Hey there adventurous souls who are madly in love. So you’re recently engaged—congratulations! If the idea of a large wedding feels overwhelming and you find yourself daydreaming of a more intimate, emotionally charged celebration, eloping may be just the ticket for you. And guess what? The Southern U.S. is an elopement paradise. We’re talking about the rustic charm of North Carolina, the beachy allure of South Carolina, the mountain vistas of Tennessee, and the natural wonders of North Georgia. lets dive into The Ultimate Guide | Eloping in the Southern U.S & places I recommend and love as a wedding & Elopement Photographer.
Why Elope in the Southern U.S.North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, + North Georgia?
- Diverse Landscapes: Whether you’re dreaming of saying your vows on a sandy beach or in the midst of autumn foliage in the mountains, the Southern states offer a wide array of stunning backdrops.
- Rich Culture: Immerse yourself in Southern hospitality, local cuisine, and historical landmarks. Make your elopement a full-on experience!
- Seasonal Flexibility: These states offer beauty year-round, from North Carolina’s spring blooms to Tennessee’s winter wonderlands. Pick your season and go for it!
North Carolina Mountain Elopement
Featured photos in lake Lure NC photographing for Kaylpso
Best Spots:
- The Blue Ridge Mountains
- Asheville
- Lake Lure
- Cataloochee valley
- Craggy Gardens
- Roaring Fork Falls
- The Ridge
Quick Tip:
Invest in a good pair of boots or stylish, comfy shoes. The terrains can be as diverse as the state itself!
South Carolina: Charleston
Best Spots in Charleston SC:
- The Gibbs Museum
- Folly Beach wishing tree
- Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
- Rainbow street downtown Charleston
- Cypress gardens
- white point garden
- beaches
Quick Tip:
If you’re planning a beach elopement, sunrise or sunset hours offer the most magical lighting. Just imagine those true-to-color, emotional shots! 📸💕
check out Southern Bride Magazine
Tennessee: From Music City Love to Smoky Mountain ‘I Dos
Best Spots:
- Nashville
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Gatlinburg
- Cades cove
- Spence Cabin
- Fall Creek State park
- Rock Island state park
- Roan Mountain
Quick Tip:
Tennessee can offer some fun, musical twists to your elopement. How about a live country band serenading your first dance?
North Georgia: Toccoa Falls
Photos taken at Toccoa Falls working for Ashley Dye
Best Spots:
Quick Tip:
Georgia’s weather can be quite humid. A great makeup setting spray will be your best friend!
Don’t Forget the Trivia!
If you and your partner love trivia as much as you love each other, consider incorporating it into your elopement! Create a cute “How Well Do You Know Us?” quiz for the few guests you have, or make it a private affair just between the two of you.
Wrapping it Up
Eloping is all about focusing on what truly matters—the love between you and your partner. It’s a chance to capture those raw, unfiltered moments that you’ll treasure forever. Plus, you’ll have amazing photographs to relive those memories whenever you want. So pick your Southern paradise and let the adventure begin!
Ready to make those elopement dreams a reality? Let’s chat! 💌
Until next time, keep those hearts and cameras clicking! 📸❤️
I hope you found this guide on The Ultimate Guide | Eloping in the Southern U.S helpful & as thrilling to read as it was for me to write! If you’re engaged and considering an elopement in any of these fabulous Southern states, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or let’s connect here ! 💕✨
