The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Tega Cay, South Carolina
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but getting married in Tega Cay or anywhere in South Carolina can be an amazing and memorable experience with the right planning. Whether you’re dreaming of a small, intimate ceremony at home or a more traditional reception at a local venue, this guide will walk you through the essentials for getting married in your county and making your day unforgettable.
1. Start with Your Marriage License (York, South Carolina)
The very first step in getting married in Tega Cay, or anywhere in York County, is securing your marriage license in York. Peace of mind comes from knowing your paperwork is in order. In York County, couples must visit The York County Probate Court to obtain their license. Both you and your future spouse will need to be present.
Due to high volume, all estate and guardianship/conservatorship administrations, and applications for marriage licenses require an appointment. To schedule, call 803-684-8513 or email probate2@yorkcountygov.com.
2. Organize All Details in One Place
Wedding planning involves countless details, from guest lists to vendor contacts. We personally found Zola.com to be a lifesaver. It helps keep everything organized in one spot, so you can focus on enjoying the process rather than stressing over spreadsheets.
3. Secure Your Budget
Budgeting is crucial when planning your wedding. Determine what matters most to you and allocate funds accordingly. For example, we hosted our wedding ceremony at our home in Tega Cay, which saved money on venue costs, but required extra effort to create a welcoming and polished environment for our guests.
Wondering if you can get married at your house in South Carolina? Absolutely. There are no legal requirements specifying that a ceremony must take place at a courthouse or public venue, but you will need a marriage license from a South Carolina county and an ordained or legally certified officiant to perform the ceremony.
4. Add Fun Local Touches
Supporting local businesses adds personality and charm to your wedding. For a unique experience, we hired Full Fizz to create a stunning champagne wall. You can read about our experience in our blog here.
Flowers are another area to go local. Buy the Bunch in Fort Mill created gorgeous bouquets and arrangements for us, including a beautiful lavender piece in honor of my mother, who had passed. Local vendors like these make your wedding feel personal and connected to the community.
We found other local vendors on thumbtack and had fantastic success.
5. Finalize Seating Towards the End
Life is unpredictable, and last-minute cancellations can happen. We recommend finalizing your seating chart toward the end of planning so you’re not constantly reorganizing. Waiting until closer to your wedding ensures fewer surprises and less stress.
6. Keep Track of Gifts
Returning from our honeymoon, we were greeted by a pile of gifts from our loving guests. In hindsight, documenting gifts and keeping a list by person as they arrived would have saved time and kept things organized. This is especially helpful for sending thank-you notes promptly.
7. Consider Small Reception Venues
If you’re keeping your wedding intimate, Napa at Kingsley in Tega Cay is a phenomenal option for a reception. They provided three hours of catered service and allowed us to incorporate speeches throughout the meal. For a group of around 25 people, this venue creates a warm, personalized experience.
8. Let Go and Simmer
Finally, remember to take care of yourself on your big day. I personally stuck to ginger tea and toast in the morning to keep my stomach settled while enjoying every moment. Your day will be busy, emotional, and full of excitement, taking small steps to stay comfortable makes a big difference.
Getting married in Tega Cay is an incredible experience, and with a little planning and organization, your wedding can be exactly what you’ve dreamed of. From obtaining your marriage license to finding local vendors and venues, every detail contributes to making your day uniquely yours. Whether you’re getting married in your county or exploring other options in South Carolina, these tips will help you navigate the process with confidence, ease, and a touch of local charm.