Intimate Wedding Venue?

Question

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

Answer

Congratulations on your engagement! The Golden Isles, particularly Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, offer some incredibly romantic and picturesque settings for a small, intimate wedding, especially under the moss-draped oak trees. The combination of natural beauty and southern charm makes this area an excellent choice for a wedding. Here are some recommendations for venues, as well as some alternative options if you’re considering something outside the box:

1. Jekyll Island Historic District:

The Jekyll Island Historic District offers a stunning backdrop of moss-covered oaks, historic buildings, and lush grounds. This is a great spot for a small, intimate wedding under the trees. The Jekyll Island Club Resort is a popular choice for couples looking for both elegance and nature. There are outdoor spaces like the Indian Mound Cottage Lawn and The Morgan Center that provide the perfect ambiance for a small wedding.

Indian Mound Cottage Lawn: A beautiful, serene setting beneath the trees, ideal for a ceremony.
The Morgan Center: If you want an indoor-outdoor combination, this historic venue offers a charming atmosphere for small gatherings with beautiful views of the grounds.

2. Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island:

If you dream of an even more natural, rustic setting, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island is one of the most iconic spots in the area. The hauntingly beautiful driftwood, combined with the expansive beach and oak trees, creates a unique and intimate location for a wedding. It’s a public area, so you’d need a permit, but it’s worth considering for its natural beauty and seclusion.

3. The Sea Island Resort (St. Simons Island):

For a slightly more luxurious experience while still keeping it intimate, the Sea Island Resort offers stunning options. The Garden Lawn and the Outdoor Oak Pavilion provide beautiful outdoor spaces that could suit your vision for an oak tree wedding. They also have smaller venues and indoor options if you want to balance nature with comfort.

The Garden Lawn: A peaceful, elegant setting with oak trees surrounding the space.
Outdoor Oak Pavilion: An intimate outdoor option with a canopy of trees and a beautiful natural setting.

4. Consider an Airbnb or Vacation Rental:

If you’re looking for something even more intimate and unique, renting a private home or an Airbnb in the area could be a great option. Look for properties with expansive lawns or private, tree-dense areas that can offer you the privacy and scenery you desire. A few homes on both Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island have large outdoor spaces perfect for small weddings.

Look for waterfront properties: Some homes on the islands offer waterfront views combined with large oaks, which could provide a perfect blend of beach and nature.
Private homes with large backyards: Look for listings with large backyards that have beautiful oak trees. These could provide the perfect setting for an intimate ceremony.

5. The Chapel at Frederica (St. Simons Island):

If you’re open to a more traditional yet still intimate venue, The Chapel at Frederica is a charming little chapel on St. Simons Island. While it isn’t outdoors, it’s a beautiful, serene space that offers a historic feel with a peaceful ambiance. It’s perfect for smaller weddings and would be a lovely complement to your reception under the trees or on the beach.

6. Alternative Locations for Picturesque Settings:

Epworth By The Sea (St. Simons Island): A stunning property with a beautiful view of the marsh and trees, perfect for a small, intimate ceremony.
The Vineyards at Gascoigne Bluff (St. Simons Island): A unique and charming vineyard setting for couples who prefer a rustic, natural backdrop.

With all these options, you’re sure to find the perfect intimate setting for your wedding. Whether you choose a historic venue, a natural outdoor space, or even an Airbnb, the Golden Isles offer a perfect blend of beauty, charm, and romance for your special day. Best of luck with your planning, and congratulations again!

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