The answer up front
The most photographed park in the South, Forsyth Park covers 30 acres at the southern end of Savannah's historic district, with its 1858 white cast-iron fountain and oak avenues draped in Spanish moss. Ceremonies take place on an oak avenue or in the formal garden, never in front of the fountain, with guests standing. Packages run $1,275 for the one-hour Getaway Plus to $1,675 for the two-hour Friends and Family for up to 20 guests; the Chatham County license is $76, or $36 with a premarital education certificate, and has no waiting period.
Forsyth Park is the most photographed park in the entire South, and standing at its center it's easy to see why. The park stretches 30 acres through the heart of Savannah's historic district, anchored by a tall white cast-iron fountain modeled on the one in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, framed by live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. For couples who want one of the most iconic Southern elopement settings in the country, Forsyth Park is genuinely unmatched.
Where in Savannah is Forsyth Park?
Forsyth Park fills a 30-acre rectangle through the southern end of Savannah's historic district. The park's defining feature is the white fountain — 1858, cast iron, modeled on European fountains of the period and absolutely the most photographed object in Savannah. Long oak-lined paths radiate from the fountain to all corners of the park. Ceremonies are held on one of the oak avenues or in the formal garden, never in front of the fountain, and guests stand: Forsyth Park ceremonies have no seating.
The park is public, so other walkers, joggers, and photographers will be around. But Forsyth is enormous, and your immediate ceremony space is yours for the ceremony window. Many couples like the gentle ambient life of the park — it makes the photographs feel like real Savannah, not a curated stage.
Who is Forsyth Park named for?
Forsyth Park was created in the 1840s and named for John Forsyth, the Georgia governor and U.S. Secretary of State under Andrew Jackson. The famous fountain was installed in 1858 and is one of the oldest examples of cast-iron fountain construction in the country. The park's oak avenues were planted deliberately to provide shade in Savannah's subtropical climate; the Spanish moss that drips from those oaks is not actually moss but a flowering plant in the bromeliad family, and it's become almost synonymous with Savannah itself.
The historic district that surrounds the park is one of the largest National Historic Landmarks in the country — 22 of Savannah's original 24 squares remain, along with hundreds of original 18th- and 19th-century homes. Eloping at Forsyth Park means standing in a setting that has shaped Southern identity for nearly two centuries.
Photo Opportunities
- The fountain shot — the iconic Savannah portrait, taken after the ceremony with the tall white fountain behind you.
- The oak avenue walk — couple walking the long oak-lined path, Spanish moss creating natural framing overhead.
- Spanish moss curtains — close-up portraits with the moss creating soft natural background.
- The fragrant garden — formal plantings near the fountain, especially beautiful in spring.
- Walking through the historic district after the ceremony — Forsyth's location puts you steps from squares full of additional photo backdrops.
Best Time to Elope at Forsyth Park
March through May is Savannah's peak elopement season — mild temperatures, azaleas and dogwoods in bloom, low humidity. October and November are equally good with cool evenings and rich late-afternoon light. Summer is hot and humid — Savannah regularly hits the 90s with high humidity — but morning or evening ceremonies still work. Winter Savannah is mild (50s–60s) and the oaks stay green and mossy year-round.
Nearby Attractions
- Savannah's 22 historic squares — walkable from the park; each has its own architecture, fountain, and history.
- River Street — cobblestone street along the Savannah River with restaurants, shops, and ghost tours.
- The Davenport House (10 min walk) — Federal-style mansion, the alternative venue if you'd rather marry in a private walled courtyard.
- Bonaventure Cemetery (15 min) — atmospheric historic cemetery on the Wilmington River.
- Tybee Island (25 min) — Savannah's nearest beach, casual and uncrowded.
Where to Stay & Eat
The Mansion on Forsyth Park — directly across the street from the park, Marriott-managed but with serious character. The Marshall House on Broughton Street for historic boutique. The Perry Lane Hotel for modern luxury. For dinner: The Grey(James Beard winner in a converted Greyhound bus station), Husk Savannah, Olde Pink House for Southern fine dining in a colonial mansion, or Cotton & Rye for inventive modern Southern.
