Planning
planning a Jekyll Island Wedding
The rules, the license and the light, from official pages and from a photographer who works Jekyll Island.
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.
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.
| Month | Sunset On The 15th |
|---|---|
| January | 5:45 PM |
| February | 6:10 PM |
| March | 7:35 PM |
| April | 7:55 PM |
| May | 8:15 PM |
| June | 8:30 PM |
| July | 8:30 PM |
| August | 8:10 PM |
| September | 7:35 PM |
| October | 6:55 PM |
| November | 5:30 PM |
| December | 5:25 PM |
Planning Questions
When is sunset in Jekyll Island?
In April the sun sets around 7:55 PM, in June around 8:30 PM and in October around 6:55 PM. The table on this page has every month.
When should we start portraits?
About an hour before sunset. The light is soft and warm, and there is still time for the wedding party and family before it goes.
How do we pick a Jekyll Island venue?
Start with your guest count and whether you want to be outside, then look at the rain plan. Those three cut the list fast. The compare table has all three.
Found Your Venue
Tell me where in Jekyll Island you are getting married and I will tell you how I would photograph it.