Charleston SC Elopement Packages & Planning Guide

We’ve called the Southeast home for over 25 years, and in that time, we’ve seen elopements evolve from rare, unconventional choices to one of the most meaningful ways to say “I do.” Charleston, with its timeless beauty, rich history, and breathtaking coastal landscapes, is one of the most romantic places to elope in the entire country. We’ve had couples come all the way from Colorado to elope with us here!

Whether you’re drawn to the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter; the sun-kissed beaches of Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah and more; or the dreamy Spanish moss-draped oaks of the Lowcountry, Charleston offers a one-of-a-kind setting when you want a wedding day that is truly about you. 

However, planning a deeply personal and stress-free Charleston elopement isn’t as simple as booking an all-inclusive package. While these options might seem convenient, they often lack the personalization and flexibility needed to create a truly authentic experience. Many couples find that these packages come with hidden restrictions—like rigid locations, rushed timelines, or a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t reflect their love story. 

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about eloping in Charleston—why it’s such a perfect place for an intimate wedding, insider tips on how to avoid the common pitfalls of planning a Charleston elopement, what you need to know about all-inclusive packages, and how we help couples create a day that’s stress-free, personal, and unforgettable. Let’s dive in!

Dreaming of a Charleston Elopement? Here’s Why It’s the Perfect Place to Say ‘I Do’

Eloping isn’t just about your ceremony—it’s about your entire experience! And Charleston, South Carolina, is more than just a picturesque place to say “I do.” It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, soak in the charm, and turn your wedding into a true adventure.

Whether you’re strolling its historic streets, indulging in world-class cuisine, or exploring the stunning coastal landscapes, a Charleston elopement is the perfect blend of romance, history, and Southern hospitality.

1. A City Steeped in History and Charm

Charleston’s cobblestone streets, pastel-colored homes, and stately live oaks draped in Spanish moss create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and intimate. Walking along Rainbow Row or through the historic French Quarter, it’s easy to see why Charleston consistently ranks among America’s most romantic cities.

2. Diverse and Breathtaking Backdrops

Charleston isn’t just one place—it’s a collection of unique and stunning landscapes. Whether you dream of exchanging vows on a quiet beach at (Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Kiawah, Isle of Palms just to name a few!), beneath ancient oaks in a hidden Lowcountry garden, or with views of a secluded marshland with golden light reflecting off the water, there’s a perfect setting for every couple.

3. More Than Just a Wedding Day—A Getaway to Remember

A Charleston elopement isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s about the entire experience. Imagine waking up in a charming boutique inn or unique Airbnb, taking a carriage ride through the historic district, enjoying an intimate waterfront dinner, exploring gardens with blooms nearly year round, or discovering hidden beaches away from the normal tourist spots. We believe your elopement should be a fun adventure together, and it can even be a multi-day celebration filled with love, adventure, and celebration!

4. A Foodie’s Paradise

After your ceremony, celebrate with a private chef at your Airbnb or indulge in a candlelit dinner at one of Charleston’s finest restaurants, like Husk, Church & Union, or FIG, just to name a few! Whether you’re craving a romantic oyster bar by the water or a classic Lowcountry seafood feast, a unique take on shrimp and grits or something with an international flair, Charleston offers an incredible culinary scene that will make your elopement feel even more special.

5. A Destination That Feels Like Home

The Upstate of South Carolina is where we call home, and we can tell you first hand that one of Charleston’s greatest qualities is its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Despite its popularity and tourism scene, Charleston has managed to keep that local vibe no matter where you go. Said another way, this city is all about hospitality and it shows. Visiting Charleston invites you to slow down and savor every moment of your wedding day. You definitely won’t feel out of place exploring this town in your wedding attire — romance is what this city is all about.

6. The Perfect Year-Round Elopement Destination

We’ve planned and photographed elopements in winter, spring and everywhere in between. You can visit here year round as a destination wedding! Spring brings blooming azaleas, summer can be hot but the ocean breeze makes it feasible; fall offers golden light and crisp air, winter is much milder than northern reaches and a beautiful time of the year to experience a little chill in the air. 

