A Savannah elopement may be the most quietly romantic ceremony you can imagine — Spanish moss hanging from centuries-old live oaks, 22 intact town squares lined with Federal and antebellum homes, and one of the country's largest National Historic Landmark districts compressed into a perfectly walkable downtown. The light here is softer than anywhere else in the South, the air carries the smell of jasmine and salt water, and Georgia's marriage license process is among the easiest in the country. If you want to elope somewhere that feels like stepping into a Southern Gothic novel, Savannah is genuinely unmatched.
Why Savannah for Your Elopement
Savannah was founded in 1733 as the original capital of the Georgia colony and has been carefully preserved as one of America's most architecturally intact historic cities. The 22 original squares designed by James Oglethorpe still stand exactly where they were laid out 290 years ago — each one a park surrounded by 18th- and 19th-century homes. Walking from your hotel to your ceremony to dinner afterward takes you past more original Federal, antebellum, and Greek Revival homes than you'll find in any other American city.
Georgia's marriage license process matches Savannah's easygoing pace: no waiting period, both partners apply in person at the Chatham County Probate Court, license valid for 6 months. Georgia requires 2 witnesses to sign — your photographer and officiant typically serve. Full step-by-step in our marriage license guide.
Savannah's Two Elopement Venues
Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is Savannah's most iconic green space — 30 acres anchored by an 1858 white cast-iron fountain modeled on the one in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, with live oaks dripping in Spanish moss and azaleas blooming in spring. It's the most photographed location in Savannah and one of the most photographed parks in the entire South. For couples who want an outdoor public-park ceremony with the city's most iconic backdrop, this is the choice.
Read the full Forsyth Park elopement guide for the park's history, ceremony spots, photo opportunities, and the famous oak avenue walks. Packages from $1,275 to $2,275.
Davenport House
The Davenport House is a Federal-style mansion built in 1820 by master builder Isaiah Davenport — the building whose 1955 threatened demolition launched the entire Savannah historic preservation movement. Its private walled garden courtyard hosts intimate micro weddings for up to 20 guests in one of Savannah's most prestigious historic settings. For couples who want privacy and architectural significance over a public park, Davenport is unmatched in Savannah.
Read the full Davenport House elopement guide for the mansion's history, courtyard ceremony details, and what to expect on the day. Packages from $1,875 to $2,775.
Best Time to Elope in Savannah
March through May is Savannah's signature season — azaleas in full bloom in Forsyth Park, mild 70–80°F days, low humidity, and Spanish moss at its most dramatic. Late September through November is the second peak after Atlantic hurricane season ends, with cool evenings and rich late-afternoon light. Summer Savannah is hot and humid (90s+) but morning ceremonies under the shaded oaks still work beautifully. Winter Savannah is mild (50s–60s) and the live oaks stay green and mossy year-round, giving you a quieter, atmospheric option.
Georgia Marriage License (Chatham County)
Apply at the Chatham County Probate Court in downtown Savannah — $76 standard fee (reduced to $16 with a premarital education certificate), no waiting period, valid for 6 months. Both partners must appear with valid government photo ID and Social Security numbers. Georgia requires 2 witnessesto sign the marriage certificate at the ceremony — your photographer and officiant typically serve, but family members or friends can also sign.
Pro tip: Georgia's 6-month license validity means you can apply months in advance and remove the paperwork from your wedding-week timeline entirely. See our complete marriage license guide for state-by-state details if you're comparing.
Savannah Elopement Cost
All-inclusive Savannah elopement packages start at $1,275 at Forsyth Park (Getaway Plus, 1-hour) and range up to $2,775 at the Davenport House (Friends and Family Plus, 2-hour, up to 20 guests). Every package includes the venue with all permits paid, a licensed Georgia officiant, a professional photographer for the package's full duration, edited high-resolution images delivered in a private online gallery, and ceremony coordination.
For total spend including travel, lodging, license, and attire, see our 2026 elopement cost guide.
Where to Stay & Eat
The Mansion on Forsyth Park — directly across the street from Forsyth Park, eclectic and atmospheric. The Marshall House on Broughton Street — boutique historic hotel walking distance from everything. The Perry Lane Hotel — modern luxury option. Andaz Savannah — Hyatt brand in the historic district, reliable and central.
For dinner: The Grey (James Beard winner in a converted Greyhound bus station), Husk Savannah (Southern fine dining), Olde Pink House for elevated Southern in a colonial mansion, Cotton & Rye for inventive modern Southern, or Garibaldi's Cafe for elegant Italian. For breakfast pre-ceremony: Back in the Day Bakery or The Coffee Fox.
Beyond the Ceremony
Savannah's historic district is entirely walkable — explore all 22 of the original town squares, take a sunset ghost tour (Savannah is consistently ranked one of the most haunted cities in America), drive 20 minutes to Tybee Island for ocean photos, or wander Bonaventure Cemetery on the Wilmington River for genuinely otherworldly atmosphere. Many couples turn the elopement into a 3–4 day Lowcountry getaway. If you're planning a celebration with family afterward, our reception planning guide covers formats that pair well with Savannah trips.
Planning Resources
- Elopement vow examples — four structures, real examples, a 30-minute writing exercise.
- How to tell your family you're eloping — scripts and reaction strategies.
- The complete elopement planning guide — step-by-step from start to finish.
Start Planning Your Savannah Elopement
Browse all Savannah elopement venues and packages or call 615.604.0187. Spring weekends fill 4+ months ahead — start the conversation early for March, April, and May dates. Davenport House micro weddings book even further out due to limited slots.