Experiencing a South Carolina Elopement is an awesome way to get married! We’ve called South Carolina home for over 25 years, and in that time, we’ve watched elopements grow from niche celebrations to an incredibly popular way for couples to tie the knot. South Carolina is a beautiful state with a diversity of landscapes, and we’re passionate about helping couples create a wedding day here that feels authentic, intimate, and unforgettable.
Below you’ll read more about what makes South Carolina special for an elopement, a sneak peek into our planning process with top tips (including an elopement planning checklist), location ideas and more! We wrote this guide for you to explore the incredible possibilities for your South Carolina elopement and to cover all the details needed to make your dream day a reality. Let’s dive in!
We’re Here to Help You Plan the Perfect Day
Planning an elopement might seem simpler than a traditional wedding, but if you want a truly unique experience there are still countless details to consider. From choosing the right location to crafting a timeline, every decision plays a part in creating a personalized day. After all, by choosing to elope you’re making a big decision to step away from a cookie cutter wedding & get married your way.
That’s where we come in. Think of us as experts at your side, here to help you create the ultimate vision for your day and take the stress out of planning. We’re here to help you design the day you’ve always dreamed of, without the overwhelm.
South Carolina | A Beautiful State with a Wide Diversity of Choices for Your Elopement
We may be a little biased since we live here, but we truly believe that South Carolina embodies the essence of romantic spots for elopements. Its diverse landscapes—from the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains in the Upstate to the sandy beaches of the Lowcountry—offer something for every couple. The state’s rich history and Southern charm are evident in its historic towns, while the natural beauty of its forests, lakes, and waterfalls make it an ideal backdrop for intimate ceremonies. Picture live oaks draped in Spanish moss, tranquil lakes at sunset, or the vibrant energy of Greenville, or the historic experience of Charleston’s cobblestone streets. Whether you’re drawn to the mountains, the coast, or something in between, South Carolina offers endless possibilities.
For those who want to get out into the wild, South Carolina has two National Forests (Sumter and Francis Marion) which encompass more than 600,000 acres, all across the state from the Upstate to the Lowcountry. SCDNR (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources) manages land which has many gorgeous spots too, across 75 properties covering 260,000 acres. Then there is one National Park (Congaree), 47 state parks and countless county and city managed natural areas too. Don’t forget the Foothills Trail, a 77-mile long treasure that spans the Blue Ridge escarpment across the northern part of the state!
For places to stay or to have a small ceremony on private property, the Upstate and Lowcountry have the best selection and most concentration of amazing rental homes. The same goes for small wedding venues that host elopements too!
Why You Should Choose a South Carolina Elopement
The variety South Carolina offers is unmatched. It’s a year-round destination with a mild climate that allows for elopements in any season. Compared to neighboring states, South Carolina often offers more privacy and fewer crowds—perfect for couples seeking intimacy. While North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway or Asheville might draw large tourist numbers, South Carolina’s hidden gems provide the serenity that’s essential for an elopement.
A South Carolina Elopement is perfect for you if…
- You like the scenery of the Asheville area but want an area that feels less touristy
- You love waterfalls. NC gets a lot of attention for great waterfalls, but as South Carolina is where the mountains transition to the foothills there are a lot of waterfalls to choose from with less crowds
- You love mountain scenery. Yes, believe it or not, SC has mountains!
- You like the small town atmosphere. Greenville and Charleston — while cities for sure — still have a welcoming feel to them. And there are so many smaller towns nearby which have walkable downtown main streets that you’ll love.
- You want to get married on a lake. With 12 major lakes in the state and miles upon miles of shoreline there are so many options available!
- You want spring blooms that are actually in spring. This might sound odd but March/April in the higher mountains of NC still look very much like winter; whereas you can catch signs of spring in the SC mountains earlier!
South Carolina Elopement Planning Checklist
Up next we’re going to take you through a sneak peek of how we plan elopements. It may look a little different than what you’ve seen others do / describe — because we’re all about creating a personalized day, not just picking from a pre-determined list of places to go. Have a look at how we do things, and if you’d like to know more, we’d love to hear from you!
Decide on a Theme & Geographical Area
Before diving into the specifics, think about why you want to elope and what you envision for your day. Your theme will guide your location choice, so don’t skip ahead to the “where” before you talk about the “why.” Dreaming of a quiet, intimate experience in nature? A waterfall or mountain view ceremony in the Upstate might be perfect. Including guests who need accessible options, and want to be in an area where everyone can spend the week and “do the tourist thing”? Consider a private venue or vacation home in the Lowcountry for the ceremony and then go on an adventure for just the two of you; perhaps a sunset cruise on a sailboat or simply walking amongst the dunes with the sand at your feet.
There’s really so many possibilities, and this is where we’ve seen a lot of couples get derailed in their planning because they run in circles thinking of locations, skipping this step entirely. Starting with your “why” ensures your planning stays focused and meaningful.
