How to Elope in Savannah, GA: Squares, Permits and Your Marriage License
To elope in Savannah, get a Georgia marriage license (non residents must get it from Chatham County Probate Court, by appointment), pick a square, and bring a licensed officiant. If your group is under 50 people with no chairs, arch, or décor, the City of Savannah says you don't need a permit and can use a square first come, first served. Add any setup, and you'll need a city permit starting at $350 for residents.
Savannah might be the most romantic place in Georgia to say "I do." Spanish moss, cobblestones, fountains, and 22 historic squares that look like they were built for wedding photos. Here's how to do it without a single bureaucratic surprise.
Couple walking under live oaks with Spanish moss in a Savannah square
Do you need a permit to get married in a Savannah square?
It depends on your setup, not just your guest count. According to the City of Savannah's Special Events office:
No permit needed if you have fewer than 50 people and no setup. That means no chairs, aisle runners, tents, tables, or décor.
Permit required as soon as you add chairs, an arch, a runner, or anything else you'd set down on the ground.
Without a permit, squares are first come, first served. So if a walking tour shows up mid vow, you smile and keep going. It happens.
How much is a Savannah wedding permit?
Here are the city's posted 2026 fees:
Application fee: $30
Permit for Savannah residents: $350 year round (4 hour minimum)
Permit for non residents: $725 in peak season (March, April, May, September, October, November) or $575 off peak
Extra hours: $60 per hour
You can apply up to one year before your date. The Special Events office is at 1 Waring Drive and can be reached at 912-351-3837. Since we're in peak season right now, fall couples should apply early.
How to get a Chatham County marriage license
Savannah is in Chatham County, and if neither of you lives in Georgia, Georgia law says you must get your license in the county where the ceremony happens. That means Chatham. Georgia residents can use a license from any Georgia county.
Here's what Chatham County Probate Court posts:
Appointments only. Every marriage license application is by appointment. Apply first through the Georgia Probate Records portal, then book your time.
Where: Room 509, Coleman Courthouse, 133 Montgomery Street, Savannah.
Cost: $76, which includes one certified copy. With a premarital education certificate, it's $36.
ID: a valid driver's license, an original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport, or a valid military ID.
Payment: cash, card (5% card fee), money order, or cashier's check. No personal checks.
Georgia has no waiting period, so you can get married the same day you pick up the license.
Who can officiate an elopement in Savannah?
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 19-3-30), judges, magistrates, and ministers or others authorized by their religious society can perform a marriage. The officiant must return the signed license to the probate court within 30 days, and Chatham County asks for it to come back by mail.
That paperwork is why a lot of venues no longer leave it to chance.
Why venues are requiring licensed, insured officiants
More and more wedding venues, especially in Richmond County back home in Augusta, now require officiants to carry both a business license and liability insurance. They've seen too many friends and relatives miss the ceremony, sign the license wrong, or never mail it, and then the marriage never gets recorded. If you're planning a Savannah reception venue after your square ceremony, ask about this early.
We check both boxes. Augusta Officiant holds a business license and carries $2 million in liability coverage. We're licensed in Georgia and South Carolina, so a Savannah elopement followed by a Hilton Head honeymoon is no problem for us.
Best squares and spots to elope in Savannah
Every square has its own personality. A few couples love:
Forsyth Park. The famous fountain. Gorgeous, and very busy on weekends.
Lafayette Square. Cathedral views and a fountain of its own.
Whitefield Square. Its gazebo makes a natural ceremony backdrop.
Chippewa or Madison Square. Classic Savannah charm in the heart of the historic district.
Go early in the morning for softer light and fewer tourists.
Savannah elopement packages from Augusta Officiant
We've officiated more than 500 ceremonies, we're bilingual in English and Spanish, and part of every booking supports the Augusta Birth Center, a 501(c)(3).
Elopement Ceremony Vows, rings, a kiss, and a properly signed license.
Custom Ceremony. A ceremony written around your story.
Payment plans are available.
Savannah Elopement FAQ
Do I need a permit to elope in a Savannah square?
Not if you have fewer than 50 people and no setup like chairs, arches, or décor. Any setup requires a City of Savannah permit.
How much is a wedding permit in Savannah?
A $30 application fee plus $350 for residents, or $575 to $725 for non residents depending on the season, for a 4 hour minimum.
Where do I get a marriage license in Savannah?
Chatham County Probate Court, Room 509, Coleman Courthouse, 133 Montgomery Street. Appointments are required.
How much is a Chatham County marriage license?
$76 including one certified copy, or $36 with a premarital education certificate.
Is there a waiting period to get married in Georgia?
No. Georgia has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day.
Ready to elope in Savannah?
How to Elope in Savannah, GA: Squares and Permits
Pick your square, book your appointment, and leave the rest to us. See our five star reviews at https://g.co/kgs/ec34LTg and book at augustaofficiant.com.
Permit and license details were checked against the City of Savannah and Chatham County Probate Court websites in October 2026. Confirm with each office before your date.
How to Elope in Savannah, GA: Squares and Permits by Katie Chubb.
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