A Complete Guide for Couples Searching for Scenic Outdoor Wedding Locations Near Greenville, SC

If you are searching for the best outdoor wedding venues in Upstate South Carolina, you already know this region is one of the most beautiful places for weddings in the Southeast. The Upstate offers wide mountain views, forest trails, lakes, waterfalls, private estates, quiet meadows, and charming countryside spaces that create unforgettable backdrops for your ceremony and reception.

Outdoor weddings in Upstate SC are known for warm natural light, cinematic sunsets, and a relaxed atmosphere that helps your day feel less like a photoshoot and more like a real experience. As a photography and videography team based in South Carolina, we have seen how the right outdoor location can completely elevate the look and feel of a wedding film or gallery.

Here are the top outdoor wedding venues in Upstate South Carolina that consistently deliver incredible scenery, reliable amenities, and stunning photo opportunities.

Ballenger Bridge

Landrum, SC
Best for: Couples wanting a romantic outdoor wedding with rustic charm

Ballenger Bridge is one of the most picturesque outdoor wedding venues in the Upstate. The historic wooden bridge, peaceful water views, tall trees, and open gardens create a romantic setting that feels straight out of a Southern storybook.

For photography and film, this venue offers a huge variety of natural backdrops. The bridge creates a beautiful focal point for portraits, the garden areas shine during golden hour, and the water reflections add a cinematic feel to both still images and video clips.

If you are searching for a private, nature centered outdoor venue near Greenville, Ballenger Bridge is a top contender.

Lakeside Venue at Pioneer

Spartanburg, SC
Best for: Outdoor lake weddings and intimate ceremonies

Lakeside Venue at Pioneer is a quiet waterfront location surrounded by trees, docks, a gazebo, and shaded walkways. It offers a peaceful, romantic atmosphere ideal for couples who want a relaxed outdoor wedding with beautiful water views.

Lakeside venues are wonderful for natural light because the water helps bounce soft light onto the couple. Sunset ceremonies here often create warm, glowing portraits with rich color that look perfect in both photography and wedding films.

This is one of the best outdoor lake wedding venues in Upstate South Carolina and remains popular for couples who want intimacy and calm surroundings.

Pretty Place Chapel

Cleveland, SC
Best for: Mountain weddings and scenic sunrise or sunset ceremonies

Pretty Place Chapel is one of the most famous outdoor wedding venues in South Carolina. Located at the top of the Blue Ridge foothills, the open air chapel overlooks miles of mountains and valleys that fade into the horizon. The view alone is reason enough to book this location.

For couples dreaming of a mountain wedding venue in South Carolina, Pretty Place offers unmatched scenery. It is especially popular for sunrise ceremonies because the sun rises directly over the mountains, creating soft color and dramatic skies that are perfect for cinematic wedding films and emotional photography.

Because demand is high, couples should book early and schedule their ceremony time carefully to take advantage of ideal lighting.

The Hollow at Paris Mountain

Greenville, SC
Best for: Forest weddings and intimate outdoor celebrations

The Hollow at Paris Mountain is a wooded retreat just minutes from downtown Greenville. With tall trees, a peaceful pond, winding paths, and natural shade, the property feels like a cozy forest hideaway.

This venue is perfect for couples who want a nature centered outdoor wedding without sacrificing convenience. The forest setting helps soften harsh midday light and adds a sense of privacy to the day, which works beautifully for documentary style photography and unobtrusive videography.

If you are searching for a secluded outdoor wedding venue near Greenville SC, Paris Mountain is an excellent choice.

View Point at Buckhorn Creek

Greenville, SC
Best for: Outdoor weddings with scenic views and a comfortable reception space

View Point at Buckhorn Creek blends natural scenery with comfortable amenities. The venue includes a koi pond, a spacious pavilion with timber beams, stone pathways, and sweeping views of the foothills.

This venue is ideal for couples who want an outdoor ceremony with a scenic backdrop and a covered reception space that still feels connected to nature. The pavilion is especially helpful for unpredictable weather while still allowing your celebration to stay outdoors.

For photography and cinematography, the open spaces and soft evening light around the pond and pavilion are consistently beautiful.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Wedding Venue in Upstate South Carolina

Prioritize the light

Outdoor weddings look best when the ceremony happens during golden hour or late afternoon. Always ask your venue how the light falls on their property during different seasons.

Look for natural shade

Shade helps soften harsh mid day light and prevents squinting during your ceremony. Trees, pavilions, and covered structures make a big difference.

Ask about weather backup options

Even outdoor weddings benefit from covered areas. Look for a pavilion, porch, or indoor space that still fits your aesthetic.

Consider guest accessibility

Some outdoor venues require travel up mountain roads or long drives. Make sure the location fits your vision and your guest experience.

Review real wedding galleries

Every outdoor venue photographs differently. Looking at real weddings helps you understand how the space will look in your photos and film.

Final Thoughts

Upstate South Carolina is one of the most beautiful regions for outdoor weddings. From mountain views at Pretty Place, to the forest hideaway at Paris Mountain, to lakeside golden hour ceremonies, there is no shortage of breathtaking locations for couples who want a natural and unforgettable celebration.