The house, patio and gardens
The venue's page says the Lace House was built in 1855 on the grounds of the South Carolina Governor's Mansion, with ironwork, ornamental cornices, parquet floors, figured glass doors and brass chandeliers. Weddings require a full-day rental with 13 hours of access, two private suites for getting ready and a patio for intimate ceremonies, with tent anchors. Capacity is 150 cocktail-style, 80 for a seated dinner indoors and 100 for a patio ceremony, up to 300 when Governor's Green is added.
Sound and hosting with a 10 pm music cutoff
The FAQ says bands and DJs may set up inside the venues or in the gardens and Governor's Green, music must end by 10 pm and it must not exceed 85 decibels at the sound source. The rental runs to 11 pm, so the last hour is for goodbyes and packing, not dancing. I build the whole timeline so that the grand entrance, toasts, first dance and open dancing all finish before 10, and I keep my sound level at the source under 85.
That cap is lower than many dance floors expect, so I put speakers closer to guests on stands instead of turning them up, and check the level at the source during the sound check.
Lighting, power and effects
Open-flame candles are restricted at the Lace House and must be fully contained in glass, and fireworks are prohibited. The FAQ does not address sparklers or fog, so I ask the venue for a written answer before suggesting cold sparks or fog. Fog should not be offered unless the house and its smoke detection allow it.
Lights and sound run on ordinary 20 A circuits, and fog needs its own 30 A circuit. In an older house I ask where the circuits are and plan power by room. Warm white fits the brass chandeliers and the parquet floors, and I would keep any beam heads from washing out the figured glass doors.
Planning notes for couples
The venue requires a licensed, insured planner who is not a guest, hired within 90 days of the event. Vendors may only access the venue during rental hours, and setup the day before needs a two-day package. The rain plan, a move indoors or a rented tent, is due 10 days before the event. A uniformed officer is on site. The venue's site lists no closure, but a WeddingWire listing says portions of the campus are under renovation, so ask what is open on your date.