So many beautiful locations in Charleston for your elopement!! This is list does not include every location, but the parks we have intimate knowledge of. We will do our best to keep the prices of the venues up to date, however, venues can and do change their prices without notification!
I will give a brief overview of each park as well as the conveniences or inconveniences of each! I will list a price if known as well as links to more information. This list does not include privately owned locations.
Charles Towne Landing
Absolutely stunning. This is an old plantation that is now a state park. Located just off the Charleston Peninsula, but minutes from downtown!
Elopement permit required. Weekday permit is $500, weekend $750. Allows access for couple and up to 10 guests, plus the officiant and photographer for one and a half hours.
Pros: There is a lot of parking (free). Bathrooms are located in the visitor center as well as in the park. Tons of photo opportunities in a natural setting mixed with history.
Cons: There is NO rain cover. No decorations or chair rental allowed. Ceremony must occur between 9am-2pm in the wedding garden (photos after can be anywhere in the park). 1 month notice preferred for the permit.
We recommend the Fairy Tale package for this location. You can view more photos and information about this location here: https://www.charlestonelopementpackages.com/post/charles-towne-landing-elopement
Hampton Park
This is a beautifully landscaped park with several large mossy live oaks with the sprawling branches. There is a geese pond, fountain, several mossy pathways, and a gazebo. This park is located in the upper peninsula by the Citadel.
Pros: free parking lots, bathrooms available, rain cover is the gazebo or the rose pavilion. Not crowded.
Cons: no downtown photos with this location. Large events can take place on the weekends
We recommend the kiss package for this location. You can view more photos and information about this location here: https://www.charlestonelopementpackages.com/post/hampton-park
White Point Gardens
Also known as “Battery Park”. Sits on the edge of the Charleston peninsula where the Charleston Harbor and Ashley river meet. The famous white gazebo is here, and the large oaks set in rows. Since this is a bird sanctuary, the city does remove the Spanish moss from the trees. (if you are wanting the mossy oaks check out Hampton Park or Charles Towne Landing)
The park is also a dog park where leashes are optional for dogs under voice control. Right outside of the park is historic homes dating back into the early 18th century.
Permit for the gazebo is $275 for 1 hour.
Pros: Street side parking is free. Photo opportunities in the park as well as the historic homes with window boxes and iron gates. Gazebo offers rain coverage.
Cons: you may have to circle the park a time or two to find parking, NO bathrooms, can be crowded (especially weekends), Saturdays during wedding season can feel like Las Vegas with hourly turn over. 2 week notice minimium required.
We recommend the fairy tale package at this location. You can view more photos and information about this location here: https://www.charlestonelopementpackages.com/post/white-point-gardens
Joe Riley Waterfront Park
Home of the pineapple fountain, and overlooking the Charleston Harbor, makes this a popular location. There is a covered pier, and tree lined paths (no moss). There are several “squares” just off the paths that are great for a semi-private ceremony. Very limited street side parking, but 2 parking garages are nearby. Historic streets to include Rainbow Row are a couple of blocks away.
Pros: You can park in a garage, have the ceremony, grab photos around the park and historic areas to get a great “overview” of Charleston and then walk to your dining choice on East Bay. Bathrooms outside of the park.
Cons: this park can be one of the busiest due to being so close to the restaurants on East Bay and the city market.
We recommend Capturing Charleston package for this location. You can view more photos and information about this location here: https://charlestonelopementpackages.shootproof.com/gallery/chasparks/album/10835019
Washington Square
This square is located in the center of the peninsula. Although tour groups come through time to time, it is much more private than Joe Rliey Waterfront or White Point Gardens. Several large live oaks along the sides as well as flowers in the center of the brick pathed square make this area unique. The square is lined with an iron fence and one side has the long cobblestone road (Chambers). Being in the heart of downtown historic district, there are plenty of photo opportunities with historic homes, churches, alleys, etc.
Pro: parking garage across the street, the mill house is located less than a block away as well as several wonderful restaurants. Bathrooms nearby in City hall and the mill house.
Con: no water views, street side parking is metered or pay for garage parking, no cover for rain
We recommend Capturing Charleston package for this location. You can view more photos and information about this location here: https://www.charlestonelopementpackages.com/post/washington-square
Philadelphia Alley
Unique and picturesque! Located between Queen St and Cumberland St. Near churches, dock street theatre, the cobblestone road and Washington Square is a few blocks away. Not available on Monday due to garbage collection.
Pro: unique elopement location
Con: parking garage is a couple blocks away on Cumberland St, street side parking very hard to find, no bathrooms, no rain cover
We recommend Capturing Charleston package for this location. You can view more photos and information about this location here: https://charlestonelopementpackages.shootproof.com/gallery/18631256/album/14447458
Cypress Gardens
Swamp in Monck’s corner about 30 minutes outside of Charleston. Several movies have been filmed here to include The Notebook and Patriot. The boat rental is included in the $10 per person entry fee. For elopements that are couple only or maybe a handful of guests, entry fee is all that is required. They also have areas that can be rented/reserved which range in cost dependant on which area you want to use. Rental does include chairs and a table. Weekday morning time recommended.
We are offering a Leap into Romance special package for Sunday morning elopements!
Pros: not very busy on weekdays, boat usage, bathrooms, nice paths with many photo opportunities, several rain cover options
Cons: can be busy on weekends, open 9-4
We recommend Kiss package for this location. You can view more photos and information about this location here: https://www.charlestonelopementpackages.com/post/cypress-gardens-elopements
Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park and Pier
This park is on the Mount Pleasant side of the Charleston Harbor by Patriots Point. It is basically located under the Ravenal Bridge. There is grassy areas, landscaped areas, a marsh overlook, a memorial fountain, and of course a large pier.
Pros: plenty of parking, bathrooms, great sunsets, rain cover on the peir
Cons: the road noise can be loud at times, fisherman on the pier
We recommend Kiss package for this location. You can view more photos and information about this location here: https://charlestonelopementpackages.shootproof.com/mtppier
Riverfront Park – North Charleston
This park is located in North Charleston. Gorgeous boardwalks along the river as well as the large mossy trees.
Pros: good parking, bathrooms, great small park off the beaten path
Cons: there can be large events here on the weekends, no rain cover
We recommend Kiss package for this location. You can view more photos and information about this location here: https://www.charlestonelopementpackages.com/post/riverfront-park-charleston
Contact us about our availability, and any questions you may have about any particular locations!!