Are you thinking of having Christmas engagement photos in Greenville, SC? Do you want a Christmas elopement in downtown Greenville? Here are some of my favorite photos from downtown Greenville at Christmastime!
Festival of Trees
One of my favorite things to do in December in Greenville is go to the Festival of Trees. There are themed Christmas trees around a few hotels in Greenville, mostly the Hyatt. Each tree is sponsored by one organization and decorated by another, such as a hospital system sponsoring a tree that an elementary school decorated. They get so creative with some of the themes, and I look forward to it every year on my birthday.
Ice on Main
Between Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there is an outdoor ice rink in the courtyard outside of the Marriott hotel on Main Street. I’ve never done anyone’s photos here, but I think it’d have all the Hallmark Christmas movie vibes!
M. Judson’s Booksellers
M. Judson’s Booksellers is a super fun bookstore in a historic building, right along Main Street, a few blocks away from Falls Park. I think the bookstore itself is beautiful at any time of year, but the Christmas tree outside of it is awesome! It’s super tall with white lights and colorful ball ornaments. Here’s a comparison of how it looks during the daytime and at night:
The Westin Poinsett
The Westin Poinsett is a hotel in the heart of downtown. It was built in the 1920s and has a fun, retro style. If you think the word “Poinsett” looks like the word “poinsettia,” it’s not a coincidence. Joel Poinsett was a South Carolinian botanist and diplomat who became the first American ambassador to Mexico. He introduced a plant to the US that’s now known as a poinsettia, and there are plenty of them throughout the hotel at Christmastime. This would be my #1 recommendation for anyone who wants a Christmas elopement or wedding in Greenville.
Note: The Westin Poinsett has a fee to take photos there, and the neon sign on the roof is only available to people who have reserved it for their wedding.
Bonus: Other things to do in Greenville near Christmas
As a dancer, being part of a Nutcracker performance was always something I looked forward to in December. There are multiple productions of it in Greenville each year. Some productions, such as Carolina Ballet Theatre and International Ballet, are normally held at the Peace Center in downtown Greenville, so it’s easy to walk there after your engagement or elopement.
The Upstate Holiday Light Show is a drive-through light show near Easley. Take some time alone together in the car and drive through the scenery!
I already mentioned skating at Ice on Main, but here it is again.
There are tons of holiday markets around the upstate to buy locally made foods and handmade goods, whether you’re buying gifts or you just want something for yourself.
The Christmas Parade comes through downtown Greenville every year, usually the first Saturday of December.
For more information about holiday events in Greenville, check it out on their website!
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!
