Elope In Georgia: everything You Need to Know

Elope in Georgia: Everything You Need To Know

A Comprehensive Guide

HOW tO ELOPE IN GEORGIA

Choosing to elope in Georgia is for the outdoor lovers, the free spirts, and the adventurers.

Georgia is often known for its big barn weddings with too many guests to count, lavish table settings, and glamorous dresses. Maybe you started to plan this type of wedding and got so many opinions from every family member. The stress got to you. Or maybe you have always wanted to elope in the beauty of Georgia. 

No matter how you got here, you deserve a wedding day that feels like you.

That's what eloping is all about. 

Celebrating your love, your way. 

If that is what you desire, you've come to the right place my friend. In this guide I share my local insights for creating your dream elopement in the beautiful state of Georgia. 

obtaining A Marriage License In Georgia

First things first, in order to legally get married on your elopement day in Georgia, you need to acquire your marriage license and then have an officiant marry you.

For the license, all you need is a valid form of ID and some money (the cost varies by county, but on average is around $60). If at least one of you is a Georgia resident, you can apply for a marriage license in any county’s probate court. If neither one of you is a Georgia resident, then you will need to acquire a marriage license from the county where your ceremony is being performed.

Finally, since there is no expiration date on a Georgia marriage license, I recommend you get it as far in advance to your wedding day as possible. That way, when your elopement day comes, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Benefits of eloping in Georgia

Landscapes
Mountain peaks overlooking the valleys below, cascading waterfalls, calm rivers, serene lakes, dense forests, intercoastal waters, or sandy beaches. Whatever you are envisioning for your wedding day, Georgia has it for you. Jekyll Island has a beautiful driftwood beach along the coast and the Appalachian trail begins in Georgia. The landscapes in this state truly are underrated and a sight to behold!

Southern Hospitality
No matter where you stay for your wedding in Georgia, you will be treated like family. The South knows how to welcome you and there are so many great Airbnb cabins, bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, and other great locations to stay while you’re in Georgia. And you will definitely get compliments on how good you look on your wedding day! Oh and did I mention good southern cookin’?!?

Adventure
Have you dreamed of a hiking elopement with an epic view? Or an elopement along the coast with waves crashing in the background? Or kayak with your loved one on your wedding day? Whatever activity you want to do on your wedding day, Georgia has a place for that.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Georgia

Georgia has a reputation for being hot, and that is definitely true in the summertime. However, Georgia has many milder seasons as well.

The season Georgia probably gets the most hype for is the fall, due to the changing colors of the leaves in the blue ridge mountains. But the spring and winter are the state’s best kept secret! The Northern and Southern parts of the state have differing climates, with the Northern part of the state having moodier clouds and milder temperatures and the Southern part having a warmer and beachier climate.

With each location listed below I have suggested a favorite time to elope there, but in general here is a good idea of what it is like to elope in Georgia for each season!


The fall colors are bursting everywhere and the air is becoming cool and crisp. With average lows of 55 degrees F (12 C) and highs of 75 degrees F (24 C), fall in Georgia is the ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, picking apples, or getting cozy in a mountain cabin.

Months: Mid September - Late November

Activities to consider: Hiking, apple picking, cozy cabins


Spring is undeniably beautiful in Georgia, bringing wildflowers and trees bursting with bright greens. With an average low of 65 degrees F (18 C) and an average high of 80 degrees F (26 C), Spring in Georgia is an ideal time for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or kayaking.

Months: Mid March - Mid May

Activities to consider: Hiking, camping, kayaking, waterfalls


Winter is underrated in Georgia because of its mostly milder temperatures, less crowded trails, and the southern part of the state has amazing weather on the beaches during the winter. With average temperatures ranging from a low of 50 degrees F (10 C) to a high of 60 degrees F (15 C), it’s not likely to keep you indoors.

Months: Late November – Early March

Activities to consider: Beaches, cozy mountain cabins, southern state parks


Summer in Georgia is definitely the hottest and most humid month, which means it’s a perfect time to utilize all of Georgia’s waterfalls, lakes, and rivers. With an average low of 80 degrees F (26 C) and an average high of 95 degrees F (35 C), summer days in Georgia commonly include afternoon thunderstorms.

