A Waterfall Elopement at Twin Falls, South Carolina

(An intimate day filled with family, faith, and tears)

There’s something so sacred about slowing down and choosing an intimate ceremony surrounded by the people who mean the most to you. Karina and Juan’s elopement at Twin Falls Waterfall in South Carolina was one of those days that felt like time stood still. It was the kind of love story that reminds me of why I do what I do.

Karina and Juan traveled all the way from Louisiana to celebrate their marriage here in the Carolinas. When Karina told me she found Twin Falls on TikTok, I thought it was so special. It’s one of those hidden gems that feels straight out of a fairytale. But what made it even more special was why she chose it. She said the waterfall reminded her of Puerto Rico, where she and Juan are both from. It was a small piece of what felt like home tucked into the middle of the South Carolina mountains.

The Climb to the Falls

Getting to the falls isn’t easy. It’s a bit of a hike, and this particular day in early September was warm and humid (in true South Carolina fashion). When I arrived, I quickly realized just how adventurous this elopement would be. The trail is steep, and at one point, you need ropes to climb your way up. But here’s the part that made me laugh: Karina’s family had come that morning to secure ropes themselves so everyone could safely reach the waterfall. It’s moments like that that show just how much love and care surrounded this day.

So there I was, hiking up with all my gear, carefully balancing on rocks, and making sure my cameras didn’t take a swim, all while watching this family work together to make their dream day possible. It was chaotic, beautiful, and completely worth it.

The Ceremony

Once everyone made it up, the sound of the rushing water filled the air. It was peaceful and powerful at the same time. Karina and Juan stood before the waterfall, surrounded by their closest family members. It was intimate and simple in the best way.

One of the most touching moments was watching Juan’s reaction when he turned around and saw Karina in her dress. He immediately teared up. It was the kind of real, raw emotion that makes you forget you’re even working behind a camera.

Another moment that still stands out to me was during their prayer at the end of the ceremony. As the pastor prayed over them, Karina’s mother stepped forward, placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder, and joined in. It was such a powerful reflection of family and faith, and I remember feeling so honored to witness it.

Because Juan doesn’t speak English, Karina’s dad stood up beside them, quietly translating the pastor’s words so his new son-in-law could understand every part of the ceremony. It was such a small act, but it said everything about this family: their patience, love, and willingness to meet each other halfway.

After the Ceremony

After the vows, we spent time taking portraits by the water. The light filtered through the trees, and the waterfall sparkled in the background — it was straight out of a dream. Despite the tricky terrain and occasional laughter as we all tried not to slip, the energy was so peaceful and joyful.

Karina and Juan couldn’t stop smiling. Her family cheered them on from the rocks, and her mom kept tearing up watching them together. Even though it was technically an elopement, it had all the heart and warmth of a full wedding day, just with a little more adventure (and a lot more hiking).

Why I Loved This Elopement

This day reminded me that you don’t need a big wedding to have a big love. What matters most isn’t the size of your guest list or the decor, it’s the meaning behind it all. The fact that Karina and Juan traveled hundreds of miles to say “I do” in a place that felt like home says everything about who they are.

They didn’t want a performance. They wanted presence.

And that’s what I love about elopements like this one: they’re real, intentional, and deeply personal. They give you the space to breathe, to feel, and to celebrate your love exactly as it is.

If you’re dreaming about an elopement in South Carolina or planning something intimate and adventurous, I can tell you firsthand, it’s worth it. Whether you’re hiking up to a waterfall, exchanging vows in the mountains, or sneaking away for a quiet ceremony under the trees, your story deserves to be told beautifully.

Thinking About Eloping in South Carolina?

Elopements like Karina and Juan’s are the reason I fell in love with storytelling through photography. If you’re considering something similar, a day that’s real, raw, and full of heart, I’d love to help you bring it to life.