Chapel


Fred W. Symmes Chapel (also known as "Pretty Place" because of its amazing view) is one of the many buildings that make up YMCA Camp Greenville. It was given by Mr. Fred W. Symmes for the enjoyment of the boys (and now girls) who camp here each summer and is the spiritual center of the camp. The current chapel was constructed in 1941 with several additions and improvements made in subsequent years. Camp Greenville has been in existence since 1912 and covers 1600 acres. It is a year-round operation serving as a Summer Camp, Environmental Education Center, Group & Conference Center, and facility for weddings.

The Chapel is located on private property owned by the YMCA Camp Greenville (a branch of the YMCA of Greenville, SC). Camp Greenville welcomes visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Chapel during daylight  - except when it is in use for a Camp event (Sunday morning worship services by campers or groups), or for another reserved event (weddings, dedications, memorial services, etc.). Typically the chapel is booked throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. We strongly recommend calling the camp office to check the schedule prior to visiting to avoid conflicts with weddings or other privately scheduled events at Pretty Place.

Fees for use of the chapel help to maintain the area, as well as assist with camperships (scholarships to help provide experiences for children who might otherwise not be able to enjoy a camp experience due to some type of hardship). Donations are welcome. Please contact the camp office at 864.836.3291 for information regarding contributions.

We hope you enjoy the peace and serenity you will experience upon visiting the Symmes Chapel - "Pretty Place"!

 Please read carefully through all of the information that is directly related to the chapel. Fees are subject to change without notice. In the event of a fee change, current fees and cancellation policy will apply.

Reserving the Chapel For Weddings or Special Events

It is advised to schedule your reservation at least six months to a year ahead. Please call our office to check on availability. Weddings are scheduled on Saturday (all day) & Sunday afternoons. Rehearsals are scheduled on Friday afternoon & evening.

 Fee Schedule

  
2 hour time block $925.00
1 hour rehearsal $462.50
Each additional hour $462.50

Refund Policy

  • No refunds will be made for cancellations with less than 12 weeks notice of cancellation (even if reservations were made within that 8-week time frame).

  • Fees are refundable less $150 administrative fees with no less than 12 week notice prior to cancellation of reserved time.

