There’s something about driving through the front gates at Furman University that makes you slow down a little. The long tree-lined entrance, the lake, the brick buildings tucked into rolling green lawns. It feels like a world apart, even though downtown Greenville is only about fifteen minutes away. It’s no wonder so many couples, Furman alumni and non-alumni alike, dream of saying “I do” here.
We recently photographed Eleanor and Steven’s wedding, which started with an intimate ceremony in Daniel Chapel and ended with a joyful reception at The Poinsett Club. Walking that campus with them reminded us just how special a Furman wedding can be. So we put together this guide with everything we wish every couple knew before planning their wedding at Furman University.
Still deciding on a venue? Our photographer’s guide to the best wedding venues in Greenville, SC is a great place to start.
Your Ceremony Options at Furman University
Furman offers a few different spots for your ceremony, and each one has a completely different feel. Here’s how they compare.
Charles E. Daniel Memorial Chapel
Daniel Chapel is the heart of most Furman weddings, and for good reason. The upper sanctuary seats up to roughly 350 guests, with soaring ceilings, warm wood tones, and tall windows that fill the room with soft light. At the front sits the Hartness Organ, a stunning instrument with more than 2,900 pipes. If you’ve ever heard it played during a processional, you know it gives you goosebumps.
The lower level is a hidden gem for wedding day prep. There’s a bridal suite, the sunlit Garden Room, and two conference rooms that work beautifully for the wedding party to get ready or gather before the ceremony. That means fewer locations, less driving, and more relaxed getting-ready time.
You can find current booking details on Furman’s Daniel Chapel weddings page.
The Janie Earle Furman Rose Garden
If you’re dreaming of a garden ceremony, this is it. The Rose Garden is home to around 800 rose bushes, a charming fountain, and a 19th-century gazebo that looks like it came straight out of a storybook. It’s a standing-only space best suited for intimate ceremonies of about 60 to 70 guests.
Even if you get married in the chapel, plan on stopping by the Rose Garden for portraits. It’s one of our favorite spots on campus, and some of our favorite images from Eleanor and Steven’s day were taken right under that gazebo.
The Furman Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is probably the most recognizable landmark on campus. It stands on a small peninsula in Furman Lake, with the mountains of the Upstate in the distance. Ceremonies here are standing-room-only and work best for up to about 60 guests, so it’s ideal for couples planning something small, sweet, and outdoorsy.
Good to Know Before You Book Daniel Chapel
Daniel Chapel is a sacred space, and Furman has a few policies that are worth knowing early in your planning:
- All music must be live. No recorded music during the ceremony, so start thinking about musicians early.
- The organ has its own process. If you’d like the Hartness Organ played at your ceremony, Furman requires you to work with the university’s wedding music coordinator, and organ selections come from a set repertoire. Furman’s wedding music page lays out the details.
- A Furman wedding director is required. Every chapel wedding needs a director from Furman’s approved list. Think of them as your calm, experienced guide through the day.
- Weddings are coordinated through Younts Conference Center. That’s your first call for availability, pricing, and questions.
Policies and pricing can change, so we always recommend confirming the current details directly with Furman before you sign anything.
Where to Host Your Reception
One of the best things about a Furman wedding is that you can keep the whole day on campus if you’d like. A few on-campus reception options to consider:
- Younts Conference Center – Furman’s main event space, and the team that coordinates weddings across campus.
- Hartness Pavilion – Enclosed in glass on three sides with views of the lake and Rose Garden. It holds up to about 175 guests.
- Cherrydale – Set on the highest point of campus with gorgeous mountain views and a more secluded feel.
Keep in mind that Furman Catering is the exclusive food and beverage provider for receptions held on campus. You can browse all of the options on Furman’s weddings page.
Of course, plenty of couples say their vows at Furman and then head into Greenville to celebrate. Eleanor and Steven did exactly that, finishing their night at The Poinsett Club. Greenville has no shortage of beautiful reception spots, and our roundup of unique South Carolina wedding venues has a few more ideas.
Our Favorite Photo Spots on Furman’s Campus
Honestly, it’s hard to take a bad photo at Furman. The campus is like a park, and there’s beauty around every corner. These are the spots we always try to work into the timeline:
- The Daniel Chapel aisle and steps. The aisle is perfect for your grand exit, and the front of the chapel makes a classic backdrop for family photos.
- The columned brick buildings. Furman’s architecture gives you that timeless, collegiate look, especially on wide staircases.
- The fountains and front lawns. Big, open, and green. Great for wide shots that show off the scale of campus.
- The Rose Garden gazebo. Romantic, a little whimsical, and absolutely our favorite.
- Furman Lake and the Bell Tower. Gorgeous at golden hour, and a must if you’re an alum.
A Photographer’s Timeline Tip for Furman Weddings
Furman’s campus is big. It’s beautiful, but it’s big. If you want portraits in more than one area, like the chapel, the Rose Garden, and the lake, build in at least 30 to 45 minutes for portraits and the walk or short drive between spots. A first look before the ceremony is a great way to get most of those portraits done early, so you can actually enjoy your cocktail hour. (Not sure if a first look is for you? We break it down in first look vs. traditional aisle reveal.)
And don’t stress if the forecast calls for clouds. Eleanor and Steven’s day was overcast, and that soft, even light was beautiful on the greenery and roses. For a full hour-by-hour plan, check out our Upstate SC wedding day timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Furman University Weddings
Do you have to be a Furman alum to get married at Furman?
No. Daniel Chapel and the other campus venues are open to couples with or without a Furman connection.
How many guests does Daniel Chapel hold?
The upper sanctuary seats up to roughly 350 guests. The Rose Garden and Bell Tower are standing-only and better for smaller ceremonies of about 60 to 70 guests or fewer.
Can we have our reception on campus?
Yes. Younts Conference Center, Hartness Pavilion, and Cherrydale all host receptions, with Furman Catering handling food and beverage.
Can we take photos around campus on our wedding day?
Absolutely, and we highly recommend it. Just plan extra time in your timeline to move between locations.
Planning Your Furman University Wedding?
We’d love to be part of your day. There’s something really sweet about watching a couple say their vows in a place that already means so much to them, whether that’s where they met, where they studied, or simply where they fell in love with the view. If you’re planning a Furman wedding, reach out to us here. We’d love to hear all about it.
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