August 15, 2022
If you’re wanting cool, sunny days for your elopement, then South Carolina is where it’s at. South Carolina is well-known for cool weather and a wide range of landscaping from beaches to mountain ranges. Between the Southern hospitality and the low-country fare, South Carolina makes it an easy pick for an eloping couple!
South Carolina is the perfect location for couples seeking low key mountain vibes with big city flair.
Once you have your marriage license (skip to the bottom of how to get legally married in South Carolina), you can literally elope anywhere that will have you! Keep in mind that there may be permits needed from county to county, park to park, or location to location. It’s important that you find a photographer that can help you navigate these waters and suggest locations that fit your vision!
Here’s some of my favorite elopement spots in South Carolina:
Want some guidance on finding the perfect South Carolina elopement location? Reach out and let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision!
South Carolina enjoys all four seasons – spring, summer, fall, and winter. Depending on the vibe you’re wanting, you can get it all here. South Carolina is considered a sub-tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
If you want to avoid crowds, plan your elopement during an off-season (summer/winter) or non-holiday weekend. The best seasons for weather would be spring and fall!
South Carolina is not immune to hurricane season which starts in June and goes all the way until November; however, it’s very unlikely that you’ll need to worry about a direct hit like Florida.
If you want to have a summer elopement, I would recommend an early summer (June/July) as tornados frequent in spring and hurricane activity picks up later in the season between mid-August and mid-October. If you’re planning an elopement during this time, consider getting travel insurance and having a sunrise elopement to avoid the afternoon showers.
If you want the bold foliage and cooler temperatures, the late fall/early winter timeframe is best. You’re looking at sunny and with temperatures between 50 to 75F.
If you want a more detailed look into the month by month weather for South Carolina, check out this website and this website! It’s a great resource as to what you can expect for the seasons.
Need help figuring out the best time to elope in South Carolina? Reach out and let me show you how I can help you plan and capture your elopement vision!
There’s three easy steps for making it totally legal in South Carolina!
You’ll first need to apply for a marriage license at the local probate court in-person. Keep in mind that there’s a 24-hour waiting period. Just make sure that you’re in South Carolina during business hours of the probate court to pick up your marriage license before your ceremony!
Speaking of money – fees vary by county and if you’re a resident or non-resident. Prices range between $30 to $115.
Fun fact – if you take the 6-hour pre-marital course within a year of your marriage, you can get a one-time $50 tax credit. The course must be taken together and the credit is split.
To apply for a marriage license, you’ll both need to be present and have your social security card, driver’s license or state ID, and proof of age (if between the ages of 18 and 25). For proof of age, you can use your driver’s license, military ID, passport or visa, or certified copy of birth certificates. South Carolina does not require blood test or medical exams.
Once you have your marriage license, you can elope literally anywhere in South Carolina! There is also no expiration date for your marriage license. Yayyyyyyy let’s do this!
Check with the applicable probate court before making plans to ensure you have all your ducks in a row.
Now that you have your marriage license, you’ll need someone to make it official. This can be any ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other ordained clergy, judges of the state of South Carolina. You can find a ton of options for an officiant through the Knot!
Heads up – there are two spaces for witness signatures on the South Carolina marriage license. I can be one of them 😉
Once you have the above done, we are ready to rock and roll!
The marriage license must be returned to the issuing probate court for recording within 15 days of the ceremony.
If the idea of eloping excites you, but you’re not sure where to start, let me show you how I can help! Check out the elopement experience!
You should be prepared for whatever South Carolina may throw at you! Depending on the time of year and the weather, here’s a quick list of all the things to have handy for your South Carolina elopement:
This day is all about you. Your decision to elope means that you value the intimate moments and want to truly enjoy getting married. Your day should reflect what you value as a couple and the things you enjoy doing together. When you’re planning your elopement, be sure to find an elopement photographer that takes badass photos and helps bring your ideas to life. If you feel like we vibe, reach out and let’s chat about how we can make your South Carolina elopement happen!
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