Savannah Elopement Permits: When + Where They Are Needed

Savannah elopement permits are one of the most common topics we receive questions about from couples booking a ceremony in the historic squares or Forsyth Park. While not every ceremony requires one, understanding how permits work helps you avoid last-minute stress. And that’s exactly what we’re here to prevent!

When you book with us, we provide expert permit guidance AND the option to add the permit on through our package. It’s the easiest way to reduce your wedding day stress!

Do You Need a Permit for Your Savannah Elopement?

The City of Savannah sets permit rules based on guest count and setup, and the Savannah Elopement Package has our own rules for who needs a permit. So, the answer depends on your specific ceremony plans, and here’s the breakdown:

Elopements (Up to 20 Guests)

If you’re hosting 20 guests or fewer and not renting chairs or additional decor, the city does not require a permit, and neither do we!

However, we do recommend you get a permit if:

• You’re getting married on a Saturday or Sunday in peak wedding season (March-June and Sept-Nov)

• You’ve chosen a popular historic square

• You have your heart set on a very specific location

• You want complete peace of mind with no last minute location changes

Without a permit, public spaces operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If another couple holds a permit for your exact ceremony location, you will need to move immediately – which can cause unnecessary wedding day stress.

In spacious areas like Forsyth Park, moving over to a different spot usually isn’t a big deal. In fact, the park offers many equally beautiful spots just steps away! But, smaller historic squares offer less flexibility. If a square is reserved, you must relocate to a completely different square.

One location exception:  If you want to stand right beside the Forsyth Park Fountain for your ceremony (no matter guest count), we always require you have a permit, as the foot traffic is too heavy otherwise. But, there are some beautiful spots in the grass that have the fountain in the background and don’t require a permit for under 20 guests. We call this spot “Forsyth Park Grass by the Fountain.”

Good news! You can add the permit on to your elopement package, and then we handle getting one for you!

Micro-Weddings (21–40 Guests)

The City of Savannah doesn’t require a permit unless you have over 50 guests. However, for our Savannah Micro Wedding Package (more than 20 guests), we require that you have a permit. It would be too difficult logistically to move that many people last minute, so we include the permit fee in your micro wedding package cost! By securing the location in advance, we can ensure that your ceremony runs smoothly and without interruption.

How to Get Savannah Elopement Permits

There are two ways to get a permit for your elopement in a public park or square in Savannah:

1. Apply for the permit yourself (cons: more expensive, more time consuming, and more unnecessary stress). But, if you do want to get your own permit, here’s how to do it: How to Get Your Savannah Elopement Permit
2. Add a permit to the package you book with us! (or, book the micro wedding option, where it’s already included)

When you add a Savannah elopement permit for Forsyth Park or one of the squares to your package (or when it’s included in your Micro Wedding Package), then we manage the entire process for you:

• We complete and submit the application

• We communicate directly with the City of Savannah

• We secure the required off-duty police officer (security guard)

• We align the permit timing with your ceremony schedule

• We confirm all city requirements are satisfied

In addition, because we are local Savannah residents, we get a resident discount – meaning you receive the best available rate, while we handle every logistical detail!

What If You Choose a Private Venue?

If you book a private venue for your ceremony instead of a public square or park, you won’t need a city park permit. In that case if you book the Micro Wedding Package, we will remove the permit cost from your package price.

Please note: We are not responsible for booking private venues for ceremonies or receptions.

TLDR: Do You Need A Savannah Elopement Permit?

Here’s how we typically guide our couples:

• Planning a weekday elopement with under 20 guests and feeling flexible? You may not need one.

• Getting married on a busy weekend or set on a specific square? A permit provides peace of mind and is highly encouraged, no matter the guest count.

• Hosting more than 20 guests? We require a permit and include it in your Micro Wedding Package.

No matter what you decide, you don’t have to navigate Savannah elopement permits alone. We will guide you to the best option for your ceremony, and if you add a Savannah elopement permit on through our package, then we handle the coordination, the city communication, and the behind-the-scenes logistics so you can focus on your vows and not municipal paperwork.

A Note About Location Availability

We cannot guarantee availability for your first choice ceremony location, but we will do our best to guide your choice based on availability through the city’s event calendar. If your preferred location is already reserved or deemed unavailable by the city for any reason, we’ll guide you toward another beautiful option that fits your vision and guest count. Fortunately, Savannah offers many stunning squares and parks throughout the Historic District! You can see some of our favorites in our Savannah Elopement Ceremony Location Guide.

Make Your Savannah Elopement Effortless

With our all-inclusive Savannah Elopement Package, you sign one contract, pay one invoice, and work with one point of contact. We coordinate the package vendors, guide you through permits when needed, and make sure your ceremony unfolds smoothly from start to finish.

If you’re ready to celebrate the beginning of your marriage adventure in one of Savannah’s beautiful squares, contact us to start planning your stress-free day.

Additional Helpful Resources

• How to Elope in Savannah: The Ultimate Guide

• How to Get Your Marriage License in Chatham County

• Quietest Squares in the Historic District

• What Happens If It Rains on Your Savannah Wedding Day?