Charleston isn’t just a place to get married—it’s a place to experience, to explore, and to fall in love with over and over again. Not only will you love eloping here, but you’ll want to come back again and again after experiencing this amazing city!

Is a Charleston Elopement Right for You?

Charleston is an incredible place to elope—a perfect blend of historic charm, breathtaking landscapes, and romantic coastal beauty.

But here’s the thing—eloping in Charleston takes more planning than you might think. Sure, you can book an all-inclusive package with a company that will arrange for a ceremony at one of the most popular places to elope. But if you want a complete day, where you can be immersed in the experience (more than just a quick ceremony) — you’re going to need help from an experienced elopement planner who knows the ins and outs of this city.

• Traffic & Parking → Charleston city and vicinity are surrounded by water, which makes the road network a little difficult to navigate, and parking in downtown Charleston is always limited. Don’t assume typical traffic drive times on your day — you’ll want to plan around the “rush” times in and out of Charleston or you can get caught in heavy traffic. On the peninsula, we typically Uber around the city for a smoother experience! 
• Tourist Crowds → Charleston is a top wedding and travel destination, so finding privacy can be tricky without local expertise (pro tip: don’t have your ceremony at one of the popular places to elope in Charleston!)
• Venue Policies / Permits → Many locations require permits with advance notice. Some wedding venues allow elopements (where you don’t have to pay the full wedding rental fee) but the details are in the fine print.

Why Your Charleston Elopement Experience Depends on Who You Work With

Charleston can be a dreamy, stress-free elopement destination—but only if it’s planned with care.

We specialize in crafting elopements that feel effortless.
With our deep local knowledge, we help you:

✅ Avoid common pitfalls (like unpredictable traffic and tourist-heavy spots).
✅ Discover hidden-gem locations with built-in privacy.
✅ Secure permits & make key arrangements before you even arrive.
✅ Plan your day for the most intimate experience possible.

Charleston isn’t just a backdrop for your elopement—it’s an experience. And we’re here to make sure it’s one you’ll love every moment of!

Feeling overwhelmed with all the decisions needed? We’re here to help!

Our Personalized Approach to Charleston Elopements

You might have realized at this point that planning a customized elopement in Charleston involves a lot of decisions—from deciding on your big picture vision, choosing the right locations and managing all the finer details too. That’s where we come in!

What’s different about our Charleston elopement packages?

• Vision-Driven Design: We help you uncover what matters most to you and create a personalized plan with hand-picked locations that reflects your love story. We don’t box you in to a template like all-inclusive packages!
• Comprehensive Planning: From permits and logistics to vendor recommendations and timelines, we handle all the details so you don’t have to.
• Stress-Free Day: On the day itself, we’ll be by your side to ensure everything flows seamlessly, so you can focus on what truly matters—each other.

Here’s what one of our couples had to say about their experience with us:

The Best Places to Elope in Charleston, SC

Every elopement is unique, and Charleston offers an incredible variety of locations depending on your vision. Charleston is more than a beach ceremony, or visiting the battery or Rainbow Row. We would suggest first starting with the kind of scenery and vibe you’re looking for — and then decide if Charleston is right for you! 

We would also be really careful assuming a spot will fit your needs just by what you read online (ironic that we say that, as we are about to describe these places!). But the fact is that your elopement is more than something to be ordered off of a menu. While we will do our best to outline these different places and who they are a “best fit” for; the reality is that everyone’s needs are different. 

We also list some places below that we don’t recommend, because in our opinion they aren’t a good match for a private and intimate experience.

Of course, this is just a selection of the best places to elope in Charleston. We keep the best spots to ourselves for our clients. Want to know more? Reach out to us!

