TL;DR: A 25-guest wedding in Savannah typically runs $12,000 – $26,000 all-in, with most couples landing near $18,000. The biggest local cost drivers are historic district venue fees, peak-season dates (March–May, October), and whether you host on a Saturday.
Useful summary
At 25 guests, Savannah is one of the more forgiving U.S. cities for a small wedding — but the city's popularity has pushed vendor floors up. Expect these realities:
- Per-guest food and beverage runs $140–$240 at a reputable Savannah caterer or restaurant buyout, before tax and 20–22% service.
- Venue fees for historic squares, courtyards, and boutique inns sit between $2,500 and $7,500 for a half-day rental.
- Photography (6-hour minimum) is $3,000–$5,500 for established locals.
- Florals, officiant, hair/makeup, and music fill in the rest — small scale helps here, but minimums don't shrink the way guest count does.
Because 25 guests doesn't trigger a full ballroom, your best-value play is often a restaurant buyout, inn garden ceremony, or square-plus-private-dining combo. That structure keeps you under $20,000 without feeling scaled down.
Variable data table
Realistic allocation for a 25-guest Savannah wedding at three budget levels:
| Category | Lean ($12K) | Typical ($18K) | Elevated ($26K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue / ceremony site | $1,500 | $3,500 | $6,500 |
| Catering + bar (25 guests) | $3,500 | $5,500 | $8,500 |
| Photography | $2,800 | $3,800 | $5,200 |
| Florals + decor | $900 | $1,800 | $3,200 |
| Attire (both partners) | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,500 |
| Music / DJ or duo | $400 | $800 | $1,800 |
| Officiant | $350 | $500 | $700 |
| Hair + makeup | $450 | $700 | $1,100 |
| Stationery + paper | $200 | $400 | $800 |
| Cake / desserts | $250 | $500 | $900 |
| Transportation + permits | $250 | $400 | $700 |
| Tips + buffer (10%) | $200 | $400 | $1,100 |
| Total | ~$12,000 | ~$18,300 | ~$34,000 |
Savannah-specific line items to expect: a $150 wedding permit for ceremonies in the squares (required by the City of Savannah for any ceremony with seating or amplification), plus parking or pedicab fees if you're hosting across multiple downtown locations.
Local context
Neighborhoods and venue types. The Historic District (Forsyth Park, Chippewa, Whitefield, and Lafayette squares) is where most 25-guest ceremonies happen. For the reception, consider restaurant buyouts on Broughton Street, courtyard dinners at inns like the Mansion on Forsyth or Kehoe House, or waterfront spots along the Savannah River. Tybee Island adds a beach option 20 minutes out, but expect a $200–$400 beach wedding permit.
Climate. Avoid late June through August unless you're committed to indoor AC — humidity sits above 80% and afternoon thunderstorms are daily. March–May and October–early November are peak for a reason: moderate temps, blooming azaleas, tolerable evenings outdoors. Expect vendor premiums of 15–25% on Saturdays in those windows.
Cost drivers to watch. Historic venue insurance requirements (often $1M liability), mandatory use of in-house catering at inns, and the 7% Chatham County sales tax on food, rentals, and lodging blocks. If you're bringing guests in from out of town, a 10-room hotel block helps you negotiate — but it's not free on weekends.
Internal links
Before you lock numbers in, pressure-test them against your actual date, venue shortlist, and vendor quotes. Most 25-guest couples in Savannah underestimate service charges and over-budget florals.
- Run your own numbers with the Wedding Budget Calculator.
- Read the full Wedding Budget Guide for category-by-category benchmarks.
- Use the Wedding Checklist Guide to sequence vendor bookings.
Tool CTA
WeddingBot builds a Savannah-specific 25-guest budget in about two minutes, then tracks it against real vendor quotes as you book. You'll see where you're over, where you have slack, and which categories local couples typically miss.
FAQ
Is $15,000 enough for a 25-guest wedding in Savannah?
Yes, if you're intentional. $15,000 covers a square ceremony, a restaurant buyout dinner, a mid-range local photographer, simple florals, and attire — but leaves little room for live music, a welcome party, or extensive rentals. It works best on a Thursday, Friday, or Sunday in shoulder season.
Do I need a permit for a Savannah square ceremony?
Yes. The City of Savannah requires a wedding permit (currently $150) for any ceremony in a public square with seating, an officiant, or amplification. You apply through the Department of Cultural Resources, typically 30+ days in advance, and larger squares book up in peak months.
What's the cheapest month to get married in Savannah?
January, February, and late August are the softest. You'll see 15–25% lower venue rates, easier vendor availability, and more negotiating room on photography and florals. The tradeoff is weather — cold snaps in January, humidity lingering into August.
How much should I budget for food and drink at 25 guests?
Plan on $200–$300 per guest all-in at a Savannah restaurant buyout, which includes food, beer/wine, tax, and 20% service. That's $5,000–$7,500 total. Full open bar with spirits pushes the upper end; plated dinner with wine pairings keeps it more predictable.
Can we get married in Forsyth Park?
Yes, with a permit. The fountain area and north end are the most requested, and the city caps permits per time slot, so you'll want to apply as early as possible. Expect tourist foot traffic during your ceremony — it's a working public park, not a private venue.
Is a destination wedding to Savannah cheaper than getting married at home?
For couples coming from the Northeast or West Coast, often yes — Savannah vendor rates sit below Boston, NYC, DC, and most of California. The savings on venue and catering typically more than cover guest travel subsidies at a 25-person count.
How far ahead should we book vendors in Savannah?
Photographers and top venues: 9–12 months out for March–May or October dates. Catering, florals, and hair/makeup: 4–6 months. Officiants and smaller rentals: 2–3 months. For a November or February wedding, you can compress this timeline by about a third.
Sources
- The Knot 2024 Real Weddings Study
- WeddingWire Cost of Wedding Guide (Savannah metro)
- City of Savannah Department of Cultural Resources — Wedding Permits
- Visit Savannah Wedding Planning Resources
Related
- Wedding Budget Calculator
- Wedding Budget Guide
- Wedding Checklist Guide
- Houston, TX Wedding Budget for 25 Guests
- Houston, TX Wedding Budget for 50 Guests
- Houston, TX Wedding Budget for 75 Guests
Get started
Build a personalized 25-guest Savannah budget, track real quotes against it, and see exactly where your money is going before you sign a single contract. create_free_account