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As a photographer, elopements are some of my favorite celebrations to shoot! I love the vibe and the intimacy that you can feel when a couple chooses to elope. This is especially true when I work with couples eloping in Charleston, SC!
Personally, I feel like these special occasions are all about the ceremony itself and are solely focused on the couple: they’re a small, private celebration of their love.
I also feel like there’s something uniquely special about the experience that differentiates elopements from large wedding parties. They’re not about doing all of the things at all times, but rather being in the moment. And, being much slower-paced, couples receive the most amazing photos because there’s actually time to shoot what they want to!
I’ve been photographing elopements in Charleston, SC, for 2 years. The couples I work with usually come to me with tons of questions about location, permits, licenses…you name it!
That’s why I put this helpful guide together to help you and your partner nail the basics. That way you can focus on what really matters that day: celebrating your relationship!
If you’re thinking about eloping in Charleston, SC, here are 5 things you should keep in mind before the ceremony.
1. Getting to know Charleston, SC, before eloping
Outside of being a beautiful location for the ceremony, Charleston, SC, has tons to offer in terms of entertainment, food, history, and beaches!
From spending the day at Folly Beach to clinking glasses well into the night surrounded by some very special Southern charm, there’s something in Charleston for everyone.
One thing’s guaranteed for everyone, though: you’ll fall in love with Charleston and will start planning your return before you’ve even left!
I mean, there’s a reason Travel & Leisure named Charleston, SC, one of the best cities in the US to visit!
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I personally love Charleston because it’s just a great place to be and celebrate; as a wedding photographer who has traveled around the country, Charleston still holds a special place in my heart when it comes to shooting weddings and elopements.
Not just because I live here and have become so familiar with the area, but also because I love seeing the joy in my client’s faces when their day is everything and more than they could imagine.
Plus, Charleston, SC, is also a wonderful place that couples can revisit to celebrate their elopement anniversary. Better yet? No visit to Charleston is ever the same. You’ll always find something new each time that you come into town!
2. The best venues for eloping in Charleston, SC
My experience working as a wedding and elopement photographer in Charleston, SC means I’ve gotten very familiar with the area. I’ve also found a small, hand-picked group of venues and locations that I recommend to my couples.
Here are a few of my top picks:
- White Point Gardens: Conveniently located in the heart of Charleston, White Point Gardens features a beautiful promenade. It also has 5-acres of space brimming with stunning oak trees that give it a fairytale vibe. The location also has palm trees and benches by the sidewalk for a variation of location spots for photos. Although, personally, the gazebo is one of my favorite spots for portraits!
- By the beach: Another of my favorite celebration spots for couples eloping in Charleston is the beach! I’ve shot many weddings and ceremonies on Folly Beach. I find it to be secluded enough that couples can enjoy their special moment without too many eyes on them. When it comes to shooting on the beach, I’ve also become an expert at dealing and working with the tide in order to avoid any unexpected mishaps!
- Morris Island: This is considered one of the “secret” uninhabited islands in the salt marsh near Folly River! It lies in the outer reaches of the harbor. This location is only accessible by boat, so I’ve partnered with a Coast Guard certified captain and local boat operator to be able to offer this adventure. It’s one of a kind elopement location for my couples!
- Cypress Gardens: A location rom-com lovers will definitely recognize! Cypress Gardens was one of the many locations in Charleston, SC, where they filmed The Notebook, and it’s also a great spot for more adventurous couples to celebrate their special day. With a location featuring the cypress ecosystem, there are also row boats available for a self guided tour.
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Charleston is such an eclectic place that there’s sure to be a venue for every type of couple! When it comes to finding that perfect spot, I love working together with my couples to understand a bit more about their motivation for eloping in Charleston, SC.
This helps me understand what they hope to get from coming here for their ceremony.
3. Fun things to do in Charleston, SC
Whether you’d like to include them in your special day or not, Charleston, SC, also has plenty of fun activities that visitors – and, let’s face it, locals too – can enjoy!
I usually suggest to my couples that they spend at least a day getting to know Charleston, if possible, so they can connect with the vibe and fall in love with the city where they’ll be celebrating their relationship.
One great way to do this is by enjoying a relaxing carriage ride through town! Not only will you see more of Charleston this way, but you also learn about the history and culture of the city.
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Another great activity to enjoy and explore the best of Charleston is by hopping onboard one of the boat tours available. Being a port city, navigating the waters of the peninsula is a great way to learn more about the history of the harbor and check out some of the best sights from the comfort of your seat.
4. Getting a marriage license for eloping in Charleston, SC
This is one of the most important bits of information that I give my couples who are coming into Charleston, SC, and eloping!
Couples can apply for a license as early as a year or two weeks before the wedding. The license is usually delivered 1-3 days before the date via email.
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South Carolina is exceptionally fast when it comes to marriage licenses, which means you can apply and get it quickly. This sometimes means there’s less time to plan the event. However, it also means you can get married a lot quicker!
BONUS: My favorite restaurant in Charleston, SC
One of Charleston’s best-kept secrets is High Cotton: a refined eatery characterized by Southern hospitality and lowcountry living.
One of my personal favorite restaurants in town, High Cotton boasts impeccable service, unbelievable food, and novelty cocktails. To make the experience even more special, there’s also live jazz at the bar sometimes!
It’s a must-visit for couples eloping in Charleston, SC, and a great way to end their special day.
Hiring a photographer to capture your elopement in Charleston, SC
Finding the right photographer who can capture your most intimate moments while eloping in Charleston, SC, is all about doing your research, reaching out to them, and truly connecting with the person behind the lens.
After all, the photographer will be there up close and personal. That means you need someone you can trust and feel comfortable with at all times!
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As a detail-oriented photographer, I love getting to know my couples before their big day arrives so I can find the right way to bring out the best in them and capture their most joyful moments. This, coupled with the fact that I know Charleston on a more personal and intimate level, means I can help couples traveling here to find the perfect spot for their celebration!
Send me a message if you’d like to discuss how we can work together on your special day!
Oriana is an amazing photographer! My family has commissioned her twice & we are so happy to have captured our happiest days with the photographs that speak a thousand words a thousand times!