The Ultimate Guide Eloping in Georgia!
So you’re thinking about an elopement in GA? Look no further than this, The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Georgia, to help answer all your important questions as you begin to dream about what your day could look like.
Georgia is extra special to me because it was where I was born and raised and while that may make me a little biased, I believe Georgia is a hidden gem in the south for beautiful and meaningful wedding days.
Cost and Legalities
The good news is that marriage licenses in Georgia are both responsibly priced and easy to get. There is no waiting period to get married after getting the license nor an expiration date so whether you’re planning to get married the next weekend or within a few months, you are covered. License must be returned via mail within 30 days of your ceremony, so don’t forget to send it in after your elopement. If you are a state resident, you can apply in your nearest probate court however out of state applicants must apply in the county they’re getting married in. Planning to arrive a few days before you elope (or visiting a few months ahead of time to check out the location) helps to provide time to get your license if you’re needing to apply in the specific county.
For all applicants, you’ll need a drivers license (or other acceptable identification document), your social security number, and a form of payment. Most marriage licenses cost $56 (based on the county) however if you show proof of premarital counseling, you can get it for as little as $16! Few states make it as cheap to get married as Georgia does so definitely take advantage of the money-saving discount. And don’t forget, counseling is for healthy couples, too, so whether you’re working through differences or feeling confident in your future marriage, premarital counseling can be beneficial.
When it comes to who will marry you, officiants can be ordained through a church, government, or even through online methods which means a family member or friend can conduct the ceremony. For your ceremony, no witnesses are needed to sign your marriage license so it really can just be the two of you, an officiant, and your photographer.
Best Time to Elope in Georgia
If you’ve ever visited Georgia in the winter and then come back in the summer, you know how different each season is so picking the best time of year for Eloping in Georgia is important.
Winter:
While not a popular time, winter elopements in Georgia can be perfect because of the mild weather and fewer visitors to the parks you may have chosen for your elopement. While north Georgia does get snow occasionally in the winter (don’t bet on it though as snow is rare), south Georgia can often hover in the 60s during the day (making for perfect exploring weather!)
Spring:
Spring is truly a magical time of year in Georgia! The wildflowers you’ll find in meadows and the beautiful greens of the foliage make for the perfect backdrop. If you want to avoid getting cold or hot on your wedding day, spring might just be the perfect time as the average high hovers in the 70s.
Summer:
While winter is known for being mild, summers are known for being hot and humid! Elopements planned for summer are often best suited for couples wanting to include water (the beach or waterfalls) into their day to help cool off. Temperatures average highs of 92 degrees in Savannah and 89 degrees in north Georgia with July being the hottest month. Staying hydrated throughout the day, wearing sunscreen, and incorporating indoor time can keep the hot summer weather from negatively affecting your elopement day.
Fall:
Temperatures drop as fall arrives and because of the mild temperatures, October has some of the best weather with less rain and temperatures in the low to high 70s (depending on whether you're in north or south GA.) North Georgia can see beautiful fall colors (near the Tennessee border) so be sure to consider eloping there if you want to experience the loveliness of fall. Fall is a popular time for weddings in Georgia for a reason! It truly is a perfect time to elope!
As you’re thinking through the type of weather you hope to experience on your wedding day, don’t forget that your attire will affect how you feel during the day. Tweed and wool are great suite jackets for winter elopements while wool, cotton, and linen are perfect for summer because of the light-weighted material. Dresses with silk, polyester, and satin will keep you cool in the summer while tulle, chiffon, and organza add a little extra warmth. Think about the amount of layers to your attire as well, especially if eloping during the hottest months as that vest or extra layer of tulle will appear to add a few degrees to your overall temperature. Here is a giant article all about choosing the perfect elopement dress if you feel you still need more information!
Where to Elope in GA
Now comes the good part! I’ve created a list of one-of-a-kind locations that would make the perfect elopement destination. You’ll find state parks, seaside towns, small wedding venues, and INCREDIBLE treehouses, all nestled within the lovely state of Georgia.
Providence Canyon - Unique is the best word that comes to mind because nothing like this exists anywhere else in the southeast! If you want to experience canyons without traveling out west, you’ve found your elopement destination in this park.
Cloudland Canyon - Waterfalls, overlooks, and stunning trails, Cloudland Canyon is a breathtaking park to get married in. Getting married here in the fall is especially magical as crowds gather to enjoy the fall colors against the cascading water.
Toccoa Falls - If privacy is what you desire, a private waterfall sounds pretty good, right? Toccoa Falls is a waterfall on the campus of Toccoa Fall College and they rent it out to couples throughout the year. Definitely my favorite waterfall options in Georgia!
Tybee Island - Tybee Island is popular but popular for a reason: it’s beautiful!
Jekyll Island - A little less crowded and better preserved, Jekyll Island makes for stunning beach elopements!
Hightower Falls - This private venue is perfect for elopements with family and friends. The old ruins set beside a waterfall are surrounded by forests so eloping here in the fall is especially lovely.
Treehouses - Georgia has a surprising amount of treehouses that would be the perfect setting for an elopement morning. A few favorites of mine include the Secluded Intown Treehouse, Selah Ridge Treehouse, and Treetop Hideaways: Luna Loft.
Fun Things to do when Eloping in Georgia
Georgia is unique because depending on where you elope, you will have a totally different experience. I’m breaking it down into 3 sections: North Georgia (the mountains), Atlanta (the city), and the coast (the beach).
