How to Elope in South Carolina

You’re probably here because you and your partner want an elopement filled with mountains and adventure, and decided South Carolina had both, but now you have no idea how to elope in South Carolina. Am I right? That’s where I come in! I’ve created this guide to tell you the where’s, the when’s, and the how’s for eloping in South Carolina!

In this How to Elope in South Carolina blog, we will cover:

• Where to Elope in South Carolina
• When to Elope in South Carolina
• How to Elope in South Carolina
• What to do during your South Carolina elopement
• What to Bring to Elope in South Carolina
• Example Timelines
• Reach Out To Plan Your South Carolina Elopement

Where To Elope in South Carolina

Once you have your marriage license (skip to the bottom of how to get legally married in South Carolina), you can literally elope anywhere that will have you! Keep in mind that there may be permits needed from county to county, park to park, or location to location. It’s important that you find a photographer that can help you navigate these waters and suggest locations that fit your vision!

Here’s some of my favorite elopement spots in South Carolina:

• Charleston
• Greenville
• Hotel Domestique
• Devil’s Fork State Park
• Hilton Head Island
• Table Rock Trails
• Columbia 
• The Red Horse Inn
• Mount Pleasant 
• Traveler’s Rest
• Jones Gap State Park

Want some guidance on finding the perfect South Carolina elopement location? Reach out and let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision! 

When To Elope In South Carolina

South Carolina enjoys all four seasons – spring, summer, fall, and winter. Depending on the vibe you’re wanting, you can get it all here. South Carolina is considered a sub-tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.

If you want to avoid crowds, plan your elopement during an off-season (summer/winter) or non-holiday weekend. The best seasons for weather would be spring and fall! 

South Carolina is not immune to hurricane season which starts in June and goes all the way until November; however, it’s very unlikely that you’ll need to worry about a direct hit like Florida.

If you want to have a summer elopement, I would recommend an early summer (June/July) as tornados frequent in spring and hurricane activity picks up later in the season between mid-August and mid-October. If you’re planning an elopement during this time, consider getting travel insurance and having a sunrise elopement to avoid the afternoon showers.

If you want the bold foliage and cooler temperatures, the late fall/early winter timeframe is best. You’re looking at sunny and with temperatures between 50 to 75F. 

If you want a more detailed look into the month by month weather for South Carolina, check out this website and this website! It’s a great resource as to what you can expect for the seasons. 

Need help figuring out the best time to elope in South Carolina? Reach out and let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision! 

How To Elope In South Carolina

There’s three easy steps for making it totally legal in South Carolina! 

1. Apply for marriage license.

You’ll first need to apply for a marriage license at the local probate court in-person. Keep in mind that there’s a 24-hour waiting period. Just make sure that you’re in South Carolina during business hours of the probate court to pick up your marriage license before your ceremony!

Speaking of money – fees vary by county and if you’re a resident or non-resident. Prices range between $30 to $115. 

Fun fact – if you take the 6-hour pre-marital course within a year of your marriage, you can get a one-time $50 tax credit. The course must be taken together and the credit is split. 

To apply for a marriage license, you’ll both need to be present and have your social security card, driver’s license or state ID, and proof of age (if between the ages of 18 and 25). For proof of age, you can use your driver’s license, military ID, passport or visa, or certified copy of birth certificates. South Carolina does not require blood test or medical exams.

Once you have your marriage license, you can elope literally anywhere in South Carolina! There is also no expiration date for your marriage license. Yayyyyyyy let’s do this!

Check with the applicable probate court before making plans to ensure you have all your ducks in a row.

2. Hire an officiant.

Now that you have your marriage license, you’ll need someone to make it official. This can be any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy, judges of the state of South Carolina. You can find a ton of options for an officiant through the Knot!

Heads up – there are two spaces for witness signatures on the South Carolina marriage license. I can be one of them 😉 

Once you have the above done, we are ready to rock and roll!

3. Send Back Your Marriage License

The marriage license must be returned to the issuing probate court for recording within 15 days of the ceremony.

If the idea of eloping excites you, but you’re not sure where to start, let me show you how I can help! Check out the elopement experience!

What To Do For Your South Carolina Elopement

With a never-ending supply of mountain air and sun shining days, adventuring outdoors comes easy in this state. Here are a few of my favorite things to do for elopements:

• Brewery hop in Greenville
• Explore downtown Charleston and eat low country food
• Rent a cute AirBnB and hike the Blue Ridge mountains
• Go whitewater rafting followed by a soak in a hot tub
• Flyfishing and a picnic

There’s endless opportunities to make your South Carolina elopement exactly how you want it with YOUR kind of adventure!

Need help brainstorming ideas? Let’s create something epic together!

Example Timelines

Your South Carolina elopement can be as epic as you want, but how exactly does that look? Below are three options to give you an idea!

4-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-3: Ceremony & mini adventure
Hour 4: Portraits at golden hour

8-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-6: Ceremony & half day adventure
Hour 7: Portraits at golden hour
Hour 8: Dinner & drinks

12-Hour Timeline

Hour 1: Getting ready, details, & first look
Hour 2-5: Ceremony, lunch break, & adventure at first location
Hour 6-12: Adventure & portraits at second location

What To Bring To Elope in South Carolina

You should be prepared for whatever South Carolina may throw at you! Depending on the time of year and the weather, here’s a quick list of all the things to have handy for your South Carolina elopement:

• Marriage License
• Pen
• Backpack
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella
• Rain coat
• Snacks
• Water
• Towel (if we plan to get into the water)
• Change of clothes (if you tend to sweat)
• Some form of celebratory drinks for post I do’s!

South Carolina Elopement Photographer

If you’ve made it this far, it means you’re ready to elope in South Carolina, but maybe you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that’s involved? If that’s you and you would love for someone to help brainstorm ideas, plan out the logistics, give you recommendations, andddddddd capture epic photos, then I’m your girl!