Months: Mid May – Mid September

Activities to consider: Lakes, waterfalls, sunrise


Autumn

Spring

Winter

Summer

CHOOSING A PLACE TO ELOPE IN GEORGIA

With the myriad of decisions to make when planning your elopement, choosing the location might be one of the most important. 

The elopement location sets the whole tone for the day. It can determine what activities you are doing and how many guests you can accommodate.

Whether you are from Georgia or want to visit, there truly are so many incredible places to elope here. Georgia is full of diverse landscapes just waiting for a couple to elope there. When my couples are choosing a location, I always encourage them to think of their elopement as an entire experience. Here are a few questions you could ask yourselves to help choose a location:

Do you want to kayak, explore small towns in Georgia, go to a brewery or winery, or get wet under a waterfall?

You might want to be in a secluded treehouse AirBnb or a cute tiny house on the water. Or maybe you want to camp. There are many options and amenities to choose from in Georgia.


The locations I have listed below range from pulling just off the road, to hiking all day. The choice is yours and the locations are beautiful no matter how much activity you want to do!

If you are looking for a “just us” elopement, then I would steer towards the options that are more remote and require some physical effort to get to. If you are inviting some guests (and not all of them are super adventurous), I would stick to some of the locations that require less physical activity.

What other activities do you want to do for your elopement?

How much physical activity do you want to do on your elopement day?

Who are you going to invite?

Where do you want to stay in Georgia?

BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN NORTH GEORGIA

North Georgia is where many couples choose to elope in Georgia and it’s for good reason. Home to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, over 120 waterfalls , apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and charming rustic cabin homes, it’s no wonder so many couples choose to elope in North Georgia!

Saying your vows and then heading back into one of the many small towns of North Georgia to celebrate screams southern hospitality. Here are some of my favorites for this part of the state:

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Black Rock Mountain State Park is hands down one of my favorite State Parks in Georgia for elopements. There is so much to do and so much to see! The park sits on the Eastern Continental Divide and is the highest state park in Georgia at 3,640 feet. It’s no mile high city, but it’s amazing nonetheless!

You could hike through the rhododendron canopies to the Tennessee Rock overlook to say your vows at sunset with stunning mountain backdrops in the rear. You could relax down by Black Rock Lake after you have said your vows and stargaze. There is something for all types of adventurers in this State Park, which is why it is at the top of my list for elopements in Georgia.

Important Notes about this location:

As with any hiking elopement, make sure you have the proper equipment including: proper footwear, flashlights or headlamps, if getting dark, and water to name a few. I will of course guide you in what you will need!

Time of year to elope here:
The spring will provide wildflowers, lush greens, and cooler temperatures due to the elevation of the park.

Fall will provide cooler temperatures and vibrant colors on the trees, but you will still get the greens from the rhododendrons.

Towns nearby:
Downtown Clayton is nearby if you are looking to have a celebratory meal or to grab some beers at Currahee Brewing Company with your new partner for life! Cheers to that! This mountain town is known for its charming downtown, unique lodging opportunities, adventures, and Farm to Table Restaurants. When you think of a southern mountain town, Clayton is a great example.

Important notes about this location:
In order to have portraits for sunrise you would need the proper equipment to hike up in the dark/partial light. Make sure to have a flashlight or headlamp to ensure safe travels up the trail. We can even take some photos with lanterns! Also, make sure you have the proper footwear to hike. Hiking boots under your wedding dress is a vibe!

Time of year to elope here:
I would recommend this location in Autumn, as it will provide all that color that an east coast fall is known for with crisp and cool temperatures.

Spring is a good second choice, as wildflowers are on the forest floor and the mountains are filled with lush greens. You get the added benefit of a later sunrise too: no 4:00 AM wakeups!

