Written By Melissa Reardon
Photographs By Lucy Cuneo
A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...
If the thought of licking envelopes for that ever-growing number of reception guests makes you cringe, check out Love Takes Flight, an elopement service that plans the details of a wedding for two.
The Sumter, South Carolina, company offers elopement packages to destinations across the U.S. and abroad, but those who want to remain close to home can choose from three local locations.
Get Fancy in the French Quarter
The downtown Charleston package ($1,100) is incredibly flexible, thanks to its long list of add-on options. For starters, you get an officiant-led ceremony and photo session in Washington Square Park, plus a bouquet and boutonniere. From there, you can opt for a picnic, horse-drawn carriage ride, lodging, cake, and more. Add the inevitable hand-in-hand strolls that come free to any couple who lands in the historic district, and this option is rife with romance.
Make a Splash
If you’re the sand-between-your-toes, laid-back type, the Isle of Palms package ($850) includes an
officiant, custom ceremony, and hour of photography all in a stunning location.
Escape to a Lowcountry Resort
Just south of Beaufort, The Inn at Palmetto Bluff specializes in luxury resort amenities that translate perfectly into an extravagant elopement. The Intimate Elopement at Palmetto Bluff package ($9,200) includes an officiated wedding ceremony at the Auberge inn’s private waterfront chapel, flowers, a champagne cruise on a Hinckley picnic boat, dinner with wine and a mini cake at the retreat’s River House, three hours of photography, spa treatments, and two nights in a private, 1,300-square-foot cottage.
Take Two?
The packages are not just for couples exchanging their vows for the first time; Jill Higgins, cofounder of Love Takes Flight, also says the elopements are perfect for those looking to renew their commitment. Whether the couple is new to the altar or not, though, Jill says, “My goal is to do everything I can to help them feel 100 percent relaxed and natural. Hands down, the couples’ favorite part is that they can truly enjoy each other.”
For more information, call (229) 560-1889 or visit ElopeWithLoveTakesFlight.com.
