Think You Want to Elope in Winston Salem or Another Place in North Carolina? Keep Reading to See What the Requirements Are and See Inspiration from an Intimate Courthouse Elopement Shoot with Vintage Vibes 

If you want to Elope in North Carolina, Winston Salem is a great location! In recent years, eloping has become an increasingly popular option for couples seeking a more intimate and meaningful way to tie the knot. And what better place to elope than the charming city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina? Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Piedmont region, Winston-Salem offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture, making it an ideal destination for a romantic elopement.

Legal Requirements to Elope in Winston Salem North Carolina

Before planning your elopement in Winston-Salem, make sure to research and understand the legal requirements for getting married in North Carolina. Both partners must be at least 18 years old, obtain a marriage license from the Forsyth County Register of Deeds, and provide valid identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Note that there is a waiting period between obtaining the license and the wedding date, so plan accordingly.

Once you have your wedding license, you have to have an officiant. North Carolina is fairly particular about who can be an officiant. A local magistrate (not judge) or an ordained minister are considered legal officiants. There are some exceptions for religions that do not use officiants and recognized Native American tribes. The ceremony must be conducted by a recognized officiant and the couple must solemnly declare their intent to marry. Two witnesses are then required to sign the marriage license. Thankfully your wedding photographer can be counted as a witness! 

Choose Your Elopement Date and Location

Winston-Salem experiences beautiful weather throughout the year, but consider the season that resonates with your vision for the ceremony. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and stunning foliage, making them popular choices. As for the location, options abound, from historic landmarks like Old Salem and Reynolda Gardens to scenic outdoor spots like Salem Lake or Pilot Mountain State Park. Local venues also offer elopement options. Explore the area to find a setting that captures your love story.

 For this inspiration shoot, we chose the Millennium Center for the classic, courthouse elopement feel. The Millennium Center is a beautiful historic event venue in the heart of downtown Winston Salem. It is the former Federal building and post office for the city. The upper level is a former courtroom that made an amazing backdrop for the elopement ceremony. We decorated the space with a floral meadow designed by Spark and Sand Floral Design. Mekai, the owner, also designed the bride’s beautiful bouquet. 

Engage Local North Carolina Wedding Vendors

While elopements are more intimate affairs, you might still want some assistance to ensure everything runs smoothly. Engage with local vendors who specialize in intimate weddings. Look for a photographer to capture those precious moments, a florist to create a stunning bouquet, and a wedding planner to help with logistics and design. Winston-Salem boasts talented artists and professionals who can tailor their services to your elopement needs.

We used several amazing vendors for this Winston Salem Elopement Shoot with Vintage Vibes! The bride’s gown was purchased on Etsy and the groom found this teal suit on Amazon. The bride’s makeup look  was completed by Crystal at Lilac and Luxe Makeup. Her pearled wedding ponytail was created by Victoria and VKC Beauty. 

One vendor not to forget – a Wedding Invitation Designer! You may be thinking, I’m eloping, I don’t need invitations! And you are right – you may not be inviting everyone to your ceremony, but are you going to be announcing your elopement afterwards? Are you going to have a party later to celebrate with friends? Do you just want a beautiful memento of your wedding day? Hire a designer to create  a fun, beautiful paper product that you can hold in your hand and fondly remember your big day. For this elopement, Serendipity Beyond Design created a vintage postcard inspired elopement announcement as part of a beautiful invitation suit. 

Make It Yours

Eloping provides the opportunity for a deeply personal and intimate ceremony. Take the time to craft heartfelt vows that express your love and commitment to one another through things like personal vows, or unique ceremony traditions. Make this beautiful celebration special to the two of you. 

Plan Your Post-Elopement Celebration

After your ceremony, celebrate your newlywed status by indulging in Winston-Salem’s vibrant culinary scene. Treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at one of the city’s many cozy restaurants, or arrange a private picnic in one of the local parks. You can also spend your honeymoon exploring the city’s cultural offerings, such as visiting the Reynolda House Museum of American Art or catching a performance at the Stevens Center.

After the elopement celebration at the Millenium Center, the couple parked their getaway car nearby at a location with a great view of the city. They decided to share their favorite meal together from their favorite restaurant – Cook Out! Cook Out is a North Carolina staple. After finishing their burgers and milkshakes, they shared their vintage with “FOREVA EVA” on the top. This lambeth cake was beautifully designed by Chanel at Crazy for Cakes, LLC.

Eloping in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, provides a magical and intimate way to start your married life together. From the historic charm to the natural beauty of the Piedmont region, this city offers an array of possibilities for your dream elopement. As you plan your special day, remember to savor every moment and cherish the memories you’ll create in this idyllic setting. Whether you exchange vows in a picturesque garden or have a vintage style courthouse wedding, your elopement in Winston-Salem is sure to be an unforgettable experience of love and togetherness.

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