What to Expect When Getting Married at Pretty Place Chapel

Pretty Place is a popular venue, especially during peak wedding season. The chapel is available for ceremonies only (no receptions on-site), so you'll need to plan for a separate reception venue elsewhere.

Ceremony times are typically offered at:

• Sunrise ceremonies (the most coveted slots)
• Morning ceremonies
• Afternoon ceremonies
• Sunset ceremonies

Sunrise ceremonies are absolutely magical. Watching the sun rise over the mountains as you say your vows is an experience you'll never forget. Just be prepared for an early wake-up call. Getting ready often starts around 4:00 or 5:00 AM.

Afternoon ceremonies offer beautiful golden light, especially in fall when the leaves are changing. The mountains take on a warm glow that's incredibly romantic.

Sunset ceremonies provide dramatic, golden-hour light as the sun dips behind the mountains. The sky often erupts in shades of orange, pink, and purple, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your vows.

Because Pretty Place is open-air, weather is always a consideration. The mountains can be unpredictable. Fog, rain, and wind are all possibilities, even in summer.

Here's what to keep in mind:

• Temperature: It's usually 10-15 degrees cooler at Pretty Place than in the surrounding lowlands. Bring wraps or jackets for guests, especially for sunrise ceremonies.
• Fog: Morning fog is common and can actually create incredibly dramatic, moody footage. Some of our favorite shots have come from foggy mornings.
• Rain: Light rain often passes quickly. Have umbrellas on hand, and trust that the ceremony will still be beautiful.
• Wind: The chapel is exposed, so veils, loose hair, and lightweight fabrics will blow. Plan accordingly or embrace it.

The venue does have an indoor backup space available in case of severe weather, but honestly, most couples push through light rain or fog because the views are worth it.

Pretty Place does have a bridal room on-site for brides to use before the ceremony. However, it's important to know that the space is limited and the lighting isn't ideal for getting-ready photos. For this reason, many couples choose to get ready elsewhere and use the bridal room for final touch-ups only.

Popular getting-ready options include:

• Stay at a nearby cabin or Airbnb the night before and get ready there
• Get ready at a hotel in Greenville and drive up
• Use the bridal suite at their reception venue if it's available early

For sunrise ceremonies, we recommend staying somewhere close the night before. The drive up the mountain in the dark requires focus, and you don't want to feel rushed after an already early morning.

We've filmed couples getting ready in cozy mountain cabins, in the soft light of a hotel room, and even finishing up at Pretty Place itself. Wherever you choose, make sure there's good natural light for those getting-ready shots since the on-site bridal room is quite limited in that regard.

As a preferred vendor at Pretty Place Chapel, we know exactly how to capture this venue's magic on film. The combination of the stone architecture, the open sky, and the endless mountain views creates a cinematic backdrop unlike anywhere else.

A few things that make filming here special:

• The natural light: Whether it's the soft pink glow of sunrise or the golden warmth of afternoon, the light at Pretty Place is extraordinary.
• The natural audio: Wind, birdsong, and the sound of your voices echoing off the stone walls all become part of your film's soundtrack.
• The emotion: There's something about this place that makes people feel deeply. We capture those raw, genuine moments.

We bring professional audio equipment to capture your vows clearly, even with wind. We know the best angles that show off the mountain views without obstructing your guests' view. And we blend into the background so your ceremony feels intimate, not like a production.

Since Pretty Place is ceremony-only, you'll need to plan a separate reception venue. Popular options include:

• Venues in downtown Greenville, SC (about 30-40 minutes away)
• Mountain lodges and event spaces in the surrounding area
• Restaurants with private dining rooms for intimate celebrations
• Cabin rentals or private estates for more casual gatherings

The drive from Pretty Place to most reception venues gives you a natural transition and a chance to spend a few quiet moments together as a newly married couple. We often use this time for sunset photos along the mountain roads.

• Book early: Pretty Place fills up quickly, especially for peak season and sunrise slots.
• Communicate with guests: Let them know about the drive, the temperature, and appropriate footwear for the gravel paths.
• Embrace the elements: Wind in your hair, fog rolling through, unexpected clouds. These become part of your story.
• Choose vendors who know the venue: Working with a preferred vendor means fewer surprises and a smoother day.
• Keep your ceremony simple: The setting speaks for itself. You don't need elaborate decor.

Pretty Place Chapel is more than a venue. It's an experience. The winding mountain roads, the crisp air, the moment you step into that chapel and see the mountains stretching out forever. It stays with you.

As preferred vendors who have filmed many weddings here, we can tell you: every single one has been unforgettable. The combination of natural beauty, heartfelt emotion, and the intimacy of that stone chapel creates something truly special.

If you're dreaming of a Pretty Place wedding, we'd love to be part of your story. Let's create a film that captures every moment of magic.