How to Elope in Savannah: A Step-by-Step Process

Dreaming of a romantic, stress-free elopement in Savannah, GA? From securing your marriage license to choosing the perfect ceremony spot, we’ve got all the tips you need to plan your elopement in Savannah. Whether you’re traveling from out of state or a local couple looking for a simple yet beautiful way to say “I do,” this guide will walk you through every step.

1. Choose Your Wedding Date

Picking the right date is one of the first big decisions when planning your Savannah elopement. So, here are a few things to consider:

• Best Time of Year: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are peak wedding season and considered ideal due to mild temperatures and beautiful flowers and green trees. Summer can be hot, humid and rainy, while winter is typically mild but can be unpredictable. December is our most-underrated month! Savannah does experience rain throughout the year, but we made a Rainy Day Guide to help you navigate inclement weather on your elopement day with the least stress possible!
• Weekday vs. Weekend: Weekday elopements (Monday-Friday) are ideal for avoiding crowds, easily securing your favorite Savannah wedding vendors and getting your first-choice ceremony location. Bonus – hotel rooms are often cheaper on weekdays! 

• Schedule Your Ceremony Early in Your Trip: Having your ceremony at the beginning of your stay allows you to relax and celebrate freely for the rest of your trip without worrying about last-minute logistics.

2. Get Your Marriage License

Before you can tie the knot, you’ll need a marriage license from Chatham County Probate Court. Here’s what you need to know:

• Application Process: First, submit your paperwork to the probate court online, and then both parties must appear in person at the Chatham County Probate Court with valid photo identification (driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or birth certificate) to pick up the marriage license.
• Fees: The license fee is $66, which can be reduced to $26 if you present a certificate of completion for a premarital counseling course.
• Out-of-State Couples: The license must be issued in Chatham County if your ceremony takes place in Savannah. (If you are a Georgia resident, you can get your marriage license in your county!)

For a full breakdown of the process, fees, and required documents, check out our detailed blog post on getting a Savannah marriage license.

If you book the Savannah Elopement Package, you’ll complete those steps above to secure your marriage license. Then just bring your marriage license to your ceremony, and our officiant will take it from there! They will sign and file it for you (no witnesses needed in the state of Georgia!), and you’ll receive your official copy in the mail a few weeks later.

3. Choose Your Savannah Elopement Ceremony Location

Savannah is full of breathtaking elopement spots, from moss-draped oaks to historic squares. Popular options fall into two categories – public locations and private venues. (NOTE: Private venues are not included in the Savannah Elopement Package, and couples book those locations directly)

Public Locations 

These are the most popular ceremony spots in Savannah and the easiest and least expensive option for couples:

• Forsyth Park – Iconic fountain and lush greenery – and we especially love these three spots in the park:
  • Under the Oaks
  • Grass by the Fountain
  • At the Low Branch
  • NEW: We now offer ceremonies right in front of Forsyth Park fountain! (NOTE: A permit is required for this specific spot in the park.)

• Historic Squares – Romantic and picturesque settings for elopement ceremonies, surrounded by the charm of moss-draped oaks. Our favorites include:
  • Lafayette Square
  • Whitefield Square
  • Columbia Square

Do I need a permit for a wedding in Forsyth Park or a Savannah square?

No permit is required for a “pop-up wedding” (guests all standing) in Forsyth Park or any of the Savannah squares. However, if you’re getting rentals  delivered (chairs, arbors, decor etc.), then the rental companies will require a permit for the location.

NOTE: For our Savannah Elopement Package couples, we do require a permit for the location right in front of Forsyth Park fountain, as there is too much tourist traffic to make it possible without a permit. 

Is a permit included when I book the Savannah Elopement Package?

For elopements under 20 people, we don’t include the permit in your package – but it’s available as an add-on service! If you add the permit to your package, we handle securing your permit through the City of Savannah and booking a security guard for your event.

If you book our new Savannah Micro-Wedding Package (21-40 guests), then your permit comes included in your package as we require it for over 20 guests.

Private Venues

(not included in our package – booked separately by the couple)

For couples who want complete privacy or a more customized experience, Savannah has beautiful private venues like inns, hotels, and gardens.

Important Note: Private venues are not included in the Savannah Elopement Package. If you’d like to marry at one, you’ll book the venue directly.

Some favorites include:

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4. Decide If You Want Guests at Your Elopement in Savannah

Eloping doesn’t mean you have to be alone – it’s entirely up to you! Whether you want an intimate day with just the two of you or prefer to include a small group of your closest loved ones, eloping doesn’t have any rules. 

Here’s how to elope in Savannah with your loved ones included in person or virtually:

Small Guest List: The Savannah Elopement Package works for everything from a no-guest elopement to a micro wedding with up to 40 guests (not including kids under 18 or the couple). It’s completely your choice who (if anyone!) you want to include in your day. Savannah’s public parks and squares are the perfect size for these celebrations.