Consider the Season You Want to Elope in South Carolina
The time of year influences not just the weather but the overall vibe of your day. Once you’ve chosen a season, narrowing down your date becomes easier. For example, if you really love golden sunsets and want to plan a dinner reception for your day, then consider early spring or late fall (ideally outside of daylight savings time). This helps to work out the timing so you can catch sunset before your reception. Just one idea of many we’d love to share with you!
Spring Blooms
South Carolina’s spring is alive with color. It shows up first in the Lowcountry with azaleas, dogwoods, wisteria, magnolia and more that bloom around mid-March onward. In contrast, the first sign of spring in the mountains is late March to mid-April, with rhododendron in May/June, depending on the elevation. We LOVE spring in South Carolina for the first signs of warm days. This is typically the start of high season in the Lowcountry.
Summer Sunshine
Long days and lush greenery define summer. Eloping in South Carolina during the summer takes a few tricks of the trade to avoid the worst of the humidity, but it’s definitely possible! If you’re at the coast, go where the wind is and take advantage of coastal breezes. Either way, avoid your ceremony mid-day, it’s definitely when things are the hottest. And absolutely work with a hair and makeup artist that knows how to deal with a South Carolina summer wedding.
Autumn Colors
Fall in South Carolina is a mosaic of gold, amber, and crimson. With the elevation difference at the northern part of the state between the foothills and the Blue Ridge Escarpment, you also have a greater chance of seeing peak foliage. And fall in South Carolina tends to extend much further into the calendar than states to the north too. This is the busiest time of year in the Upstate, so plan ahead!
Winter Wonders
Winter offers a quieter charm of less people around, and clear views with all the leaves off of the trees. Golden hour photos on a clear day are especially epic without obstructions for the view. Mild temperatures and crisp air make outdoor ceremonies very comfortable.
Best Dates to Elope in South Carolina
A quick tip from our experience: Weekdays are ideal for privacy and venue / rental home availability. We can’t emphasize this enough; many locations that are covered with people on a weekend become like your own private spot during the week. Avoid holidays unless you’re prepared for advanced planning and have solid backup plans in place in case there are just too many people around. We’ve had a July 4th elopement in Charleston before which was totally magical but it certainly required extra coordination to pull it all off!
Design the Plan for Your Elopement Day
By the time you’ve reached this step, you’ve been able to think of your theme and vision for your day, choose a general region of the state, then a season and narrow it down to a date. Now it’s time to get more specific about what your day looks like!
Another pro tip from us: Think about more than just your ceremony. At this point it’s natural for many couples to just be thinking about where they are getting married, and that’s ok — but we want you to consider what the whole day looks like.
Here’s a thought exercise to help make the point we’re trying to make: Think of one of your favorite movies and why you liked it. It was probably where the main character was on some kind of life journey, and after multiple twists and turns of that journey, everything built up to a key scene where it all came together. Now imagine that you’ve never seen that movie, and happened to watch only that key scene. It probably wouldn’t have the same kind of meaning to you, right?
The multiple “acts” of a movie are much like your wedding day. There are things that need to happen before and after your ceremony which give the whole day a sense of depth and intentionality. So take this as permission to think bigger, about what the whole day looks like!
Decide on a Ceremony Location
Whether it’s a remote waterfall, an epic spot with epic mountain views, a luxurious vacation home, a cozy cabin, secluded gardens or forests, or an expansive scenic beach, your location sets the tone. Yes, I know we just finished explaining above to think of a bigger picture than your ceremony spot but it is the focal point of the day, so definitely start here as everything else pivots around this decision.
A tip about deciding on your location: Guest count often dictates your options—“just us” elopements offer the most flexibility, as bringing guests along usually means needing to take into account accessibility needs. And typically, once your group size gets above about 15, that will probably require booking a small venue or an event friendly vacation rental.
Decide on Other Activities & Plans for the Day
Like we said above, an elopement isn’t just a ceremony; it’s a full-day celebration. At this step it’s important to think about everything else that is important to you on your day. Will you want to get ready with loved ones, and/or enjoy a private dinner or reception after the ceremony? Do you want to have some time for just the two of you to hike or explore together and just be alone for awhile? Maybe there is a fun activity you looked forward to on your day together, like simply getting coffee or dropping by a place for craft beer. Think back to your “why” to help you make these decisions. Overall, your day should reflect your relationship and priorities first, and guests’ needs second.
