Charleston Elopement: Samantha & Nathaniel’s Story

Samantha and Nathaniel originally planned a small, intimate wedding in Asheville, North Carolina, in October. However, Hurricane Helen forced them to change their plans, and they quickly pivoted to a Charleston elopement. Remarkably, they managed to plan everything in just two weeks, and it turned out beautifully.

Their ceremony took place at Johns Island County Park, and afterward, they celebrated with a cozy dinner at a family member’s home, surrounded by loved ones.

Planning a Charleston Elopement? Here’s Some Inspiration!

If you're considering a Charleston elopement, you have plenty of stunning locations to choose from. Here are a few options to help you decide:

1. Beach Elopements

Charleston is home to several breathtaking beaches, including:

• Folly Beach

• Sullivan’s Island

• Kiawah Island

• Isle of Palms

A beach elopement offers a romantic, natural backdrop, especially at sunset when the lighting is soft and dreamy.

2. Park & Garden Elopements

Charleston also has numerous parks that provide a picturesque setting for a ceremony. However, it’s essential to check with the park authorities to ensure elopements are permitted.

One unique option is the Angel Oak Tree, a historic landmark known for its massive, centuries-old branches draped in Spanish moss—a magical setting for exchanging vows.

Another stunning location is Cypress Gardens, located just outside Charleston. This scenic spot is perfect for couples who want romantic boat photos surrounded by cypress trees and dreamy reflections in the water. Fun fact: scenes from The Notebook were filmed here!

Where to Take Elopement Portraits in Charleston

After your ceremony, you’ll want to capture beautiful portraits to remember the day. Charleston offers countless picture-perfect spots, including:

• Downtown Charleston – Stroll through Rainbow Row or pose against the city’s charming historic buildings.

• Local Bars & Hotels – Many boutique hotels and bars in Charleston offer stylish, intimate settings for unique photos.

• The Beaches – Sunset is the best time for dreamy, golden-hour wedding portraits by the ocean.

Celebrating After Your Elopement

If you're planning a small post-elopement dinner or celebration, consider renting a unique Airbnb. Charleston has some incredible stays, including:

• Treehouses

• Marshfront homes

• Cozy bungalows

Many of these Airbnbs feature lush backyards filled with towering oak trees and Spanish moss, creating a magical atmosphere for a dinner under the stars.

For Samantha and Nathaniel, a family member’s backyard was the perfect setting for their intimate celebration, making their elopement feel even more special.

Final Thoughts on Planning Your Charleston Elopement

Charleston is an incredible destination for an intimate wedding, offering a mix of beaches, parks, historic landmarks, and charming stays. Whether you envision a beachfront ceremony, a garden elopement, or a romantic downtown photoshoot, this city has something for every couple.

If you'd like to see more of my work before booking me for your elopement, check out my portfolio! Samantha and Nathaniel booked a 4-hour package—reach out to find the perfect package for you.

Scroll down to see more from Samantha and Nathaniel’s special day and get inspired for your Charleston elopement!

Wedding vendors

Florist: https://carolinaflowers.com/

Catering: https://blackorchideventsnc.com/

Elegant vintage wedding cake from a charming elopement in Charleston, South Carolina.

Cups out for guest as thank you gifts at Charleston elopement.

Wedding innovation framed set on table at Charleston elopement.

Honey is sitting out for wedding guest to take as thank you gift at Charleston South Carolina.

Favors to the guest are on a shelf at elopement in Charleston South Carolina.

Flowers are decorating chair for guest to sit at Charleston elopement.

Flowers and fall leave on to go coffee cups sitting at coffee bar for guest at elopement.

Charleston South Carolina elopement unique cups for each guest as thank you gifts.

Charleston South Carolina entrance table at the reception has candles, flowers, and polaroid's

Coffee bar and drink table for guest at Charleston South Carolina elopement.

Reception entrance has a table set up for guest to take pictures and write to bride and groom.

Charleston elopement thank you mugs for guest they are all different mugs.

Elopement in Charleston South Carolina drinks are on the table for guest

Goose cup with all the other thank you cups for guest at Charleston South Carolina elopement.

Brides wedding ring is in the grooms ring on her flowers. This is a Charleston elopement

Wedding details are laid out at Charleston elopement.

Charleston elopement brides ring is leaning on the grooms ring. The rings are on the brides flowers

Wedding details are on the back porch in Charleston South Carolina.

Bride and grooms details are on the back porch in Charleston South Carolina.

Wedding invitation and details are on the porch in the backyard in Charleston South Carolina

Wedding details are in Spanish moss in Johns county park in Charleston South Carolina.

Bride and groom are in johns county park she is helping him attach his boutonniere.

In Johns county park bride is putting her earrings in for couples portraits.

Bride and groom walking holding hands in Johns county park in Charleston South Carolina.

The bride and groom are kissing in Johns county park on Johns island.

Couple is in Johns county park. The groom is kissing the brides cheek and she smiles.

Bride and groom are walking in Johns county park. They are looking at each other smiling.

Bride and groom are kissing and green folaige behind them. They are in Johns county park.

Bride and groom are holding hands showing their rings. They are in John country park on Johns island

The couple is in Johns county park. The groom is spinning the bride and smiling at the bride.

Bride and groom are smiling at each other and have there arms warped around each other.

Couple is kissing under a tree in Johns county park in Charleston South Carolina.

Couple in Johns county park on John's island holding hands.

Groom is reading his vows in Johns country park in Charleston South Carolina.

Couple is holding hands in Johns county park on Johns isalnd.

Groom is in John's county park reading his vow and smiling.

Ceremony is in John's country park. The bride is reading her vows.

Couple is holding hands looking at the officiant in Charleston South Carolina.

Groom is reading his vows in John county park in Charleston South Carolina.

Bride and groom are smiling at each other at elopement in John county park.

Bride and groom are kissing in Charleston South Carolina after getting married.

Grooms family is with the bride and groom taking family pictures. At John county park.

Bride is laughing with her friend and they are in Johns county park on Johns island.

Sign at entrance to the reception welcoming guest at Charleston South Carolina elopement.

Bouquet is on the table with cups and plates. This is the table for the reception in Charleston

Reception table is set for guest at Charleston elopement. The table colorful from flowers

Table has lots of flowers and candles on it with a lace table cloth. This is in Charleston.

Reception table are set with flowers, plates, colorful cups. This is on Johns island in Charleston.

Plates are on the table each one is different for the reception. The reception is in Charleston.

Candles are lit on the table for the reception in Charleston South Carolina.

Plate is on the table for guest at reception in backyard on John's island.

Couple is holding hand showing the brides ring. They are in neighborhood on John's island.

Couple is running holding hands. They are in the neighborhood on John's island

Groom is kissing the bride and has his hand on her chin. They are in neighborhood on John's island.

John's island groom is kissing the brides head as she leans on him.

Groom is kissing brides hand they are in neighborhood on John's island in South Carolina.

Charleston elopement bride and groom are kissing.

Groom is kissing the brides shoulder. They are in Charleston eloping.

bride and groom kissing Charleston South Carolina elopement.