Towns nearby:
The town of Dahlonega Georgia is just a 30 minute drive away from this location. Dahlonega is home to the start of the first U.S Gold Rush. If you are eloping with guests, you could consider having a reception dinner in town in the town square, or a nearby winery (there are about 12 of them nearby, don’t be sleeping on Georgia wine y’all! ).

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Contact Me About This Location
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Contact Me About This Location
Contact Me About This Location
Contact Me About This Location

Preacher’s Rock on the Appalachian Trail

Preacher’s Rock is one of those locations that you could just sit at for hours. Couples looking for a stunning mountain backdrop, look no further. Not only is the summit beautiful, but the trail to get there is just under 2 miles meandering through the forest as only the Georgia Section of the Appalachian trail could.

I would recommend this location for a sunrise or early morning elopement because the sun comes up right behind all the mountains you are looking at. A sunrise elopement is also a great way to have less people on the trail and you have the rest of the day to celebrate your new marriage. However, this location is also incredible at sunset and the golden hour hits the mountains in the distance just right.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park is truly breathtaking. It has a spectacular view of the 1,000 foot deep canyon and multiple waterfalls on the canyon floor.

I would recommend this location for a sunrise elopement because it has some of the best sunrise views in the area. After the sunrise ceremony, you could adventure into the canyon floor and explore the several waterfalls. This place is special, and what North Georgia is all about. Read more about how to plan an elopement here in my Cloudland Canyon Intimate Wedding Guide.

Important notes about this location:
There is no fee or permit required to elope at Cloudland Canyon! All you need to pay is the $5 entrance fee or use a Georgia State Park Annual Pass. However, you do need to reserve your date by contacting the park because they only allow one wedding per day.

If you are really up for an adventure, there are some yurts that you can stay in at the park! They are well kept and offer some lodging for the adventurer at heart.

Time of year to elope here:
Spring and summer are the best times to elope here if you want beautiful mountain greens and full waterfalls. The summer is also not as hot because it is cooler on the canyon floor. Winter is an underrated time to elope here because the park is less crowded and the waterfall can sometimes freeze. The mornings in the winter tend to have fog, which can make for a moody elopement day.

Towns nearby:
One of the closest towns is actually Chattanooga, TN! A 30 minute drive and you will be in one of the coolest cities in all of Tennessee. Located along the Tennessee river and home to some incredible restaurants, there are endless options for dining, drinking, camping, or staying at a downtown Chattanooga Airbnb. They are also home to one of the best aquariums in the world!

Fort Mountain State Park

The mountain gateway to the Cohutta Wilderness, this park has several overlooks that make a beautiful backdrop for eloping. Fort Mountain State Park is another one of those parks that has something for all adventuring couples like you. There are winding trails through the hardwood forests, expansive views of mountain ranges, calm streams, and a serene lake all in the same park! There is even a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps on the highest point on the mountain. 

Important notes about this location:
Fort Mountain State Park is prone to fog because of its location. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing at all on your elopement day! It can make for some really moody photos like it did for this couple.

There is no fee or permit required to elope at Fort Mountain State Park. All you need to pay is the $5 entrance fee or use a Georgia State Park Annual Pass. You should always contact the park to make sure you are following any rules and regulations they have set out for the elopements and weddings.

Time of year to elope here:
Hands down the best time of year to elope in this location is the fall near the middle of October or the beginning of November. The colors are outstanding, there are leaves on the ground, and you might even get some of that moody mountain fog I talked about.

Towns nearby:
Chatsworth is the closest town to Fort Mountain State Park, but I always recommend couples stay closer towards Ellijay instead. Ellijay has a lot more to do especially if you do have some family coming into town. The town has lots of fun restaurants and all the best apple orchards are also nearby when you are here in the fall.

If you are looking to stay in a romantic bed and breakfast near this location, I always recommend this one for a mountain getaway: The Overlook Inn.

Vogel State Park

One of the oldest and most loved state parks in Georgia, and it is for good reason. The main attraction is Lake Trahlyta and would make the perfect ceremony backdrop for your Georgia Elopement. The lake features breathtaking views of the surrounding Blood Mountain forest and mountains. For state parks in Georgia, it is on the small side, making it an ideal location if you want to elope with a few guests that need easier accessibility. There are also several waterfalls nearby that are great to explore on your elopement day as well!

