Intimate Wedding Venue

Question

I fell in love with St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island earlier this year, and my fiancé and I want to get married in the area. We want a small, intimate wedding and my dream is to get married under moss draped oak trees. Can anyone recommend venues for this type of wedding? We're willing to think outside the box and have even considered an Airbnb if we can find one that would work.

Answer

Congratulations on your engagement, and it's wonderful that you've chosen the beautiful Golden Isles of Georgia for your wedding! St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island are both breathtaking locations, and the moss-draped oak trees are truly a magical backdrop for a small, intimate wedding. Here are some great venue options and ideas for you to consider:

1. Traditional Venues with Oak Tree Backdrops:

Epworth by the Sea (St. Simons Island): This venue is set among the lush grounds of a former Methodist retreat, and it offers beautiful outdoor spaces that could be perfect for a wedding under the oaks. The surrounding trees and scenic views make it a picturesque choice for a ceremony. Epworth also has indoor spaces available for receptions if you’re interested in a more formal celebration afterward.
The Cloister at Sea Island: Although this venue is known for its luxury, The Cloister also offers outdoor spaces with moss-draped oaks, perfect for an elegant yet intimate wedding. The venue provides various ceremony and reception locations, and their experienced wedding planners can help you create your dream event.
Jekyll Island Club Resort: This historic venue is perfect for small weddings and offers the option to get married under the iconic oak trees surrounding the historic grounds. Jekyll Island is also known for its beautiful landscapes, and the historic district provides a romantic and classic setting for an intimate wedding.

2. Unique and Intimate Venue Ideas:

Beachfront Locations on St. Simons or Jekyll Island: If you're open to a beachy vibe, the coastline around St. Simons and Jekyll Island provides plenty of stunning locations with moss-draped trees nearby, ideal for a small wedding ceremony. These outdoor settings could also allow for a more laid-back feel. Check out places like Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island for an unforgettable ceremony with oak trees framing the scene.
Airbnb and Private Homes: If you're looking for something more personal and intimate, consider renting a private home on St. Simons Island or Jekyll Island that offers a private garden or backyard with oak trees. Many luxury Airbnbs in the area feature beautiful outdoor settings, and with the right photographer, you can have an unforgettable ceremony under the trees. You could even hire a local event planner to help manage the logistics and create a memorable day for your guests.

3. Outdoor Parks with Oak Trees:

Washington Square (St. Simons Island): Located in the heart of St. Simons, Washington Square offers a charming and peaceful location for a small wedding under the oaks. The square is beautifully landscaped and provides a lovely setting for a more casual or intimate ceremony, and it's free to use if you don’t need a lot of additional services.
Jekyll Island Historic District: Jekyll Island’s Historic District features lush landscapes and majestic oak trees that provide a dreamy setting for an outdoor wedding. The area is often less crowded, making it perfect for a small ceremony, and you can have the added benefit of beautiful historical architecture in the background for photos.

4. Considerations for an Intimate Wedding:

Off-the-Beaten-Path Options: If you're looking for an even more private and unique setting, you might consider having your ceremony at one of the smaller, lesser-known parks or areas on the islands. There are many quiet spots hidden away with beautiful oak trees, especially in the quieter areas of St. Simons Island or Jekyll Island.
Hiring a Local Wedding Planner: If you go with a more intimate venue (like an Airbnb or a smaller private home), hiring a local wedding planner or coordinator can help with the logistics and ensure everything goes smoothly, from setting up the ceremony space to managing vendor schedules and handling any permits or paperwork.

Summary:

St. Simons and Jekyll Islands offer a range of beautiful and intimate wedding venues, from historic resorts to hidden parks and even private Airbnbs with oak tree settings. Whether you prefer a traditional venue or a unique, personal location, these islands provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding day. Be sure to book early, as wedding venues in the area can get popular, especially during peak seasons. Best of luck in planning your dream wedding!

Intimate Wedding Venue

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