Decide on Your Lodging
Lodging isn’t just about where you sleep; it’s part of your wedding day experience. More often than not, lodging in an elopement does double duty as a wedding venue in some way. Even if you’re just getting ready there, it needs to function well and align with your needs for your day. For example, if you want to get ready separately and not have a first look, and you want to have loved ones around for getting ready too, then you’ll need to book a large home (not a small cabin!). If you’re planning on the ceremony being at a vacation rental, that involves a whole host of other decisions to make sure it functions just right for the indoor / outdoor space & lighting at your ceremony time. If catering or a private chef is part of the plan, then it must have a workable kitchen (two ovens are ideal!). Lots to consider here, but overall you’ll want to choose a vacation home with photogenic spaces for every part of your day, and consider its functionality for everything you have planned.
Decide on Your Elopement Timeline
This step is crucial and can be a make or break between a day that unfolds organically or a stressful experience. Our top tip: write down how long you think things will take and then double the time. Honestly, we really mean it! It’s important to allow extra time for unexpected moments and meaningful interactions. Common mistakes: Rushing getting ready, not allowing time to prepare for the ceremony, group photos that take too long, not accounting for transition time when driving to different places … these are just a few of many! Yes, while it’s possible on a normal day to get up and be dressed and head out the door … don’t assume you can get ready for your wedding in a short amount of time. Getting married isn’t an everyday thing, and the preparation takes time. And you also want to be having a good time too throughout the day right? So don’t rush it.
Decide What Wedding Day Tasks to Delegate
Finally, one common mistake we’ve seen is where couples (brides especially) try to run the show on their day. Here’s the thing: if you’re running the show, you’re not enjoying it. Period. Delegation is key! Assign tasks to trusted individuals ahead of time or better yet hire a professional coordinator to manage the timeline, handle vendors, and address last-minute details. From letting caterers in to managing decor, having support allows you to fully enjoy your day. (We gotta mention here … we handle elopement day coordination for you so you don’t have to worry about this!!)
Handle the Legal Requirements for Your Elopement
So you’ve finally got the plan together, let’s make sure things are legal!
Obtaining a Marriage License
Getting a South Carolina marriage license is straightforward but requires planning. Learn more about the process here: How to get married in SC. The most important thing to remember is that there is a 24hr waiting period so don’t wait to the last minute to apply!
Officiant Considerations
Last time we checked, South Carolina does allow for online ordinations, which can be a convenient way for a family member to lead your ceremony if you want to! Of course always double check with the state laws just in case, and when in doubt hire an officiant who can show credentials / proof of ordination.
Witness Requirements
At the time of this writing, no witnesses are required for a South Carolina ceremony (again, check current state laws to be sure!). This is in contrast to NC which requires two witnesses.
Feeling overwhelmed with all the decisions needed? We’re here to help!
Hey – Mark & Carolyn here! Just a quick word from us…
By now, you’ve seen the many details involved in planning an elopement; or at least, how we plan elopements in an intentional way! But you don’t have to do it all yourself. We’re here to lift the burden and make your planning experience joyful and stress-free, while creating the customized day you’re looking for. In a recent survey of couples planning their wedding, nearly 70% were surprised by the sheer number of decisions needed and felt unprepared for them (check out this Zola survey for more)—if this describes how you feel, let us help simplify the process for you!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ELOPEMENT PACKAGES
Best Locations for a South Carolina Elopement
To this point we’ve talked a LOT about planning. Let’s take a step back and dream about all the amazing places in South Carolina to elope!
Mountains of the Upstate
Yes, South Carolina has mountains! We used to live in Virginia and in all honesty when we thought about moving here we were quite surprised to learn this when we came to visit. The Upstate is where the foothills transition to the Blue Ridge Mountain escarpment & offers some incredible places for stunning views!
Waterfalls of the Upstate
South Carolina has many waterfalls that have a secluded, intimate vibe and are typically less crowded than waterfalls in NC, making them perfect for private ceremonies. Top tip: combine a waterfall and mountain top together on your day, there’s many ways to do this!
Secluded Forests & Mountain Streams
Just like SC waterfalls, there are many natural areas that offer an intimate forest vibe and beautiful mountain creeks. There are great spots for swimming holes, and trout fishing too!
Vibrant City of Greenville
Greenville combines modern amenities with natural charm, offering the best of both worlds. We live near Greenville and love the area! It’s a welcoming city with a unique flair. It’s amazing to see how the downtown and west end have grown over the years with incredible restaurants, boutique shops and more. For more info about the Greenville area check out our post here: Greenville SC Elopement
Lakes Throughout the State
South Carolina has an amazing amount of lakes, some with mountain views! Many offer gorgeous sunsets over the water too. You can experience a lakeside wedding from a small venue, private home or at many state parks.
Scenic Lowcountry Beaches
From Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head, the Lowcountry’s beaches are iconic to South Carolina. Each has their own personality and choosing one depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. In general we like Folly Beach or specific areas of Hilton Head Island for a more intimate experience. Parts of the Grand Strand can work too!