Marriage License
Apply at the Chatham County Probate Court in downtown Savannah. $76 standard fee (reduced to $36 with a premarital education certificate), no waiting period, no expiration date. Georgia does not require witnesses — the officiant signs the license. See our full marriage license guide for everything else.
What to Expect on Ceremony Day
- 2 hours before: Hair, makeup, getting dressed at your Savannah hotel.
- 30 minutes before: Walk or drive to Forsyth Park. The Mansion on Forsyth Park is directly across the street if you're staying there.
- 15 minutes before: Your photographer and officiant meet you. Detail shots — rings, attire, Spanish moss curtains overhead.
- Ceremony time: 15–30 minutes on an oak-lined path or in the formal garden, with guests standing.
- Immediately after: Family hugs, signing the license, group photos under the oaks.
- 30–90 minutes after: Portrait session walking the park — the fountain, the oak avenues, the garden, and additional shots in nearby historic squares.
- End of package: Walk to dinner in the historic district. The Grey, Husk Savannah, or Olde Pink House are all 5–10 minutes away.
Edited gallery arrives after the ceremony. The Chatham County certificate arrives 4–8 weeks later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains?
Forsyth ceremonies happen rain or shine. Under a gray sky the moss hangs heavier and the fountain's white stands out, so a damp day still photographs well.
Will other park visitors be around?
Yes — Forsyth Park is fully public and one of the most-visited parks in the South. Other walkers, joggers, photographers, and tour groups will be in the background. The park is large enough that your immediate ceremony space stays private, and most couples actively appreciate the ambient life of the park in the final photographs.
Is the park accessible for elderly guests?
Yes. Paved paths throughout. Suitable for guests of any age and mobility level. There is no ceremony seating, so guests stand for the vows.
Do we need witnesses?
No. Georgia does not require witnesses — your officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony, so it can be just the two of you. Family and friends are welcome if you want them there.
Plan Your Forsyth Park Day
Browse Forsyth Park packages from $1,275 (Getaway Plus, 1 hour) up to $1,675 (Friends and Family, 2 hours, up to 20 guests). All packages include photography, a licensed Georgia officiant, and ceremony coordination; there's no park permit to buy, because we don't obtain one for Forsyth Park. Spring Saturdays book 4+ months in advance — start the conversation early for March, April, and May dates.
See every venue, guest limit and price on the Savannah elopement packages page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to elope at Forsyth Park in Savannah?
Forsyth Park elopement packages from Elopements Inc. run from $1,275 for Getaway Plus (1 hour) up to $1,675 for Friends and Family (2 hours, up to 20 guests). Every package includes photography, a licensed Georgia officiant, and ceremony coordination; there is no park permit to buy, and guests stand, since seating isn't permitted. The Chatham County marriage license fee is paid separately to the county. Spring Saturdays book 4+ months ahead.
What is the best time of year to elope at Forsyth Park?
March through May is Savannah's peak elopement season, with mild temperatures, blooming azaleas and dogwoods, and low humidity. October and November are equally good, with cool evenings and rich late-afternoon light. Summer regularly hits the 90s with high humidity, so book morning or evening; winter stays mild in the 50s–60s and the oaks remain green year-round.
Where do you get a marriage license for a Forsyth Park elopement?
From the Chatham County Probate Court in downtown Savannah, by appointment only: submit the application online, then both partners come to court at the booked time with valid government photo ID. The fee is $76, or $36 with a premarital education certificate, paid directly to the county — Elopements Inc. cannot obtain the license for you. Georgia has no waiting period and requires no witnesses; your officiant signs the license after the ceremony.
What happens if it rains during a Forsyth Park elopement?
The ceremony goes ahead rain or shine. Light Savannah rain on the Spanish moss often produces beautifully atmospheric photographs.
Is Forsyth Park private enough for an elopement ceremony?
Forsyth Park is fully public and one of the most-visited parks in the South, so walkers, joggers, photographers, and tour groups will be in the background. At 30 acres, though, the park is large enough that your immediate ceremony space stays yours for the ceremony window, and most couples appreciate the ambient Savannah life in their final photographs.