Elope at one of South Carolina’s Most Charming State Parks
Charleston, South Carolina is made up of beautiful places. Just about every where you go is going to be full of that Charleston charm whether you have water views, azaleas in bloom or colorful homes. This city has climbed the charts as a destination wedding city. People flock here every year to be married in the historic beauty that is Charleston.
The State Park
Charleston is home to only one state park – Charlestowne Landing. It was the original settlement of Charleston and boasts of scenic walks, waterfront views, a small zoo, and an alligator crossing or two.
It also houses two event venues, Founders Hall (where I got married!) and Legare Waring House. Founders Hall is outside of the property and is a modern building with a large porch and a fireplace to make any Harry Potter fan swoon. Legare Waring is quite the opposite – a historic house that walks out to a magnificent Oak alley.
Let’s Talk Cost
Charlestowne Landing is relatively inexpensive for everything you get with your elopement package.
Monday through Thursday it’s $500 and Friday through Sunday it’s $750. This gets you, and up to 10 people, as well as your photographer and officiant entry into the park. You then have full access to the park for an hour and a half.
Choosing a weekday will not only lower the price, but it will afford you more privacy. The likelihood of a full wedding happening on a Tuesday is rather slim and park visitors will be minimal during the week.
Are there any downsides?
Every venue is going to have its downsides. While I don’t have many complaints, I do have a few points to note.
You are limited to the parks hours and that will take away from your ability to get a sunset session at the park during the summer months. (This can also be seen as a positive because we can whisk away to the beach for the remainder of your elopement session and you can get multiple locations for your elopement photos).
There are gators. The gators are well-fed and used to human traffic, but like all wildlife, they do pose a threat and are something to watch out for.
There might be another wedding. As I mentioned before, there are two venues on the property so you might not be the only one getting married that day.
Other people. This is generally always going to be an issue – but there will be other people all around the park. And we will have to wait for them to move in order to get these clear shots.
Are you ready to elope in Charleston? Inquire and let’s make some magic!