Historic Charm of Charleston
Charleston … ahh it’s like our home away from home. There is so much to this beautiful city, and so much to see that we’d love to share with you! Much of it is very walkable too, especially if you are staying on the peninsula and near the French Quarter. The variety of historic architecture, cobblestone streets, gardens, parks and proximity to great beaches and coastal beauty make it an amazing romantic elopement destination. Don’t dismiss Charleston as a place for adventure. With the right planning you can have an epic day feeling like a king and queen.
Elopement Ceremony Venues
Now let’s get even more specific — all the locations above have a variety of actual places you can use for your ceremony and of course, time together for photos too. Options range from a completely free public space to small venues that can be rented and everything in between! A note from us: in reality the experiences we create for couples often combine two or more options from below. For example, quite often we might use a vacation rental for a ceremony and then go elsewhere for photos; or use a park setting for the ceremony and then a vacation rental for a reception. Lots of possibilities here!
State Parks
South Carolina boasts over 40 state parks, each offering unique backdrops from mountains to beaches, lakes, and many beautiful historic sites too. Many, such as Table Rock State Park, offer event spaces which can be very convenient! You can choose to elope on top of a mountain a state park or on the beach; with beautiful historical architecture as your backdrop, or a beautiful lake view. Fees are often very low to have a wedding at a South Carolina state park.
A State Park could be perfect for you if…
- You like the idea of an outdoor wedding with a “touch of wild”
- You want to have practical facilities nearby like restrooms or picnic shelters
Local Parks
Often under the radar type of places, these are spots that are managed locally by cities/towns/counties. They aren’t as well known and consequently are (usually) easy to book and not expensive. Quite often these are hidden gems that offer a unique experience away from the more popular spots!
A local park could be a great fit for you if…
- You want something a little more off the beaten path
- You’re ok with a few oddities (like restrooms that are just … ok)
Gardens & Plantations
The climate of South Carolina makes it a great place to find beautiful gardens with year round flora. Magnolia Plantation is one of our favorites for elopements! Read more here on our post Magnolia Plantation Elopement.
One of South Carolina’s Gardens or Plantations could be a great fit for you if…
- You love the look of flowers as your backdrop
- Green lush landscapes are your thing
- Want to elope in winter and still want the look of green in your photos
- You’re ok with a few bugs here and there
- You want a coastal backdrop of live oaks and spanish moss but don’t like sand
Vacation Homes
Event-friendly vacation homes could be a great fit for your plans if you’re looking for a small, private venue and only have a few guests. Top tip from us: the more guests you have, the more difficult it is to make this kind of a plan work; typically above about 15 guests you’d need to either rent a private venue or expect to pay a venue fee at a rental home and budget for renting additional equipment like tents, chairs, and so on. We are Airbnb hosts ourselves and know the host side very well, and have a network of all the best rental homes for elopements and weddings! For more detailed info, read more here in our post Airbnb wedding venues south carolina.
A vacation home elopement could be a great fit for you if…
- You want to prioritize privacy above everything else
- You have guests with accessibility needs
- You like the convenience of a venue wedding but want something much smaller
- You’d like the convenience of your lodging and wedding to be in the same place
- You have the budget to splurge on a large rental home
State and National Forests
Covering land from the mountains to the sea, both Sumter and Marion National Forests (plus many state owned lands) combine to offer countless opportunities for adventure together! We’ve found some amazing hidden gems from waterfalls, mountain overlooks, rhododendron lined mountain creeks, whitewater rivers, secluded forests and more. There are many wild places in South Carolina we’d love to show you!
A South Carolina National Forest elopement could be a great fit for you if…
- You want to prioritize adventure above all else for your day
- You don’t mind hiking in to the best spots
- You’re ok with your dress getting dirty
Beach Ceremony Venues
Not all beaches are the same in South Carolina. Some are definitely more private than others, and what we’re sure you don’t want is to have the general public walking through your ceremony spot! Many public beaches allow ceremonies with a permit, but check the details. Folly Beach, for instance, has specific group size limits. What’s also crucial is choosing the right place on the beach so you can have it as private as possible, while being close to parking for guests. We can help you with all these details!
A South Carolina Beach elopement could be a great fit for you if…
- You love the look of an ocean sunrise or sunset
- Sand between your toes is your vibe
- You don’t mind a windy day
Unique Private Venues
Don’t forget about traditional wedding venues too! They often accommodate elopements, especially during weekdays or within short booking windows. One of our favorite elopement friendly venues is Pretty Place in the Upstate! For more info check out our post here: Pretty Place Wedding at Symmes Chapel – Complete Guide.
A venue elopement could be a great fit for you if…
- You have too many guests for other elopement options to work for you (generally 15 or higher)
- You like the idea of a place that is tailor made for events
Get Started Planning Your South Carolina Elopement
We’re ready to help you bring your vision to life. Reach out to us to start planning the South Carolina elopement of your dreams.
Let’s create something unforgettable together!
