Below is a list of some free wedding locations in and around the Columbia, SC metro area where you can have your marriage ceremony. All of the links take you the location’s Google Maps page for easy navigation…
South Carolina Statehouse (has very nice grounds and if inclement weather you can hold the ceremony at the top of the Capitol building steps under the large portico)
Pinewood Lake Park (nice little pond with a shelter by the pond if inclement weather; closes at 5pm, Oct to April)
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park Nice, secluded terrace down by the pump house over looking the river
Governors Mansion (sometimes they have private events and are closed to public, but Columbia Canal is just a few blocks away; open M-F only, 9am to 5pm) Free parking on Gadsden St and Richland St. on the west side of the mansion complex
The USC Horseshoe (several places to perform a nice ceremony)
Riverfront Park, Gist St. Location
Irmo Town Park (one of my favorites) Has a great gazebo, lots of flowers and plants, really green grass, a stream and fountain
Clemson Extension Center Sandhills (nice lake setting with a gazebo) Closed right now due to virus pandemic
Southeast Park (nice lake setting and convenient to those from Sumter coming to Columbia)
Finley Park (some nice spots but not much privacy)
Sesquicentennial State Park (small entry fee, $6 per adult)
Saluda Shoals Park (small entry fee)
Lake Murray Dam North Recreational Area (small entry fee in summer months)
Virginia Hylton Park in Lexington SC
Gibson Pond Park in Lexington, SC (has shelters if inclement weather)