Columbia, South Carolina is one of the most underrated wedding destinations in the state. As the capital city, it has everything — historic venues, a vibrant restaurant scene, a thriving arts district, and the kind of Southern charm that makes guests feel at home from the moment they arrive.
I’m a South Carolina wedding photographer based in the Upstate, but I’ve shot a lot of weddings in Columbia over the years — from downtown venues like 1208 Washington to the River Road and Jasmine Houses to the grounds around the Statehouse. This guide covers everything you need to plan a wedding in Columbia: venues, vendors, marriage license logistics, and a few things I wish more couples knew going in.
Also planning: Greenville, SC wedding venues | SC venues by county | SC marriage license guide
Getting Your Marriage License in Columbia, SC
Marriage licenses in Columbia are issued by the Richland County Probate Court at 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29204. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport). The fee is approximately $30–$35.
South Carolina requires a 24-hour waiting period between applying and receiving your license, so don’t show up the day before the wedding expecting to walk out with it. Apply at least two to three days before your ceremony. The license is valid statewide for 30 days.
For the full breakdown — waiting periods, who can legally officiate, out-of-state and international requirements — see our complete SC marriage license guide.
Wedding Venues in Columbia, SC
Columbia has a genuinely diverse venue scene. You can do an urban ballroom wedding steps from the Statehouse, a restored historic mansion in a quiet neighborhood, or a garden ceremony near the river. Here’s an honest look at the venues I know well from photographing weddings there.
1208 Washington St.
This is one of my favorite venues in all of Columbia — not just because I photographed my cousin’s wedding there, but because the space is genuinely extraordinary. 1208 Washington is a fully renovated historic building in the heart of downtown that gives you multiple looks in a single venue: a light-filled ballroom with tall windows, a reception space built around an original bank vault (complete with vault door — yes, it photographs amazingly), and an open-air outdoor ceremony area.
The venue is steps from the South Carolina Statehouse, which opens up incredible portrait opportunities around some of the most architecturally stunning grounds in Columbia.
| Location | Downtown Columbia, steps from the Statehouse |
| Style | Historic urban building, indoor/outdoor |
| Standout Feature | Original bank vault with vault door — incredible reception bar setup and photos |
| Photographer’s Note | After the ceremony, take the couple to the Statehouse grounds for portraits — the architecture and oak trees are stunning |
River Road House & Jasmine House
Built at the turn of the 20th century and lovingly restored, the River Road and Jasmine Houses feel like stepping back in time — in the best possible way. The property comprises two distinct structures on well-maintained grounds, giving you flexibility for how you structure your day.
The River Road House has spacious rooms with soaring ceilings and natural light that’s a photographer’s dream for getting-ready coverage. The charming patio works beautifully for intimate ceremonies or cocktail hours. The Jasmine House, a smaller cottage on the property, is often used for the groom’s party to get ready or for post-wedding events like farewell brunches.
| Style | Historic Southern estate, indoor/outdoor |
| Best For | Couples who want a romantic, estate-style feel without a ballroom |
| Photographer’s Note | The morning light through those high windows during getting-ready coverage is exceptional |
The Lace House
The Lace House is one of Columbia’s most distinctive historic properties — a Gothic Revival cottage built in 1853, situated adjacent to the Governor’s Mansion complex on Richland Street. The ornate architectural details (think intricate woodwork and wraparound porch) and the lush surrounding gardens make it one of the most photogenic ceremony settings in the Midlands.
It’s managed by the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion Foundation and is best suited for smaller, more intimate weddings. If you want a ceremony that feels historic and uniquely South Carolinian, this one is hard to beat.
| Location | Richland Street, adjacent to the Governor’s Mansion |
| Style | Gothic Revival cottage, garden grounds |
| Capacity | Best for intimate ceremonies |
| Photographer’s Note | The porch and garden are stunning in spring when the azaleas bloom — book March/April dates early |
Separk Mansion
Separk Mansion is a classic Columbia estate venue — a beautifully maintained historic home with manicured grounds, a white-column facade, and the kind of Southern grandeur that photographs effortlessly. It works well for couples who want an elegant, traditional aesthetic without a hotel ballroom.
The mansion has both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, and the grounds offer excellent portrait locations at multiple points throughout the property.
| Style | Historic Southern mansion, indoor/outdoor |
| Best For | Traditional elegance, medium to large guest counts |
| Photographer’s Note | The front columns and garden staircase make for strong formal portraits |
For a deeper look at Columbia venues, see our post on the top Columbia, SC wedding venues.
Wedding Vendors in Columbia, SC
Wedding Cakes
Bonnie Brunt started making cakes as a hobby — and it turned into one of the most respected wedding cake businesses in the Midlands. The work is beautiful and the process is simple: meet with staff, do a tasting, build your cake. The quality speaks for itself.
