Looking for Adventurous locations to Elope in SC? Here’s just a few romantic outdoor places that are beyond the typical wedding venue!
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Adventurous Spots to Elope in SC – from the Mountains to the Beach
For even more in-depth info on Adventurous Elopements, check out our complete Elopement Guide below!
We’re going to take you on a short tour of our favorite places to elope in SC, from the Mountains of the Upstate to the beautiful coastal destinations in the Lowcountry. Check it out!
Elope to the SC Mountains
Actually – yes you DO have mountain locations to choose from when you Elope in SC!
With locations like the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina might get all the attention when it comes to mountain elopements. True, there are limited locations in SC for epic mountain views. But what South Carolina may lack in volume for mountain overlooks, it makes up for it by not getting nearly the tourist traffic that you’d find further north. The result? More privacy for you.
Just check out this awesome spot for a hiking elopement. Would you believe this is only about a 40 minute drive from downtown Greenville?
Or if you’re looking for a convenient mountain spot to elope with guests, we’ve got the place for you. Believe it or not – yes this location is in South Carolina, and it’s one of our favorite mountain locations – all across the Carolinas.
Why might we choose the South Carolina mountains vs. gorgeous NC spots like Max Patch, Black Balsam Knob or anywhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway? Here’s a few of our top reasons:
- Crowds (or lack thereof). While you might struggle to find a place all to your own at an NC mountain location, this locally known spot gets less traffic than others.
- Availability. While the high elevations on the Parkway and NC mountains are perfect for a summertime elopement, they are closed late fall to early spring. This spot in SC is generally “always open” regardless of the season.
- Lack of red tape. This location is managed by the SC DNR and (as far as we know at the time of this writing) there are no permit requirements for elopements. In contrast, the Blue Ridge Parkway requires permits & does not issue any at all during October.
For ease of access, this mountain location in South Carolina works well for our friends and family who need ease of access. The summit is a short walk from the parking area & most of the top is handicap accessible via a ramp. The platform at the top is relatively new, thanks to a partnership between Pickens County and the state of South Carolina.
Imagine your wedding day topped off with your ceremony, first dance and photos on top of a mountain!
Elope with an Epic Sunset in South Carolina
We absolutely love photographing in this location. For almost every part of the year, you’ll have a good angle to see the sun disappear behind the horizon. Who would have imagined such expansive views & unobstructed sunsets in South Carolina? Check out these photos from a February elopement. While it was cold (and roads closed too) at higher elevations in NC, we had no such worries here.
Free Download: Elopement Budget Spreadsheet
Gorgeous Waterfalls for your South Carolina Elopement
Not too far from this mountain spot you’ll find many waterfalls as various creeks and streams cascade down the Blue Ridge. While many are difficult to access – and even less are a good fit for elopement photography – we know the right ones to show you!
Maybe you want to experience the view “in the dry” or go all-in and feel the rush of cool water around you. Either way, we’d love to show you these beautiful spots tucked away in the Upstate of SC!
See more in our post Greenville SC Elopement.
Elope to Greenville SC
There are many reasons why Greenville has become a must-see Southern destination over the past two decades. The revitalized downtown and natural spaces like Falls Park & Liberty bridge are just the beginning.
If you’re looking for an outdoor-centric city that isn’t too busy for itself and yet offers restaurants, museums and theatres that one would expect in a larger metro city, you’ve got to visit Greenville, SC.
Combine your elopement experience and honeymoon into one multi-day destination. Exchange your vows at an in-town spot, or create a blend of a trip itinerary with the mountains and downtown. Falls Park & Liberty Bridge are options – but one of our favorites is the Rock Quarry Garden!
Rock Quarry Garden Elopement
Funny story – many years ago before we were married, Carolyn decided on bridal portraits at the Rock Quarry Garden in Greenville. (Little did we know we’d be visiting again for elopement photography and videography!)
What we love about the Rock Quarry Garden is how it is close to downtown and yet has such a natural feel within the city. With the waterfall cascading of the rock face at one end of the garden, you’d expect this experience to be deep in the NC forest.
Except you’re only a short walk away from Greenville’s incredible restaurant scene! How is that for convenience?
Elope in SC to the Lowcountry
Elope to Charleston SC
Charleston, SC is well known as a traditional wedding destination – and it’s a great place to elope too! There are so many beautiful locations in and around the city. You can combine gorgeous Lowcountry landscapes of live oaks and Spanish moss in the gardens, feeling the sand between your toes at the Atlantic ocean and an upscale dining destination on Market Street.
For more info check out our blog posts about how we create your Charleston Elopement Package, or check out this beautiful Magnolia Plantation Elopement.
Edisto Beach | The perfect place for a wedding in solitude
Charleston does have a romantic reputation for a lowcountry elopement location – but we’d love to introduce you to Edisto Beach as well!
More specifically, the SC DNR managed property of Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve near Edisto is quite the gem. While we love mountain elopements, the live oaks and spanish moss of are like a second home to us.
When the mountains are still in the “deep of winter” – the coast will have you enjoying a mild weather day and plenty of sunshine.
If you’re dreaming of exchanging your vows while barefoot in the sand, but want a location that is away from the noise of touristy towns, Edisto is your place. When we think of adventurous spots on the coast of South Carolina, there is nothing like Botany Bay.
We have even more spots to share with you!
This is just a sampling of what’s available in South Carolina for adventurous elopement locations. We have so many more we’d love to share with you, including all our “secret” spots you won’t find through researching online.
All of our couples receive access to our interactive, virtual map of every beautiful location in South Carolina (and North Carolina too!) that we have cataloged from our adventures over the years. Why not reach out to us today and let’s start planning your epic elopement!
Contact Us about Your Elopement
Ready to Adventurously Elope in SC?
Choosing the right location is only part of making your dream day a reality. From making sure we avoid the crowds, choosing the best light, or finding a great AirBnB or local farm to table restaurant to make your experience that much more memorable, we’re here to help! Check out our Elopement Planning Guide for more info and to see all the ways we help you create your epic day!
