Budget Friendly Wedding Venues
When you think of a beautiful wedding in the upstate, you most likely have a vision of a sunrise ceremony at Pretty Place Chapel or some grand affair like that. Unfortunately, spots like Pretty Place can end up costing marriers-to-be a pretty penny. To ease these troubles, though, I have compiled a list of budget-friendly alternatives that are perfect spots for elopements but may not show up upon your first Google search. 👀
Nice backyard!
Perhaps the most budget-friendly option for any elopement is your backyard. These end up being some of the most stunning without breaking the bank. I’ve seen beautifully decorated patios strung with twinkle lights and blooming lawns full of adoring guests. It’s also a great way to have a private ceremony, which is what many couples look for when they choose the elopement route. If you aren’t super keen on your own backyard, an airbnb might be the way to go too! Just be sure to ask your host before you start planning away!
While elopements tend to be small, sometimes just the couple and the officiant, they can also accommodate larger parties afterward. Set up a long, banquet-style table under the stars, and you are still able to have an intimate time, and in the comfort of your own home, no less! I recently shot a backyard wedding, so feel free to look through these photos and get some inspiration of your own!
To the courthouse!
A timeless classic, which has earned its spot throughout history for a reason, is the courthouse elopement. You have to go to get your marriage license anyway, so why not make a day of it? Add something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new, and you’ll be all set. Many city courthouses may seem drab on the outside but reveal stunning interiors, a hidden gem of the wedding planning community.
One courthouse that both shines inside and out is just a few hours down the road in Charleston, SC. Gorgeous white steps and pillars greet couples amidst a coastal backdrop. It’s a fairly simple process to elope here, and won’t cost you more than the $70 application fee. The Beaufort Courthouse (Carteret County) is a smaller option for couples looking for a more intimate location, not in a city’s downtown. This spot also boasts a small garden for outdoor elopements, which could make your special day even more special.
Another courthouse option lies across the border in the other Carolina in Charlotte, NC. The Mecklenburg County Courthouse. The unique architecture of this courthouse provides a great opportunity for bridal shots and photos on the day of your wedding or elopement, and it’s location in the heart of Charlotte gives you and any guests great access to restaurant options after the ceremony.
How about a hike??
Life and your love is about the journey and the adventure. So consider an outdoor elopement with a beautiful hike to get to the spot where you’ll say “I do.” While it may not be on top of a mountain, Falls Park in Greenville is a wonderful spot for vows, and not just for its convenience and closeness.
If you’re looking for a spot a little more out of the way, however, I have just the place for you. Devil’s Fork State Park is a natural paradise right on Lake Jocasse. It’s especially budget-friendly because all you’ll need is to pay the entry fee of $8. Mackenzie and Thomas chose to have a close friend marry them in their home, but celebrated and did their vows on the docks of Devil’s Fork with their two dogs (Hiccup and Whatzit). And you could not ask for a more beautiful day!
If these locations sound perfect for you and your other half, let’s create some memories together!