Want to elope at Clemson University? This post is for you!
If you’ve read some of my other content by now, you know that I 100% support anyone who chooses to have a “just us” wedding ceremony. It’s not about being hasty, cheap, or secretive—everyone has different reasons for choosing to not have guests. When you aren’t factoring in a venue space that’s big enough to hold a lot of people, you open up so many more possibilities for where you can get married. And if Clemson is special to you, then elope at Clemson!
Steps of Sikes Hall
How to Elope at Clemson University
Some places require a fee to use their space, but others don’t. A certified officiant will handle the legal paperwork, and it’s up to you what the rest of the day looks like! If you’re not sure yet how to elope, I have a whole blog post with what to know about eloping in South Carolina!
Wedding Venues at Clemson University
There are four actual venues on Clemson’s campus that host weddings: the Madren Conference Center on Lake Hartwell (where I got married), the Clemson Outdoor Lab (which has a beautiful reception hall), the Samuel J. Cadden Chapel, and a few places at the South Carolina Botanical Gardens.
South Carolina Botanical Gardens
South Carolina Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens has multiple locations that could be used as a ceremony space with space to seat guests, but if it’s just you two, the possibilities are endless! The Xeriscape Garden has a beautiful white gazebo with a small lawn in front and vines with purple flowers in the spring. The pier on the duck pond is a great option if it might rain that day. For more ideas on where to elope in the South Carolina Botanical Gardens, check out this post!
President’s Park
The legend says that any couple who walks hand-in-hand through President’s Park will be together forever. If you’re not into superstition, just know that this is one of the few outdoor covered areas on campus, so it’s a good rain plan. In the spring, it’s full of pink and white blooms!
The Amphitheater
I always thought this would be a pretty spot for a wedding ceremony, but it’s the dead center of campus and it wouldn’t be very private. That wasn’t a problem for this New Year’s Eve elopement though! We only saw a few people the whole time, and it was silent except for the bells in the clock tower.
Lake Hartwell
Clemson’s campus has tons of access points to this massive lake. Every time I’ve taken photos on Lake Hartwell in cold weather, we’ve had the spot to ourselves! And can we talk about this beautiful Clemson sunset that we got at the end of this elopement?
Carillon Garden
When I first visited Clemson, I fell in love with the view from Library Bridge, going from the Reflection Pond to the amphitheater to the Carillon bell. There’s lawn space here as well if you’d like to have seating for a few guests—contact the university to set this up. In the winter, the bare trees will give you a clear view of the clock tower from the lawn.
Death Valley
While it’s difficult to get access to the stadium, you can still have a great view of it without being inside it. The deck at Stadium Suites/Mickel Hall has a perfect backdrop of the stadium, and there are tables where you can sign your marriage license and cut your cake!
Where to Have an Elopement Reception in Clemson
If it’s just the two of you, you could set up a picnic or cut your cake anywhere, but you can also have a private catered meal or go to a restaurant. After your ceremony is over, head to Calhoun Corners in Clemson or the Lighthouse in Seneca. You could even have a full reception with family and friends at either one! Check out some more ideas for elopement receptions!
Ready to elope at Clemson?
I’m Christine (Scott) Gow. I graduated from Clemson in 2015, where I was active in the photography club. I met my husband for the first time in Schilletter Dining Hall and he proposed to me on top of Clemson House. We were married at the Madren Center in 2017 with plenty of purple and orange to go around!
Taking photos for Clemson couples has a special place in my heart, but I also love showing other people around this special place. I love the Clemson family, the school’s commitment to sustainability, and how much the horticulture and architecture shine across campus.
I’d love to be part of your story at Clemson!
