one region, Three Wedding Worlds

two states, one coast

which side of The River

The Savannah River is the state line. Savannah and Tybee are in Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort are in South Carolina, so the rules for a ceremony outside depend on which bank you marry on.

In Savannah, a square or park ceremony with chairs, an aisle runner or decor needs a City permit and an off duty police officer, while a wedding of fewer than fifty people with no setup can go ahead without one Source. On Tybee every beach event beyond usual beach use needs a City permit, and the beach stays public Source.

On Hilton Head a beach ceremony needs a free Town permit, requested at least 30 days ahead Source. In Bluffton the Town rents Oyster Factory Park on the May River by the day Source, and in Beaufort the City rents spaces in Waterfront Park for weddings Source.

Planners cross the river all the time. Many of the Hilton Head and Bluffton planners in this guide name Savannah on their own sites, so pick the area for the feel you want and the planner for the help you need.