🌿 Historic Gardens & Hidden Lowcountry Retreats

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

One of our favorite places for a Charleston SC elopements is Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. They are very elopement friendly and have special pricing just for elopements! They have a very large property which has so many beautiful options for your ceremony and photos together, and you can even book the assistance of a golf cart for getting around. If there happens to be rain on your day, there are a couple of covered gazebos you can duck under until the showers pass. There are times when it is not completely private as it’s open to other visitors during the day, but we’ve never found it crowded. Magnolia is a great option for your elopement!

A Magnolia Plantation Elopement might be a good fit for you if:

• You want more privacy than the Charleston downtown locations
• You don’t mind paying for access to the grounds
• You love Spanish moss and live oaks everywhere, blooms & the garden vibe overall
• You have a smaller group size (max of 15 last we checked)

 Charlestown Landing State Park | Legare Waring House

This State Historic Site is a gem of a natural area tucked away in the middle of urban Charleston! Charlestown Landing Elopements are straightforward for permits and the pricing is very much worth it to get away from the more popular, public places. On the property is the Legare Waring House too! While an elopement permit doesn’t allow you to go into the house, there are certain times of the day which you can use the surrounding grounds as long as there is not a wedding going on in the same place.

There are many beautiful spots on the property! A point looking out over the marsh, an historic boat, the gardens, the house, and live oak lined pathways just to name a few!

A Charlestown Landing Elopement might be a good fit for you if:

• You want more privacy than the Charleston downtown locations
• You don’t mind paying for access to the grounds
• You love Spanish moss and live oaks everywhere
• You like more of a lowcountry forest landscape than a garden vibe (Magnolia is better for blooms)
• You like the historic nature of the grounds and the Legare Waring House
• You have a smaller group size (max of 15 last we checked)

The Angel Oak

There is no doubt as to the beauty of the Angel Oak tree. As an elopement backdrop it captures the essence of the Lowcountry in one shot – gorgeous live oak and Spanish moss:

But we would be careful planning your special day at such a popular spot to visit. Even during the week, many people are stopping by and walking all around the tree. It is lovely … but would you want to be saying your vows in an open space with the potential for others walking by?

This is what the area around the tree actually looks like during a typical weekday. On weekends, there are sometimes lines around the building to see the tree:

 

Also a consideration is available parking. During busy times there are tour buses dropping off people and it’s difficult to find a parking spot. This photo shows about 1/3 of the available parking spots:

Cypress Gardens

Located less than an hour from the city of Charleston, Cypress Gardens is managed by Berkley County and is a great alternative to the “busy-ness” of Charleston in general. There are many arches around the property, open lawns, gazebos and a few buildings available to rent for a small reception as well.

In one spot you can even arrive by boat to a special dock right next to a wedding gazebo!

A Cypress Gardens Elopement might be a good fit for you if:

• You want something away from the hustle and bustle of the city and want the most privacy of all the options.
• You don’t mind paying for access to the grounds
• You don’t mind being on the outskirts of the Charleston area (Cypress Gardens is about 40min from downtown)
• You like more of a lowcountry wetlands landscape
• You like the idea of paddling through a park-like setting
• You have a larger group size

 

🏝️ Coastal & Beachfront Elopements

Folly Beach

Just a short drive away from Charleston, Folly Beach has a personality of a small beach town – and of course plenty of sand to explore! You may choose to rent a place on the beach (the best option for privacy) or Folly Beach County Park is a good option as long as you’re not in the busiest time of the day. There is so much space on the beach and the parking lot is much larger than it used to be. Usually lots of room to be able to get a little space all to your own!

Our recommendation if Folly is on your list is to rent a place (and book well in advance) if you want your ceremony on the beach. If not, we would suggest the County Park during early morning or late evening, or go to another more private location around Charleston for your ceremony and then come to the beach for fun photos afterwards!