This is one of the best state parks to elope at if you want to Camp or Rent a Rustic Cabin. This park has a total of 90 Tent/Camper/RV sites, 18 Walk-In Tent sites, and 34 Cottages on their own loop. If you like camping and want to do so for your elopement, this is the park for you! One of my personal favorites is campsite 65, but any of the ones along Wolf Creek are great.

Important notes about this location:
Park approval is required for all weddings and elopements, so make sure to reach out to the park before your preferred date.

If you are considering camping for your elopement, make sure to book pretty far in advance as the campsites do fill up pretty quickly, especially on weekends in the fall!

Finally, there is absolutely no cell service in this park. I mean none. Nothing that makes or breaks the day, but is something to take into consideration when planning your elopement here.

Time of year to elope here:
As you can see from the photos, this place explodes with color during the fall, making it one of the best months to get eloped here! That being said, the park is also very popular during the fall months. If you do choose to elope during that time of year, choose a weekday if you want to be more alone in the park.

Towns nearby:
Blairsville is the closest town to Vogel State Park and it is one of the best small towns in North Georgia. It has plenty to do and tons of farm-to-table restaurant options if you are not looking to camp at Vogel for your elopement.

Blood Mountain

Blood mountain may not sound appealing for a wedding day, but hear me out. If you are looking to get a bit more adventurous on your elopement, then hiking up Blood Mountain is definitely going to provide that adventure.

This is hands down one of the most famous hikes along the Georgia section of the Appalachian trail and for good reason. It is also my favorite hike in Georgia and I have done it more times than I can count! The hike is 4.3 miles round trip to the summit, but it is pretty tough.

The trail winds through rhododendron canopies and the summit features exposed rock faces with views of the Appalachian mountains and valleys below. Saying your vows to your partner here would truly be indescribable! There are even some campsites off the trail if you want to stay the night under the stars after your elopement.

Important notes about this location:
As with any hiking elopement, it is important to bring the right amount of water and fuel. Especially if you are hiking in wedding attire! Georgia can be hot, even in some of the milder months. So having the right amount of water for your elopement is very important. I haven’t had anyone pass out on their elopement and I don’t want you to be the first!

People travel from all over to do this famous section of the Appalachian Trail. I have never found it to be too crowded, but just know there will be other people on the trail and at the summit. All the hikers I have ever met on the trail are extremely friendly and especially to a couple getting married!

Time of year to elope here:
The only time of year I would avoid eloping here would be the peak summer months (June, July, August). The trail can get more crowded at this time and the weather can be brutally hot and humid. Every other time of the year would make for an amazing elopement experience.

Towns nearby:
Blairsville is just a 20 minute drive away from Blood Mountain and has plenty to offer you and any guests that you have.

BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN COASTAL GEORGIA

The Georgia coast may be short, but it is mighty! You won’t find overdeveloped beaches here. In Georgia, there are almost 100 miles of mostly undisturbed coastline to be discovered. Any of Georgia’s barrier islands will provide the perfect escape for your elopement. The beaches are uncrowded, clean, and calm.

All paired with great southern towns nearby, and you have a winning combination for an elopement in Georgia! Here are two of my favorites for this part of the state.

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is such a hidden gem of Georgia! Not many people think of beautiful coastlines when they think of Georgia, but there are so many wide open beaches, marshlands surrounded by trees draped in Spanish Moss, and peace and serenity for your wedding day.

The Island is home to the infamous driftwood beach, a magical graveyard of trees left behind from erosion. Saying your vows here at sunrise would be an absolute dream. Or you could wander into a dreamy forest of trees covered in Spanish Moss and look out into the intercoastal. No matter where you elope on this Island, you are sure to have an epic backdrop and the peaceful sounds of the ocean.

