Tybee Island is a coastal gem located on the beaches of Georgia. With soft sand, blue skies, and water that stretches on as far as the eye can see, it’s the perfect spot for an elopement! As a Georgia elopement photographer, I get the chance to go all across the state and discover the best spots for your celebration. If you have been looking for some guidance on how to elope on Tybee Island, here’s everything you need to know!
Your Dream Guide On How To Elope On Tybee Island
When You Should Elope in Tybee Island & How to Pick Your Date
When you are planning to elope on Tybee Island, the very first thing you need to think about is the weather you want for your elopement. Remember, this is a beach in the South, and you can expect it to get hotttttt during the summer months.
Here’s What You Can Expect Throughout Each Season
- Winter: Winters can get pretty chilly, with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. It can also get a little rainy throughout these months. Because of these factors, tourism is way down. If you want to elope during this season, I would bring several layers and have a backup plan in case the Tybee Island weather just doesn’t want to cooperate. From late November to early March, count on cold weather.
- Spring: Spring at Tybee Island can be positively lovely! The weather is starting to warm, but we haven’t reached that oppressive heat and humidity yet. From late March through early May, the weather remains in the mid-70s, and we really don’t hit the rainy season until the middle of May. Because it is so lovely, you can expect tons of tourists ready to spend their spring break on the beach!
- Summer: This is when the weather can get pretty unbearable if you aren’t ready. From late May through early September, the highs remain in the mid-80s, and the humidity makes it exceptionally muggy. It can be rainy throughout the season, with most rain happening around August. If you do decide to plan your wedding during this season, plan for an early ceremony and have a backup location in case the beach gets rained out.
- Autumn: From the middle of September through the middle of November, we’re back to tolerable weather! People from Savannah start to return to the beach, and tourism is up. If you plan your wedding for this season, be prepared for some crowds. The weather will be around the mid-70s, and the chance of rain is significantly decreased.
Iron Out The Details
Once you have your season, it’s time to start thinking about the time and the date. My advice? Plan to elope on a weekday, preferably around sunrise on Tybee Island. With these times, you will be able to avoid the largest crowds, and you can escape the hottest weather. Plus, the sunrises here are downright magical!
Tybee Island Elopement Locations
Tybee Island offers several location spots to elope that go beyond the beach. Here are some of my faves:
- Tybee Island Wedding Chapel: If you are looking for a traditional indoor spot, this is your place! The chapel is decorated in a traditional church house style with a 2,800-square-foot ballroom on the bottom layer. While you can definitely host smaller weddings and elopements here, it’s a better spot for large weddings.
- Rental Homes: As you might expect from typical beach communities, this space has a number of homes and cottages available for rent. You can host your wedding out in the yard and move inside if those rain clouds make their appearance. With this option, you’ll have a cozy spot to party and crash!
- Tybee Island Inn: This bed and breakfast offers a traditional southern mansion with a courtyard perfect for your vows. It’s quite small to ensure you don’t have to deal with tons of tourists.
- The Beach: Of course, an oceanfront wedding is always a good idea! Tybee Island is home to so many gems that will be the perfect backdrop as you exchange your vows. From lighthouses to boardwalks, we have it all!
How Much Does a Tybee Island Elopement Cost?
Elopements let you pick and choose what you want for your wedding day. While the average Georgia elopement costs a little over $9,000, you can cut costs however you’d like. You will need $76 for your wedding license, and you might have to pay for special use permits for your location. From there, plan out flowers, an officiant, your venue, food, lodging, travel, clothing, entertainment, and your photographer.
What to Wear to Your Tybee Island Elopement
When you elope, you have a lot of freedom on what to wear on Tybee Island. If you do choose to get married on the beach, there are a couple things to keep in mind. To start out, look at the forecast for your ceremony time. If it’s chilly, I would plan on a shawl or capelet. I would also stick to lighter materials. Think linen suits for the guys and lace or satin gowns for the bride. Avoid stilettos unless you’ve always wanted to feel like a golf tee. I would also plan on having your dress hems dirty by the end.
How to Get a Marriage License
Next up, paperwork! When you are planning to elope on Tybee Island, the first thing you will need to think about is your marriage license. You will go to the Chatham County Probate Court to apply. Applications are by appointment only, so don’t delay scheduling this! You must bring your ID and a form of payment.
Before you schedule your wedding, check with your location of choice to see if they require a permit. You don’t want to arrive on your day only to realize you’re not authorized to use it for your ceremony!
Hiring a Tybee Island Elopement Photographer
Maybe this seems a bit biased, but one of the best investments you can make in your wedding is a photographer who knows the area and can capture all the views while keeping you as the star of the show. The fact is that elopements tend to be for the adventurous. You have chosen a personal and intimate way to show your love to your partner. You need someone by your side to document it so you can carry these memories with you throughout your life! As a Georgia elopement photographer, I adore working with couples to capture all those details that make your day so unique. I can even work with you to find vendors and help you have the perfect wedding. I would love to be your wedding bestie so you can have a day worth remembering!
You Deserve To Elope On Tybee Island In A Way That Is Special To You
If you are planning to elope on Tybee Island, hopefully, this guide will help you out! And if you would like to learn more about my elopement packages, let’s chat! Send me a message today to get the conversation started.
