There’s a certain kind of couple that comes to me and says: “We just want it to be us. The view. The vows. Maybe our closest people.”
Those are the couples who elope. And South Carolina is one of the most beautiful places in the country to do it.
I’ve photographed elopements at mountain chapels in the Blue Ridge foothills, on barrier islands along the SC coast, and in the middle of moss-draped forests that look like they belong in a fairytale. If you’re considering eloping in South Carolina — this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Counts as an Elopement?
An elopement is any wedding where a couple marries without a large formal celebration — typically just the two of you, or with a handful of your closest people. Modern elopements range from truly just-the-two-of-you ceremonies to intimate gatherings of 10–20 guests in a meaningful location.
If you have 20–50 guests in a casual, intentional setting rather than grand and formal — that’s a micro-wedding, and this guide applies to you too.
Step 1: Get Your South Carolina Marriage License
Where to apply: Any South Carolina county probate court. The license is valid statewide — apply where it’s convenient.
What you need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Your Social Security number
- If previously married: divorce decree or death certificate
The 24-hour waiting period: South Carolina requires a mandatory 24-hour wait between application and issuance. Apply at least a week before your elopement date — don’t cut it close.
No witnesses required: South Carolina does not require witnesses. Only the officiant’s signature is needed on the license.
Who can officiate: Ordained ministers (including online-ordained), notary publics, and certain judges. SC is one of the few states that allows commissioned notaries to perform marriage ceremonies.
Out-of-state couples: Neither of you needs to be an SC resident. Destination elopements are completely legal.
→ Read the full guide: South Carolina Marriage License: Requirements, Cost & 24-Hour Wait
Step 2: Choose Your Elopement Location
South Carolina offers three dramatically different landscapes. Here’s a breakdown of each.
Mountains & Foothills (Upstate SC)
The Blue Ridge foothills give you mountain views, waterfalls, and some of the most photographically stunning ceremony spots in the state.
The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel — One of the most iconic elopement venues in the Southeast. This chapel sits at 3,000 feet near Landrum, SC with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic mountain views. It seats just 50 people.
Pretty Place (YMCA Camp Greenville) — A stone outdoor chapel perched on a mountain ridge near Cleveland, SC with unobstructed views across three states. Ceremonies here are free to the public — simply reserve a time slot and bring your officiant.
Sassafras Mountain — The highest point in South Carolina at 3,553 feet, with a summit observation deck. Perfect for adventurous couples.
Waterfalls in the SC foothills — Dozens of accessible waterfalls within an hour of Greenville: Raven Cliff Falls, Twin Falls, Miuka Falls. A waterfall ceremony feels intimate and dramatic.
Bald Rock at Caesars Head State Park — A large granite outcropping with sweeping mountain views. Free to access, no permits required for small ceremonies.
Lowcountry & Charleston Area
Edisto Island — Quiet and raw. No high-rises, no crowds — just long stretches of beach and ancient live oaks. Perfect for sunrise or sunset ceremonies.
Charleston’s historic parks — White Point Garden, Waterfront Park, and the Battery. Note that city permits may be required for park ceremonies.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens — Ancient oaks, reflecting ponds, gardens maintained for over 300 years. Available for private elopement ceremonies.
Beach Elopements (Grand Strand & Coast)
- Huntington Beach State Park: Natural feel, beautiful light, wide beaches
- Myrtle Beach State Park: Secluded from the commercial strip, natural dune landscapes
- Pawleys Island: A narrow barrier island with a quiet, unhurried character
Step 3: Hire Your Vendors
Officiant: A friend ordained online (Universal Life Church is recognized in SC) or a commissioned SC notary. Or hire a professional.
Photographer: The one vendor I’d never skip on an elopement. Your photos are your record and your story. Find someone who specializes in elopements — they know how to move through the environment, work with natural light, and document genuine emotion.
→ Inquire about elopement photography with Katie Jaynes
Florist (optional): A simple bouquet of seasonal wildflowers makes a meaningful difference in photos. Many couples skip florals for a minimalist approach.
Hair & Makeup (optional): Book a mobile artist who will come to you. Many HMUAs in SC specialize in elopements.
Step 4: Plan Your Day
Morning elopement timeline:
- 8:00 AM — Hair and makeup (if applicable)
- 10:00 AM — Photographer arrives; getting-ready portraits
- 11:00 AM — Travel to ceremony location
- 11:30 AM — First look
- 12:00 PM — Ceremony (15–30 minutes)
- 12:30 PM — Portraits in the location
- 2:00 PM — Celebratory lunch just the two of you
Sunset elopement timeline:
- 3:00 PM — Hair and makeup
- 5:30 PM — Travel to ceremony location (arrive 2 hours before sunset)
- 6:00 PM — First look and portraits
- 7:00 PM — Ceremony at golden hour
- 7:30 PM — Final portraits in fading light
- 8:30 PM — Celebratory dinner
How Much Does an Elopement in South Carolina Cost?
| Expense | Low End | Mid Range | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage license | $25 | $50 | $70+ |
| Photographer (4–8 hours) | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,000+ |
| Officiant | $0 (friend) | $300 | $600 |
| Hair and makeup | $0 | $250 | $500 |
| Florals | $0 | $150 | $400 |
| Location/permit fees | $0 | $100 | $500 |
| Celebratory dinner | $50 | $200 | $500+ |
| Total | ~$1,600 | ~$3,500 | ~$6,500+ |
Compare that to the average South Carolina wedding cost of $25,000–$35,000.
Elopement vs. Micro-Wedding
Elopement: Just the two of you, or you + 1–5 people. No formal reception. The ceremony is the event.
Micro-wedding: 10–30 guests, intentional and personal, may include dinner. All the meaning, none of the overwhelm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eloping in South Carolina legal? Yes. Any couple can marry in SC with a valid marriage license. You don’t need to be SC residents.
Do I need an officiant? Yes — a licensed officiant must sign your license. Options: ordained ministers (including online-ordained), SC notaries, and certain judges.
Can I elope at a state park? Generally yes. Small ceremonies usually don’t require advance permits, but call the specific park ahead of time to confirm.
Can we elope at Pretty Place? Yes. Reserve a time slot through YMCA Camp Greenville. No formal fee, but a donation is appreciated.
