Want to elope in front of a waterfall in South Carolina? There are hundreds for you to choose from in this little corner of the state! Here’s what you should know, plus a few suggestions for where to go!
First, I recommend learning how to elope in South Carolina so you can be familiar with the process before you start planning!
Downtown Greenville
Waterfall Accessibility
Only a few of the waterfalls in this list require a hike, but none are more than 5 miles long. Most waterfalls might involve uneven terrain, mud, or scrambling over rocks; so I recommend bringing clothes and footwear that are suitable for that and moving slowly. One location I suggest involves a boat ride. There are plenty of other waterfalls in South Carolina that involve longer and more strenuous hikes, and some that I don’t think are feasible for taking photos. Read more about what I look for in hiking trails.
SIDE NOTE: South Carolina’s tallest waterfall (Raven Cliff Falls) is not on this list. Seeing it either involves hiking to a small platform that’s really far away from the waterfall, or taking a longer and more strenuous hike.
Downtown Greenville
And now, here are some places to consider for a waterfall elopement in South Carolina! And if you’re ready to book your elopement photographer, you can start here!
Falls Park
Downtown Greenville
Falls Park is home to the most famous waterfall in South Carolina, Reedy River Falls. This 20-foot waterfall runs through the Reedy River, right in the middle of downtown Greenville and below the Liberty Bridge. There are other smaller waterfalls within walking distance of it. This is probably the most accessible waterfall in South Carolina, since there’s an elevator to a paved path, but there are rocks you’ll have to scramble over if you want to get really close. There are plenty of restaurants around it if you want to celebrate afterwards! Read more about eloping in downtown Greenville and Falls Park!
Station Cove Falls
Oconee County
This is one of my favorite waterfalls. It’s an easy trail with plenty of scenery along the way. It’s in Oconee County, close to some other cool natural scenery, like Oconee Station and Stumphouse Tunnel. This couple chose Station Cove because they had about 10 family members they wanted to join them and they wanted a trail that wasn’t very difficult. Read more about Station Cove Falls and why I love going there with couples!
Wildcat Wayside
Greenville County
This is a one-mile trail in northern Greenville County with 3 waterfalls. The first one is a 10-foot waterfall that you can see from the road. The second is a smaller, wide waterfall up a set of steps. The third one is the biggest, but it looks more like a little trickle on a rock to me, so I’d stick with the two at the bottom. Read more about Wildcat Wayside and the mountain scenery nearby!
Issaqueena Falls
Stumphouse Park in Oconee County
This is part of Stumphouse Park, where you can also see Stumphouse Tunnel. I think the observation deck is too high above the falls for it to really show in pictures, so if it hasn’t rained recently, I’d recommend scrambling down to a better view of the falls. This photo is from my phone on a clearer day, but here are some engagement photos I took on a hazy day.
Rock Quarry Garden
Downtown Greenville
It’s easy to drive right past Rock Quarry Garden without realizing it’s there. It’s in downtown Greenville, below two streets with a staircase at each side. It has a small waterfall at one end of the garden and lots of beautiful plants. You can also reserve the park for a small wedding if you’re planning to have a few guests.
Yellow Branch Falls
Oconee County
Yellow Branch Falls is about a 3.5 mile trail that is rated as moderate. While there isn’t as much of a variety of scenery on this trail, you’re not far from Stumphouse Park. I also think this waterfall is kind of shaped like a wedding cake, so I like the idea of it for an elopement.
Table Rock State Park
Pickens County
There’s a dam near the visitor center at Table Rock State Park, but there are also 3 waterfalls of varying sizes along the 2-mile Carrick Creek Trail. The two smaller ones, like the one pictured above, are right at the beginning of the trail. You can go to the visitor center afterwards for some views of some of the tallest mountains in South Carolina over Lake Oolenoy.
Lake Jocassee
Oconee/Pickens County
There are at least 5 waterfalls on Lake Jocassee that are only accessible by boat. If you don’t have a boat, you can rent one from Eclectic Sun or charter a boat tour through Jocasssee Boat Tours. A boat elopement on Lake Jocassee also means having views of coves, cliffs, and the mountains over the water. Read more about Lake Jocassee and Devils Fork State Park!
Jones Gap State Park
Greenville County
While Rainbow Falls (pictured above) is one of my favorite waterfalls in South Carolina, it’s a more strenuous trail than what I’d recommend for an elopement or photo session. Jones Gap Falls is an easier alternative and still beautiful. Read more about Jones Gap State Park!
The second waterfall at Wildcat Wayside
Ready for the best day ever?
I hope this post helped get you excited for your South Carolina waterfall elopement! Read more below about what your day could look like, then let’s start planning!
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!
