Why Charleston?

Why is Charleston the perfect city for your elopement? Charleston, South Carolina is a romantic city steeped in history and Southern charm. It’s a popular destination for tourists (named the No. 1 city in the US by Travel and Leisure for 10 years in a row), a beloved place for locals, and in my opinion an amazing spot for couples who want to elope.

Elopements have become a popular trend in recent years, as many couples are choosing to forego the traditional big wedding in favor of something more intimate and personal. If you’re considering eloping, Charleston should be at the top of your list. Here’s why:

Stunning Scenery

Charleston is a city that is rich in natural beauty, from its stunning beaches to its lush gardens and historic landmarks. Whether you want to exchange vows on the beach, in a garden, or in front of a historic building, Charleston has plenty of gorgeous spots to choose from. The city’s cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and Spanish moss-draped trees provide the perfect backdrop for your elopement photos. Honestly the hardest thing about eloping in Charleston is choosing one spot! (spoiler alert…don’t. pick many!)

Mild Climate

Charleston has a mild climate that is perfect for outdoor weddings. The city enjoys plenty of sunshine and warmth throughout the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you can plan your elopement for any season without worrying about the weather ruining your special day.

Some things to note about the Charleston’s weather:

1. June through September are the hottest months, but July and August are probably hotter than you want for your elopement. Consider this when planning your day. Part of our (The Wild Elopement) planning process will cover weather, and how to prepare for heat!
2. Hurricane season runs June through October, with September and October being the most active months. With an elopement you’ll LIKELY have a little more leeway for shifting ahead or back by a few days, but keep this in mind when choosing your date.
3. During the summer the weather almost ALWAYS predicts rain, but it most often the rain is just a quick passing shower. Don’t let it scare you!

Delicious Food

Charleston is known for its delicious Lowcountry cuisine, which includes dishes like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and fried green tomatoes. The city has a vibrant food scene, with plenty of restaurants that specialize in Southern fare. You can celebrate your elopement with a romantic dinner at one of Charleston’s many fine dining establishments or have a more casual meal at a local seafood or barbeque spot.

While planning your elopement, let’s chat about your favorite food and make reservations at one of Charleston’s best spots! I’ll be glad to give you a list of my favorites as well.

Rich History

Charleston is a city that is steeped in history, with a rich and colorful past that spans over 300 years. From the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement, Charleston has played a significant role in American history. Most of the venues and elopement location options have significant history of their own, so make sure and dig into the location if you want the full story. Like any city with a significant past not all of Charleston’s history is good, but the city and those of us who live here are doing our best to preserve and share the history and educate those who visit so we can learn from the past.

One of my favorite ways to learn about Charleston’s history (and a great idea for an activity during your stay, maybe the day after your elopement) is to take a walking tour. My personal favorite tour guide is Tommy Dew, check out his site to schedule a tour with him!

Romantic Atmosphere

Charleston has a reputation for being one of the most romantic cities in the United States, and for good reason. The city’s Southern charm, stunning scenery, and rich history combine to create a truly enchanting atmosphere. Whether you’re strolling hand-in-hand along the Battery, sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district, Charleston is the perfect place to celebrate your love.

The most romantic part of Charleston (in my opinion) are the flowers blooming almost everywhere. The most flowers bloom in the spring (late February through early April), but honestly there are flowers almost year round. The city oozes romance!

Plan Your Elopement in Charleston

If you’re ready to start planning your elopement in Charleston, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to choose a date and time for your ceremony. You’ll also need to decide where you want to get married. Charleston has many beautiful venues to choose from, including beaches, gardens, and historic buildings. Once you’ve chosen a date, time, and location, you’ll need to start planning the details of your ceremony. This includes choosing your attire, flowers, and music. You’ll also need to hire a photographer and videographer to capture your special day.

Eloping in Charleston is a great way to celebrate your love in a truly unique and memorable way. With its stunning scenery, mild climate, delicious food, rich history, and romantic atmosphere, Charleston is the perfect place to say “I do.”

Here are some tips for planning your elopement in Charleston:

• Choose a date and time that works for you and your partner.
• Decide where you want to get married. Charleston has many beautiful venues to choose from, including beaches, gardens, and historic buildings.
• Start planning the details of your ceremony. This includes choosing your attire, flowers, and music.
• Hire a photographer and videographer to capture your special day.
• Relax and enjoy your special day!