Here’s everything you need to know about getting married in the Lowcountry.
Southern Coastal Weddings magazine covers some of the most beautiful geography in the world. Although each area of the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire bears its own distinctive mark, they all share certain signatures: stately oaks draped with romantic Spanish moss, preserved historic structures, and a cultural reverence for the art of hospitality.
Beaufort, South Carolina, in upper Beaufort County, is awash with romance and history — a quintessential small Southern town. At the southern end of Beaufort County, cross the bridge to Hilton Head Island. This island is an ode to meticulously planned high-end residences and manicured golf courses, all coming together with understated elegance. Bluffton is Hilton Head’s mainland sister — an eclectic community with an artist’s soul.
Travel over the Savannah River, and you’re in Chatham County, Georgia. Savannah’s massive Historic District and tree-filled squares are top-of-mind when it comes to planning a wedding here, but Savannah-area brides are spoiled for choice — beach weddings on Tybee Island, historic venues well away from the bustle of the city, and even rustic farm settings make the Hostess City a versatile site for any celebration.
About an hour to the south of Savannah, you’ll find Glynn County, Georgia, home of the Golden Isles — Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Little St. Simons Island, plus the mainland town of Brunswick, which offers a picturesque historic district. It’s easy to see why these islands inspired poet Sidney Lanier’s famed “Marshes of Glynn” — they offer an array of wedding venues, from elegant and exclusive villas to earthy, exquisite driftwood beaches.
Coastal Weather
TEMPERATURES: Humidity is year-round, with average temperatures ranging from lows in the winter of low 40s to summer highs in the 90s. Spring, 75/58; Summer, 90/75; Fall, 77/62; Winter, 60/43
RAINFALL: You can expect the heaviest in August (7.2 inches), lightest in November
(2.4 inches). Although hurricane season runs June-November, August-October have historically been active months to watch.
TIDES: Beach weddings are wonderful, but be aware that there can be a 6- to 10-foot difference between high and low tides, and even greater during so-called supermoons, which usually occur in August and September. You can monitor the tides attidesandcurrents.noaa.gov by clicking on Georgia or South Carolina.
Getting a Marriage License
SAVANNAH, TYBEE ISLAND, AND ELSEWHERE IN CHATHAM COUNTY: Marriage license applications for Chatham County can be found at courts.chathamcountyga.gov/probate/marriagelicenses. It is a three-step process: apply, schedule an appointment, and then show up at the courthouse at 133 Montgomery St., Room 509, in downtown Savannah with all pertinent information. The fee is $76 for adults without premarital education/counseling and $36 for adults with a premarital education/counseling certificate.
GOLDEN ISLES: Glynn County Probate Court is located at 701 G St. in downtown Brunswick. Full information is located at glynncounty.org/190/Marriage-License. An appointment must be made by calling 912.554.7234 or by emailing [email protected]. The fee is $76 for adults without premarital education/counseling and $36 for adults with a premarital education/counseling certificate (Georgia residents only).
HILTON HEAD ISLAND AND BLUFFTON: Visit beaufortcountysc.gov/probate-court/marriage-licenses.html for information on Beaufort County marriage license applications. They are accepted from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. by appointment only. The main location is at 102 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, South Carolina, with two satellite offices: 539 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, and 4819 Bluffton Parkway, Bluffton. The fees for a license range from $50 to $95, depending on residency status. All fees must be paid in cash.
Beach Weddings
TYBEE ISLAND: Head to cityoftybee.org/161/special-events-planning for detailed information to plan your beach wedding. There is now an online permit process available. The required fee is $25. For questions, contact Robyn Rosner by emailing [email protected].
GOLDEN ISLES: St. Simons Island beaches do not require reservations or permits for weddings. For information about getting married on Jekyll Island beaches, including the picturesque Driftwood Beach, visit jekyllisland.com/venues/weddings. Permits are not required, but there are certain things you need to know. For example, you can only throw natural materials, like petals (otherwise, it’s considered littering), and there is a beach lighting ordinance from May 1-Oct. 31 for sea turtle nesting beaches.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND: A permit is required, but there is no fee. Check details at hiltonheadislandsc.gov/beach/wedding.cfm or call 843.342.4583. Between April and December 2025, beach renourishment will be taking place.
Renting Public Areas/Historic Sites
SAVANNAH: If you have always dreamed of a wedding in one of Savannah’s parks or squares, go to savannahga.gov/3607/weddings or call 912.351.3837. A permit is required. A wedding permit provides you the assurance that the space you want for your special day will be guaranteed for you and that the general public will not interfere with your ceremony. The application fee is $25. Permit fees (for 4 hours minimum) range from $350 to $725 with additional rental time of $60 per hour. You must hire an off-duty Savannah police officer for security. Having chairs, aisle runners, tents, etc., requires special permission and can be obtained during the permitting process. If you are planning a small wedding with fewer than 50 people, you don’t need a permit. Activities in the squares are on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the city’s special event calendar to see if there is already a permitted event on that day in the area you are interested in.
GOLDEN ISLES: For historic venues available on Jekyll Island, go to jekyllisland.com/venues/historic-rentals. You can send in the request form via the link provided at the top. For a list of pavilion and outdoor spaces, go to jekyllisland.com/venues/pavillions-outdoor-spaces. You can email for more information at [email protected] or phone 912.635.4000.
Public Area Alcohol Laws
SAVANNAH: For wine or beer, go to savannahga.gov/2805/temporary-alcohol-event-permits for an application for a temporary permit. The fee is $125 per day, and the permit must be applied for 14 business days before the event.
TYBEE ISLAND: Although alcohol is allowed on the beach, it can’t be in a glass container. Kegs are also prohibited. Also, be aware that smoking/vaping is not allowed on the beach, with fines up to $300 for violations.
GOLDEN ISLES: Alcohol is allowed on the beach but not in glass containers. It is recommended you check the area for any specific rules, as there are occasional bans/restrictions.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Alcohol is prohibited on all beaches.
Pet Laws on Beaches
Our region’s beaches are special because they contain sea turtle nesting sites, and are also an important habitat to many species of migratory birds.
TYBEE ISLAND: No pets are allowed on the beach except for certified service or guide dogs. It’s best to keep your furry friend at home or the beach rental lest you face a $300 fine and court costs. See more at cityoftybee.org/402/Beach-Rules-and-Parking-Information.
GOLDEN ISLES: You can bring your four-legged companions to most beaches on Jekyll Island, but they must be leashed. Check the rules at jekyllisland.com/visiting/safety-tips. St. Simons allows dogs on some beaches but are prohibited the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Other restrictions can be found here: glynncounty.org/1522/beach-qr-page-2.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND: From October to March, dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash or under voice control. From April through Memorial Day and then on through Labor Day and September, there are different schedules for when pets can be on leashes versus under voice control. There is a defined timeframe, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, when dogs are prohibited. For the full schedule and other rules, see hiltonheadislandsc.gov/beach/animals.cfm.
