Today we’d like to introduce you to Donny Gerald.
Donny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Donny Gerald, owner of Hidden Acres in historic Marion, South Carolina, and a lifelong resident of Marion County. Being born and raised here, I’ve always had a deep love for this community and a desire to invest back into the place that has given so much to me and my family.
When I started Hidden Acres in 2007, I honestly had no intention of building a wedding venue. The property was originally designed to serve as a hunting lodge of sorts. Over time, however, more and more people began asking if they could host weddings and special events here. As those requests continued, I realized there was an opportunity to fill a need in our community by creating a unique venue experience right here in the Pee Dee.
With that vision in mind, I set out to make Hidden Acres the premier wedding venue in the region. I may be a little biased, but I truly believe we’ve created a little piece of paradise for our couples. My family and I are incredibly honored and humbled that so many people have chosen Hidden Acres to celebrate some of the most important moments of their lives.
We’re constantly looking for ways to improve the property and love surprising our couples with new additions and enhancements. At Hidden Acres, our goal has always been to provide an unforgettable experience where guests can enjoy rustic charm and Southern hospitality at its finest.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any business, it definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Building and growing Hidden Acres has come with its share of challenges over the years. There have been long hours, unexpected obstacles, and the constant work that comes with maintaining and improving a property while also running a business.
However, every challenge has been worth it. One of the most rewarding parts of owning Hidden Acres is the relationships we’ve built with our couples and their families. Being able to walk alongside them during such an important season of their lives and share in some of their biggest milestones is truly special. Seeing couples celebrate, make memories, and begin their lives together here makes all of the hard work worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hidden Acres – Wedding Venue in Marion, SC?
At Hidden Acres, we specialize in creating unforgettable wedding weekends, not just wedding days. For nearly two decades, my team and I have thoughtfully developed and cared for this property, transforming it into the Pee Dee’s premier destination wedding venue.
What truly sets Hidden Acres apart is that when a couple books with us, the entire 37-acre gated property is theirs from Thursday through Sunday. We wanted to create an experience where couples could slow down, enjoy every moment, and celebrate on their own terms. There are no curfews, no rushed timelines, and no pressure. Couples have the freedom to bring in their own vendors, involve family and friends as much as they’d like, and truly make the weekend their own.
We offer multiple ceremony and reception options, including our climate-controlled chapel featuring more than 100-year-old stained glass from Maine, beautiful outdoor ceremony sites overlooking the water, a spacious ballroom, pavilion, and courtyard spaces designed for gathering and celebrating. We also provide on-site lodging for the wedding party, dedicated bridal and groom spaces, a groom’s lounge, extensive décor options, and countless amenities designed to make the planning process easier and more enjoyable.
I think what we’re most known for is the experience we provide. From the moment couples arrive, our goal is for them to feel like Hidden Acres is their home for the weekend. We take great pride in the relationships we build with our couples and in continually investing back into the property to make each wedding experience even better than the last.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that Hidden Acres has become a place where families create lifelong memories. We’ve been honored to host hundreds of weddings over the years and to be recognized by organizations such as The Knot, Discovery+, and Here Comes the Guide, as well as being voted Best of the Pee Dee. But beyond the awards and recognition, we’re most proud of the trust couples place in us to host one of the most important weekends of their lives.
At the end of the day, Hidden Acres is about more than weddings. It’s about hospitality, family, and creating a place where love stories begin and memories last a lifetime.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t know that I’d call it luck as much as I would relationships and reputation. From the very beginning, we’ve believed that if you genuinely care about people and consistently do what you say you’re going to do, good things tend to follow.
At Hidden Acres, our focus has always been on creating more than just a beautiful venue. We want to create a place that people remember long after the wedding weekend is over…a place where couples, families, and vendors feel welcomed, cared for, and excited to return.
Communication is one of our top priorities. Planning a wedding can be stressful, so we work hard to be responsive, accessible, and supportive throughout the entire process. We want every couple to know that we’re invested in their experience and that we’re here to help make their vision come to life.
One of the greatest compliments we receive is when vendors tell us, “Hidden Acres is our favorite venue…we’re so glad to be coming back.” Hearing that means the world to us because it tells us we’ve created an environment where people enjoy being, not just for one day, but time and time again. At the end of the day, our reputation has been built on relationships, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hiddenacresweddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddenacresmarionsc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haweddingssc/
- Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/hidden-acres-marion-sc-1025516
