The USC Alumni Center is a beautifully elegant downtown venue that offers space for everything in one location. Situated on the corner of Lincoln and Senate Streets, this luxurious venue is one block off of Columbia's lively Vista area and offers first-class service coupled with Southern hospitality.

Schedule a complimentary consultation and venue tour today. We look forward to helping you plan and host an unforgettable wedding!

About the Alumni Center
Located in the heart of the Vista, this state-of-the-art, technologically advanced venue has 30,000 square feet of beautifully created event space. In addition to the stunning grand staircase and spacious ballroom, the USC Alumni Center hospitality staff provides unparalleled service to assist with every wedding detail.

The Alumni Center is an open venue available for use by the general public. Events must be reserved in advance and are made on a first-come basis, based on availability of space. Wedding dates are secured with a signed Event Space License Agreement and 50% date-hold non-refundable deposit. Venue rental discounts are available to My Carolina Alumni Association Life members, annual members, USC faculty and staff, and 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

Facilities and Capacity
Several gorgeous spaces are available to host grand or intimate events, including a Grand Ballroom. At 10,000 square feet, the ballroom features wood wall detailing, high ceilings and neutral colors. It accommodates up to 550 seated guests or up to 900 guests reception-style. This versatile room also can be divided into four smaller event spaces.

Bordering the Grand Ballroom is a pre-function hallway and the Gamecock Patio, which provides unique outdoor pre-event space or additional venue space for smaller events. The patio is gated for privacy and includes existing patio furniture.

On the second floor, the Presidential Dining room and its pre-reception lounge can accommodate up to 80 seated guests or 115 guests reception-style. This dining room boasts beautiful chandeliers, tall windows and a marble buffet. Rental includes a side terrace with amazing downtown views and existing soft seating in the lounge area.

All guest areas are ADA and wheelchair-user accessible. A private nursing mother's room is located on the second floor.

Services Offered
Once your space is reserved, an event coordinator will work with you and assist with each detail from start to finish. Couples may bring in outside vendors of their own choice, catering excepted.

Saturday and Sunday ceremonies and receptions include up to 12 hours of room access ending at midnight; one conference room on the first floor; a specific number of tables and chairs depending on the space rented; a handheld wireless microphone; background music selections; and on-site event staff. Weekday wedding ceremonies and receptions include up to six hours of room access time. Additional rental hours can be purchased if desired.

For Alumni Center brides wishing to shoot a bridal portrait on the grand stairwell, a complimentary 1.5-hour block of time is provided for photography. A complimentary one-hour block of time is provided for the ceremony rehearsal.

Catering
Southen Way Catering is the Alumni Center's exclusive catering partner. Your imagination is the limit when designing a reception menu to fit your wedding dreams! Your event coordinator will assist with menu selections, payment policies, guest count guarantee and day-of presentation.