Important notes about his location:

Much of the wildlife and plant life is protected on the Island and should be treated with respect. It is always important to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. I follow these principles on every shoot that I do and kindly ask that you do too. We only have one Earth, let’s keep it beautiful together while you enjoy the best day ever.

The nearby Cumberland Island can be reached by Ferry. This Island is completely remote and preserved. The island is protected and wild horses and island wildlife roam free on this pristine, untouched island. It is accessible by ferry only and reservations are required well in advance. In order to have your elopement on Cumberland Island you will also need a special use permit and photography permit. If you are looking for a truly unforgettable and unique elopement location in Georgia, this is THE one.

Time of year to elope here:
Late or early winter is the best time to come to Jekyll Island to elope. The crowds are lessened and the Island is experiencing milder temperatures than those hot Georgia Summers. Early Autumn is another great time to elope here because the temperatures will still be warm and the crowds low.

Towns nearby:
The town of Brunswick is only a 25 minute drive from Jekyll Island. Brunswick is known for its historic squares, restaurants and shops, and beautiful waterfront marina. It has all the southern charm and Spanish moss that you could ever want if you are looking for a place to celebrate after your ceremony.

Important Notes about this location:
What to wear to a location like this? Well that is entirely up to you, but couples often choose to wear something a bit less formal to beach locations.

You could still wear a full length dress underneath the shade of the Oak trees or opt for a cocktail dress on the beach. Sandals are recommended for a beach wedding, especially if you want to get some in water photographs! (They look amazing)

No matter what you choose to wear, I recommend bringing a sweater or cover up because once the sun goes down, the temperatures can be a bit cooler.

Time of year to elope here:
Much like Jekyll island, the best time to elope on St. Simons is when the temperatures are a bit milder and the crowds are lessened. For this reason, the best times to elope on St. Simons are in early autumn, late winter, or early winter.

Towns nearby:
The St. Simons pier village is a wonderful place for a post-elopement celebration. You can enjoy a nice meal, explore the boutique shops, or eat ice cream with your new spouse! If you want something a little more private, opt to stay in one of the many rental homes along the beaches.

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Contact Me About This Location

St. Simons Island

St. Simons Island is another breathtaking barrier island in Georgia. It is home to incredible and not very crowded beaches. If you choose St. Simons for your elopement day, you will be surrounded by beautiful oak trees draped in Spanish Moss, miles of beaches, and intercoastal waters.

Whether you want to soak in the sunrise on a beach, bike through the oak trees, or kayak out on the intercoastal, there is something for every couple on St. Simons. It is a dreamy setting for a dreamy elopement.

BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN NEAR ATLANTA

Georgia’s best elopement locations aren’t just in North Georgia and Coastal Georgia. There are some great elopement location options near Atlanta!

If you are looking for an elopement location that gets you out into nature, but is still near all the hustle and bustle of the city of Atlanta, then these are the locations for you!

Red Top Mountain State Park

If you are looking for a lake adventure elopement in Georgia, you found it at Red Top Mountain State Park. The park is located on Lake Allatoona and is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountain Foothills. You could elope at the lakeside and have a picnic afterwards, you could kayak to a secluded location to have an intimate location to say your vows (I know a bunch), or you could rent a boat and get married on the water!

There are plenty of options to choose from, so let your imagination run wild! There are also several places to camp and some cabins to rent in Red Top Mountain State Park if you are looking to do a multi-day elopement or have a place to stay in the park the day before your big day.

Important notes about this location:
I would recommend eloping here on a weekday because the park is very popular and can get crowded on the weekends. That is not to say you cannot elope here on the weekend, you just might not have as secluded of an elopement.

Time of year to elope here:
Fall or Summer is the best time depending on what you want for your wedding day. If you want those long summer nights on the lake vibes, then summer is when you should plan your elopement. If you want the crisp fall air, warm fires, and amazing colors contrasting with the blue water, then I would recommend fall.

Towns nearby:
The town of Acworth is nearby with many restaurants (I recommend Henry’s Louisiana Grill) and a Red Top Mountain themed brewery! It is a perfect place to celebrate your new marriage together or with your loved ones.

