How do you elope in South Carolina? More importantly, what does it even mean to elope anymore?
Short answer: Whatever you want!
Overall, the word “elopement” still carries a negative connotation for lots of people. It’s become associated with tackiness, secrecy, haste, and being cheap. Now, the meaning of the word is evolving, and so is our perception of what a wedding day should be.
However you choose to elope, you deserve the best day ever and the best photos from it. I’m ready to help you make that happen.
What is an elopement?
“Elopement” technically means “escaping,” so it became used as the word for running away together to get married. I recently came across an episode of Fresh Prince where Will and Lisa secretly go to Vegas to elope instead of having a big wedding like they planned. Even though they didn’t go through with the ceremony in Vegas, Lisa said that she felt she and Will had more of a choice in what their own wedding day looked like. This still rings true today, even if eloping means something different.
Nowadays, an elopement is just a wedding without guests, and that looks different for everyone. The thought became more popular in 2020 when large gatherings had to be postponed indefinitely, and people didn’t want to postpone actually being married.
Are elopements cheaper than typical weddings?
Yes and no. A lot of the expenses of a typical wedding come from what you provide to your guests, such as food, alcohol, chairs, tables, invitations, and a space big enough to hold everyone. When you take away those expenses, you open up a lot more possibilities for what the day could look like. Lots of couples who elope still invest in quality wedding vendors, or they might budget for something else, like the dress they’ve always dreamed of, or airfare to get married somewhere scenic. It’s all about paying for what you value, and that’s different for everyone.
Do you have to keep an elopement a secret?
It’s up to you whether to tell people about your wedding before or afterward. In my experience, some parents understand that the couple wants a more private ceremony, and they don’t take it personally.
Is an elopement always hasty?
Some people start planning elopements years in advance, just like they may for a more traditional wedding. Others “make it official” after years of being together. Both are valid.
Is your wedding day still special if nobody is there?
The biggest pushback for elopements is probably the idea of not having your family and friends there to see you get married. For a lot of couples, it’s not about excluding people, it’s just about having an intimate experience. One couple said, “We loved the idea of just the two of us coming together before God in nature.”
How beautiful is that?
Some people prefer to exchange their vows without other people watching and listening. It’s your decision whether or not to be surrounded by the people who are closest to you as you say your vows, and only you know who those people are.
How do you elope in South Carolina?
No matter how you choose to get married, you will still need to sign a marriage license. This process varies by state. In South Carolina, you can either sign the papers at the courthouse or have a certified officiant come with you to where you want to have your ceremony.
Do you need witnesses to elope?
South Carolina also does not require any witnesses to sign the marriage license. North Carolina and Georgia, however, require two witnesses. I can always serve as one. The other could be your videographer if you have one, or even just someone who happens to be passing by.
What does an elopement day even look like?
There’s a lot that’s possible when you’re not accounting for a large group of people. You may not need to reserve a space, depending on where you choose to have your ceremony and pictures. Some couples have their ceremony on a mountain or in front of a waterfall, something that’s not easily accessible for other people. Some choose to do it in a more public space, which is harder to organize with a group of people. This elopement involved cutting their wedding cake right in front of Clemson’s Death Valley. It was on a whim and that would never work if there were more people than just the three of us.
To get some ideas for how to spend your day, check out my blog posts for what to do on your elopement day in Greenville and what to do on your elopement day in Clemson!
What if I like the idea of both a “just us” ceremony and a big celebration?
Maybe you love the idea of hiking to an overlook to say your vows, but you also love the idea of celebrating with your family and friends. You have a few options:
Split it into two days. One day can be an intimate ceremony with just the two of you, and the other can be a celebration with your family and friends.
Take elopement-style pictures on a different day. Maybe you could get dressed up for an engagement session in a scenic place, or you could have an adventure session on your honeymoon in your wedding attire.
Invite a small group of people. Covid popularized the term “microwedding,” which I use interchangeably with intimate wedding, or a wedding with a small number of guests. For some people, it’s just their parents, and for others, it’s around 25 people.
Just like any wedding, there aren’t really any rules for what you do and don’t need to have. You can still have professional hair and makeup, a white dress, a catered meal, or a small cake, just like how you don’t necessarily have to include the typical wedding traditions in a bigger wedding. In the end, your wedding day is up to you and your future spouse. Maybe it’s a big party with a DJ and all your family and friends. Maybe it’s a handful of people who are close to you in a pretty place. Maybe it’s just the two of you at your house. What does the perfect day look like to the two of you? Start there.
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 of our state parks. We love being outside as much as we love being inside and watching Pixar movies on the couch.
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!
