Get married simply and meaningfully — without the pressure, expense, or spotlight of a big wedding.
We’re here to help: Dennis, your photographer with over 10 years of experience, who knows the most romantic locations and makes everything feel easy and relaxed.
Jen, your wedding officiant, who creates a warm, personal ceremony so you can focus on the moment.
Elope in Charleston, SC: Elopement Packages with Photographer + Officiant
You show up. We take care of the rest.
Charleston Photo Art makes it simple to elope in Charleston, SC. Our local team can help with everything you need: a South Carolina Notary Public and wedding officiant (Jen), an experienced professional photographer (Dennis Aliaksandrou, PPA member), guidance with your South Carolina marriage license, and assistance with venue permits.
We’ll also help you plan a relaxed ceremony and portrait session on the beach, in a historic garden, or in downtown Charleston. Packages start at $695, and many of the couples we marry travel to Charleston from out of state.
Get married simply and meaningfully — without the pressure, expense, or spotlight of a big wedding.
We’re here to help: Dennis, your photographer with over 10 years of experience, who knows the most romantic locations and makes everything feel easy and relaxed.
Jen, your wedding officiant, who creates a warm, personal ceremony so you can focus on the moment.
You show up. We take care of the rest.
Charleston Photo Art makes it simple to elope in Charleston, SC. Our local team can help with everything you need: a South Carolina Notary Public and wedding officiant (Jen), an experienced professional photographer (Dennis Aliaksandrou, PPA member), guidance with your South Carolina marriage license, and assistance with venue permits.
We’ll also help you plan a relaxed ceremony and portrait session on the beach, in a historic garden, or in downtown Charleston. Packages start at $695, and many of the couples we marry travel to Charleston from out of state.
Elope in Charleston, SC: Elopement Packages with Photographer + Officiant
Ready to elope in Charleston? View Elopement Packages
Charleston Beach
Elopement
Start from $695.00
Charleston City
Elopement
Start from $795.00
Charleston Garden
Elopement
Start from $895.00
Client Testimonials
“Dennis did an amazing job to capture our elopement, and Jen did a great job officiating our elopement. My wife and I had never had professional photos taken but Dennis did a wonderful job making us feel at ease and comfortable. Thank you too Fabrice too. The photos captured were wonderful and look stunning. We are very pleased with the service we got and the products we paid for. We would highly recommend for anyone who needs any photography done or is planning an elopement. We are planning to utilize Dennis and his services again in the future. Thanks for making us feel comfortable and special during our special time!”
– Harrison l. –
Client Testimonials
“Dennis was incredible to work with. He helped us coordinate multiple aspects of our wedding (photography, flowers, officiant) and everything turned out wonderfully! Dennis’ lighthearted demeanor made him a joy to work with. He really put us at ease. The photos are amazing! Dennis has been very helpful with the technology aspect too, making sure we have copies of everything we purchased. Dennis was very responsive and easy to work with“
– Stacie H. –
Client Testimonials
“We are from Maryland but decided to elope to Charleston. We came across Dennis and his team, saw they had great reviews. I’m so happy we picked them. They were so amazing! They were kind and enthusiastic. The pictures are fantastic. Couldn’t be happier! 10/10 recommend!“
– Chelsea S. –
Elopement Package Experience
I Choose Your Elopement Package
Once you send an inquiry, we will respond within 6–12 hours. We’ll answer your questions, confirm the most important details, and help you choose the package that best fits your vision, date, and timeline.
II Book & Secure Your Date.
You can book our services directly through the simple online booking system on our website. Once booked, we reserve your date and time and begin planning your elopement.
III Plan Your Ceremony & Marriage License.
We’ll help you choose the perfect ceremony location, guide you through the marriage license process, explain any permit or venue requirements, and create a personalized ceremony script just for you.
IV Get Married in Charleston.
Enjoy a private, stress-free elopement focused on what matters most — the two of you. Most elopements include two parts: the ceremony itself and a portrait session afterward.
V Keep Your Memories Forever.
Receive beautiful, professional photos that preserve your day for years to come. We provide sneak peeks as soon as the next day, and we also submit your signed marriage license to complete the legal process.
