Stone River — Attraction in West Columbia

Let me start this review by saying the venue itself is AMAZING. The view is stunning, and the options for a ceremony/receptions are endless.

We booked our wedding abount a year and a half in advance (our wedding was mother's day weekend and USC's graduation), and were really excited for our big day. We do not live in Columbia, and most of our family/friends are from NY, so it was a big event to show everyone how great South Carolina really is...

However, we went through FIVE Stone River employees/managers for our event. The first quit, and were we quickly told that there would be a new person taking over our wedding... No problem- although, we had to reexplain all of our thoughts, ideas, and create new layouts and budget quidelines. Then, my father went to pay the final bill three weeks before the wedding, and surprise, the person handling the wedding was no longer there, and we were assigned to a new individual- an intern- who "promised" she would be there for the wedding. On top of that, they had a different quote then what we had (without a bar), and I had to explain the wedding to now the third person, and spent almost three hours on the phone creating a "new" lawout and a "new" budget (even though more than half the event was paid for). After the long phone call (we do not live there), I had to get on the phone at least 4 more times because they tried to change pricing and require additional services that were waived via email by former management.

After that fiasco, I wanted to add two tables.... you guessed it, ANOTHER new person, Jess. I went to Columbia and met with Jess face to face to discuss my concerns with the disorganization (they again didnt have any of the documents). Jess promised she would be there for the day and would have everything under control.

One week before my wedding, my DJ informed me that Jess was no longer with Stone River, and that a new person would take over.... So, I immediatelly called Jess, and the DJ was correct.... another new person.

Flash forward to the day of the wedding. Jess ended up coming to the beginning of my event, and I cannot thank her enough. However, the now new manager tried to lock us out of the building two hours before the wedding because she had an "appointment," and was very difficult to work with once Jess left.

On top of all of this, they never were kind enough to offer a discount, etc. We did not ask for one, because I find that to be a bit rude, but with this level of a mess you would expect some type of sympathy and understanding.

This as an absolute nightmare, and I strongly do not recommend the venue to anyone who doesn't want a good surprise (or ten) as they plan their big...

I only did a walk through /consultation and was disappointed. Thee only great thing about Stone River is the view. And that’s exactly what you pay for. EVERYTHING else is extra!!! EVERYTHING! I was looking to book for a November wedding. Inquiring to have my ceremony & reception in the same venue. I was advised that I could ONLY do the ceremony outside and the reception inside. The reasoning was the most ludicrous thing though. She stated that they allowed that only once before and it was a disaster. The only downfall she stated was that you could hear the caterers in the kitchen during the ceremony. (Which could easily be contained, but it wasn’t up for discussion). So now it seems Im forced to have an outside ceremony. Ok, well my next question was could they provide heaters? Sure they could!!! If I rented them!!!!! If it rains, just push backwards under the Pavilion. The rain may ruin your hair, makeup, & dress. And you would probably be even colder now that you’re wet too but..... hey! You’d still have a great view! insert sarcasm Rain, sleet, or snow my only option for the ceremony is to stay outside. Where I don’t want to be to begin with.

My ceremony has two brides. They only provide one closet...I meant dressing room! With the cost of this place, they don’t even provide a suitable dressing area! (Nevertheless two... rme)

There’s an additional fee to use their kitchen. And another fee on top of that if you don’t use the caterers they’re contracted with. major sideye

Long story short: I didn’t feel like a bride who had found a beautiful venue. But like I was being railroaded before I even made a decision. Towards the end, she was all but trying to talk me OUT OF booking their space. If I was going to question their accommodations, then she really wasn’t interested in the conversation...

I have no complaints regarding the facility- the view and venue are beautiful. However, between when we booked our wedding reception and when the event took place the company changed some of their policies (and maybe their management). While initially (over email and verbally) they agreed that all of our old contract would be honored, as the day got closer and we had our final walk through there were several points where the staff were unwilling to hold their original agreement (for example, on table size and rental rates, bar pricing, and other items). Be sure to get EVERYTHING in writing, as verbal agreements are worthless, and the staff will not annotate anything in your file. They will assure you while you visit that they'll take care of things, but then the next time you go another staff member will be there and they can't honor anything. Even an emailed quote detailing bar prices was denied as being inaccurate, so ultimately they will make everything difficult. Staff attempted to begin cleanup of the event prior to our designated event endtime. With one man threatening to turn on the lights before the couple had left. In addition, during cleanup of the event, several staff members took leftover flowers and hid them away without asking. Other decorations were also taken without asking. Perhaps other events do not want their decorations, but that was not our case. All in all, an okay experience-- but be prepared to read all the fine print and to have to fight to get the rates you signed on for. We were disappointed in the customer service as we were offered minimal help in trying to resolve these issues, just...