While seating and rentals aren’t included in the package, our couples are welcome to arrange these separately. We’ll provide expert guidance on logistics so you can confidently let the rental company know when and where to deliver and pick up items.

Virtual Participation: Livestream your ceremony for those who can’t attend, or hire a videographer! (While this isn’t included in our package, we recommend booking Wild & Lavender, Two Arrows Films, and Ashley Loyer Films.)

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5. Pick a Place to Stay

Savannah has no shortage of gorgeous accommodations, and here are a few of our favorite spots:

• Boutique Inns & B&Bs: The Eliza Thompson Inn, Printmaker’s Inn, River Street Inn, or Olde Harbour Inn for a historic touch.
• Luxury Hotels: Perry Lane Hotel, Hotel Bardo, The Alida Hotel, JW Marriott Plant Riverside, or The DeSoto Hotel for a modern, stylish stay.
• Vacation Rentals: Ideal for couples who want extra space or a homey feel, and we especially love Hosting Savannah‘s gorgeous rentals.

Note: Accommodations are not included in the package, and couples book these directly. But we’re happy to share guidance on where to stay!

Pro tip: Staying in the historic district means you’re within walking (or short driving) distance of gorgeous ceremony locations!

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6. Choose Your Elopement Day Transportation

Depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to walk to your ceremony location, but there are plenty of great transportation options to consider:

• Classic Car: Book a stunning vintage ride through Callan’s Classics.
• Limo: Travel in luxury with Southern Comfort.
• Pedicab: Enjoy a unique and fun ride with Royal Bike Taxi.
• Driving: If you have a car, you or a friend/family member can drive.
• Uber/Lyft: A quick and easy option to get around the city.
• White Trolley: Available through Elite Savannah Travel, a trolley is a classic and spacious option if you have guests.

Note: Transportation is not included in the Savannah Elopement Package and must be arranged directly by couples. However, we provide expert guidance on timing and logistics, so you’ll know exactly when and where pickups and drop-offs should happen for a smooth, stress-free day.

Make sure to plan ahead so you arrive at your ceremony relaxed and on time!

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7. Book the Savannah Elopement Package (And Make It Easy!)

Want a completely stress-free experience? The Savannah Elopement Package is the perfect solution for how to elope in Savannah without the hassle of planning every detail.

Our package includes six essential vendors in one simple booking:

1. Photography – Beautiful, romantic images of your special day.
2. Florals – An on-trend bouquet + boutonnière from a professional florist.
3. Hair & Makeup – On-site services, so you can sit back and relax while they work their magic.
4. Officiant – A warm, personal ceremony customized for you.
5. Cake – A sweet celebration treat for the two of you!
6. Day-of Assistant – An on-site, extra set of hands to ensure your day runs smoothly

In addition to handling the included vendors, we create custom elopement day timelines and offer guidance on other logistics—so you’ll feel confident about every detail of your day!

No stress, no endless emails – just a stress-free, joyful experience. Click here to book your dream elopement!

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8. Decide If You Want to Include Any Wedding Traditions

Eloping doesn’t mean you have to skip all the classic wedding traditions! Think about which moments are meaningful to you and incorporate them into your elopement day – or ditch them all and do it your own way!

• First Look: Have a private first look before your ceremony for an emotional and intimate moment.
• See Each Other “At the Aisle” For the First Time: If you love the idea of a traditional reveal, wait until you walk down the aisle to see each other for the first time.
• Personal Vows: Write and exchange personal vows to make your ceremony even more special.
• First Dance: Share a first dance in the park, at your Airbnb, or during dinner.
• Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue: Carry on this sweet tradition by incorporating sentimental items.

Your elopement should feel just as special and personal as a big wedding—just without the stress!

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9. Plan Your Post-Elopement Celebration

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in style! Here are a few ways we’ve seen couples celebrate:

• Booking a romantic dinner – Cha Bella, Common on Broughton, Olde Pink House, Vic’s on the River, Churchill’s, The Rhett, and B. Matthews.
• Cutting your wedding cake – Even with a small elopement, you can still have a special cake-cutting moment to celebrate your marriage.
• Hosting a relaxed dinner at your vacation rental – Invite your guests back to your vacation rental to celebrate with an intimate dinner made by a private chef. (Be sure to check with your host to see if this is allowed!)
• Honeymoon in the Lowcountry – stay a few extra days in Savannah, or explore nearby Hilton Head, Charleston, or Jekyll Island!

Note: Post-elopement celebrations like dinners or honeymoons are not part of the Savannah Elopement Package. Couples book these directly, but we’re always happy to share recommendations from what we’ve seen work beautifully.

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We love helping couples learn how to elope in Savannah!

Eloping in Savannah is about embracing romance, simplicity, and a day that feels exactly right for you. Whether you want an intimate vow exchange under Spanish moss or a joyful celebration with your closest family, we’re here to make your dream day a reality.

For an easy, stress-free elopement experience, book the Savannah Elopement Package today! Reach out any time with questions – we truly love showing couples how to elope in Savannah with ease and joy!