Planning
planning a St. Simons Island Wedding
The rules, the license and the light, from official pages and from a photographer who works St. Simons Island.
What To Know First
- Glynn County Probate Court issues marriage licenses by appointment only at 701 G Street, Brunswick, Monday to Friday, 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM, phone (912) 554-7234 or (912) 554-7235. Source.
- If either applicant lives in Georgia a license can come from any Georgia probate court. If neither does, it must come from the county where the ceremony will be held. Both must be 18, bring a driver license, state photo ID or passport, and show a certified divorce decree or death certificate for any prior marriage. Source.
- Glynn County's license page does not list the fee or validity. The Golden Isles tourism board says to start 3 to 4 weeks ahead and that the license is valid up to six months. Source.
- Golden Isles tourism says Georgia beaches are public and no permits, photography permits included, are required for a beach wedding. Public pathways and parking lots cannot be blocked. On St. Simons East Beach reservations are not required but couples should review rules for outdoor events. Source.
- Glynn County Recreation and Parks pages for East Beach and Massengale list no wedding permit or tent rules. They say beach parking is open 7am to 10pm, and point to Chapter 2-11 of the county code. Ask Recreation and Parks at 912-554-7780. Source.
- Glynn County beaches ban fireworks, open fires and glass containers. Source.
- Glynn County issues an event permit for catered functions serving alcohol, good for three days, and a festival permit for events with multiple vendors, good for thirty days. Questions go to 912-554-7120. Source.
- From the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day dogs are not allowed between 16th Street and Mallery Street from 9 AM to 6 PM. Lifeguards work 11 AM to 6 PM weather permitting. Source.
- Fort Frederica National Monument requires a special use permit for every wedding and caps groups at 40 people. Source.
- Sea Island says outdoor tents are required for more than 75 guests at its starred venues, and each event has a food and beverage minimum and a facility fee that varies by season. Source.
- Village Creek Landing states BYOB is not permitted at Glynn County venues. Source.
- Not covered here. Sunset times and typical rain by month, because no official page for them was read. Jekyll Island is covered by another file. 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 St. Simons 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 St. Simons 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 St. Simons Island you are getting married and I will tell you how I would photograph it.