3 Reasons to Plan Your Elopement in Charleston, SC

Wedding planning, but make it…

Intimate and cozy
Fun and natural (and a lot less stress)
And all in the moment

I’m talking about planning an elopement in Charleston, SC!

Elopements are one of my favorite ceremonies to shoot – especially when couples choose to travel to Charleston, SC, for theirs!

Small and intimate, elopements are a great way for couples to celebrate their love at their own pace and with fewer distractions happening around them.

And, after 3 years of photographing elopements and weddings in Charleson, SC, I can confidently say that this is the best place for this type of celebration. It’s equal parts charming and easy-going. Plus, it has lots of different locations and settings to choose from and is extremely easy to get around!

If you and your partner have been considering an elopement, why not choose Charleston, SC? Here are three reasons that might persuade you to take the plunge!

1. The elopement is easier to plan

If you’re opting for an elopement because you don’t want to go through the whole wedding planning process, Charleston, SC, is a great place that will help things move faster, smoother, and with less hassle.

South Carolina, in general, is well-known for its less restrictive rules when it comes to obtaining a marriage license, for example. The process moves quickly, which means there’s less of a wait time and there’s no need to go back and forth – unlike in some other states.

Past couples who’ve eloped in Charleston, SC have shared with me the paperwork and filing process is fairly fast!

2. There’s something for everyone!

The best thing about planning an elopement in Charleston, SC, is that the city has something for everyone!

I love encouraging my couples to go out and see Charleston before their big day. That way they can get a better feel for the town and feel more connected to the place they’ll be getting married.

Among some of the things I recommend they do is take a carriage ride through town or hop on one of the boat tours. Both of these are a great way to learn about the history of the city, see the sights, and enjoy a day out together.

Whether you and your partner love food, the outdoors, music, etc., Charleston might be small – but it’s definitely mighty when it comes to entertainment and will continue to surprise you with each visit.

You can be sure that there will be more to explore when you decide to come back the next time to celebrate your anniversary!

3. The city has a certain magic to it

I absolutely love Charleston! Ever since I moved here, I’ve discovered more and more of what makes it so special and unique. It’s become one of my favorite places to shoot weddings and elopements alike!

There’s a great balance of laid-back relaxation and easy-going adventure. This means that there’s tons of variety that couples can enjoy depending on their taste. Plus, with a beautiful historic downtown area that’s really well-maintained, walking around the city center almost feels like stepping back in time.

It’s basically The Notebook come to life!

With a slow pace that’s hard to find in other cities, and with tons of outdoor space – from the beach to beautiful parks and surrounding gardens. An elopement in Charleston, SC, means collecting the best bits from different places and bringing them together in one iconic, romantic, and unforgettable location.

There’s a reason Charleston’s been named one of the best cities in the USA by Travel & Leisure for nine years in a row!

Things to keep in mind while planning an elopement in Charleston, SC

When it comes to planning your elopement in Charleston, SC, there are a few things I usually tell my couples to keep in mind before choosing the location for your ceremony, picking out a time, and fine-tuning any other details.

These bits of information are helpful when it comes to picking out the perfect place for the couple photos, finding the right vendors (if needed), and arranging any necessary travel and transportation for the big day.

Choosing the right vendors for your elopement in Charleston, SC

Charleston is huge in terms of hospitality and tourism. This means that there are tons of great resources that couples can choose from to help give your special day a unique touch.

Whether it’s a local restaurant to celebrate the moment at the end of the day, a flower shop to help with any arrangements and decorations you might need, or even musicians to help with the ambiance, the only real “trouble” couples will run into will be choosing ONE of the many high-quality options available!

I’ve loved discovering all the amazing vendors and venues in the city, every one boasting their own southern hospitality charm!

The natural beauty of Charleston

If there’s one thing that couples take away after eloping in Charleston, SC, is that its natural beauty is truly unparalleled!

Not only does this make for gorgeous photos, but also for a beautiful overall experience that you can remember for many years to come – and one that you can relive when you visit Charleston again to celebrate your anniversary.

From the ocean views and salt air kissing your skin, to sunsets by the harbor and strolling along the promenade, Charleston is best experienced outside. Spanish moss decorates the walkways, hanging from the huge oak trees, and creating an almost mystical atmosphere to any stroll, while beautiful and colorful birds create a soundtrack to your days.

Really, there’s no place like Charleston.

And because I have to say it again, Spanish Moss.

Charleston’s iconic imagery is the beautiful Spanish Moss or the iconic Palmetto Trees draping the backgrounds of your photos and creating a beautiful, soft, and romantic scene to elope or celebrate in. Can you imagine it?

Easy local and international access

Travelers can rest easy knowing that Charleston’s international airport is incredibly small, simple to navigate, and still receives a ton of incoming flights from different parts of the country – and the world!

Depending on where you’re coming from, or your family, Charleston has an easy and accessible airport – fewer travel headaches!

Finding a photographer for your elopement in Charleston, SC

Choosing the right photographer to help capture your elopement in Charleston, SC, is all about finding someone who is familiar with the city and can help you understand better in terms of locations, timings, and beyond.

As a professional wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve been living in Charleston for almost 4 years and the city continues to delight me with every shoot! Not to mention, since relaunching my business in Charleston, SC, I’ve been named one of Charleston’s top wedding photographers by Wedding Wire each year since!

There’s always something so unique each time I head out to scout a new location or to take a couple of portraits before the big day. This helps me get to know the city on a more personal level. There’s always something to discover or explore in Charleston. Working with different couples in various locations – has helped me create a system to help you find the perfect location for your elopement that meets all your needs and goes beyond expectations.

Plus, as someone who has worked in hospitality before, I’m always ready to navigate the different needs, ideas, wishes, and more than a couple is looking for to make their day THEIRS.

It’s all about the attitude of your photographer and how comfortable you feel letting them know what you expect. It’s your big day, after all!

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Looking to hire a photographer to capture your elopement in Charleston, SC? Send me a message and let’s start talking about how we can work together on your big day!