedding Planners

We checked in with two seasoned Upstate SC wedding planners to get their insights on typical Symmes Chapel rental costs:

Lila Monroe of Mountain I Do’s told us, “For weekend dates at Symmes Chapel, we usually estimate a venue rental fee between $2,000 and $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour). Off-season elopements can range from $800 to $1,500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) if the guest list is tiny. We always account for extra time and guest charges if needed."

Mark Chen of Upstate Weddings shared, “I budget at least $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour) for Symmes Chapel rentals, then add insurance fees, extra hours, and prep/takedown time which can tack on a few hundred more. If rain forces an indoor change of plans, venue change fees can also apply.”

What's Included in the Rental Fee?

For the chapel rental rate, here is what couples receive:

• Exclusive use of the chapel and surrounding area for 2-3 hours
• On-site parking and restroom access
• Wooden pews and a stone altar
• Dramatic Blue Ridge Mountain scenery as your backdrop

Keep in mind that Symmes Chapel offers a beautiful natural setting, but has limited amenities. There is no electricity, climate control, or rain backup. The chapel remains open-air and exposed to the elements.

What Affects the Final Price?

Several variables affect the total rental cost:

Day/Time - Weekends are most expensive, especially Saturdays. Sundays and weekdays offer savings. Peak times are late afternoon and evenings in spring and fall.

Season - April to October is highest demand. Summer Saturdays often book up 12-18 months in advance.

Guest Count - Elopements for just 2-20 people have custom lower pricing. Larger parties pay more per head.

Hours Needed - Booking more time costs more. Many add an extra hour for photos after the ceremony.

Photography Sessions - Hourly rates offered for photo shoots without a ceremony.

Add-Ons - Extra fees for rehearsals, power generators, delays, excessive guests all add up.

Insurance Requirements - Venues charge $150-$300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) to cover any liability or damages.

You might also like our articles on the cost of a wedding at Glen Island Harbour Club, Mar-a-Lago, or La Venta Inn.

Additional Wedding Costs

Most couples spend an additional $15,000 to $30,000 (≈11.4 months locked to your job at $15/hour) or more on other wedding-related costs beyond the Symmes Chapel venue fee.

Reception Site Rental

Most couples host their wedding reception at nearby venues, which costs:

• Restaurants or bars: $2,000 - $4,000 (≈1.5 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour)
• Hotel ballrooms: $3,000 - $8,000+ (≈3 months of your career at a $15/hour job)
• Rustic barns or farms: $4,000 - $6,000 (≈2.3 months locked to your job at $15/hour)
• State Park lodges: $3,000 - $6,000 (≈2.3 months locked to your job at $15/hour)

Catering

Catering per person for a seated dinner often runs:

• Budget menu: $15 - $30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour) per guest
• Moderate menu: $30 - $60 (≈4 hours to sacrifice at work earning $15/hour) per guest
• Upscale menu: $60 - $150+ (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) per guest

Cakecutting fees are usually around $1-3 per person. Alcohol packages range from $15 - $30 (≈2 hours of labor required at $15/hour) per guest for beer/wine.

Photography

Professional wedding photographers average between $2,500 to $5,000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) for 6-8 hours of coverage including digital files, prints, and an album.

Flowers

Floral decor like bouquets and centerpieces range from $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage) for basics to $3,000+ (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) for premium designs. Just chapel décor averages $500 to $1,500+ (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) at peak seasons.

Attire

The bride’s gown averages $1,200 (≈2 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) but can be $3,000+ (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour), plus $100+ (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) for veils, shoes, and accessories. The groom’s tuxedo rental usually runs $200+ (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour). Bridesmaids pay $100-$400 per dress.Entertainment

DJs cost roughly $1,000 to $2,500 for a 6-hour wedding reception. Live bands run $2,500 to $6,500+.Wedding Planner

Full-service coordinators average $1,500 to $3,000. Partial planning or day-of coordination runs $800 to $1,500.

Videography

Wedding videography averages between $1,500 to $3,000+ for a 6–8-hour package, edited video, and volume of raw footage.

