701 Whaley

Olympia Mill built this brick community center for its workers in 1903, and the restored building now anchors the south side of Columbia's Vista as a venue and art gallery. Southern Living has named 701 Whaley one of the best places to get married in South Carolina, and its signature space — the 6,000-square-foot Grand Hall with floor-to-ceiling windows and a grand staircase — shows why.

Five rentable spaces cover most wedding formats. The Pool seats guests above a 1918 swimming pool through a glass floor, lit by skylights; the street-level Granby Room keeps its original wood columns and glass storefront; the second-floor Olympia Room pairs original hardwoods with 17-foot ceilings; and the Market, a separate 3,750-square-foot building with an 800-square-foot covered patio, handles indoor-outdoor receptions. A bridal green room with a private bathroom can be added for $400.

Rentals run 10 a.m. to midnight and include round tables and 100 chairs per space, and couples bring the caterer and bar service of their choice. Published 2026 rates start at $1,200 for weekday rentals of the Granby or Olympia rooms; the Grand Hall runs $5,000 on Saturdays. Designated lots and Pacific Park street parking sit alongside the building, and Vista hotels are minutes away.