Upstate SC is a perfect place to get married in the mountains.


The Blue Ridge Mountains offer a naturally beautiful, already-done-for-you backdrop for your wedding. Why not take advantage of it? If you live in Greenville or Upstate SC, the mountains are just a short drive away -- perfect for a destination wedding feel without having to go to far. In fact, many people travel from all across the country to get married at some of these mountaintop venues!


As a Greenville wedding photographer who specializes in mountain weddings, here is my list of the best mountain wedding venues in upstate South Carolina.


I have personal experience at all of these places, and all the work shown is from weddings, elopements, or engagement shoots I've photographed at these locations. Enjoy!



Best Mountain Top Venues


The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel


Perched atop Glassy Mountain in South Carolina, this iconic chapel is one of the most breathtaking ceremony locations in the Southeast. With its panoramic mountain views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stone-and-glass architecture, a wedding at the Cliffs at Glassy Chapel brings unmatched natural beauty and a sense of peace that elevates every moment. The surrounding Cliffs communities also offer luxurious amenities and reception options, making it easy to create a seamless, mountain-top wedding weekend. I've seen this venue shine in every season and all kinds of weather - it's one of my favorite Greenville wedding venues for a reason.


I have several full wedding galleries from the Cliffs available -- please reach out HERE to request access!

The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel
A couple in wedding attire stands together holding hands on top of a mountain overlook on a clear summer day at The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel.
A flowing white wedding dress billows dramatically in the wind against a scenic mountain landscape at The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel.
Wedding ceremony inside rustic stone Cliffs at Glassy chapel with exposed wooden beams and large windows.
Military service member in dress uniform and bride sharing an intimate moment at Cliffs at Glassy Chapel.
A bride and groom share a moment on a scenic mountaintop with a colorful floral bouquet after their Cliffs at Glassy Chapel Wedding.

Pretty Place Chapel


I have a whole guide dedicated to this venue (you can find that by clicking HERE!) People travel from all over the country (and sometimes outside of it) to tie the knot in this scenic mountaintop chapel. If you want an experience that feels like an escape or an adventurous elopement, this is it. Fred W. Symmes Chapel is the perfect open air, yet covered, mountaintop wedding ceremony spot in upstate SC.


Click HERE to see a micro-wedding I've photographed at Pretty Place Chapel.

A romantic wedding couple shares a kiss against a backdrop of mountain peaks and ancient stone ruins.
A wedding couple stands together on a mountaintop overlook with scenic forest views in the background on a cloudy day.
A romantic outdoor wedding ceremony with a wooden cross adorned with white flowers and greenery against a scenic mountain view.
Military wedding couple embraces on scenic mountain overlook with flowing white veil and colorful bouquet.
A black and white wedding photo of a couple standing at a scenic overlook with a stone wall and mountains in the background.
A sequence of wedding party photos showing joyful celebration poses on a balcony with scenic mountain views in the background.

Best Mountain View Venues


If you don't necessarily want to drive into the mountains but still want to see them from afar on your wedding day, these spots might be the move!


Hotel Domestique


A wedding at Hotel Domestique offers couples a luxurious blend of European charm and scenic mountain beauty. Nestled in the foothills of South Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this boutique hotel feels like a Tuscan villa with its fountain courtyard, rolling vineyards, and sweeping valley views. Intimate and upscale, Hotel Domestique is perfect for couples who value refinement and natural beauty. (And the food here -- unmatched.)


Click HERE to see a whole wedding day from Hotel Domestique.


White outdoor wedding tent interior with hanging chandeliers and clear ghost chairs set up for an elegant ceremony.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with floral arrangements and elegantly dressed couple at altar with officiant.
Wedding party poses outdoors in a garden setting wearing blush-colored bridesmaid dresses and white bridal gown.
White floral arrangement with roses and delicate blooms sits by an elegant reflective pool with water features.
Elegant wedding reception table setting under a clear tent with circular chandeliers and soft lighting.
Classic wedding dip pose on stone patio with white floral arrangements and greenery in background.
Elegant wedding reception table setting with white linens, clear chairs and soft bokeh lighting in the background.
Black and white photo of bride in elegant wedding gown with flowing cathedral veil standing by window in dramatic pose.
White carnation flowers in small glass vases with glowing candlelight creating an elegant minimalist table setting.

Gaines Lodge at Table Rock


If you're dreaming of a nature-filled celebration, a wedding at Gaines Lodge at Table Rock State Park delivers rustic charm and a down-home, intimate vibe for your wedding day. If you want to lean into Appalachian charm, add a bluegrass band and barbecue for your reception. Tucked within one of South Carolina’s most beloved state parks, Gaines Lodge is a hidden gem for couples seeking a relaxed yet picturesque setting. The lodge’s exposed stonework, spacious wraparound porch, and scenic overlook make it ideal for a cozy indoor reception or a breezy outdoor ceremony. The backdrop behind the lodge is beautiful for portraits, and it's only a short drive within the park to reach other mountain view photo spots or even an easily accessible waterfall!