 

A Folly Beach Elopement might be a good fit for you if:

• You love the beach and don’t mind sand in between your toes
• You are drawn to an oceanside landscape of dunes, sea oats and of course, lots of sand
• You’re looking for a place with a sunset view (the south end of Folly is a good place to see sunset over the water, if you’re willing to walk a bit)
• You don’t mind being about 45min from downtown Charleston
• You like funky and unique small towns (aka Folly)
• You have a medium sized group

Sullivan’s Island

Another small beachside community outside of Charleston, but still convenient to the city, is Sullivan’s Island. This can be a great place to elope on the beach, especially if you rent a home on the island. While you’re here, don’t miss the unique character of Fort Moultrie!

Morris Island Lighthouse

This is actually on the north end of Folly Island, this is an expansive beach park where you can catch views of the lighthouse and wander amongst a “boneyard” of trees and driftwood. You can also see sunset from there too over the various inlets and creeks! Just be mindful of the access to get here — there is very little parking and then a walk down a paved path/road to reach the beach. This is a very popular spot, but there is also a lot of space too to find a spot to your own. Finally, be mindful of the tides, all that space can disappear quickly depending on the time of day!

May Forest State Park

A new addition to the South Carolina State Parks system, May Forest State Park is open on a limited basis and at the time of this writing they don’t have their wedding policies / pricing published yet. It’s in a beautiful location on James Island, which has a quiet residential feel to it. You can see the city of Charleston across the water and the grounds are quiet & have a meditative vibe. This could be perfect for a quiet and secluded elopement.

🏛️ Downtown Charleston & French Quarter Charm

White Point Garden & the Battery

Located on the Charleston Battery, next to Rainbow Row and just a few blocks away from Market Street, this is definitely a great location for the classic peninsular Charleston experience. The large gazebo in the middle of the park is a beautiful spot for photos and a small ceremony too:

However, we would be careful with choosing this spot given that it is so close to the city center. Many events happen here and in other times the general public has the walk of the place, so if you’re after privacy you might want to choose another location for your ceremony.

Most of our couples are after a private experience, and it’s definitely possible here but it depends on the time of the day, day of the week and season too. We’re happy to share with you all the ins and outs of eloping here if you love the setting!

A White Point Garden Elopement might be a good fit for you if:

• You love the look of the French Quarter and classic Charleston architecture in your photos
• You don’t mind a few random people walking up on your ceremony and looking (because, it will happen. Tourists stop and look, as much as we try to keep them moving on)
• You want the convenience of staying in and Airbnb close to downtown
• You want to experience other places nearby on the Charleston peninsula, like the Pineapple Fountain, Waterfront Park, Meeting Street and more.

Waterfront Park & the Pineapple Fountain

We just want to mention this beautiful location here because we’ve been asked so much about it — we don’t recommend a wedding ceremony here. It’s a great spot for photos, but it just doesn’t afford the kind of privacy we like to assure our clients for an intimate experience. Maybe a sunrise ceremony could work here, but we’d rather pair this with a separate location (such as White Point Garden) for your ceremony and then come here for photos; you’ll like that experience much better!

Hampton Park

Directly adjacent to the Citadel, in the heart of the Charleston peninsula, Hampton Park is like and island of green in the urban grid of Charleston. It is quite the large park with a fountain, bridge, live oaks and Spanish moss, and two pavilions. You can rent the Rose Pavilion for an event which makes it perfect if you have guests along for the celebration.

Some things to consider about planning an Hampton Park elopement: it’s in the middle of the city and a popular park, so we’d be careful about assuming privacy here. Parking is very limited, so we might even just hire an Uber so you don’t have to worry about getting around. Apart from the park setting, the surroundings are very urban in vibe and feel so if you’re looking for more of an outdoor natural setting, we would consider another location like Magnolia, for example!

Airbnbs & Luxury Resorts

Wild Dunes Resort

Wild Dunes hosts larger weddings so if you like to have some of the infrastructure / conveniences of a wedding venue, this could be a good fit! We’d just caution how hidden costs can catch you with a venue, and often times working with a venue means you get shoehorned into the typical wedding day timeline. What we mean by that is in traditional weddings there is a time limit on the rental space, and that often means a rushed day. If you opt for a resort wedding, make sure you understand all the extra costs involved and how much you can customize your day to make it feel more like you — not just the cookie-cutter venue experience.

