Charleston is one of the top destinations in the world for weddings + elopements.  Colorful historic homes, cobblestone streets, waterfront views, oaks dripping with Spanish Moss… the beauty of the South is simply unmatched.  Thousands of couples travel to Charleston each year to get married and there are no shortage of beautiful locations to elope.  Getting married in Charleston is relatively simple, so I wanted to put together a resource for couples who are looking to say “I do!” here in Charleston…

HOW TO GET MARRIED IN CHARLESTON SC – THE MARRIAGE LICENSE

Applying for Your Marriage License

Currently, all applications for marriage licenses in Charleston are being done electronically.  You can start the application process here.

Please be sure to provide the email address for each party and only apply ONCE.

What You Need To Obtain A Marriage License in Charleston County

• A form of identification (a valid driver’s license, SC ID card, original birth certificate, current military ID, or current passports)
• Proof of social security number (your Social Security card, most recent tax return, or W2)
• $70 plus credit card processing fees

There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after the online application has been filed before the Marriage License in released – so please plan accordingly.

Two business days after the completed application is received, you will receive the Marriage License by email to print, along with an instruction sheet.  Be sure to check your Marriage License for accuracy and email the court to notify them of any errors.

This Marriage License is valid only for marriages performed in person in South Carolina.  And you do NOT need a witness to sign anything in order to get married in Charleston!

In Charleston, You Can Be Married By:

• Ordained minister
• Jewish Rabbi
• Officers authorized to administer oaths in South Carolina
• South Carolina Notary

My top recommendations for elopement officiants in Charleston are:

• Kristen Barner
• Christy Loftin
• Kevin Kuehmeier
• Kasey King
• Custom Vows by Casey

WHERE TO STAY + GET READY FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT

There are so many wonderful places to stay and get ready at for your Charleston elopement.  A few of my favorite places include:

• Zero George
• Planter’s Inn (St. Philip Suite… the BEST for getting ready photos)
• The Dewberry
• Hotel Emeline
• The Mills House
• The Charleston Place
• Wentworth Mansion
• The Ryder Hotel

POPULAR ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS IN DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON

There are so many places to elope in Charleston!  If you’re doing a “traditional” elopement with just you two and an officiant, you can easily find a quiet, picturesque spot downtown for you two to say “I do!”  If you’re having guests, you may want to consider renting a venue – and potentially chairs for your guests, depending on your vision.  Some of the most popular spaces for Charleston elopements are:

• White Point Gardens aka Battery Park – permit required
• Waterfront Park – permit required
• Hampton Park
• Washington Square
• Wentworth Mansion – they include 1 hour of photography in their elopement package, but will omit that if you’ve already secured a photographer (me – hint hint!)
• Zero George
• Hotel Emeline
• Hotel Bennett
• The Dewberry

POPULAR ELOPEMENT VENUES IN CHARLESTON

• Boone Hall
• Magnolia Plantation – currently charges $750 for elopements
• Middleton Place – requires $500 donation to Middleton Place Foundation, which also comes with a one year membership
• Legare Waring House/Charlestowne Landing State Park – simply pay admission to the park and, if there is a wedding on-site, avoid from Legare Waring House area
• Wingate Place

Two of the city parks (White Point Gardens and Hampton Park) have covered gazebos that can be reserved through the city’s website here.  The plantations + hotels all have a fee to use their property, as well as date/time restrictions for elopements.  These locations will require a little more planning.  Please contact them directly for their most updated pricing.

LOCAL ELOPEMENT PLANNERS

While most elopements won’t require too much planning, depending on the logistics and/or your perfect elopement vision, you may want to hire an elopement planner to help execute your dream Charleston elopement.  I am fortunate enough to work with some of the best wedding planners in Charleston and here are a few of my favorites:

• Burnette Events
• Spellbound Events
• Firefly Weddings + Events
• Tight Knot Events

WHERE TO CELEBRATE

After your elopement ceremony, you may want to celebrate with a nice dinner in downtown Charleston.  Some of my favorite local places are:

• Hall’s Chophouse
• 82 Queen
• Oak Steakhouse
• Circa 1886
• High Cotton
• Husk
• Charleston Grill
• Zero Restaurant + Bar

WHAT TO WEAR

While I am all for comfort, this is your wedding day – and if there’s any day for you to look + feel your best, THIS. IS. IT!!  Want to wear the classic wedding dress and/or black tuxedo of your dreams?  Go for it!  Feeling a little more funky?  A jumpsuit might be up your alley!  Floral gowns, short dresses, printed suits, pant suits, fun heels, feather detailing, sequins, velvet driving shoes, fresh Jordans, wearing colors + patterns instead of a traditional bridal look?!  Let’s do it!  This is YOUR day to shine as a couple – so whatever will make you feel the BEST is what I recommend wearing!

HAIR AND MAKEUP RECOMMENDATIONS

If you’re thinking about getting your hair + makeup done for your elopement, DO IT!  Trust me, it’ll be completely worth it and you deserve to look + feel your best on your wedding day.  Some of my favorite hair + makeup artists in Charleston are:

• Ash and Co
• Carrie McLeod – she is a good friend of mine and used to own Paper Dolls; she now freelances, so please contact me for her email address
• Charleston Bridal Collab
• Charleston I Do
• Dannon K Collard

FLORIST RECOMMENDATIONS

You know I am a flower lover, and there are so many talented floral artists in Charleston!  Some of my very favorite florists – and human beings – are:

• Festoon
• Fresh Weddings and Events
• Juniper and Jasmine
• Petaloso
• Roadside Blooms
• Creech’s Florist
• Branch Design Studio

CAKE RECOMMENDATIONS

If you’d like to celebrate your elopement and cut a cake, here are some of my favorite bakers in Charleston:

• ABCD Cakes
• Swank Desserts
• Ashley Bakery
• Flowerchild

RENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS

If you want to rent some nice chairs for your ceremony, a nice cart or table for your champagne + cake, or anything else you can imagine – here are a few of my favorite Charleston rental companies:

• Curated Events
• EventWorks
• The French Eclectic
• Cheers Charleston

If you’re ready to start planning your elopement in Charleston, SC – please inquire!  I’m happy to help you plan the best day for you guys!