Joshua and Mika were engaged at Camp Greenville on a beautiful fall morning at sunrise!
The drive up to Pretty Place from Greenville is a little terrifying with how windy it is going uphill, but going there for sunrise means you’re making most of that drive in the dark. Usually, I start to see a tiny bit of color in the sky right at the very end of the drive, usually a dark blue with a little bit of red. This time, I saw a stripe of bright orange against a black sky, and I knew this sunrise was about to be amazing. I kept taking photos of it before Joshua and Mika got there because it was so cool and kept getting better. It was the first weekend of November and fall was really kicking in. It was chilly before the sun came up, but gradually got warmer, and the leaves were right around their peak.
Since they were making a weekend trip from St. Louis, Joshua had reserved the chapel so he could guarantee it’d be open while they were in the area and that no people would be there. He told Mika that they were going to a sunrise service there that required you to register online. When I got out of my car, Cici the Violinist was already in the chapel–it really sounded like there was a real church service. When Joshua and Mika got to the chapel, they walked down to the front, where Mika was taking photos and videos on his phone. They stood at the front of the chapel together while Joshua prayed, then he got down on one knee. After Mika said yes, Cici switched from playing a hymn to playing All of Me by John Legend. She continued to play the rest of the time we were in the chapel. As we were leaving, Joshua caught himself saying “it’s such a pretty place” and then remembered where we were.
Enjoy some of my favorite photos from Joshua and Mika’s engagement at Pretty Place Chapel in South Carolina! If you’re still looking for a photographer, read more about my elopement and engagement photography, and read more about taking photos at Pretty Place!
More from the South Carolina Mountains
Elopement photos at Caesars Head State Park and Table Rock State Park in the South Carolina mountains.
Spring elopement photos at Table Rock State Park and Caesars Head State Park | Christine Scott Photography | South Carolina mountain elopement
Madison and Charles had an intimate wedding at Cliffs at Glassy Chapel on a cloudy spring day, followed by a small reception at Eagle Mountain Winery in Landrum, South Carolina.
Jasmine and Ezequiel’s spring elopement at Caesars Head State Park in South Carolina, with photos afterwards at Table Rock State Park.
Elopement at Pretty Place Chapel in Cleveland, South Carolina with photos afterwards at Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.
Cliffs at Glassy Chapel | Where to elope near Greenville, SC | Small wedding venues in upstate South Carolina
Larry and Alejandra’s intimate wedding at Cliffs at Glassy Chapel in the mountains of South Carolina.
Riversong Grove is an Airbnb in Cleveland, South Carolina that’s perfect for an elopement or microwedding.
Alex and Sandi’s spring engagement photos at Pretty Place Chapel and Caesars Head State Park in Cleveland, South Carolina.
Elope at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve in South Carolina | Engagement photos at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve in South Carolina
Come see South Carolina’s best sunset in the mountains!
Elope at Caesars Head State Park | Elope in the mountains in South Carolina
Ready for the best day ever?
My name is Christine (Scott) Gow and I’m an elopement photographer based out of Greenville, South Carolina. I’m a wife and a beagle mom. The three of us have visited beautiful places in every corner of South Carolina, to include all 48 of our state parks. We love finding new outdoor places to visit, but we also love hanging out on the couch and watching Pixar movies.
One thing I love about South Carolina is that it’s not just the beaches and colorful houses that you imagine when you picture it. Whether you’re looking for mountains, beaches, or anything in between; I can help you find the perfect place for the two of you and make it as smooth of a day as possible. No matter how you two choose to spend your day, I’m happy you’re doing it the way that you want.
I can’t wait to meet you!
Planning Resources
Taking photos at Station Cove Falls in Oconee County, South Carolina | Waterfall elopement in South Carolina | Waterfall engagement photos in South Carolina
Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville, South Carolina | Engagement photos at Paris Mountain State Park
Cliffs at Glassy Chapel | Where to elope near Greenville, SC | Small wedding venues in upstate South Carolina
Riversong Grove is an Airbnb in Cleveland, South Carolina that’s perfect for an elopement or microwedding.
Elopement and engagement photo ideas at Stumphouse Park in Oconee County, South Carolina.
Elope at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve in South Carolina | Engagement photos at Bald Rock Heritage Preserve in South Carolina
Where to take engagement photos in Greenville, SC at Christmas, and what else to do together that day.
Where to elope in state parks in South Carolina, including venues in and near the parks.
Here are some places to have an intimate wedding in upstate South Carolina! This post talks about logistics and gives a list of microwedding venues near Greenville, SC.
Tips for taking wedding or engagment photos when there’s a chance of rain | Elopement photographer in Greenville, South Carolina.
Places to elope at Clemson University, including places on the main campus, botanical gardens, and Lake Hartwell!
What to know about eloping at Pretty Place Chapel in the mountains of South Carolina.
Pretty Place, or Fred W Symmes Chapel, is part of the YMCA Camp Greenville property in Cleveland (northern Greenville County), South Carolina. This is a tricky spot to plan for, so read all my insight here.
Here are some places to elope in South Carolina that aren’t the beach! Greenville, South Carolina is close to some amazing places to elope- mountains, waterfalls, gardens, lakes, and more!
Lake Jocassee in South Carolina, accessible through Devils Fork State Park.
Elope at Devils Fork State Park | Elope at Lake Jocassee
What to do near Greenville, South Carolina - recommendations for nature walks, sports, hiking, restaurants, and more!
Come see South Carolina’s best sunset in the mountains!
Elope at Caesars Head State Park | Elope in the mountains in South Carolina
Tyler and Christina’s mountain engagement photos at Caesars Head State Park and Table Rock State Park in upstate South Carolina.