Unique Airbnbs for an Elopement

Often overlooked, getting married in the private setting of a vacation home can be a great option for an elopement! The Charleston vicinity has some amazing luxury rental homes with space for a small ceremony and reception, and many are on the beach or marsh-side with a view of the intracoastal waterway. We own an Airbnb ourselves and know the ins and outs of working with hosts to have an Airbnb ceremony. Reach out to us if you’d like to know more; we keep a list of all the best hosts and properties in Charleston for an intimate wedding!

A Charleston Airbnb wedding might be a good fit for you if:

• You have a group size less than 25 (15 or less is ideal; although we’ve had some properties allow 40 attendees in the area)
• You like the idea of a gorgeous vacation home as your “blank canvas” to craft a wedding day experience from
• You want privacy above all else
• You have family (kids, grandparents especially) that don’t travel well and need the comforts of home nearby
• Your idea of an intimate wedding is a family gathering

We should point out though, vacation rentals are not venues so … while they offer a lot of conveniences at the end of the day you’re renting a house and a lot will need to be coordinated to have an event there. Getting married at an Airbnb is a whole other topic, so to read more check out our post Airbnb wedding venues in South Carolina.

How We Create Adventurous Charleston SC Elopement Packages

Maybe you’ve thought of eloping in Charleston as a just having a ceremony somewhere in the area with a few photos to document your day. We’d love to show you how your experience can be so much more! Our job as elopement planners and photographers is to create a day that resonates with the two of you, a day where you can take the time to relax and focus on your relationship & without any of the worries of planning a big wedding.

 

We don’t force you into the mold of “All-inclusive” Packages

The vast majority of Charleston SC Elopement Packages out there are based on the assumption that couples who choose to elope all want the same thing. We believe this couldn’t be farther from the truth! Every couple – whether they choose a large, traditional wedding or an elopement style day – deserves to customize where, when and how they get married. We are here to help you go from a vision in your head to the adventurous day you’ve always dreamed of.

 

Our Packages are Personalized

How do we create this personalized experience for you? Here’s the major planning steps below:

1. Planning Questionnaire. Planning doesn’t start without being intentional about your needs and wants. This is where we document what is important to you.
2. Season. What time of the year would you enjoy the most?
3. Locations. We take your input from your Questionnaire and curate the many possibilities in the area!
4. Rental properties. Not to be overlooked! Having an awesome place to stay that is convenient to your elopement locations & fits your vibe is a key part of your day.
5. Activities to enjoy. What do you enjoy doing together? Incorporating these into your day is how you can experience the day to its fullest.

 

To summarize our elopement planning philosophy in a phrase, we like to put it this way:

Imagine the most beautiful & romantic day together. Think of all the things you love to do as a couple. Now imagine you happen to be all dressed up & you get married as part of it too. That’s what we call an adventure elopement!

 

  

 

Planning Questionnaire – learning your “why”

This is where the excitement of planning begins! By starting here, we learn about you as a couple & about your needs for the day. Just as no two couples are alike, every elopement day is different. In fact, we believe that every elopement should be different and unique. There is a reason you don’t find pre-built timelines on our website for elopements, because you deserve a day which is unique to you.

Have you dreamed of kayaking together in a tidal marsh and seeing the dolphins together? Exploring on your own chartered sailboat cruise to secluded islands? Feeling the sand in your toes as you picnic on the beach, sipping champagne and watching the sun set?

These ideas are only the beginning. Our questionnaire is designed to help you see all the possibilities to an amazing day in and around Charleston together!

 

What Season for Your Charleston SC Elopement?

