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
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.
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.
Georgia is filled with mountains, waterfalls, rhododendron forests, gorges, lakes, and parks that would all make an incredible backdrop for your elopement day.
A quick summary of your choices:
North Georgia Mountains
Explore the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains or the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The North Georgia Mountains offer such an array of beautiful locations for your elopement. From secluded trails to roadside overlooks to hidden waterfalls. There is so much to love about the North Georgia Mountains.
You could end the day in one of the many surrounding mountain towns. The North Georgia Mountains are a great option for an adventurous couple looking to elope in Georgia.
Coastal Georgia
The coast of Georgia is so underrated its criminal. With beaches full of driftwood and beautiful intercoastal waters, coastal Georgia has so incredible locations for your elopement.
If you love those pictures with Spanish Moss hanging off the trees, you will find plenty of it here.
Coastal Georgia is a great option for a couple looking for amazing beaches and all the southern charm.
Georgia Lakes
Did you know that Georgia has roughly 860 lakes and reservoirs throughout the state?
If you love the water and want to elope, this is for you. Of these 860 lakes, some are among the mountains, some hidden, and some are vast, but they all remain serene places to elope in Georgia.
Another option if you want to elope at on of Georgia's lakes is to get a rental property that backs up to one of the lakes. This can make for an super intimate wedding with one of a kind photos.
Georgia State Parks
There are more than 60 Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites throughout the state and many of them can provide an epic backdrop for your elopement day.
These stunning landscapes offer a picturesque background for your elopement with the added benefit of facilities and campgrounds that are often nearby.
These are an ideal option for couples who want to experience the outdoors on their elopement day while keeping some of the convenience of nearby accommodations.
Private Venues
If you are looking for guaranteed privacy on your elopement day, a private venue is the way to go.
Georgia offers several venues that specialize in smaller or intimate ceremonies. From private gardens to secluded mountain cabins, there are many venues to host your intimate wedding.
These are perfect for the couple that wants to be secluded in outdoors, but also want to be able to add a touch of personalization to their wedding day.
Want More Location Info?
You might be feeling overwhelmed when it comes to the number of location choices for eloping in Georgia. I totally get it.
Not to worry friend! I'm here to help you find exactly what location aligns with your unique vision. With my localized knowledge and expertise, together we will turn your elopement dreams into reality.
If you want more detailed information and more specific locations, check out my guide about the best Georgia Elopement Locations.
Check Out The Best Georgia Elopement Locations
Tips for picking your elopement day
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!
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.
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!
Looking for more tips and inspiration?
The Best Georgia Elopement Locations
North Georgia Hiking Elopement
Intimate Cabin Wedding
Need Help with Other Vendors?
Check out my Georgia Elopement friends list
Officiants
Florists
Hair/Makeup
Adventure Officiant
Flower Buds
Courtney Phillips (South GA)
Cew Creative (Christy)
Linda Kaye (Chattanooga Area)
Posh Petals of Gainesville
Peachy Petals Co (Preservation Artist)
Weddings By Kaden
Smooth As Butter Weddings
Jessica Sunday Films
Bless the Day Wedding Officiant
Videographers
