Charleston, South Carolina provides an elegant backdrop for couples looking to elope. From historic mansions to charming bed and breakfasts, the city offers many unique and intimate options to exchange vows. This article highlights the top venues in Charleston for those seeking a small, romantic elopement ceremony.
Best Places To Elope in Charleston, SC
Here are 5 of the best places for elopements in Charleston, SC:
- Waterfront Park – This scenic park along the Cooper River has beautiful views and fountains for an outdoor ceremony.
- Magnolia Plantation – Have your ceremony in the lush gardens or under the oak trees at this historic plantation.
- The Beach at Folly Beach – Get married on the sand with the ocean as your backdrop at this popular beach.
- Boone Hall Plantation – The iconic Avenue of Oaks provides a romantic setting for an elopement at this classic plantation.
- Middleton Place – The manicured gardens and butterly lakes make this plantation a dream elopement location.
The Battery Elopements
Eloping in Charleston’s Battery is a unique experience. Swap vows under the historic gazebo at White Point Gardens, with the harbor breeze and waves as your soundtrack. Share a quiet moment on the seawall as the sun sets, seals watching from the rocks.
Stroll hand-in-hand on cobblestone streets, breathing in the sweet aroma of magnolias. Capture stunning photos with the city’s iconic charm as your backdrop. Instead of a big wedding, let the Battery’s intimate atmosphere hold your love story, making your elopement unforgettable.
Cypress Gardens Elopements
Say “I do” amidst Spanish moss and ancient cypress trees at Charleston’s Cypress Gardens. This enchanting escape, where “The Notebook” unfolded its love story, offers a backdrop straight out of a fairytale. Imagine exchanging vows under the rustic gazebo, sunlight filtering through the canopy. Paddle across serene blackwater, whispering sweet nothings as gators peek from the depths.
Breathe in the sweet fragrance of azaleas and admire the vibrant blooms adorning the historic Heirloom Garden. Capture timeless photos on the iconic swing set, where Noah swept Allie off her feet. Escape the ordinary and step into a world of natural beauty and cinematic romance. Let Cypress Gardens be the witness to your love story, forever etched in the timeless magic of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Waterfront Park Elopements
For couples seeking a simple yet beautiful elopement ceremony, Waterfront Park in Charleston is an idyllic setting. Located along the Cooper River, this quiet urban park provides spectacular views of the Ravenel Bridge and the Charleston harbor. The Open Air Pavilion, with its vaulted ceiling and large windows overlooking the water, is a popular spot for exchanging vows.
Couples can also hold their intimate ceremony along the picturesque promenade or on one of the park’s famous pine-shaded swings. With its fountains, flowers, and river vistas, Waterfront Park is a charming location to profess your love and elope in a tranquil, natural setting right in the heart of Charleston.
Magnolia Plantation Elopements
Magnolia Plantation, founded in 1676, offers a historically rich and romantic setting for couples looking to elope in Charleston. Have your intimate ceremony in the lush planted gardens, surrounded by vibrant flowers, towering oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and reflecting pools. Or say your vows on the plantation’s iconic Peacock Bridge over a serene lily pond, as exotic birds fill the air with song.
Magnolia Plantation’s various ceremonial sites, from the Victorian Gazebo to the Stone Patio, provide the perfect blend of natural beauty and old-world charm for your private elopement. Exchange your promises of love at this storied plantation, then celebrate with a romantic carriage ride through its tranquil gardens and moss-filled woods.
Folly Beach Elopements
For couples seeking a casual, seaside elopement, Folly Beach offers a laidback setting with oceanfront views. Exchange vows in the sand with the rhythmic waves of the Atlantic as your soundtrack. Simple wood arbors adorned with seashells and beach blooms create a rustic altar directly on the beach.
At sunset, take advantage of the iconic pier and weathered shack backdrops for a memorable ceremony. After professing your love barefoot on the beach, celebrate your union with an intimate dinner at one of Folly’s local seafood spots. From festive beach bars to quirky surf shops, Folly Beach sets the scene for a relaxed, romantic beach elopement.
Boone Hall Plantation Elopements
Charleston’s Boone Hall Plantation whispers romance with moss-draped oaks, tidal marsh vistas, and an iconic avenue of live oaks. Elope here for an intimate ceremony steeped in Southern charm. Exchange vows at the rustic Cotton Dock House, bathed in golden sunset hues, or under the majestic oak canopy on the front lawn.
Imagine saying “I do” with history as your witness, the plantation’s 330-year legacy adding depth to your special day. Boone Hall caters to elopements with up to 50 guests, ensuring a cozy, private atmosphere. Let the plantation’s natural beauty and rich heritage set the stage for an unforgettable elopement in Charleston.
Middleton Place Elopements
Middleton Place isn’t just Charleston’s oldest plantation, it’s an elopement paradise. Imagine exchanging vows beneath ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, the Ashley River shimmering in the background. Wander through formal gardens bursting with seasonal blooms, or choose the quiet serenity of the Butterfly Lakes. Savor the historic elegance of the Middleton Place House as you celebrate with a select few. Their elopement package caters to intimate gatherings, providing officiant services, cake, and champagne for a stress-free, romantic start to your forever. With Middleton Place, you get grandeur, Southern charm, and a piece of history, all woven into the backdrop of your perfect Charleston elopement.
Do You Need to Schedule an Elopement Venue in Charleston?
While elopements are often associated with spontaneity, scheduling a venue in Charleston, especially during peak season, is still recommended. Here’s why:
Pros of scheduling a venue:
- Secures your desired date and location: Charleston is a popular elopement destination, and venues can book up quickly. Scheduling ensures your dream spot is available on your chosen date.
- Offers more flexibility and customization: Many venues offer elopement packages that include officiant services, photography, flowers, and other amenities, allowing you to personalize your ceremony without the stress of coordinating vendors yourself.
- Provides backup options: In case of bad weather, having a venue provides a covered space for your ceremony.
- Ensures a smooth and stress-free experience: With everything planned in advance, you can relax and enjoy your special day without worrying about logistics.
Final Thoughts
Whether you crave rustic charm or historic elegance, Charleston offers an elopement experience unlike any other. From exchanging vows under moss-draped oaks to celebrating beside sparkling water, these stunning venues provide intimacy, Southern hospitality, and a touch of magic. So, let the city’s romantic allure and rich history inspire your happily ever after. Remember, the perfect elopement awaits, whispering “I do” amidst Charleston’s unforgettable charm.