Silver Spoon Bake Shop is more than a wedding cake baker — they’re a full-service bakery with a genuinely impressive pastry background (owner Erin trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York). If you want something beyond a traditional tiered cake, Silver Spoon is worth a consult.
Florists
American Floral is one of our go-to recommendations in Columbia. The attention to detail in their arrangements is exceptional, and the reviews from past couples consistently mention how much the team cares about getting it right.
Deloache has been Columbia’s local florist since 1947 — over 75 years in business, with hundreds of five-star reviews. That longevity means consistent quality and a team that has seen and handled just about every kind of wedding floral situation imaginable.
Caterers
The Southern Way has been catering Columbia events for over 30 years and has been named Columbia’s Best Caterer for more than a decade straight. If you’ve been to a major event in Columbia, there’s a good chance they fed you. They specialize in large-scale events with impeccable service.
Capital City Catering is a strong option if you want a more creative, non-standard menu. They work across a range of guest counts and their food is genuinely delicious — not your average buffet spread.
Bridal Shops
Evelyn’s Bridal (in nearby Lugoff, a short drive from Columbia) has been selling bridal gowns for over 27 years. They carry wedding dresses, bridesmaid gowns, mother-of-the-bride options, and tux rentals — making it a genuine one-stop shop for wedding attire. The staff is knowledgeable and genuinely invested in helping you find the right dress, not just a dress.
Planning Timeline: Getting Married in Columbia
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 12–18 months out | Book venue and photographer — popular dates fill fast |
| 10–12 months out | Book caterer, florist, DJ/band |
| 8–10 months out | Start dress shopping (allow 4–6 months for ordering and alterations) |
| 6 months out | Book hair and makeup, finalize guest list |
| 2–3 months out | Confirm all vendors, build day-of timeline |
| 2–3 days before | Apply for marriage license at Richland County Probate Court |
| Day before | Pick up marriage license (24-hour wait required) |
Photography Tips for Columbia Weddings
Columbia has some genuinely great portrait locations beyond the venue itself. The South Carolina Statehouse grounds, the USC Horseshoe, Finlay Park, and the streets of the Vista are all worth building into your day-of timeline if logistics allow.
Spring and fall are the best seasons photographically in Columbia. Spring brings azaleas and green, and fall brings lower humidity and warmer golden-hour light. Summer weddings are absolutely doable but plan your outdoor portraits for after 5pm — the midday heat and harsh light are brutal.
If you’re on the fence about a first look, read our breakdown of first look vs. traditional aisle reveal — it affects your entire day-of timeline and portrait schedule. And if you have a bridal portrait session planned, our bridal portrait prep guide walks you through exactly what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions: Getting Married in Columbia, SC
Where do I get a marriage license in Columbia, SC?
At the Richland County Probate Court, 2020 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29204. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID. The fee is approximately $30–$35, and there’s a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before you can pick it up. Full details in our SC marriage license guide.
What are the best wedding venues in Columbia, SC?
1208 Washington St., River Road & Jasmine House, The Lace House, and Separk Mansion are among the top picks. See our full Columbia wedding venues guide for more detail on each.
What is the best time of year to get married in Columbia, SC?
October and November are consistently the most popular — cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and beautiful fall light. March through May is lovely too (especially if your venue has gardens). July and August are hot and humid; plan outdoor elements for evening if you go that route.
How far in advance should I book a Columbia wedding venue?
For popular venues and popular months (October especially), 12–18 months in advance is not unusual. If you have a specific date in mind and fall in love with a venue, book it as soon as possible.
Do you photograph weddings in Columbia, SC?
Yes — I photograph weddings throughout the Columbia area and know these venues well. If you’d like to see real wedding images from 1208 Washington, River Road House, or other Columbia venues, reach out and I’ll pull examples from our portfolio. Check availability here.
What should I know about planning a reception in Columbia?
Our complete wedding reception planning guide covers timelines, layout, and the details most couples miss. Highly recommend reading it before finalizing your venue contract.
Ready to Book Your Columbia Wedding Photographer?
Columbia holds a special place for us — we’ve photographed weddings all over this city, from the Statehouse grounds to the banks of the Congaree. If you’re planning a Columbia wedding and looking for a photographer who knows the venues, the light, and how to build a day-of timeline that works, we’d love to connect.
Reach out here to check our availability for your date.
More planning resources: SC Wedding Venues by County | Greenville, SC Venues | Wedding Reception Planning Guide | SC Marriage License Guide
We photograph weddings all across the Midlands — see our Columbia wedding photography page or explore our full SC wedding photography services.
