Savannah, Georgia, USA Destination Wedding Guide
USA · North America
Savannah's moss-draped oak trees, cobblestone squares, antebellum mansions, and slow Southern charm make it one of America's most romantic cities — a destination wedding location where historic elegance meets warm hospitality and exceptional food.
Highlights
Overview
Savannah is the kind of city that makes you fall in love with it the moment you walk beneath its canopy of live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. Founded in 1733, it is one of the oldest planned cities in the United States, laid out in a distinctive grid of tree-shaded squares that remain beautifully preserved today. For destination weddings, Savannah offers something rare: the romantic atmosphere and architectural grandeur of a European city with the accessibility, language ease, and legal simplicity of a domestic American wedding.
The Historic District — a 2.5-square-mile area that is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the country — is the heart of Savannah's wedding appeal. Within it, you will find 22 parklike squares surrounded by restored 18th and 19th-century mansions, carriage houses, and churches. Many of these buildings have been converted into elegant event venues, boutique hotels, and restaurants. The beauty of Savannah is that nearly everything is within walking distance — your guests can stroll from their hotel to the ceremony to the reception to a late-night bar without ever needing a car or shuttle.
Forsyth Park, with its iconic white fountain surrounded by live oaks, is one of the most popular ceremony locations. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist offers one of the most stunning church interiors in the South. Historic venues like the Harper Fowlkes House, the Davenport House, and the Kehoe House provide intimate mansion settings. Larger celebrations use venues like the Charles H. Morris Center, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum gardens, or the Savannah Station converted railway depot.
Savannah's culinary scene is a major draw. The city has evolved far beyond stereotypical Southern cooking into a sophisticated food destination. James Beard Award-nominated chefs work alongside traditional Lowcountry cooks, creating a culinary landscape where you can have shrimp and grits at a rehearsal dinner, a plated four-course reception at a historic mansion, and late-night biscuits at a Broughton Street bakery. Caterers routinely work with Southern, Lowcountry, and internationally influenced menus.
The climate is subtropical — warm and humid. Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the ideal wedding seasons, with comfortable temperatures (18–27°C), lower humidity, and the azaleas (spring) or golden light (autumn) at their peak. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid (32–35°C with high humidity), making outdoor ceremonies uncomfortable without evening timing and careful shade planning. Winter is mild (10–18°C) and quiet — a surprisingly lovely time for an intimate wedding with minimal crowds.
Legal requirements
Georgia has simple marriage requirements. Both partners must apply in person at the Chatham County Probate Court in Savannah. You need valid photo ID, Social Security numbers, and a $56 licence fee (cash or card). There is no waiting period and no blood test required. The licence is valid for use anywhere in Georgia within 6 months. Any ordained minister, judge, or authorised officiant can perform the ceremony. Georgia recognises online ordinations.
Venue types
Restored antebellum mansions with courtyard gardens
Historic churches with soaring interiors
Converted warehouses and industrial spaces along River Street
Garden venues in Forsyth Park and city squares
Plantation-style estates on the outskirts of the city
Top tips
- 1
Book a trolley tour or guided walking tour as a group welcome activity — Savannah's history and ghost stories are endlessly entertaining.
- 2
Plan outdoor ceremonies for late afternoon to take advantage of the golden light filtering through the live oaks and Spanish moss.
- 3
Choose a venue in the Historic District to eliminate the need for guest transportation — the walkability is one of Savannah's greatest wedding advantages.
- 4
Incorporate Lowcountry cuisine into at least one event — a shrimp boil rehearsal dinner or a late-night biscuit station will delight guests.
- 5
If planning a spring wedding, aim for late March or April when the azaleas are in full bloom and the squares are at their most colourful.
- 6
Be prepared for heat and humidity if choosing a summer date — provide fans, cold drinks, and shade for any outdoor component.
Frequently asked questions
Is Savannah a good destination for guests traveling from outside the area?
Excellent. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) has direct flights from most major East Coast and Southern US cities including New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, and Boston. The airport is just 15 minutes from downtown. For international guests, connecting through Atlanta (1 hour flight to Savannah) is the easiest route. Once in Savannah, the Historic District is entirely walkable — guests do not need rental cars, which significantly reduces their travel costs and logistics. The city also has excellent hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals at a range of price points.
How much does a wedding in Savannah typically cost?
Savannah offers strong value compared to other premium US wedding destinations. A mid-range Historic District wedding for 80–120 guests — including venue, catering, photography, florals, and music — typically costs $18,000–$30,000. Intimate celebrations for 20–40 guests at a boutique mansion venue can be done for $10,000–$18,000. High-end celebrations at top properties with premium catering and full floral design can reach $35,000–$50,000+. Guest accommodation in the Historic District ranges from $120–$300 per night depending on season and property. Savannah is generally 20–30% less expensive than Charleston for comparable quality and charm.
What is the best time of year for a Savannah wedding?
Late March through May and October through mid-November are the sweet spots. Spring brings blooming azaleas, wisteria, and jasmine — the city is at its most fragrant and colourful. Temperatures are comfortable (20–27°C) and humidity is manageable. Autumn offers golden light, comfortable temperatures, and the quieter shoulder season with fewer tourists. Summer (June–August) is doable but expect heat above 32°C with high humidity — schedule everything outdoors for after 5 PM and provide cooling stations. Winter (December–February) is mild by Northern standards and offers the lowest venue rates, but some outdoor garden elements may be less lush.
Can we have a wedding ceremony in one of Savannah's public squares?
Yes, but you need a permit from the City of Savannah's Special Events department. Permits for small ceremonies (under 50 guests, under 2 hours, no amplified sound) are relatively straightforward and inexpensive — typically $50–$150. Larger events with tents, amplified music, or road closures require more extensive permitting and higher fees. Forsyth Park and the smaller squares like Monterey, Whitefield, and Troup are popular ceremony locations. Apply at least 60–90 days in advance. Keep in mind that public squares remain open to the public during your ceremony — you cannot close them to foot traffic, so there may be pedestrians passing through.
What Savannah food traditions should we incorporate into our wedding?
Savannah's Lowcountry cuisine is a major part of the celebration. Popular wedding food ideas include: a Lowcountry boil (shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes) for the rehearsal dinner — served on butcher paper at communal tables for a festive, hands-on experience. Shrimp and grits as a reception station or plated course. Fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese as cocktail hour bites. Pralines and benne wafers as wedding favours. A late-night biscuit bar with honey butter and country ham. Sweet tea and Arnold Palmers alongside the cocktail menu. For the cake, red velvet or hummingbird cake are Southern classics. These touches give guests an authentic taste of the city and create a dining experience they could not get at a wedding anywhere else.