Savannah Wedding Permit: How to Get A Permit for Parks & Squares

If you’re dreaming of a wedding in one of Savannah’s beautiful parks or historic squares, you may need a Savannah wedding permit to reserve your spot. This guide covers when you need a permit, costs, and how to apply—so you can focus on celebrating your love in one of Savannah’s most scenic locations!

Do You Need a Savannah Wedding Permit?

Not every wedding requires a permit! Here’s how to determine if you need one:

✅ A permit is required if:

• You plan to set up chairs, tables, decorations, or tents.
• You want to reserve a square or spot in a park exclusively for your ceremony.
• You’re concerned about crowds or other events nearby and want more privacy.
• You’re expecting over 50 people.
• Any rentals (chairs, arches, etc.) will be delivered.

 ❌ You likely don’t need a permit if:

• Your guest count is under 50 people.
• You don’t plan to set up any decor.
• You are not having any rentals delivered.
• You’re having a true elopement with just the couple and an officiant, or with just a small group of guests.
• You’re ok with changing your ceremony spot last minute if someone else is already using that area. (Here’s an example of an elopement where we adjusted the ceremony location on the fly.)
• Your guests are happy to stand during the ceremony instead of using chairs.
  • (Pro tip: If most of the guests are standing, but an elderly guest needs a chair to sit, you can bring a couple of your own chairs and a permit wouldn’t be required.)

 

If you’re eloping with the Savannah Elopement Package ➡️ We limit our guest count to 20 people (not including the couple or kids under 18), so the majority of our couples opt not to get a permit and choose to have their guests stand for the short ceremony.

How Much Does a Wedding Permit Cost?

Pricing varies based on location, season, and residency status.

Savannah Squares + Forsyth Park Rental Fees

Application fee: $25 | Additional hours: $60/hr

Peak Season (March, April, May, September, October, November): 

• Savannah Residents: $350 for 4 hours
• Non-Residents: $725 for 4 hours

 

Off-Peak Season (December, January, February, June, July, August):

• Savannah Residents: $350 for 4 hours
• Non-Residents: $575 for 4 hours

💡 Note: Savannah residency must be verified for resident pricing.

How to Apply for a Savannah Wedding Permit

1️⃣ Check availability – Before applying, check the Savannah special event calendar to make sure your location is open.

2️⃣ Submit your application – You can submit your application HERE! Applications must be submitted at least 90 days before your wedding but no earlier than 365 days in advance. (For example, if your wedding is on July 25th, 2026, you may apply starting at 12:01 AM on July 1st, 2025.)

3️⃣ Wait for approval – Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. You’ll receive confirmation from the city once your permit is processed.

4️⃣ Plan for additional costs – If you require a permit, you must also hire security (an off-duty police officer) for the duration of your event.

How To Hire an Off-Duty Police Officer for Your Savannah Wedding

If you have gotten your permit and need to hire security for your wedding, here are the steps to hire an off-duty Savannah Police Department (SPD) officer for your event:

1. Contact the SPD Extra-Duty Coordinator: Reach out to the SPD to arrange security for your event.

   • Phone: (912) 525-2420
   • Email: SPD Extra-Duty Coordinator

2. Complete the “Request to Hire a Police Officer (Extra-Duty)” Form: This form outlines the terms and conditions of hiring off-duty officers. You can download it from the Savannah Police Department’s website.

3. Submit the Form: After completing the form, submit it to the SPD Extra-Duty Coordinator via email as instructed on the form.

4. Arrange Payment: Discuss payment details with the coordinator. As of the latest available information, security costs are a minimum of $104 per event, with events over four hours charged at a rate of $26.00 per hour. Rates may vary based on the day and specific requirements. Ensure you confirm the current rates during your application process.

It’s recommended to arrange security at least two weeks prior to your event date to ensure availability and compliance with city regulations.

Questions?

📩 Georcette Washington, Leisure Services Director
✉️ Email: gwashington@savannahga.gov
📞 Phone: (912) 351-3837

Do Savannah Elopements Require a Permit?

For most elopements, a permit is not required! With the Savannah Elopement Package, your ceremony is designed to be stress-free, and most couples have their guests stand, which avoids the need for a permit. However, if you want to set up chairs or décor, you will need a permit.

Planning to elope in Savannah?

If you’re planning to elope in Savannah, the Savannah Elopement Package makes it easy to say “I do”! With one contract, one invoice, and one point of contact, you get photography, bouquet and boutonniere, hair and makeup, and officiant, and even a cake—so you can focus on celebrating your love in one of the most romantic cities in the South.

Contact us today to start planning your stress-free wedding!

More Resources for Eloping in Savannah

💖 How to Elope in Savannah: The Ultimate Guide

💍 How to Get Your Marriage License in Chatham County

🌳 Best Elopement Locations in the Historic District