Important notes about this location:
Reservations are required to have an elopement in Piedmont Park. There are also some rental fees depending on what you choose to do for your elopement. Contacting the Piedmont Park Conservancy is your best bet to figure out exactly what you will need.

Time of Year to Elope here:
Hands down the best time of year to elope here is in the Spring when the stunning Dogwood trees are blooming! Make sure you check the dates of the Dogwood Festival to avoid those days.

Towns nearby:
Not exactly a town, the city of Atlanta is right at your fingertips if you choose to elope in Piedmont Park! There are so many things to do in Atlanta if you are looking to continue your elopement festivities.

You could go brewery hopping in the Upper Westside District, explore the streets of Midtown, or walk along the Beltline Trail. Atlanta has plenty of options for lodging too, with several hotels nearby.

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Contact Me About This Location

Piedmont Park

If you are looking for an outdoor Georgia elopement, but don’t want to go far away from the city of Atlanta, Piedmont Park is a perfect location for you.

You could have your ceremony on Lake Clara Meer as the sun sets with the Atlanta skyline in the background. Or you could elope on one of the many grassy areas of the park. There is even a reception space in the Greystone if you have a larger guest list or want to have a larger reception after your intimate ceremony.

GEORGIA ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS MAP

This list is just the tip of the iceberg for Georgia elopement locations. The above locations are amazing and incredible places to elope that I think any couple looking for an outdoor elopement could enjoy. If none of those places speak to you however, one of the benefits of working with me for your elopement is that I know a lot of places in Georgia.

Tips for picking your elopement day

Choosing your elopement day can affect the weather on your day, the scenery,  and the privacy and seclusion. Here are some actionable tips to help you decide.



1. Decide what type of weather you want to experience and pick a month of the year based on that.

2. Plan around time off from work to make it a stress free experience.

3. Avoid holidays to ensure privacy and seclusion for your day. 

4. Choose a weekday to further get away from the crowds.

5. Confirm whether your location has permitting/access that day.

6. The fall is a beautiful time of year to elope in Georgia, but many trails are crowded with other visitors. Choosing off-the-beaten path locations is key.



Let's Chat About Your Elopement Day

Where to Stay to elope in georgia

For your wedding day, your lodging isn’t just a place to sleep, it can be part of your entire wedding experience.

Think about booking a fun Airbnb, glamping tents, yurts, treehouses, or tiny homes. I don't recommend hotels as they are often not very aesthetic. Think about the vibe of your day and try to match that with the place you choose to stay. After all, this is the place that you are going to wake up on your elopement day, get ready, and likely come back to after getting married.

Because of this, think about choosing somewhere that you will both enjoy spending time together.


Tips for Lodging

1. Figure out how far away from your ceremony location it is. I suggest finding a place that is within an hour drive of your location.

2. Think about the lighting and vibe. You might want getting ready photos or other photos of the place you are staying in. Consider if there is good natural light, decor that matches the vibe of your day, or a fun patio.

3. Make sure to read the listing. Some places have rules and restrictions like the number of people allowed or expensive cleaning requirements.

4. Think about your privacy. I always recommend couples getting their own lodging even if they are inviting other people to their elopement day. This gives you time to feel the feels while getting ready and after the ceremony.

Popular Towns To Stay In Georgia

North Georgia - Ellijay, Dahlonega, Blue Ridge, Helen, & Blairsville

South Georgia - Brunswick, Savannah, & St. Simons

what to wear for your georgia elopement

My biggest piece of advice

My number one piece of advice when it comes to picking attire for an outdoor elopement is to pick something that is comfortable AND makes you feel like the best damn version of yourself.

Don't be afraid to go outside the normal wedding box. Get creative with color or outfits and have fun with it. If you feel good, you'll look good!

Dresses and Skirts

If you are wearing a dress or skirt for your adventure elopement, here are a few tips and questions to ask yourself before choosing one.

1. If you plan to do a longer hiking elopement it is a good idea to pack your dress in a backpack and change into it when you get to the ceremony location. Avoid heavier materials like corsets, boning, or puffy skirts. 

