Complete Guide to Planning a Charleston Elopement
Are you dreaming of a romantic and intimate elopement in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina? Look no further because Charleston is the perfect destination for couples looking to elope. This dynamic city offers a unique blend of historic charm, stunning scenery, and various picturesque locations. As a Charleston elopement photographer, I’ve enjoyed capturing countless love stories in this beautiful city. I’m excited to share this comprehensive guide to help you plan the perfect Charleston elopement.
Table of contents:
- Why Choose Charleston for Your Elopement
- Best Locations for Elopements in Charleston
- Legal Requirements for Eloping in Charleston
- Best Time of Year to Elope in Charleston
- Crafting a Personalized Elopement Ceremony
- Things to do After Your Charleston Elopement
- Traveling Into Charleston for Your Elopement
- Charleston Elopement Photographer
Why Choose Charleston for Your Elopement:
Charleston’s romantic and historic charm is unparalleled. The cobblestone streets, amazing architecture, and lush gardens provide a timeless backdrop for your special day. The city boasts beautiful weather year-round, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside ceremony or a garden wedding, there’s a wide variety of stunning locations to suit your vision.
One of the most significant advantages of eloping in Charleston is the ease of planning compared to a traditional, bigger wedding. Experienced vendors in the city can help you create a memorable and stress-free day. I’ve got a list of amazing vendors if you need any suggestions. And if you’re coming from out of town, Charleston will always hold a special place in your heart as the destination where you began your journey as a married couple. You can return to this enchanting city to relive your magical moments and create new memories for years.
Best Locations for Elopements in Charleston:
Charleston offers so many beautiful locations for your elopement. Here are some of my favorites:
Historic Downtown Charleston:
- The Battery: with its sweeping views of Charleston Harbor and historic mansions, The Battery is a quintessential Charleston location.
- Rainbow Row: this iconic row of pastel-colored houses provides a vibrant and charming backdrop for your ceremony.
Beaches:
- Folly Beach: known for its relaxed vibe and beautiful sunsets, Folly Beach is perfect for a laidback beachside elopement.
- Isle of Palms: this upscale beach offers pristine sands and tranquil waters, ideal for a serene and intimate ceremony.
Parks and Gardens:
- White Point Garden: located at the southern tip of The Battery, this garden is filled with grand oak trees and Spanish moss.
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: one of the oldest public gardens in America, this venue offers breathtaking scenery with its blooming flowers and picturesque bridge.
For more in-depth information on these and other amazing locations, be sure to visit my blog post that explores all the wonderful places to elope in Charleston SC.
Legal Requirements for Eloping in Charleston:
Obtaining a marriage license in South Carolina is easy, but it requires some planning. Here’s a good overview of what you need to know:
- Application: you can apply online within 30 days of your elopement date.
- Documents: provide valid IDs for both of you, and you’ll have to pay $70.
- Waiting period: You must wait 24 hours after applying to receive your license. So, you’ll want to keep this in mind when you’re planning your elopement.
For more detailed specifics on how to get your marriage license for your Charleston elopement, check out this blog post on navigating the legal requirements.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Charleston:
Weddings are popular in Charleston year-round, but some seasons are more popular than others. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to elope in Charleston:
- Spring (March to June): This is Charleston’s most sought-after time for weddings. The weather is pleasantly warm, but not overly hot, and vibrant blooms adorn the city. Be sure to book vendors well in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly during these months.
- Summer (July to August): Summers in Charleston can be very hot and humid. Additionally, this period coincides with hurricane season, so it’s essential to consider this when planning a summer wedding.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is another highly favored season, offering cooler temperatures and a refreshing crispness in the air. Fall dates are in high demand, just like spring, so we recommend booking early.
- Winter (December to February): While not as popular, winter weddings in Charleston can be enchanting. The weather is generally mild, and there are fewer crowds. Plus, you might find discounts from some venues and vendors during this season.
Crafting a Personalized Elopement Ceremony:
Eloping doesn’t mean you must forgo the personal touches that make a wedding special. Here are some ideas to help you craft a personalized elopement ceremony:
- Writing your vows: take the time to write personal vows that reflect your journey together and your hopes for the future. This moment is usually in front of a ton of guests, but when you elope, you can truly speak from the heart because it’s just the two of you
- Incorporating rituals: Include any meaningful rituals or traditions that are significant to you as a couple. If you don’t have any, you could always incorporate unity ceremonies.
- Simple yet beautiful setup: even though you’re eloping, you can still have a lovely setup with decor and florals. Consider a small arch, a floral bouquet, and elegant decorations to create a memorable ceremony space.
Things to do After Your Charleston Elopement:
Charleston is a city full of charm and excitement, offering plenty of activities to celebrate your elopement. Here are some of my top suggestions:
Dining Recommendations:
- 167 Raw, a New England style Oyster Bar
- Magnolias, upscale Southern cuisine with a modern flair
- Le Farfalle, modern Italian restaurant
- Circa 1886 Restaurant, romantic setting with seasonal and local menus
- Leon’s Oyster Shop, a relaxed atmosphere serving oysters
- Husk, a renowned restaurant known for its Southern cuisine
- The Ordinary, an upscale seafood hall
- The Rooftop at The Vendue, serving imaginative craft cocktails, food, and the best city views
Mini-Moon Ideas:
Extend your stay in Charleston for a mini-moon, and celebrate this time together. Explore the historic sites, enjoy a beach day, or ride a carriage through the cobblestone streets. Here are a few of the main things to check out while visiting Charleston:
- Take a sunset cruise around Charleston through High Tide Harbor Tours.
- Explore the city with horse-drawn carriage tours with Palmetto Carriage Works.
- Have some fun and take a cooking class with Chef Bob Waggoner.
- Refresh and relax with a couples massage at Salt Spa & Yoga.
- Plan a picnic on the beach or at one of the pretty gardens.
- Walk around the city exploring Rainbow Row, Charleston City Market, and the waterfront.
Traveling Into Charleston for Your Elopement:
If you are coming from out of town for your Charleston elopement, it’s easy to fly or drive in. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Charleston!
Where to fly in:
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is the main airport serving the city. It’s located just 12 miles from downtown Charleston. Thirteen airlines service this airport, and there are several nonstop flights.
Where to stay in Charleston:
There is a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Consider staying at luxury hotels like The Dewberry or Hotel Bennett, or more affordable options like Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District. For a quiet and laid-back experience, finding an Airbnb or rental is a great choice.
Charleston Elopement Photographer:
As a Charleston elopement photographer, I believe that you should still have your special day beautifully documented even though you’re eloping. These memories are priceless, and having professional photos will allow you to look back on your elopement with joy and nostalgia.
If you’ve decided to elope in Charleston and are looking for a photographer to capture your unique love story, I’d love to help. With my experience of photographing over 100 weddings, I can preserve your memories in a way that reflects the beauty and emotion of your day. Contact me here to learn more about my elopement photography services and discuss how we can make your elopement in Charleston unforgettable.