Transport

Shuttle bus and limo rental averages $500 to $1,500 roundtrip to transport wedding parties and guests.

Lodging

Hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests run $120 to $250 per night on average. Unique options like vacation rentals or camp lodging can save costs.

Gratuities

Plan on $50 to $150+ in tips for vendors like photographers, coordinators, hair/makeup artists.

Miscellaneous

Other common costs are marriage licenses ($30-$75), stationery ($50-$500), gifts ($100-200 per wedding party member), and lingerie like wedding night outfits ($50-$200).

Symmes Chapel vs Nearby Venues

Despite limited features, Symmes Chapel remains one of the most budget-friendly chapel wedding venues in the Upstate SC area.

Cliffs at Glassy Chapel

• Fridays/Sundays start at $4,500

Table Rock State Park

• $3,000 minimum for small weddings

Hotel Domestique

• $5,000+ for micro weddings

Camp Greenville Chapels

• $2,000-4,000 for larger guest counts

While Symmes lacks amenities like power and climate control, its naturally beautiful setting offers dramatic views at a fraction of the price point of luxury venues.

Booking a Wedding at Symmes Chapel

Follow these steps for booking your Symmes Chapel wedding:

• Contact the team at YMCA Camp Greenville to check availability. Book 12-18 months in advance for popular dates.
• Review the rental contract carefully. A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure your date.
• Note restrictions - no loud music, alcohol, or extensive decor is allowed.
• Hire vendors for all other services like catering and photography.
• Handle accommodations - book lodging and arrange transportation for out-of-town guests.
• Secure a rain plan - consider a backup tent or indoor space in case of inclement weather.

Rules and Restrictions

As an open-air and spiritually focused space, Symmes Chapel does have rules to consider:

• No alcohol or receptions allowed on premises.
• No loud music or amplifiers - acoustic only.
• No dense floral decor or draping allowed.
• Rain contingency - the chapel has no cover or indoor area.
• Time limits must be observed to avoid extra fees.
• Photographers cannot ascend the Blue Ridge peaks due to strict preservation rules.

Respecting the site and natural beauty is paramount. Symmes Chapel promotes a quiet, sacred experience surrounded by nature.

Save Money on Your Chapel Wedding

If you're planning a wedding on a tight budget, here are some ideas:

• Book an affordable officiant from non-denominational sites like American Marriage Ministries.
• Look at non-traditional reception options like brunch, afternoon tea, or outdoor picnics to save over formal dinners.
• Simplify decor by embracing the chapel's natural elements.
• Consider a small elopement package. Or host a bigger reception later back home.
• Set up a room block at YMCA Camp Greenville cabins for budget lodging.
• Share logistics tips to help guests save on travel and stay affordably near the chapel.

Final Words

Is the beauty and simplicity of Symmes Chapel worth it when planning your big day?

For couples wanting an intimate outdoor ceremony with magnificent scenery as your altar, Symmes Chapel offers a magical setting without breaking the bank. The lower fee means you can splurge in other ways. Just come prepared, as the venue requires some compromise. Take the mountain chapel's rustic simplicity and spectacular views for an unforgettable wedding day!

Answers to Common Questions

Can you propose at Pretty Place Chapel?

Yes! Pretty Place Chapel welcomes wedding proposals on site with advanced booking. Schedule an hour session for your special moment against the stunning Blue Ridge backdrop. No other wedding activities like receptions are allowed on premises, but proposals make for fantastic photos and memories.

Where is the cheapest place to get married?

For the lowest wedding costs, many couples choose to host the ceremony and/or reception at a private residence like their home or a relative's backyard. Public parks, beaches, community centers, and other free outdoor spaces also allow you to save significantly on venue fees compared to hotels and dedicated wedding venues.

How much does it cost to go to Camp Greenville?

YMCA Camp Greenville offers summer camp programs starting at around $275 per week-long session. Overnight adult retreats and family weekends generally start at $100 - $150 per person. Pretty Place facility rentals like Symmes Chapel incur separate fees, but the camp offers an affordable base for lodging and activities.