Registration and General Information

We schedule weddings in a 2-hour time block. If you feel you need more than 2 hours, we can reserve as many additional full hours (no 1/2 hour blocks) as needed for an additional fee. Rehearsals are reserved in one hour time slots, however, we can rent you additional hours if needed for an additional fee.
Call the Camp Office at 864.836.3291 ext. 100 to check availability of dates before submitting registration and payment. You then have 10 days to send in your full payment to confirm your reservation. Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of reservation form and payment in full. If payment has not been received within 10 days, your reservation will be canceled. Be prompt to avoid disappointment. Camp Greenville is not responsible for scheduling conflicts if your reservations or changes in date and/or times have not been confirmed by our office or if payment has not been received in the allotted time.
When scheduling your time, you should allow 1/2 hour to 1 hour before your ceremony begins for decorating, guests to arrive and be seated and to dress and about 1/2 hour after the ceremony for taking photos, removing decorations and to disperse. Your time begins promptly at your specifically reserved times and ends promptly at your specifically reserved times. You may not arrive earlier nor stay later than your reserved times. Be courteous and prompt by beginning and ending on time to enable the next wedding or special event to begin on time. Please refer to your confirmation letter for your specific times. If you feel you need more time, please call the office to reserve it.
There are dressing rooms for the bride and groom. The bride's room is 10'x15'. It has a 1 full wall mirror and a 1/2 wall mirror with a vanity, bench and a clothing rack. The groom's dressing room is 10'x12', and also serves as the handicapped accessible restroom. It has a mirror, bench and hooks for hanging clothing. There are electrical outlets in the dressing rooms and at each end of the chapel. There is an additional restroom for Guests (Restrooms are available April through October only).
Rental of the Chapel includes use of the Chapel facility only. We do not provide ministers, priests, flowers, photographers, musicians, catering or reception areas.
There are no facilities at Camp Greenville for receptions; and receptions are not permitted at the Chapel (sorry, not even punch and cake). Information that has been provided by local businesses and individuals who offer various wedding services are included with your confirmation letter. Please contact these people directly if you desire more information regarding their services.
There are no musical instruments provided at the chapel, however, you may use any instruments you wish, keyboards can be rented from the music store of your choice, and many people choose to use pre-recorded music.
As a YMCA facility, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN and SMOKING IS PROHIBITED at the Chapel or on any of the grounds and in the dressing rooms. Please advise your guests of these policies. We recommend that decorations be limited. The natural beauty of the Chapel makes a lot of decorating unnecessary. Some people use one or two baskets of flowers, but remember, it is often windy at the Chapel and flowers upset easily. Candles are not recommended, as it is difficult to keep them lighted. We ask that you not use tacks, nails, screws, or staples for hanging decorations. Use of floral wire is recommended where decorations need to be secured.
Please know that the bride's dressing room has been specifically decorated to reflect your special day. Please help us keep it in good condition for all the future brides who will follow you. Please do not remove any decorations from the windows or remove benches or other items from the room except for the podium, which has been provided for your guest book.
All decorations, floral boxes, etc. must be removed from the chapel and dressing rooms upon your departure. Our staff will make sure restrooms are clean and leaves are blown away from the area between ceremonies. Please be courteous of those who have reservations after you and remove all of your boxes, etc. If you place balloons or signs along the road coming into Camp to direct your guests, please assign someone in your party to remove them when you leave.
The distance of the steps from the back of the chapel to the alter is approximately 66 feet if you wish to use an isle runner (not provided by us).
The chapel capacity is 300-400 people.
Parking at the chapel is limited to about 25 vehicles. You can park on each side of the road. Car-pooling is encouraged if you anticipate a large crowd, and many people choose to charter a bus and bring everyone at the same time.
As the closest Post Office is in North Carolina, we have a North Carolina mailing address; however, Symmes Chapel "Pretty Place", is physically located in Greenville County, South Carolina so you will need a South Carolina marriage license. Please call the Marriage License Office 864.467.7171 for further information regarding obtaining the license. A suggested address for your marriage license is YMCA Camp Road, Marietta, SC 29661. The address of your wedding invitations is Solomon Jones Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718. Any licensed minister or a Notary Public from South Carolina can perform the wedding ceremony at the chapel.
The chapel is 40 miles north of Greenville and 5 miles off Highway 276 at the SC/NC State Line. You should allow 1 1/4 hour travel time to camp from Greenville.
Other program areas of the camp are NOT available for wedding guests/parties. This includes lakes, cabins, dining hall, etc.
YMCA Camp Greenville is not responsible for personal items lost, left behind, or stolen from the Chapel or dressing rooms, however, we will make every effort to locate lost items when notified and return them to the owner.
YMCA Camp Greenville is in no way responsible for the actions of the public, that is, disturbing ceremonies in progress, taking photographs during ceremonies, driving into or away from the site during a ceremony, etc. A "Chapel Closed For Weddings" sign is posted in front of the office with the reserved times and names of the wedding parties to notify the public when the chapel is in use; however, we are located on a State maintained road and are not permitted by the State to close the road to the public. A security gate located just above the entrance to the Chapel parking lot may be closed after your guests have arrived. It is your responsibility to assign someone in your party to close and open the gates during your reserved times. There is a sign at the gate, "Wedding in progress, Guests only" to announce that the chapel is in use.
Please remember that Fred W. Symmes "Pretty Place" Chapel is a building for worship and reflection. Those using the chapel are expected to treat the facility with respect and care and conduct themselves as befitting a place of worship.
Please note that the revenues received from rental of the Chapel help support the many programs offered by YMCA Camp Greenville (that is, Summer Camp, Environmental Education, Project Worth, and others). If you would like additional information on any of these programs or to make an additional donation, please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for your interest in YMCA Camp Greenville and Symmes "Pretty Place" Chapel. If you should have further questions, please feel free to call 864.836-3291, ext. 100 and we will be happy to assist you.
 

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