SOOOO you’re eloping in Savannah or thinking about it. Heck YES! Savannah is stunnin‘ and literally the perfect little city to have an elopement. I would know because it’s where my husband and I had our microwedding. This blog will tell you EVERYTHING you need to know about how to elope in downtown Savannah, Georgia!
Where to have your ceremony + the rules and regulations
Savannah has numerous beautiful squares where you can have your ceremony (for free, in most cases. More on that below). Each of the squares has it’s own Savannah charm. Do you want a gazebo? A fountain? Just a backdrop of the big ol oak trees?
If you’re not vibing with one of the squares, don’t fret! You have more options. You can get married in front of the Forsyth Park fountain or one of the beautiful B&Bs, like The Forsyth Park Inn and The Gastonian. There are also a few STUNNING hotels, like The Perry Lane and The Alida. I personally love Whitefield Square, Pulaksi Square, and Lafayette Square.
Like I said, you can get married in most of the squares FOR FREE, pending a few things…
- Events are first come, first serve. If someone else has rented the square for an event, you’ll have to find a new spot to have your ceremony!
- You cannot have music, decor, florals, chairs, and must have less than 50 people. The number of guests varies for certain squares.
If you’d like to have any of the things mentioned above, you do have to acquire a permit for your event. You can find more info about the costs and what all that includes/requires here.
- Application Fee: $25
- Permit Fee (4 Hour Minimum Rental):
- Resident: $350 (Peak / Off-Peak)
- Non-Resident, Peak Season: $725
- Non-Resident, Off-Peak Season: $575
- Additional rental time: $60/per hour
Best Months to Elope in Savannah
Because Savannah is so close to the coast, it do be hot and humid most of the year. The best months to get married in Savannah are April and May, with October and November coming in second. It’s not too hot, but it’s not too cold either. Just crispy 70 degree to low 80 degree days! We had our elopement at the end of October, and the weather was perfect. October and November are still within the range of hurricane season, so that’s something to consider! March is a good time too, but absolutely not around St. Patricks Day. Unless you love chaos. Then go off. 😂
Getting Legally Married in Georgia
If you’re a Georgia resident…
You can apply for your marriage license at any county in the state.
If you’re not a Georgia resident…
You must apply for a marriage license in Chatham County. There is no wait period in Georgia, so you can get married right after!
- You’ll need
- Your ID
- Your SSN
- Your birth certificate
- Proof of divorce or a death certificate if you’ve been previously married
- An officiant and 2 witnesses
Where to Stay
There are endless options for places to stay in Sav! I suggest picking somewhere AFTER you choose a ceremony spot so that you can find a location close by. Downtown is very walkable and not the most park-able. Here are a few options for you to browse through.
Hotels
- The Perry Lane
- The Alida
- Hilton Garden Inn Historic District
Inns/Bed & Breakfasts
- Forsyth Park Inn
- The Gastonian
- The Kehoe House
VRBOs/AirBnBs
Historic Property that Sleeps 12
Cutie Close to Forsyth Park
A Space for Just the Two of you with Great Views
Where to Eat Dinner
Savannah has SOOOO many options for good food. I highly recommend renting out a private room if you have guests attending and keeping your gathering intimate! Having photography coverage at the beginning of dinner is a 10/10 choice.
- Vic’s on the River
- Cohen’s Retreat (10/10)
- The Olde Pink House
- The Vault (10/10)
- Husk
Hey, I’m Colleen, a North GA based elopement photographer! I know there are companies in Savannah that have everything (officiant, flowers, etc.), and no hate to them, but I think you deserve to have an elopement experience that’s unique to you. As someone who got married in Savannah and has visited a MILLION times, I know a thing or two. Reach out via my contact page! I’d love to help you plan your Savannah elopement.
