An Unforgettable Wedding Experience at Pretty Place

Fred W. Symmes Chapel aka "Pretty Place at Camp Greenville

bride and groom stand underneath the cross at pretty place chapel at sunrise

Plan Your Visit

Experience the breathtaking splendor of Fred W. Symmes Chapel, fondly known as Pretty Place. This picturesque, open-air chapel perched on the edge of a cliff offers a panoramic view of the stunning North Carolina mountains. Whether you dream of a romantic engagement shoot, a memorable wedding ceremony, or a surprise proposal, Pretty Place promises an unforgettable backdrop.

First, please remember to keep an eye on the visitation schedule. Given its popularity as a wedding venue, the chapel may be closed for private events. The Camp Greenville website provides a convenient two-week look ahead at the chapel’s availability.

BEAT THE CROWDS

A weekday visit to Pretty Place might be your best bet. With fewer visitors and lower chances of wedding bookings, your photo shoot can capture more of this place’s tranquility.

Pretty Place attracts much attention, so be prepared for a crowd. If you’d like to have the place to yourself, a reservation system is in place for a fee. It’s a small price for an unobstructed, serene photo session.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

BE MINDFUL OF THE JOURNEY

Would you be able to get on the journey to Pretty Place? Could you factor in possible motion sickness due to the winding road? But don’t worry; the route is adorned with other scenic attractions, including Caesars Head State Park, Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, and Wildcat Wayside.

Bear in mind the chapel is situated in a remote location. Planning your journey and reception venue accordingly can save you much time. In the vicinity, Victoria Valley Vineyards offers a reception venue just 25 minutes away.

CONSIDER THE CONDITIONS

I think cell service can be unreliable at Pretty Place, so please coordinate with your party beforehand. In terms of weather, be prepared for potential fog or clouds that could obscure the view of the mountains.

For the best lighting, aim for a sunrise shoot. The rising sun behind the cross and over the mountains creates the most stunning visual effects. Lastly, please follow the venue’s policies; dogs and alcohol are prohibited, and minimal decor is encouraged.

A Pretty Place wedding ceremony with a mountain backdrop and cross.

Starting at $1800 and includes online viewing gallery, hi-resolution photos and a custom designed album

MOMENTS MATTER
POSED PHOTOS DONT!!

Looking for the perfect wedding photographer can be overwhelming, with SO many options! I’m here to make the process stress-free, as we’ll spend your entire special day together; you will never know I am there!

My specialty is capturing those candid, memorable moments that will perfectly tell your love story. Let’s make some beautiful memories together!

bride and groom reviewing their photos with michael freas at a wedding at casa marina

CUSTOM DESIGNED WEDDING ALBUMS AND ARTBOOKS

Contemporary design with clean, crisp lines. This is the essence of simple modern luxury. Featuring seamless spreads and meticulously hand-crafted premium pages made with layers of cloth and latex. The pages are stronger and more durable, resulting in a superior luxury with durability and elegance.  

Albums are custom designed in collaboration with each other until the layout is exactly as you envisioned.

Can hold up to 80 pages. Discounts available for parent albums.

COUPLES SOUND OFF!

Michael Freas is an experienced and passionate photographer who offers wedding photography in the upstate region of South Carolina including Columbia SC. He specializes in capturing the essence of his clients’ love stories through intimate photographs. Michael’s unique approach to documentary wedding photography blends creativity, storytelling, and attention to detail, resulting in stunning and timeless images.

He is a pro at capturing organic moments as they happen, keeping things comfortable and relaxed for his clients. Think about it like having your friend take photos of you – it’s that chill and fun! He wants his clients to be themselves and enjoy the moment, creating photographs representing their personalities and relationship.

Inspired by film and art, Michael’s style standouts with how he plays with lighting, composition, and other elements to make every session perfect. He takes the time to understand his couples’ unique identities and relationships, so each photograph captures their love story in a personal way.

Working with Michael means having a photographer who genuinely cares about your happiness and well-being. He ensures that every experience is enjoyable and memorable, and his fun, non-invasive approach ensures that his clients have the best day ever.

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