I have several full wedding galleries from Gaines Lodge available -- please reach out HERE to request access!

Rustic log cabin with stone chimneys and wooden porches sits on a misty hillside surrounded by green trees.
Couple embraces outdoors in scenic mountain setting with grey dress and suit against green foliage backdrop.
A rustic log cabin with stone chimney overlooks a misty autumn valley from a wooden deck surrounded by fall foliage.
A couple stands together on a wooden walkway surrounded by autumn foliage on their wedding day.
Misty mountains and dense forest surround a calm lake on an overcast day in the wilderness.
Couple in wedding attire walking along a scenic autumn mountain overlook with fall foliage in the background.

Chattooga Belle Farm


A wedding at Chattooga Belle Farm is the perfect blend of Southern hospitality and scenic beauty. Located in the mountains of Long Creek, South Carolina, this working farm and vineyard offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, fruit orchards, and open pastures. It’s an ideal venue for couples who want their wedding to feel both organic and elegant—think: golden-hour portraits in the vineyard, cocktail hour on the lawn, and dancing beneath the stars. And with in-house, farm fresh catering, it just makes sense.


Click HERE to see a full wedding day at Chattooga Belle Farm.

Click HERE to see a wedding with reception at Chattooga Belle Farm.

Rolling hills with vineyard rows and wooden fences stretch across a pastoral landscape under cloudy skies.
A wedding ceremony takes place under a rustic wooden arch overlooking a waterfront view with guests seated on both sides.
A group of men in business suits walking together across a grassy field in a black and white photograph.
A modern mountain lodge with stone chimney and tan exterior features a circular driveway and rustic architecture.
Outdoor wedding venue setup featuring a wooden arch adorned with red flowers and a white tablecloth covered table in a meadow.
A couple on their wedding day walk through a scenic orchard with rolling hills in the background.
Illuminated string lights hang from a concrete ceiling over a covered outdoor terrace with mountain views.


Best Blue Ridge Mountains Elopement Spots


Maybe the mountains are calling you and your partner to run away and tie the knot in a windswept romance. I'm here for it! If you're up for a little adventure (perhaps even a bit outside of upstate SC), here are my top picks for where to elope in the Carolinas and surrounding areas.


Black Balsam Knob


Black Balsam is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with 360 degree mountain views after just a moderate hike. If you want a blend of privacy and stunning views with a doable walk, this is a great option (but maybe bring a change of shoes!) Make your plans with your photographer / officiant solid ahead of time as you'll be going where the cell reception is not.


Click HERE to see more photos from Black Balsam Knob.

A couple sits close together on a large rock formation overlooking mountains during sunset.
Two people embrace while standing on a mountain summit at sunset with dramatic cloudy skies and rolling hills in view.
A couple shares a joyful candid moment together while standing on a rocky mountain overlook in black and white.
A couple stands together on a rocky mountain peak against dramatic cloudy skies.
A couple embraces and laughs together while standing in a desert landscape with mountains in the background.
Two hands reaching out to hold each other in a tender gesture against a dark blurred background.

Sassafras Mountain


This site is both the tallest point in South Carolina (right on the SC/NC border) and the most accessible 360 degree mountain view I've seen! You can drive right up to the parking lot and from there, there's a short paved ramp or stairs up to the top of the observation tower. If you prefer, you can easily walk out into the rocks and brush for more wild-feeling photos as well. This is a popular spot particularly on the weekends and at sunrise / sunset, so I recommend choosing an off-season date or weekday (if you're eloping, why not, right?)


Click HERE for more elopement inspiration at Sassafras Mountain.

A couple shares a romantic moment at sunset overlooking a scenic mountain vista at Grandfather Mountain.
A couple stands on a mountain overlook embracing with fall foliage and misty peaks in the background.
A couple embraces in front of a dreamy sunlit field with dried tall grass and pale blue sky.
A bride in a flowing white dress stands on a large boulder holding a bouquet with mountains in the background.
A couple in wedding attire share an intimate moment among tall dried grasses against a blue sky backdrop.
A couple in wedding attire stands at a scenic overlook against mountain silhouettes during sunset.
Newlyweds pose together on a mountaintop trail holding orange and red autumn bouquet with mountain vistas behind.

Looking for a mountain wedding photographer?


Thank you for reading my guide to the best mountain wedding venues in Upstate South Carolina! The love of the mountains runs deep in my soul. If that's you as well, we just might get each other.


I've lived in the Upstate all my life and have spent many days exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains nearby. So, if you're planning on tying the knot in view of the mountains, I'd be thrilled to chat with you.


Please, drop me a line below and I'll be happy to send over my Wedding Photography Welcome Packet with pricing and other information -- and I'm an open book when it comes to getting married in the mountains, so don't hesitate to reach out with questions.


Best wishes! -Hannah

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