Charleston, as part of the South Carolina Lowcountry, is where you can experience mild winters, warm summers and a very comfortable spring and fall season. Here’s a few more tips on choosing a season:

• Winter: Usually daily highs are in the 50s and – especially when the sun is out – this is a great time of the year to escape cold and snow to the north. If you don’t like breaking a sweat, this is a great time of the year and slow tourist season to where you can have many locations to yourselves!
• Summer: Definitely the warmest part of the year, with 80s and 90s possible, but it might not be as hot as you’d think. Coastal temperatures tend to be 5-10 degrees cooler than interior parts of the state & there is usually an ocean breeze to enjoy. While we wouldn’t plan a mid-day ceremony on the beach, there are great options to stay in the shade and take advantage of the cooler parts of the day! Also consider that this is peak tourist season, so rental properties are in high demand.
• Spring: One of our favorite times of the year. 60 and 70 degree weather along with blooms in the many gardens make this a beautiful season to elope in Charleston. Just be careful with finding a place to stay; Spring Break is across March and April. Because of this many of the best places to stay book up nearly a year in advance.
• Fall: This time of the year is very similar to Spring, except there are less crowds. The ocean water is still warm while the weather has cooled off from the heat of summer. We love fall at the coast!

 

Where to Stay for your Charleston Elopement

As you are looking for places to elope in Charleston for your ceremony and other locations for photos and adventure, where to stay needs to be on your list too. Don’t make the mistake of deciding on your elopement location and then looking at lodging — the two need to be hand in hand. Charleston seems to always have a busy season and you might find that there is not much available where you want to elope. Or you might love the idea of a beachside rental but want to elope in the city; you’ll want to book a place that works with your timeline of the day, so you aren’t stuck in rush hour traffic.

There’s lots more to deciding on where to stay, and we help match you with the right places to fit the vision for your day! For example, you might want a downtown feel and want to stay in a classic Charleston style house. Or a beach resort with ocean views and a waterfront pool might be your thing. Maybe you want a low key “beach town” experience where you can walk directly from your house to get your toes in the sand. So many great options!

And as we mentioned before, another important thing to keep in mind is Charleston traffic. A typical mistake in this town when planning events is underestimating drive time. Especially in peak season, there will always be delays – we plan an extra 15 minutes for every 30 minutes of drive time (yes, traffic can be that bad!). For that reason it’s best to book a place to stay as close as possible to your location choices, and that has you going opposite the flow of commuter traffic if you can — otherwise you’ll spend more time than you like sitting in the car.

 

One more note about booking a rental property – read the fine print. Some properties are run by larger commercial operations, and they might exclude the use of the place for photography. Sometimes – if you can get in touch with the management company – you can get permission for us to be there, but we generally avoid places which have this fine print. Documenting where you choose to stay and your getting ready moments are very important, and we recommend choosing a place that will be elopement friendly! We are Airbnb hosts ourselves and have a list of all the best places to stay in and around Charleston that are elopement friendly. One of our favorite places to stay: Guesthouse Charleston.

 

Charleston SC Elopement Packages | Activities to Enjoy

You’ve decided on where to have your ceremony, more beautiful places for photos together around Charleston, and you have a place to stay. Some may stop there, but we love making your day “that much more” intentional by including things you love to do together. Have you always wanted to dance on the beach? Or want to experience Market Street and a fine dining experience? Take a surfing lesson the day of, or the day after? Want to experience a July 4th elopement in Charleston with firewords as your backdrop? (Yes, we’ve planned that out too!)

For a beautiful elopement day together, adding in these details are like icing on the cake (maybe that was a bad pun, ha ha). They are what make your day even more memorable!

 

What does a Customized Charleston Elopement Package really look like?

This is how it all comes together. After our detailed planning process to create your personalized day, and all the details we handle for you, it’s time to enjoy your epic day! Have a look at one of our elopements in Charleston to see how a truly adventurous day comes together.

 

Let’s create your personalized Charleston Elopement Package!

It is our sincere hope that this Guide to eloping in Charleston is helpful to you – and equips you to take the leap into your greatest adventure ever!

The best Charleston elopements aren’t just planned—they’re crafted with intention. We’re ready to help you bring your vision to life. Reach out to us to start planning the Charleston elopement of your dreams!

Let’s create something unforgettable together!