The Isaiah Davenport House is one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Savannah — a Federal-style mansion built in 1820 by master builder Isaiah Davenport, sitting on Columbia Square in the heart of the historic district. For couples who want an intimate micro wedding for up to 20 guests in a setting that genuinely belongs in a history book, the Davenport House's private garden courtyard is unmatched in Savannah.
The Setting
The Davenport House fronts Columbia Square — one of Savannah's original 22 squares — and features a private walled courtyard garden at the rear. The garden is laid out in a formal pattern with brick paths, manicured plantings, and the kind of intimate, contained feeling that turns a small ceremony into something ceremonial. Live oaks rise above the courtyard walls, framing the sky with Spanish moss.
The courtyard accommodates micro weddings for up to 20 guests comfortably. The contained nature of the space means ceremony audio carries beautifully — even quietly spoken vows feel resonant — and every guest is close enough to the couple to feel part of the moment. This is genuinely the most refined small- ceremony setting in Savannah.
History
Isaiah Davenport built this house for himself and his family between 1820 and 1824. Davenport was a Rhode Island–born master builder whose architectural influence shaped much of early-19th-century Savannah, and his own home was a showcase of the Federal style — symmetric facade, fanlight transoms, fine brickwork, refined interior plasterwork.
By the mid-20th century the house had fallen into disrepair and was scheduled for demolition in 1955 to make way for a parking lot. The threatened loss sparked Savannah's historic preservation movement — seven local women founded what would become the Historic Savannah Foundation specifically to save the Davenport House. They succeeded, the house was restored, and the preservation movement they started ultimately saved over 1,500 of Savannah's historic buildings. Couples who elope at the Davenport House are saying their vows on grounds where modern American historic preservation was, in a real sense, born.
Photo Opportunities
- The garden courtyard ceremony — couple at the altar with formal plantings and brick walls framing the scene.
- The brick path walk — couple walking the formal garden path, perfect for processional or recessional shots.
- The Federal-style facade — exterior portraits with the symmetric brick architecture as backdrop.
- Columbia Square portraits — Savannah square scenes just steps from the venue, with Spanish moss oaks and historic homes.
- Wide group shots in the garden — intimate gatherings of 10–20 photograph beautifully with the contained courtyard background.
Best Time to Elope at Davenport House
March through Mayfor Savannah's spring peak — azaleas and camellias blooming in the courtyard, ideal temperatures, low humidity. October through early November for cool autumn light and fewer crowds in the historic district. Summer ceremonies work in the morning or evening; midday summer is too hot for a courtyard ceremony without shade. Winter Savannah is mild and the evergreen plantings keep the garden lush year-round.
Nearby Attractions
- Savannah's historic squares — Columbia Square sits among 21 others, each architecturally distinct and walkable.
- Forsyth Park (10 min walk) — the famous fountain and oak avenues.
- River Street (10 min walk) — cobblestone riverfront with restaurants, shops, and ghost tours.
- Bonaventure Cemetery (15 min drive) — atmospheric historic cemetery on the Wilmington River.
- Telfair Academy & Owens-Thomas House — historic house museums nearby.
Where to Stay & Eat
The Marshall House on Broughton Street — historic boutique hotel within walking distance. The Perry Lane Hotel for modern luxury. The Mansion on Forsyth Park for grand, eclectic style. For dinner: The Grey (legendary, James Beard award), Husk Savannah, Olde Pink Housefor Southern fine dining in an 18th-century mansion, or Garibaldi's Cafe for elegant Italian.
Marriage License
Apply at the Chatham County Probate Court — $76 standard fee, no waiting period, valid 6 months. Georgia requires 2 witnesses to sign the certificate at the ceremony. Both partners must appear with valid government ID. Full details in our marriage license guide.
What to Expect on Ceremony Day
- 2 hours before: Hair, makeup, getting dressed at your Savannah hotel.
- 30 minutes before: Walk to the Davenport House on Columbia Square — most downtown hotels are within walking distance.
- 15 minutes before: Coordinator and photographer meet you. Detail shots in the courtyard.
- Ceremony time: 15–30 minutes in the formal garden courtyard with brick paths and walled enclosure.
- Immediately after: Family hugs, signing the license with Georgia's 2 witnesses, group photos in the garden.
- 30–90 minutes after: Portrait session — courtyard close-ups, the Federal-style facade, walking through Columbia Square.
- End of package: Walk to dinner in the historic district.
Edited gallery arrives 2–4 weeks after the ceremony. The Chatham County certificate arrives 4–8 weeks later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains?
The Davenport House's covered porch areas serve as rain backups, and for heavy weather the mansion's interior rooms can host the ceremony itself. The site has more weather flexibility than any other Savannah venue.
Is the venue accessible for elderly guests?
Yes. The ground-level garden courtyard is fully accessible. Suitable for elderly grandparents and guests with mobility needs. Wheelchair access is available via the side entrance.
How private is the venue compared to Forsyth Park?
Significantly more private. The Davenport House courtyard is walled and enclosed — your ceremony window is yours alone, no passers-by, no other photographers. For couples who want the intimacy of a private setting rather than a public park, Davenport is the right choice.
Who can be our two Georgia witnesses?
Any adults — your photographer and officiant typically serve, but family or friends can sign as well. We coordinate this with you on the day.
Plan Your Davenport House Day
Browse the Davenport House packages from $1,875 (Getaway Plus, 1 hour, up to 10 guests) up to $2,775 (Friends and Family, 2 hours, up to 20 guests). All packages include venue access, photography, a licensed Georgia officiant, ceremony coordination, and all historic-site fees. Spring weekends book 4–6 months ahead — start the conversation early for any peak-season date.