2. You want to be able to move around freely in your dress. Are you able to take a big step in your dress? Will you be able to climb on a rock for a photo? Raise the roof, dance, run, skip - make sure it has all the movement you want.

3. Consider a dress that you may be able to add base layers to if you are going to elope in winter.

Shirts, Pants, and Suits

For those that are wearing shirts, pants, and/or suits, make sure you also have some room for movement.

You wouldn't want to rip your pants stepping up onto a rock or something! Also, make sure you have something that you can add layers too so that you can handle whatever weather comes our way.

Shoes

When eloping outdoors I recommend wearing footwear that has actual tread on the bottom. Unless you are going to spend your entire day on flat surfaces, I would recommend wearing shoes with good support and tread. For this reason, I recommend straying away from heels or dress shoes that are completely smooth on the bottom.

For hiking elopements, wear the best hiking boots that you can find. You can choose to keep them on for your photos/ceremony, or take them off. 

Permits and leave no trace

Elope and remain eco-conscious 

Odds are if you are choosing to elope in the great you probably care about the Earth.  I'm not here to shame you about what you have or have not done in the past, but rather educate you on how we can take the best practices to protect the Earth and the places we go. 

I want to there to continue to be just as many awesome places to elope as there are now and I'm sure you do too.

In order to accomplish this goal, I follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on all my elopements and I ask that you do too!

Let's Talk Permits

There are several places that require permits when eloping in Georgia. They are often required for the same reasons as the Leave No Trace Principles or to help park capacity keep in check. 

I help all my couples through this process with their particular location. But here are some places to start for eloping in Georgia:


Appalachian Trail Permitting


Georgia State Park Weddings

National Forest Elopements

re-framing your elopement day

You might find yourself wondering,
how much of your day should you have
documented?

My honest answer: All of it.

Your wedding day is so much more than some vows with a few portraits at the end of it. It’s not an entire day photoshoot. It’s your wedding, your adventure, & your story documented. Something that honors you and your values.

Your wedding day is going to be the day that you remember every year on your anniversary for the rest of your lives. Isn’t everything that happened that day from sun up to sun down a part of that story?

Couples that have traditional weddings have their entire wedding day captured, why shouldn’t you?


But what will we do all day?

This is where elopements can get really fun and unique. Traditional weddings usually have set activities for your wedding day to follow. But elopements allow for you to do whatever you want to on your wedding day.

In case you don’t know where you want to start, here are some questions
you can ask yourselves:
• What do we normally do for fun?
• What are our favorite activities together?
• Could we incorporate what we love to do into our elopement day?
• Is there a new activity that we want to try together on our elopement day?



Hiking
Waterfall Chasing
Kayaking or Canoeing
Sunrise or Sunset 
Private Picnic
Cooking Together
Coffee In The Morning
Meal With Loved Ones
Rock Climbing
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Swimming
Frolicking on Beach

ANYTHING YOU WANT!

Say Less, I'm Ready to Chat!

Georgia Elopement PhotograpHer

You want a unique elopement day in the beautiful state of Georgia, and I'm here to give you just that.

Your photographer is likely one of the few people that will be with you all day on your elopement. Choosing someone you enjoy being around and trust is essential to making you feel comfortable, connected, and celebrated.

What's up fam? I'm Bryan and I'm here for you.

You are at the heart of everything I do.  I mean it. 

Not just as clients but as individuals with a profound connection. I provide the resources and guidance to help you plan your dream elopement day, offering expert suggestions and support every step of the way.



Why Couples Are Choosing Terschan Photography

Easy-Going Elopements

My wife will be the first to tell you, I am extremely easy going. I am your ultimate “go-with-the-flow-companion”. I don’t want you to mistake this as me not caring about your elopement.

It is quite the opposite, I care a lot! Because of this I want you to feel relaxed on your wedding day and truly be able to enjoy every single moment. You should not be worrying about anything. Period. 



