South Carolina Destination Wedding Venue with on site lodging
More than a venue, this is family-style hospitality.
Our Story — Your Legacy
Every great love story deserves a setting worthy of its beauty.
Château Amelia was born from our family’s dream to create not just another venue, but a place where couples could gather, celebrate, and write memories that last a lifetime.
What began as a circa 1905 Victorian mini-mansion in Cross Hill, South Carolina, has become one of the Upstate’s most sought-after estate-style wedding destinations — where southern charm meets timeless elegance and every couple’s story takes center stage.
A Historic Estate with a Modern Spirit
More than bricks and gardens, Château Amelia is a living piece of history lovingly restored to welcome new beginnings.
Inside, sun-filled bridal suites, elegant parlors, and versatile entertaining spaces flow seamlessly from ceremony to reception.
Outside, four acres of woodlands, lawns, and gardens offer endless ceremony and photo backdrops — from forested vows to candle-lit patio dinners.
Why We Created Chateau Amelia
We saw a gap in South Carolina’s wedding landscape: couples forced to choose between rushed single-day rentals or far-off destination venues.
We designed Château Amelia to offer something different — an estate-style experience that feels luxurious yet attainable.
- Celebrate across multiple days, not just a few hours.
- Keep family and friends together with on-site lodging for 16 guests.
- Enjoy transparent pricing with All-Inclusive Packages or Signature Venue-Only options — both flexible, beautiful, and free of hidden fees.
Our mission is simple: to make sure your wedding feels unhurried, unforgettable, and completely yours.
The Heart Behind the Estate
Behind the chandeliers and gardens is a family devoted to hospitality.
From your first tour to your final dance, we guide, support, and celebrate alongside you.
Because for us, weddings aren’t just events — they’re stories that live on in every photo, laugh, and lingering sunset.
“We wanted to give couples a place where time slows down, where laughter carries across the lawn, and where every detail tells part of their story.”
— The Thornton & Ruiz Families, Owners
A History of Chateau Amelia (the Dial House)
1905 – 1991 • The Dial Family
Built c. 1905 and expanded 1913, this home belonged to Conway D. Dial – Cross Hill’s postmaster and half-brother of U.S. Senator Nathaniel B. Dial. Many mansion rooms still bear the Dial family names.
1991 – 2007 • The Kearnes Era
Ms. Billie Kearnes modernized plumbing and electrical systems and added a rear wing — her love of pink left a lasting impression.
2007 – 2023 • Lady Amelia Inn
French-Canadian owners transformed the property into a restaurant and bed & breakfast named Lady Amelia Inn — inspiring the name Château Amelia we cherish today.
2023 – Present • The Thornton & Ruiz Families
Our family purchased and restored the estate to host modern, all-inclusive weddings with the grace of a bygone era and the warmth of home.
Be a Part of the Story
Every wedding adds a new chapter to the legacy of Château Amelia.
If you’re dreaming of an Upstate South Carolina estate wedding that blends history, beauty, and heartfelt hospitality — we invite you to experience it for yourself.
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