planning a Golden Isles Wedding

What To Know First

• No permit is needed to get married on Jekyll Island beaches. The beach is public, first come first served, and people may walk around a ceremony. Source.
• Chairs and arbors are allowed on the beach if removed afterward. No glass, no open flames or tiki torches, no artificial petals. Sparklers and fireworks need a fire permit from the fire marshal at 912.635.2930. Signs need a temporary sign permit. Check the tide schedule, and no private vehicles on the beach for weddings. Source.
• From May 1 to October 31 the beach lighting rule applies. Most of Driftwood Beach is nesting beach, so only amber or red LED light of at least 560 nanometers is allowed. Source.
• Beach weddings are first come first served. The Jekyll Island Authority can be reached at 912.635.4000. Source.
• Georgia residents can get a license in any county. If neither partner lives in Georgia the license must come from the county where the wedding happens, which is Glynn County. Both apply in person together. Glynn County Probate Court is at 701 G Street, Brunswick, GA 31520, open Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4 pm, phone 912.554.7235. Source.
• Brunswick Golden Isles Airport is about a 30 minute drive. Savannah and Jacksonville airports are about 60 minutes away. Source.
• Faith Chapel peak rates apply March to May and October to December. Source.
• Jekyll Island Club Resort runs a free shuttle every 30 minutes between its riverfront and beach venues. Source.
• Jekyll Island Club Resort weddings use in house catering only. Source.
• Villas by the Sea says Jekyll Island has a tidal beach, so beach ceremony times depend on tides, and it caps beach chairs at 50 to 60 under Authority rules. Source.
• A Golden Isles tourism table lists six Jekyll Island wedding venues with event space. Convention Center 78,000 square feet, Jekyll Island Club Resort 14,300, Villas by the Sea 5,500, Westin 5,350, Beachview Club Hotel 3,500, Holiday Inn Resort 2,700. Source.
• Glynn County Probate Court issues marriage licenses by appointment only at 701 G Street, Brunswick, Monday to Friday, 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM, phone (912) 554-7234 or (912) 554-7235. Source.
• If either applicant lives in Georgia a license can come from any Georgia probate court. If neither does, it must come from the county where the ceremony will be held. Both must be 18, bring a driver license, state photo ID or passport, and show a certified divorce decree or death certificate for any prior marriage. Source.
• Glynn County's license page does not list the fee or validity. The Golden Isles tourism board says to start 3 to 4 weeks ahead and that the license is valid up to six months. Source.
• Golden Isles tourism says Georgia beaches are public and no permits, photography permits included, are required for a beach wedding. Public pathways and parking lots cannot be blocked. On St. Simons East Beach reservations are not required but couples should review rules for outdoor events. Source.
• Glynn County Recreation and Parks pages for East Beach and Massengale list no wedding permit or tent rules. They say beach parking is open 7am to 10pm, and point to Chapter 2-11 of the county code. Ask Recreation and Parks at 912-554-7780. Source.
• Glynn County beaches ban fireworks, open fires and glass containers. Source.
• Glynn County issues an event permit for catered functions serving alcohol, good for three days, and a festival permit for events with multiple vendors, good for thirty days. Questions go to 912-554-7120. Source.
• From the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day dogs are not allowed between 16th Street and Mallery Street from 9 AM to 6 PM. Lifeguards work 11 AM to 6 PM weather permitting. Source.
• Fort Frederica National Monument requires a special use permit for every wedding and caps groups at 40 people. Source.
• Sea Island says outdoor tents are required for more than 75 guests at its starred venues, and each event has a food and beverage minimum and a facility fee that varies by season. Source.
• Village Creek Landing states BYOB is not permitted at Glynn County venues. Source.
• Not covered here. Sunset times and typical rain by month, because no official page for them was read. Jekyll Island is covered by another file. Source.

How I Would Pick The Time

Set the ceremony from the sunset, not the other way around. Portraits start about an hour before it, and twenty minutes right at sunset is worth more than an hour at noon.