8 Reasons to get Married in Savannah
It’s easy to see how Savannah earned its nickname “the Hostess City of the South.” Bedecked in historic charm, ocean breezes and spanish moss, Savannah should be on your wedding destination radar.
Written by Visit Savannah | Photography courtesy of Visit Savannah
Is this the day you’ve been waiting for? Perhaps it’s the day you never knew you wanted until the right person came along. Maybe it’s another chance to get it right. Your wedding day is the opening act to the true headliner — a blissful marriage. Where you choose to get married could determine where you celebrate anniversaries and milestones, start a family, relocate or even retire.
It may seem unlikely for a location to leave a lasting impression after the event, but Savannah is not like most. The task of listing all the reasons why Savannah should be on every wedding bucket list would prove impossible. But we’ll give it a go. Here are eight reasons to consider hosting your wedding in Savannah.
1. BEAUTY
Savannah doesn’t miss in the looks department. Millions of visitors travel here annually to admire the city’s beauty, laced with history and unexplainable allure. Azaleas elegantly return in the spring, sending a colorful welcome throughout downtown. Rows of Victorian homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries line every street corner, as historic gardens and courtyards have been intricately preserved to fit the home’s period. Massive oak trees are home to Spanish moss suspended precariously as you walk through 22 lush green squares. This architectural precision and beauty has withstood over 300 years. Without a doubt, Savannah is a live, illustrative scene for exchanging vows.
2. HISTORY
General James Oglethorpe couldn’t have predicted the tremendous impact that Savannah would have on the world when he founded the first city of Georgia in 1733. Savannah is drenched with historic cobblestone streets, buildings, gardens and homes that never go out of style. Allow your wedding day to be a part of nearly 300 years of Southern record.
3. VENUES
Weddings are much like luxury real estate — location, location, location. Where you choose to begin your forever starts with the proper venue, and Savannah is the perfect host. Your wedding day isn’t only about you; it’s a day to tell your family and friends that you’ve found your someone, and the celebration wouldn’t be complete without them.
You and your guests will feel like royalty in historic residences like the Andrew Low House and Davenport House. These 19th-century mansions are beautifully maintained with gorgeous courtyards and gardens purposely suited for indoor or outdoor weddings.
Or let nature’s lifetime experience as a wedding designer prove worthy, as you exchange vows in picturesque Forsyth Park or one of the other 22 park squares. If waterways are your favored piece of nature, set sail with your crew on the Georgia Queen for a riverboat cruise wedding.
For a luxurious and contemporary feel, stunning views of historic downtown and River Street are guaranteed with Perry Lane Hotel and Thompson Savannah. Perry Lane Hotel is located in the heart of the city with an eclectic mix of traditional and modern decor. This artsy accommodation has three on-site restaurants (including the Peregrin rooftop bar) that deliver a proper introduction to Savannah’s skyline. Further down the river, the Thompson Savannah is a part of the city’s Eastern Wharf District, an architectural nod to the history of the Savannah River and its unwavering relationship with the city. A mid-century chic essence flows throughout the entirety of this 193-room accommodation, featuring two on-site restaurants and two bars. Bar Julian is an incredible rooftop bar with unparalleled views of the city on one side and the Savannah River on the other. Recognized as the tallest roof in the city, you and your guests will feel like you’re on top of the world.
4. SAVANNAH’S BEACH
When the Atlantic Ocean calls, you must answer. Tybee Island is a warm and welcoming community of fewer than 3,000 people, just 30 minutes from Savannah. In an old-school beach town environment, this island is home to five beautiful beaches. Nicholas Sparks readers will pinch themselves while exchanging vows at the Tybee Island Wedding Chapel, featured in “The Last Song” movie. On Tybee Island, you can say “I do,” celebrate and honeymoon all in one place as you walk through white, sandy beaches towards your one-and-only with the ocean playing your song.
5. WEATHER
Your spring date fell through. Your great-grandmother can’t attend during the summer heat. The venue you wanted wasn’t available for the fall. Winter weddings are just too cold.
Fear not; Savannah is the superhero in this story. It’s one of the only coastal locations where the wedding season is year-round. The climate dial is always set at “chill,” providing a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere requiring only light layers during the short three months of winter. No matter the unique circumstance, preferences or date changes, Savannah is the ultimate avenger.
6. DINING
To say that Savannah restaurateurs are whizzes in the kitchen is an understatement. Savannah’s dining scene is a delicious, well-rounded blend of Southern cuisine infused with multicultural layers. It’s not unusual to dine in historic mansions such as The Olde Pink House, Elizabeth on 37th or 700 Drayton Restaurant. For the real foodies out there, the former 1938 Greyhound Bus Terminal is home to James Beard award-winners at the famous The Grey Restaurant. Whether your rehearsal or wedding menu calls for soul food, burgers and fries, fresh seafood, Asian fusion, Parisian, Greek or Mediterranean, this city is a melting pot of cuisines to cater to your wedding day palettes.
7. ENTERTAINMENT
Make your last night as a single memorable with entertainment you won’t find anywhere else. Savannah has several fun excursions for groups to accommodate both bachelor and bachelorette parties that will all involve live entertainment and libations galore. “Don’t Stop Believin’’’ in your karaoke dreams at McDonough’s Restaurant & Lounge. Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos will have you swaying throughout the night to the audience’s music of choice, while Savannah Slow Ride gives you a chance to have a few drinks and put your feet to work as you pedal through the city with your friends to your favorite soundtracks.
8. HOSPITALITY
Don’t expect to have to lift a finger when planning your nuptials in Savannah. Don’t worry, everything is under control because the city’s experts are here to help.
Your wedding day is assured to be a day of indescribable joy. That’s just the Savannah way, y’all.
