What beautiful day for this Greenville, SC Elopement! An historic bridge, mountain creeks and a waterfall dip on this awesome adventure!
Below we’re going to share with you the story of a real elopement near Greenville, SC — a story centered on adventure and an intentional day designed just for them.
First, we’d love to introduce you to some of our resources when it comes to planning an adventure elopement in Greenville!
Best Places to Elope in Greenville SC
When we think of eloping in Greenville, we’re talking about the larger area of the Upstate — not just the city. Don’t get us wrong though, we love the atmosphere of Greenville; both the downtown area, west end, and many parts of the city that have been revitalized. But when it comes to Greenville, it’s just as much the cool southern town as it is the wild areas around!
We wrote a comprehensive guide to South Carolina and go into far more detail in the link below — not only best places to elope in Greenville but also best seasons, where to stay, planning tips and more! Check out our guide below:
Read more here:
South Carolina Elopement | Ultimate Guide
Want to see more epic places around Greenville and beyond to elope? Check out our guide here:
Where to stay for your Greenville SC Elopement
Finding the right place to stay in or around Greenville is far more than a decision about lodging, it’s about creating part of the story for your wedding day. We definitely don’t recommend hotels as there isn’t nearly enough space inside for getting ready or good photos, plus there is lack of character of a hotel room.
We always recommend boutique lodging or a vacation rental near town like an Airbnb. We wrote an entire guide on how to find the right place to stay for your elopement — check it out below!
Airbnb Wedding & Elopement Venues SC | Related Post
Check out our complete guide to finding the right Airbnb near Greenville for your elopement!
Is Eloping in Greenville SC right for you?
Greenville & the SC Upstate offer an incredible mix of natural beauty, southern charm, and accessibility, making it an ideal destination if you’re looking for an intimate and unforgettable elopement. Unlike more tourist-heavy areas like Asheville, Brevard, or the Blue Ridge Parkway in general; Greenville provides breathtaking scenery without the same level of crowds. We’ve lived in this area for over 20 years and while we’ve seen it grow leaps and bounds in that time, it’s still retained the small town feel without being overrun by tourists like places in Western NC. Plus, with mild weather year-round, it’s a fantastic location for elopements in any season!
A Greenville Elopement is Perfect for You If…
✔ You love mountain views, but want a more private experience. While Asheville gets a lot of attention for its Blue Ridge scenery, the Upstate of South Carolina offers equally stunning backdrops with far fewer people. You can say your vows with sweeping views of the mountains, without the traffic and tourists.
✔ You want to elope by a waterfall. Many people associate North Carolina with waterfalls, but Greenville and the surrounding Upstate area are home to some of the most beautiful falls in the Southeast! From the iconic Falls Park on the Reedy in downtown Greenville to the hidden gems in Jones Gap and Table Rock State Park, plus many more tucked away in Sumter National Forest — there’s no shortage of stunning waterfalls for seclusion.
✔ You love the idea of a charming small-town feel. Greenville is a city with a welcoming, walkable downtown—think pedestrian and bike friendly streets, riverside views, and boutique shops—while still offering the warmth and hospitality of a small town. Definitely don’t miss the crown jewel of downtown the Liberty Bridge! The nearby communities of Travelers Rest, Landrum, and Greer are gateways to the picturesque backdrop of the Blue Ridge while keeping that intimate, cozy atmosphere of a small town.
✔ You want an accessible lakefront ceremony. With Jocassee, Keowee, and Hartwell lakes all within driving distance, a waterfront elopement is absolutely possible. These are beautiful lakes in the foothills which means you have more water accessibility (i.e. not a steep walk down to the water) vs lakes up in Western NC. Whether you want a quiet dockside ceremony or a boat-access-only secluded cove, there are plenty of scenic options.
✔ You want spring blooms when it actually feels like spring. While higher elevations in North Carolina can still feel like winter in March and April, Greenville’s lower elevation means flowers start blooming earlier, and you can have a spring elopement that actually looks like spring!
✔ You want an elopement location that’s easy to get to. Greenville is centrally located with a regional airport, quick access to I-85, and a drivable distance from major cities like Atlanta and Charlotte. You don’t have to get lost on tight mountain roads to get here! Whether you’re traveling in from out of state or inviting a few guests, it’s one of the easiest mountain elopement destinations to reach.
Feeling overwhelmed with all the decisions needed? We’re here to help!
Hey – Mark & Carolyn here! Just a quick note from us…
By now, you’ve probably realized just how many details go into planning an elopement—or at least how we approach it with care and intention! But the good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Our job is to take that weight off your shoulders and make the entire process smooth, joyful, and totally stress-free, all while crafting a day that’s uniquely you.
According to a recent survey of engaged couples, nearly 70% were surprised by how many decisions were involved and felt unprepared for the process (check out this Zola survey for more). If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—we’re here to simplify things and guide you every step of the way!