If the mountains are where you feel most at home, eloping to North Georgia is perfect! You could spend the day hiking to gorgeous overlooks, crossing streams and waterfalls, visiting nostalgic feeling towns for ice cream or another snack, or driving on ATV trails. Chattanooga isn’t too far away so if you want to also incorporate a city vibe, crossing the border into Tennessee will give you that. Once you start venturing away from the highways, you quickly enter the country so horseback riding through the rolling hills might be a perfect way to end your day.
If you want full-on city vibes, look no further than enjoying Atlanta to its fullest. There are thousands of unique restaurants to enjoy, street art to discover, and shows to see at night. Don’t forget the Atlanta Aquarium or the Fabulous Fox Theater for entertainment to break up your day in an untraditional way. A totally unique timeline would be so fun put into action by including your favorite city activities.
Along the coast, jet skiing, hiking through swamps, collecting shells, and enjoying the most beautiful sunrise are just a few things that could fill your day. The southern charm is especially strong on the coast so if you want to enjoy an ice tea while overlooking the beach, you’ll find so much to love here! Savannah could be a home base however there’s lots of other awesome beach towns nearby if you want to feel a little more secluded.
Average Costs to Elope in GA: High and Low Budget
Everyone has a different budget in mind when they begin planning a wedding. The great thing about eloping in Georgia is that no matter if you have 20K to splurge or just $5000 to spend, there’s vendors to fit into both budgets. As you begin to think about budgets, think about the priorities you have. Elopements don’t have to include anything that YOU don’t want them to include so if you’d rather have a family member marry you instead of hiring an officiant, do it!
Here are two sample budgets, one high end and the other more budget friendly. Both of these elopements would turn out stunning so don’t let a lower budget make you think you have to settle.
Low Budget
$16 – Marriage license (with discount)
$500 – 3 nights at a simple airbnb or cabin
$4200 – Photographer
$150 – Restaurant dinner or cooking together at airbnb
$250 – Bouquet/boutonniere
$200 – Hair and makeup
$1000 – Wedding attire (used and/or rented)
$6,316
High Budget
$16 – Marriage license (with discount)
$250 – Location permit
$1500 – 3 nights at a luxury airbnb or resort
$5800 – Photographer
$500 – Private chef
$400 – Calligrapher
$350 – Live musician
$1200 – Bouquet/boutonniere + decor for ceremony and dinner
$300 – Hair and makeup
$3900 – Wedding attire + accessories
$14,216
Georgia Elopement Checklist
Let’s get you a checklist so you can easily start planning your epic wedding in Atlanta, Savannah, or another amazing Georgia town. Say hello to Eloping in Georgia - stress-free!
1. Dream up some amazing ideas
Start by removing any preconceived ideas of what a wedding day should look like and dream about what would be perfect for YOU! Set aside time to sit down over dinner with your partner to discuss what you’re both envisioning. Jot all of those ideas down (it’s brainstorming time so don’t shoot any idea down just yet.) Think about how you want to feel as you drive away towards your honeymoon spot and what are the common themes behind everything you’re wanting. This Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Georgia is a great place to start as you begin to envision your day if GA is not your home state.
2. Book a photographer
As you begin to see the themes and experiences of your elopement day, it’s time to make a new best friend: your elopement photographer! Find someone who understands the value you’re placing on your elopement and has the skill to capture what you’re wanting to experience. Talk with them over the phone or via video call to see if you vibe and listen to how they provide support for their couples to help them create the best day ever. Hiring a photographer that does more than take pretty pictures will ensure your day is about the experience (vs. being an all-day photoshoot!)
3. Decide on a specific location
Take those dreams of a location and start researching the specific parks or cities that you’re considering eloping to. Your elopement photographer can be a resource for giving suggestions, especially spots off the beaten path.
4. Book lodging and other vendors
Logistics about how you’ll get here and where you’ll stay should be planned next. You’ll also start considering what other vendors you’d like to include. If you’re not from the area, ask your photographer or any other vendor hired for recommendations to help save you some research time. They’ll have recommendations of other vendors who they know can deliver.
5. Finalize your plans for the day
Based on all the ideas for adventure you’ve come up with so far, a timeline will begin to emerge. Because elopements are non-traditional, there’s no right or wrong way to plan your day. In case you’re needing extra help, here’s an article all about planning an epic elopement day!
6. Get your marriage license
Whether you got it earlier on a scouting trip or are visiting the county courthouse the week before your wedding, get that paperwork taken care of so the real adventure can begin. Be sure to plan ahead so no last minute courthouse closures affect your plans.
7. Adventure on your elopement day!
It’s finally time to be 100% authentic and relaxed because your wedding day is here! Everyone you’ve hired, especially your photographer, will intentionally deliver on every important piece of your day. Oh yes, there might be some plans that are changed at the last minute, but your day will come together in an adventurous, one-of-a-kind way! I can’t wait for you two to drive away and replaying those special moments over and over again in your head (and thanks to pictures, you can!)
GA Elopement Galleries
Still deciding if Georgia is perfect for your elopement? Perhaps these galleries of stunning elopements and adventure sessions will help seal the deal for you that GA is an amazing state to get married in.
How can I help?
Has this Ultimate Guide convinced you that Eloping in Georgia is perfect for you? Now that you know How to Elope in Atlanta, GA and Other Amazing Towns, you’re ready to take the next step and secure your adventure buddy and guide: your photographer!
Finding vendors that fit your adventurous and intentional vision can set you up for a successful elopement day. As a photographer, I support my couples throughout the planning process to help them plan and experience a day where their love is the focus. This experience will be one of growth and celebration!
I’d love to photograph you for your elopement in Georgia, so if you’re looking for someone who will match your excitement and cheer you on at every stage in the wedding process, shoot me a message and let’s start talking about the amazing adventure you have ahead of you!