Elope in Charleston, SC: What You Need to Know
Marriage license
Apply together online through the Charleston County Probate Court. South Carolina has no residency requirement, blood test, or witness requirement. Two business days after submitting the completed application, you will receive your Marriage License by email to print and use, along with an instruction sheet.
After the ceremony, Jen signs the Marriage License and we return it to the Charleston County Probate Court for you.
Where to elope
If you like a beach setting, Isle of Palms is one of the best options, as no permit is required for fewer than 50 guests.
If you prefer a garden setting, Magnolia Plantation, Cypress Gardens, Hampton Park, White Point Garden, Boone Hall, and Middleton Place are great options. Most of them require reservations and fees, and we would be happy to connect you with their staff members.
If you like historic downtown Charleston, we’ll be happy to show you the most popular spots and venues.
For the full list of options, browse the best places to elope in Charleston.
When to elope
Sunrise is the most popular time to elope in Charleston, with soft light, more privacy, and more comfortable temperatures in our hot climate. Sunset is a close second.
Spring and fall book up early, as these are the most picturesque times of the year with the best weather conditions. Weekdays are usually the easiest to book on short notice.
With your marriage license in hand, we can help you elope as soon as the next day.
Planning a Charleston Elopement from Out of Town
If you’re traveling to Charleston for your elopement, keep the planning simple. Apply for your South Carolina marriage license in advance so it’s ready before your ceremony. Choose your location early, especially if you’re considering a garden or venue that requires a reservation or permit.
You don’t need to know Charleston to plan a beautiful elopement. Our local team can help you choose the right location, plan your ceremony and portraits, and guide you through the process so everything is ready when you arrive. See our elopement planning guide and Charleston elopement ideas.
Planning an Elopement? Let’s Answer Your Questions
You can book your elopement as soon as the next day. However, for spring and fall we recommend booking further in advance, as these are the busiest seasons. Weekdays are usually easier to book on short notice than weekends. If you already have your marriage license and we are available, we can absolutely help on short notice.
We proudly work with same-sex and LGBTQ+ couples and welcome all love stories. Our elopement packages are designed to be inclusive, respectful, and focused on creating a comfortable, meaningful experience for every couple. No matter who you are or how you identify, our goal is to help you feel relaxed, supported, and truly yourselves on your day.
If you’d like to add other vendors besides the officiant and photographer, we’d be happy to connect you with rental companies, florists, hair and makeup artists, and also provide recommendations for local restaurants to celebrate your day.
Apply together online through the Charleston County Probate Court. Two business days after submitting the completed application, you’ll receive your Marriage License by email to print and use for your elopement.
Yes, absolutely. If you have a particular location in mind, feel free to contact us and we can create a custom package for you. Please note that some locations outside of Charleston may require a travel fee. Also, some venues require permits and additional payments, which are the couple’s responsibility.
We don’t charge extra for guests. However, we do recommend booking additional photography time, as family photos can take longer. Also, some venues may have additional or higher fees if you’d like to include guests, so we recommend confirming this with them as well.
No, we don’t provide rentals or décor, but we are happy to recommend trusted local vendors.
No. South Carolina does not require witnesses for a marriage ceremony, so you can elope with just the two of you. If you would like family or friends there, they are always welcome.
Yes. If the weather does not allow us to have the elopement, we can reschedule without an extra charge, based on our availability.
If for any reason you can’t have your elopement, we can reschedule for a later date. If you decide to cancel, only 20% is non-refundable, unless it is due to an act of God, in which case we provide a full refund.
Yes, absolutely. We would be happy to create a custom vow renewal ceremony and capture this meaningful moment.
The ceremony itself usually takes 15–30 minutes, including your vows and ring exchange. The rest of your booked time is spent on family and group pictures, if guests are present, and relaxed couple portraits around the location.
Every package includes a licensed wedding officiant with a personalized ceremony, professional photography (one photographer, 1 hour and 25 edited photos in Essentials; 1–2 hours and all your favorites edited in Extended), a location guide and local vendor recommendations. Rentals, décor, permits and venue fees are not included.