Our Personalized Approach to Greenville Elopements
You might have realized at this point that planning a customized elopement in Greenville 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 Greenville 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:
Jessica + Garrett’s Greenville SC Adventure Elopement
When we first spoke to Jessica and Garrett, we immediately knew we were about to have so much fun together! There was something about their sense of humor & light-heartedness that drew us in right away. Then when they started talking about getting in the water below a waterfall, we were all in to create their epic day!
The North Carolina mountains might get a lot of attention for adventure elopements, but there are so many unique places just to the south for a Greenville, SC Elopement. These two came to us intent on an elopement near Greenville and we had lots of ideas for them!
If you’re interested in eloping to the mountains of South Carolina, check out our resource How to Elope in SC & you might also be interested in taking a peek into how we create customized South Carolina Elopement Packages. We’ve lived in the area for years and would love to share with you all the great places for an adventure elopement!
Not sure where to start with planning?
Take the first step with our free Elopement Budget Guide!
Poinsett Bridge Wedding | Greenville, SC Elopement
Jessica & Garrett had an idea of a unique bridge for the backdrop of their wedding ceremony, and we had the perfect historic find with Poinsett Bridge!
This is well known among area photographers for an engagement photo spot, but it’s so perfect for an elopement near Greenville. The architecture of the 19th century bridge frames so well for portraits & the creek running through adds an element of cool water on warm days in the south.
Poinsett Bridge is managed by Greenville Rec and is one of the top picks for free wedding venues in Greenville, SC! Pro-tip: weekdays are a perfect time to have this bridge all to yourself for an elopement ceremony.
We helped them find a nearby airbnb cabin so it was a short drive from there to the bridge. Then we let them take their time and explore the bridge and a little bit of the hiking trail that goes around it as well. This is one of the things we love so much about eloping – we had a “time” for the ceremony but not set in stone; it’s more important to relax and let the day come to you. When it feels right, then it’s time to say your vows and get married!
Ceremony at Poinsett Bridge
The really cool thing about the time leading up to their ceremony is how it had an air of spontaneity. It’s as if we glided along the path around and above the bridge, to land right at their ceremony spot and declare “let’s get married here!”
Shout out to our good friend Megan Roberts for officiating for Jessica & Garrett!
Taking time to enjoy the moment together
Have you ever been to a big wedding and immediately after the ceremony the couple is whisked away to take photos with everyone? Or sent into a receiving line, or straight to the reception? It’s like we got in our heads as a society that something must be scheduled right after the ceremony for the couple.
What if we just gave couples time after their ceremony to be in the moment?
That’s pretty much how we plan out elopements, with a gap in time after your ceremony – for pretty much whatever. It’s up to you!
For Jessica & Garrett, it was being able to pause life in a very real way, and just be – together.
First Dance Together | Greenville, SC Elopement
After their ceremony at Poinsett Bridge, we drove back towards their cabin – but first we stopped at a SC State Park just nearby. Just up the trail is a combination of boardwalks, bridges and three cascades of waterfalls into a mountain creek. This was just the place for their first dance and a little more adventuring before nightfall!
Let’s get in the water together | Waterfall Elopement Greenville, SC
Before we go any further – we should mention that this was planned out a bit ahead of time to make sure everyone would be ok. We had towels at the ready & a pop-up changing tent so Jessica & Garrett could get into dry clothes as quickly as possible, and this waterfall was only a short walk from the parking lot. This is all because hypothermia isn’t usually thought about until it’s really cold outside, but in reality it is a risk as temperatures fall into the mid-60s. This day was warm and in the 70s, but mountain valleys can cool off quickly – so it’s always important to be prepared!
All that to say we’re all about adventuring but doing so safely! (oh and just a quick note, Mark was in the water too taking these photos. Anything to get the right angle!)
These two wanted to finish off their day taking a plunge in the water next to a waterfall, and we knew of just the place with a shallow pool and just the right size waterfall. There are many cascades in the area that are incredibly tall that work well for photos on a rock in front of the falls, but not the right scale for that time you actually want to get into the water. We’ve been here with our kids many times before so we knew it would be a great option.
Somehow Garrett found an old pair of sunglasses hidden in the water. Too funny!
Campfire Celebration | Greenville SC Elopement
After drying off, we all headed back to their cabin and started a fire to warm up. This was an airbnb rental we helped them find for their elopement – a really unique place! Covered porch, fire pit and a mountain creek just nearby. Only a few minutes off of Highway 11 and convenient to so many great spots to adventure north of Greenville.
We all got the fire going and added countless tea light candles as accents. Smores and champagne are a great way to finish off of the day!
Congratulations Jessica & Garrett! We are so thankful that you chose us for your elopement near Greenville, SC!
Let’s create your personalized Greenville Elopement Package!
The best Greenville adventure 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 Greenville elopement of your dreams!
Let’s create something unforgettable together!
