Plan a simple elopement in Savannah

Here’s what you need to know to plan a simple elopement in Savannah, a top destination for intimate weddings.

I always tell brides this: You need a fabulous dress. You need a gorgeous bouquet, and honey, Savannah will do the rest!

We have beautiful locations from an epic mile-long avenue of moss-draped oak trees to lush parks and squares with fountains and gazebos to our National Landmark Historic District to our islands and beaches.

So, let’s break this down:

1. Pick a season. We’re in the South, and we have a LOT of summer. Yes, we do get an ocean breeze out on Tybee Island, but honey, it’s straight up HOT here in July and August. People ask if August is hotter than July, and all I know is that by August, we’re pretty tired of it. SO, here’s the trick. If you are planning a Savannah elopement in the summer, have it at 9 a.m. It’s cooler, less humid, and your face won’t melt off. You’ll have less chance of a summer rain shower. And the morning light is glorious, my dear! Glorious. Our fall, winter and spring are all relatively mild, so you can elope in Savannah comfortably all year long!
2. Pick a date / day of the week. Choose any day other than Saturday if you want to get the very best wedding pros. Here’s why. Many wedding vendors – like me – specialize in weddings, both intimate and full day. We have only 52 Saturdays a year, and we have to reserve those for the larger events. BUT want to book me on a Friday, Sunday or Tuesday? I’ll be able to give you my very best services at my very best price. 
3. Now, let’s think about Savannah elopement venues:
   1. Parks and squares. Iconic Forsyth Park, with it’s large white fountain, and the grid of park-like squares in our historic district are very popular places for elopements. If you’re having a small wedding, you most likely do NOT need a permit. In addition to Forsyth Park, I love Whitefield Square with it’s gazebo and Lafayette Square with its green fountain for elopements. Read more here. 
   2. Tybee Island: You can get married on the beach without a permit if you are setting up chairs, arches, etc. We also have the gorgeous Tybee Island Wedding Chapel.
   3. Historic homes and museums: Savannah has beautiful historic homes, many of which are now museums or inns, and many of them host elopements. Here are a few: The Gastonian, The Kehoe House, and Hamilton Turner Inn.
   4. Wormsloe Historic Site is truly epic with its mile-long avenue of old oak trees creating a perfect canopy over sandy drive.
4. Next you need a fabulous dress. We have several amazing bridal salons in Savannah: Ivory & Beau, Bleu Belle, and Mary Elizabeth’s Bridal.
5. You’re going to need an officiant. And here are my favorites: Rev. Schulte and Rev. Wadas.
6. You’re going to want a fabulous bouquet. How many times in life do you get to walk around carrying a bouquet of flowers? Not many, my dear, so don’t skimp on the bouquet. It’s an important part of being a bride. And it will make such a difference to have a gorgeous one. I would suggest not trying to make it yourself and not using artificial flowers. Splurge just this once. We have great florists who will guide you if you tell them the look you want and ask them to use their expertise to create it. Don’t get too stuck on certain flowers. Florist know what’s in season and what will hold up in the Savannah weather. Here are some of my favorite Savannah florists: Garden on the Square, Gray Harper, Urban Poppy and Ivory & Beau.
7. Maybe you want a violinist to add a classic touch. Michael Houston is the best around.
8. Now you need a fantastic photographer to capture it all: the beauty of your love, the beauty of Savannah, the big moments, the quiet moments, the emotions, every detail of the day. Honey, that’s me: Esther Griffin Photography. Here are some of my favorite elopement galleries. Just click Elopement at the top of this page.
9. Okay, now my dear bride, you need a groom. And I assume you have one or you wouldn’t have read this far. So, we’re almost done.
10. One last thing. Even planning a small elopement / intimate wedding can be stressful and time-consuming. That’s why I offer an all-inclusive elopement package. I’ll do all the groundwork for you. You just bring yourself and your future spouse. Read more here. 

Okay, what are we waiting for? Let’s elope to Savannah! Ready to go? Contact me and let’s get started.