TL;DR: A typical wedding in Savannah, GA runs $32,000 – $55,000 for 100–120 guests, with historic-district venues, Lowcountry catering, and peak-season (March–May, October) demand as the biggest cost drivers. Intimate elopements at a square or chapel can land closer to $4,000 – $8,000; a full weekend at a Wormsloe or Tybee Island estate can push past $80,000.
The Savannah wedding cost at a glance
Savannah is a destination wedding market, not just a local one. That means your budget is competing with couples flying in from Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, and the Midwest — and vendors price accordingly. You'll pay a premium for the cobblestones, live oaks, and Spanish moss, but you'll save compared to Charleston (its closest competitor), which runs 15–25% higher on most line items.
Most Savannah couples land in one of three tiers:
- Intimate / courthouse / square ceremony: $4,000 – $10,000 (20–40 guests)
- Standard historic-district wedding: $32,000 – $55,000 (100–120 guests)
- Full destination weekend: $65,000 – $120,000+ (welcome party, ceremony, reception, farewell brunch)
What you get for the money
A $40,000 budget in Savannah typically covers a Saturday evening wedding with 110 guests at a mid-tier historic venue, a seated plated dinner, a local photographer (8 hours), a DJ, florals with seasonal Southern blooms, a two-tier cake, stationery, and the couple's attire. It does not comfortably cover a videographer, a live band, a rehearsal dinner for 30+, or welcome bags at the hotel.
The biggest surprise line items for out-of-town couples: venue parking or shuttle service (Savannah's historic district has almost no guest parking, budget $800 – $2,500), permit fees for square ceremonies ($150 – $1,000 via Savannah City Government), and live oak / Spanish moss insurance requirements that some private estates require.
Savannah wedding cost breakdown (100–120 guests)
| Category | Budget range | Typical spend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue (ceremony + reception) | $3,500 – $18,000 | $8,500 | Squares cheapest; Soho South, The Mackey House, Ships of the Sea mid-range |
| Catering (food + staff) | $110 – $215 / guest | $145 / guest | Lowcountry boils run cheaper than plated |
| Bar (beer, wine, spirits) | $35 – $75 / guest | $50 / guest | GA allows BYO at many venues — big savings |
| Photography | $3,500 – $7,500 | $4,800 | 8-hour coverage, one shooter |
| Videography | $2,800 – $6,500 | $3,800 | Often cut first on tight budgets |
| Florals | $3,500 – $9,000 | $5,500 | Magnolia, garden roses, eucalyptus are local and affordable |
| Music (DJ or band) | $1,500 – $8,500 | $2,400 DJ / $6,500 band | Live bands common for Savannah receptions |
| Attire (both partners) | $2,500 – $6,500 | $3,800 | Heat-appropriate fabrics matter here |
| Stationery + signage | $600 – $2,500 | $1,200 | Destination wedding = more save-the-dates |
| Cake / desserts | $600 – $1,800 | $950 | Back in the Day Bakery, Wicked Cakes |
| Transportation | $800 – $3,000 | $1,500 | Trolley rentals are a local favorite |
| Hair + makeup | $600 – $2,000 | $1,100 | Party of 6; on-site premium |
| Officiant | $350 – $900 | $500 | |
| Planner / coordinator | $2,500 – $9,500 | $4,500 | Month-of coordination is the minimum here |
| Total | $32,000 – $55,000 | ~$42,000 |
Local context that shifts your budget
- Season matters more than day of week. March–May and October are peak; you'll pay 20–30% more and book 12–18 months out. July–August is hot (95°F+ with humidity) and heavily discounted — some venues drop 35%.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30. Most Savannah venues don't refund for weather, so wedding insurance ($225 – $500) is standard, not optional.
- Historic district venues (Soho South Café, The Mackey House, Charles H. Morris Center, Whitefield Square) carry a premium for walkability and photos. Tybee Island beach weddings are cheaper on venue but add transportation costs.
- Chatham County marriage license is $66 (cash or card), no waiting period, no blood test. You can apply the same week.
- Tipping and service charges in Savannah average 20–22% on catering, which is already baked into most quotes — always ask whether it's inclusive.
How Savannah compares to other Southern markets
Savannah sits in the mid-to-upper range for Southeast weddings. You'll spend less than Charleston or Nashville, roughly the same as Asheville, and more than most Texas or Florida panhandle markets. If you're shopping destinations, compare: Houston wedding costs, Dallas wedding costs, and Austin wedding costs for a Sun Belt benchmark.
For the full budget framework, start with the Wedding Budget Guide, and for the broader planning arc, see the Wedding Planning Guide.
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FAQ
How much does the average wedding cost in Savannah, GA?
Most Savannah weddings with 100–120 guests cost between $32,000 and $55,000, with the median around $42,000. That includes venue, catering, photography, florals, music, and attire, but not the honeymoon or engagement ring.
Is Savannah more expensive than Charleston for weddings?
No — Savannah is typically 15–25% cheaper than Charleston on comparable venues and catering, which is why many couples choose it as a more affordable Lowcountry alternative. The gap is largest on venue rentals and florals.
What's the cheapest way to get married in Savannah?
A permitted ceremony in one of Savannah's 22 historic squares (like Forsyth, Whitefield, or Chippewa) costs $150 – $1,000 in permits, plus a $66 marriage license. With a small restaurant dinner after, you can be fully married for under $5,000.
When is the cheapest time to get married in Savannah?
July, August, and January are the lowest-demand months, with venues often 25–35% off peak pricing. Summer is hot and humid; January is mild (50–60°F daytime) and frequently the best value.
Do I need a wedding planner in Savannah?
For destination weddings or anything over 50 guests, yes — at minimum a month-of coordinator ($2,500 – $4,000). Savannah's historic venues have strict load-in windows, parking restrictions, and permit rules that are hard to manage remotely.
How far in advance should I book a Savannah venue?
For March–May or October weddings, book 12–18 months out. Popular venues like The Mackey House, Soho South Café, and Ships of the Sea routinely book 14+ months ahead for Saturdays in peak season.
Does Savannah require wedding insurance?
It's not legally required, but most Savannah venues contractually require $1M liability coverage, and because hurricane season overlaps with peak wedding season, event cancellation coverage ($225 – $500) is strongly recommended.
Sources
- The Knot 2024 Real Weddings Study
- WeddingWire Newlywed Report 2024
- Visit Savannah (City of Savannah Tourism Bureau)
- Chatham County Probate Court (marriage license fees)
Related
- Wedding Planning Guide
- Wedding Budget Guide
- Houston, TX Wedding Cost
- Dallas, TX Wedding Cost
- Austin, TX Wedding Cost
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