Inclusive Safe Haven

Working with me for your elopement will be a safe haven. A place that you should feel comfortable being 100% completely you. Everyone is welcome here. First time hikers, skydiving adrenaline junkies, LGBTQ+, all skin colors, and all body types. No matter what, I will respect you and care for you the same way. 



Outdoor Enthusiast

The outdoors is where I feel the most alive and I want the same for you on your elopement day! I will help you find the perfect spot and plan the perfect elopement that honors your love story. 



Everyone can talk themselves up... so I'll let my couples do the talking.

See the Georgia Elopement Packages

MAY, 2024

Tammy & Stuart

"During our wedding day he was very professional yet it felt like we were just hanging out with a friend! The whole day was super relaxed feeling and he made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. He handled the whole days timeline and that took a ton of stress off of us as far as the planning! He really puts his heart into what he does and I could not recommend him enough! He’s your guy!!!"

I want to be the next rave review!

OCTOBER, 2023

“If you're considering an elopement style ceremony where you spend the day doing things you love with your spouse and have it all documented beautifully, I cannot recommend Bryan enough. Not only is he a talented photographer, but he's an amazing person! You can tell he loves what he does and truly cares about the couples he photographs."

Allie and Howard

I want to be the next rave review!

FEBRUARY, 2022

Patricia & Abimael

Doing the elopement with Bryan was the best decision ever! Bryan is such a nice guy and made us feel so comfortable to talk about everything, and we shared our adventures. We had such a good connection!

I want to be the next rave review!

October, 2023

Miranda & Ryan 

He made the process so easy for us and he worked so hard to make our intimate wedding dreams come true! It was a pleasure to have him as our photographer!

I want to be the next rave review!

WHAT MY COUPLES ARE SAYING

Frequently asked questions about eloping in georgia

Some of the most common questions about eloping in Georgia answered:

Short answer - it really is up to you! It can be as little or as much as you want it to be. It could be as little as the cost of the marriage license. However, assuming you would like to celebrate your marriage and have an elopement day full of activities you enjoy, you will need to budget for attire, activities, possible location fees, and vendors that you would like to have.

Talking to most of my couples, I have found that people budget an average of $5,000 - $15,000 for their elopement. The variance in price is due to how few or how many vendors you want to get involved. Because of the smaller size of elopements, couples typically don’t need to hire wedding planners or venue assistants, and often the elopement photographer helps with timeline creation (one of my favorite parts!). No matter what though, there is no right way to elope and there is no “correct” cost for your elopement.

Anyone you would like! You can include family, friends, your dog or other pets, or just the two of you. Eloping has a common misconception of not involving loved ones. And although you can certainly plan an elopement for just the two of you, elopements are actually amazing for involving family and friends.

 Because the guest list is smaller, it allows you to be really intentional with the people that do come. Eloping isn’t just about avoiding the traditional wedding stress, but it is about intentionally choosing to craft a safe space to celebrate one of the biggest milestones in your relationship! Whoever is fully in support of your decision to elope and whoever you want to have by your side for this moment is welcome!

Of course! Weddings aren’t just for weekends. In fact, if you want to have the most intimate experience while avoiding crowds, eloping on a weekday is a good choice. Another benefit of eloping on a weekday is that locations that require a reservation will often have more availability during the week.

Many couples that come from out of state ask this question and many don’t know how drastically different the weather is in the Northern and Southern parts of the state. Because the Northern part of the state resides at the base of the Appalachian mountains, you can get some moody/cloudy days, especially in the Fall. However, the Northern part of the state has much milder temperatures throughout the entire year. One thing is a constant across Georgia, it will be humid! That being said, for most Georgia elopements I would recommend at least packing the following items in addition to wedding attire, details, etc.:

  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Raincoat (pop up thunderstorms are common)
  • Sturdy footwear (for that soft Georgia clay)
  • Plenty of water
  • Moisture wicking undershirts (for anyone wearing a suit)

How much does it cost to elope in Georgia?

Who should you invite to your elopement?

What should I pack to elope in Georgia?

Can I elope on a weekday?

Your georgia elopement awaits

LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN