Bobbi Brinkman

Tips + Tricks For A St. Simons Island Wedding? Are you planning a St. Simons Island Wedding, Elopement or Small Wedding? Whether you just want to run away to St. Simons Island, or if you’re from the Coastal Georgia area— maybe you don’t want to wait another moment to say I Do! It might be just the two of you, an officiant and a photographer! It could be that you’ve checked the local rules and regulations and you have a few family members and friends who just have to be part of the celebration! Eloping or planning a small wedding to St. Simons Island has become increasingly popular!

Whatever your reason is, we’d love to tell your story. 

We absolutely couldn’t be more excited that you’re discussing an elopement in the Golden Isles–especially beautiful St. Simons Island! We love it so much we call it home!

When it comes to elopements, you make the rules! It can be as simple as the two of you wearing casual clothing, plus your officiant or you can choose to go full details and formal attire! It’s all up to you! Small weddings usually come with 20 or so people including friends and family and an officiant, we’ve seen them in quite a few variations and would love to offer any guidance or advice. The only thing you absolutely need is the two of you!

There are naturally RULES, rules govern everything, especially now so don’t think you can ignore any of them—- like getting your marriage license! Allow for PLENTY of time, we’ve seen some cities cut back the hours of the license office, or even go so far as to say that no licenses will be issued during a specific time frame. Call before you’ve made your plans, make sure that you get this most important thing in place FIRST. We will ask for your marriage license before the ceremony begins, Here in the Golden Isles, you can apply for your license at the Glynn County offices in Brunswick GA or you can take care of that in a city near you if you’re a resident of Georgia. We hear a lot that couples are nervous about the process and in all honesty, we have heard nothing but glowing recommendations about the staff here.

The in’s and out’s

Will you be getting your marriage license in Glynn County: (Check your county website for their specific requirements if you’re not marrying here).

If either of the applicants is a resident of the State of Georgia, the marriage license can be obtained from any Probate Court in any county in the State. It is not required that an applicant obtain their marriage license from the county in which they reside. If neither of the applicants is a resident of the State of Georgia, the license must be obtained in the county in which the ceremony is to be performed.

• Blood Tests

Premarital blood tests are no longer required under Georgia law.

• Proof of Age

Both applicants must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a marriage license without parental consent.

• Proof of Dissolution Of Prior Marriage

If either applicant has been previously married and the marriage was dissolved by divorce or annulment, a copy of the decree of divorce or annulment must be presented at the time of application. Applicants who have been married and divorced more than once need only provide a certified copy of the decree dissolving the last previous marriage.

• Fees

Marriage license issued to an adult without premarital certification $76.00

Marriage license issued to an adult with premarital certification (for Georgia Residents only) $36.00.

The premarital certification must be presented to the court at the time of application in order to obtain the reduced fee. The certification must be issued in compliance with 19-3-30.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated in that it included at least 6 hours of instruction involving marital issues (which may include but not be limited to conflict management, communication skills, financial responsibilities, child and parenting responsibilities, and extended family roles). The couple must take the course together.

• Surname

Applicants must designate on the application the legal surname that will be used after the marriage. An applicant may choose:

Given surname or surname as changed by order of the superior court

Surname from a previous marriage

Spouse’s surname

Combination of given or court-changed surname, surname from a previous marriage and/or the spouse’s surname

Required Items:

• Certified copy of death certificate for former deceased spouse
• Certified stamped copy of final divorce decree for most recent previous marriage
• Applicant’s Georgia Drivers license, state issued picture identification, or a passport

The official part is over once you get your marriage license and most couples get it the week of their wedding, some the day before. Again, within the regulations where you get it is up to you. (see above) CALL first and make sure that the office will be open when you plan to arrive for your license!

The WHERE is perhaps the hardest part, after all there are so many beautiful backdrops to say your vows! Many of the hotels on St. Simons Island are happy to accommodate elopements or small weddings and you’ll find plenty of excellent local vendors to provide catering if you’re opting for a house rental. Quite a few of our couples choose a location that they have a history with- either they vacationed there as a child, came on spring breaks with their friends, and some just saw the Golden Isles somewhere online, in print or on TV and decided that this was the spot! Maybe they’re even following BBP on Instagram! Many couples are set on a beach wedding, and they’re gorgeous no matter at sunrise, sunset or at some other tide appropriate time. However, don’t count out the area if you’re not a sand in your toes kind of couple! Under an oak tree dripping with moss? On an emerald green manicured lawn in a historic setting? Even in the backyard of your vacation rental! Not to mention our area has several quaint chapels! We’ve seen it all and would love to hear your vision and make a few suggestions based on our experience. Naturally, if you’d like to chat about your options and what might suit your personalities, we’d love to offer our experience in your elopement planning.

Officiant:

Your officiant will play a huge part in your day, so choose wisely! At BBP we offer complete photography/officiant services and take very seriously the fact that we want you to have the best day possible! Vows can be “down and dirty” to more elaborate affairs with sand ceremonies, singing, the involvement of children, pets, or guests. We strive to make your day ‘YOU’, to be AUTHENTIC and represent those moments as they unfold.

Really………………. at least once in a wedding ceremony, usually in the middle of personal vows, somebody just falls out laughing and it’s hard to maintain control. Which goes back to rule number one— be YOU, have FUN, and enjoy your wedding day!

Pop up elopements and weddings are even more popular than ever, and it’s unusual to be out and about anywhere in the Golden Isles not to see a wedding underway! On the beach, in front of the lighthouse, cuddled in a gazebo, out on the patio of a favorite bar or restaurant! Maybe this suits your style! It’s up to you!

What to wear? Well, that’s up to YOU and Mother Nature! Casual or dressy, it doesn’t matter. We’ve had many brides choose to wear a full gown with a train at a beach location, or a short cocktail length dress under a moss draped tree! Sandals are almost always warm weather appropriate as well! It’s a great idea to pack a wrap or light sweater in case the temperature dips and having an umbrella at hand never hurts!

Of course you can arrive with everything you might need for your elopement but it’s likely you’ll need flowers, a boutonniere, catering, a cake, chairs for your guests? A great local restaurant for the celebration? A romantic place to stay while you’re here? Even sand for a ceremony or an arbor to set the scene? We have preferred local vendors that we love to work with, and that we trust for your day— it would be our pleasure to discuss your needs and find a wedding professional who best suits your style, personality, and budget. It really IS all about YOU!

Some brides opt for a formal bouquet, some want to carry a single stem, others choose no florals at all. Your may want chairs and some decor for your ceremony, and others find that standing for a simple ceremony is perfectly “them”. We can help you decide, just by taking the time to listen to your vision.

Once you’ve found that special location, either by visiting, online, or through our photographs, and you’re ready to say I DO in one of the most romantic places on earth, we’d be HONORED to tell your story and pronounce you married! Eloping to St. Simons Island can be the easiest decision you’ll make as you start your married life! C’mon down— we’d love to host you and show you Southern Hospitality, Island Style!

Wait— you’re feeling like you don’t have all the details and the typical wedding bells and whistles for your wedding? Eloping or having an intimate wedding means that you can keep things a bit more casual! Or, if you’re one of the couples who still wants to bring along props and all of those Pinterest worthy things, bring them along! 🙂 Remember that at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you said I DO to your best friend!

Planning Jekyll Island Elopement or Small Wedding? Check this post for more information!

*If you, a friend or family member is planning your wedding, we’d LOVE to hear your story, chat about your I Do’s and be part of your Wedding Day Team.

We want YOU to be a #BBPCouple!

Please give us a call or pop us an email!

Oh, by the way………….. follow BBP on Facebook and Instagram!

Because we love us some social media!