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Simple Wedding Spots

Columbia SC Elopement & Sign-and-Go Parks
Parks, riverwalks, and community spaces—pretty backdrops without the venue price tag

Looking for a sweet, low-key place to say “I do”? I’ve rounded up my favorite public spots—think parks, greenways, and riverwalks. These locations are ideal for elopements and quick “sign-and-go” ceremonies and keep things simple, beautiful, and budget-friendly.

 

Please note: if you’re bringing more guests or want to hold a gazebo/pavilion, the park may require a small rental fee or permit. Prefer a different spot? Let me know and I will try my best to accommodate!

Availability is first-come in most public spaces. For privacy or guaranteed use of a gazebo/shelter, please consider a reservation. 

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Quick usage tips (so ceremonies go smoothly)

  • Sign-and-go = simplest. If you’re not setting up chairs/decor or using amplified sound, most parks allow brief use during open hours—still smart to give the park office a heads-up.

  • If you need to “hold” a space, add seating, or want a gazebo/stage: check the rental/permit pages linked above for each town/park. West Columbia Riverwalk amphitheater and Lexington’s Azalea Amphitheater are the main places that require formal holds.

Columbia (City)

  • Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park (Riverfront Park) — parking at 312 Laurel St (downtown) or River Dr lot; free, hours typically dawn–dusk. Scenic river/bridge backdrops; great for 5–10-minute vows. 

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Forest Acres

  • Citadel Park — 4941 Citadel Ave, shady pocket park with a covered gazebo; free for casual use. (Reserve only if you need to hold space.)

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Dentsville / Northeast Columbia

  • Sesquicentennial State Park (“Sesqui”) — lakeside pines & piers; day-use fee (commonly $6 adult, kids/seniors lower); open daily (generally 8am–sunset). For seating/shelter, reserve a pavilion. 

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Irmo

  • Irmo Town Park (Wedding Gazebo) — 7330 Carlisle St; park use is free; gazebo rental published at $75 (up to 4 hrs) if you want it held. Lush, garden-y backdrop; perfect for micro-ceremonies. 

  • Saluda Shoals Park — multiple pretty nooks plus a riverside wedding gazebo near the River Center; $5 daily parking (or annual pass). Fine for quick, standing ceremonies if no reservation is in place. 

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West Columbia

  • West Columbia Riverwalk & Amphitheater — 121 Alexander St; free greenway. Amphitheater/pavilions are rentable; brief, no-setup vows on the riverwalk are usually fine during park hours. 

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Cayce

  • Cayce Riverwalk / Timmerman Trail — long shady river greenway; free; use a quiet spur for sign-and-go. For shelters or any setup, contact the City.

  • Guignard Park — 200 Knox Abbott Dr (posted as free); small creek and trees; great five-minute ceremony spot. 

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Lexington

  • Virginia Hylton Park — gardens, bridges, and Azalea Amphitheater. Park is free; amphitheater has a no-rental-fee policy but requires a refundable $400 deposit to reserve/hold space. 

  • Gibson Pond Park — lake overlook/boardwalk vibe; park is free; pavilion/shelter rentals available via Town of Lexington. 

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Lake Murray (Lexington & Irmo sides)

  • Lake Murray Public Park — Lexington “beach” side — seasonal (Apr–Labor Day); $5 per vehicle & advance online day-pass reservation required; hours typically 11 am–8 pm weekdays / 10 am–8 pm weekends. Great golden-hour photos. 

  • Lake Murray Dam — North Recreational Area (Irmo side) — year-round access; $5 parking in season (or $50 season pass). No swimming; simple overlook areas work for quick vows. 

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Blythewood

  • Doko Meadows Park — lawns, lake, and a small amphitheater backdrop; free to visit. If you need to hold space or use the amphitheater, contact the Town. 

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Elgin

  • Potter Community Park — 2427 Main St area; pavilion + open lawn; free to visit; pavilion/community building rentable via Town of Elgin

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