5 Irresistible Reasons To Elope In Charleston SC

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect place to get married than Charleston, South Carolina! Known for its charming historic architecture, waterfront views, and gorgeous gardens, there are so many amazing reasons to elope in Charleston, SC! It’s a stylish and beautiful spot for a destination wedding with a pleasant year-round climate and tons of great venues, hotels, and restaurants. Plus, it has its own airport, so access to the city is so convenient from just about anywhere!

I love traveling for weddings, and the gorgeous colors of Charleston will pop so well with my editing style — so you’ll absolutely love the photographic memories we can create together. 

If you’re looking for more inspiration, here’s why Charleston, SC is the perfect elopement destination!

1. A Charleston SC Elopement Is All About Vibrant Color & Light

Natural beauty and color are two of the top reasons couples choose to elope in Charleston, South Carolina! Imagine centuries-old oaks dripping in vibrant green Spanish moss, the multicolored homes of Rainbow Row, and dreamy pastel sunsets on Folly Beach. The golden light here is so romantic, and vibrant colors are everywhere you look, especially when captured with film photography! 

As your Charleston wedding photographer, I specialize in true to color images so your elopement images will be exactly as they happened, capturing both the romance and beauty of your amazing day. I’ll ensure you’re having so much fun throughout it all! 

2. Historic Charm Is Everywhere You Look

For couples who love the idea of an elopement steeped in history, you can’t beat Charleston! It actually dates all the way back to 1670 and is the oldest city in the state, so you’ll find amazing stone chapels, heritage gardens, or ancient brick homes where you can elope in style. 

Some of the most romantic spots to elope in historic Charleston include the William Aiken House, Twenty-One Magazine, and The River House at Lowndes Grove (ideal for smaller elopements!). 

There are also lots of gorgeous parks and cityscapes in downtown Charleston where we can do a relaxed, candid shoot. Stroll through the cobblestoned streets, hand in hand, and enjoy the day while I work my photography magic from behind the camera!

Broad Street, Rainbow Row, and Church Street are some of the most beautiful, particularly in the soft golden hour light of sunset.

3. You’ll Fall In Love With Southern Cuisine

What’s a destination elopement without amazing food? Let’s be honest — one of the benefits of planning an intimate wedding in Charleston is the cuisine! This region is famous for its Lowcountry cuisine, a type of traditional Southern cooking that’s all about flavor and comfort!

Taking from its coastal location, expect lots of crab, oysters, and shrimp along with gumbo, stew, veggies, and rice, finished with a delectable slice of pecan pie! Charleston is renowned as a foodie destination, so definitely make time to try some of the local restaurants and visit the historic Charleston City Market. 

Include lowcountry cuisine in your reception menu or book a private room to celebrate in one of the city’s best restaurants like Magnolias, Poogan’s Porch, or Hyman’s Seafood. 

4. You’ll Find So Many Romantic Elopement Locations Here, From Waterfront Luxury To Relaxed Gardens 

Charleston offers so many amazing places to elope! If you want to be by the water (if you’re like me, it just calms your soul and brings so much happiness!), then you’ll find so many beaches where you can say your vows, like Seabrook Island or tons of public beaches. You just need a permit for any beach gathering of over 25 people, but that’s easy to organize. 

Or, if you love the idea of a luxury elopement, the best places to elope in Charleston include The Cedar Room, The Gadsden House, or The Dewberry. 

Garden weddings are popular in Charleston too, with so many lush green spaces offering vibrant blooms (especially in spring!), gorgeous magnolias, and serene views, perfect for your elopement photography.

5. Charleston Has So Many Lux Hotels & Cute B&Bs

There is so much to see and do around Charleston, so you’ll want to spend at least a few days exploring! One great thing about the city is that you’ll find so many romantic hotels and B&Bs, like the Mills House, a famous all-pink hotel, or The Beach Club, if you’re after waterfront luxury. 

And if you have friends and family coming into town, you can really find accommodation across any budget, with plenty of availability throughout the year. 

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If you’re ready to book your Charleston elopement, let’s connect! I’m so excited to hear about your plans and would love to help you capture all of the raw energy and emotion of your celebrations!