I had the honor of documenting Kayla and Justice’s perfectly designed (just for them) Tybee Island Wedding not long ago. We’ve established an unspoken bond over the years, so it meant so much when they asked me to be their wedding photographer. It also gave the the chance to work with another dear friend and Tybee resident, Dana Johnson of Weddings with Dana, who provided the perfect tone officiating their ceremony on Tybee’s North beach.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that is as relaxed and beautiful as it is meaningful, look no further than Tybee Island. This charming barrier island off the coast of Georgia is an idyllic destination for couples seeking a low-key celebration with breathtaking coastal views and an inviting, laid-back atmosphere. There’s no need for lots of decor when nature has added the perfect backdrop of backlit sea oat filled sand dunes with the sound of the waves as your backdrop for exchanging your vows as the sun sets on you both and those privy to your special day.
Here’s why a Tybee Island wedding is the perfect plan for a stress-free, laid-back wedding—and some ideas for local venues, restaurants, and nearby Savannah spots for a memorable reception.
Why Choose Tybee Island for Your Wedding?
Tybee Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, Southern charm, and a relaxed vibe that’s hard to beat. With its quiet beaches, rustic venues, and welcoming community, it’s the perfect setting for couples who want to ditch the stress of a big, traditional wedding and instead embrace a more intimate, personal celebration.
1. Stunning Natural Beauty From its sandy shores to its lush marshlands, Tybee Island offers a picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding day. Whether you’re exchanging vows on the beach, in a garden, or at one of the island’s charming historical venues, you’ll have the advantage of breathtaking coastal scenery.
2. Accessibility and Convenience While Tybee Island feels like a secluded paradise, it’s just a short drive from Savannah, making it easy for your guests to travel to. Savannah itself is a hub for history, culture, and dining, giving you plenty of options for pre- or post-wedding celebrations.
3. A Relaxed Atmosphere Unlike the hustle and bustle of large cities or traditional wedding venues, Tybee Island offers a slower pace, where time seems to slow down. This laid-back vibe is perfect for couples who want to enjoy their wedding day without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Whether you opt for a simple ceremony on the beach or an intimate gathering at a local venue, the vibe here is all about enjoying the moment.
Local Venues for a Laid-Back Tybee Island Wedding
Tybee Island offers a variety of venues that range from beachfront ceremonies to historic sites and beautiful private gardens. Here are a few options:
1. The Beach (for the Ultimate Seaside Ceremony) If you’re dreaming of a wedding right on the sand, Tybee’s beaches are the perfect setting. There are several beach access points, and many local wedding planners can help you arrange the perfect setup. The natural beauty of the beach at sunrise or sunset is hard to beat, and it provides an unforgettable atmosphere for exchanging vows.
2. The Tybee Island Lighthouse & Museum For couples seeking a mix of history and coastal beauty, the Tybee Island Lighthouse is a perfect backdrop for your ceremony. As seen in this wedding post (undergoing renovations at the time) here it is conveniently located near Tybee’s north beach where you and yours can share your vows as the lighthouse majestically watches over you and all your guests.
3. The Deck For a casual, intimate and more private reception The Deck Beach Bar and Kitchen is the only oceanfront restaurant on Tybee Island that allows you to reserve the entire venue for your event. The menu is a mix of upscale bar food and several classic seafood dishes.
4. BG’s Seafood Co-Op Perhaps your wedding party is quite intimate and only a dozen people or so. In that case if you’re staying at one of the many Tybee rentals with a full kitchen you can hire a chef and have them cook the freshest seafood possible from BG’s Seafood Co-Op. Located right at the docks where fisherman bring in their haul fresh from the sea.
Fine Dining Venues in Savannah after your Tybee Island Wedding
For couples with a very small wedding party of 12 or fewer, Savannah’s fine dining scene offers some intimate and memorable venues perfect for an elegant yet relaxed reception. These charming spots provide exceptional Southern cuisine in an intimate setting:
- Olde Pink House: A historic and beloved restaurant, the Olde Pink House offers a beautifully romantic setting with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. With its cozy, elegant dining rooms and private spaces, it’s a perfect spot for a small, upscale celebration. The menu features traditional Southern dishes with a refined twist, and the ambiance will make your small gathering feel extra special.
- Alligator Soul: For an intimate and sophisticated experience, Alligator Soul offers Southern-inspired fine dining in a cozy, low-lit setting that’s ideal for a small wedding party. Known for its upscale menu with locally sourced ingredients and unique offerings (including alligator, of course), this restaurant is perfect for couples looking for an intimate, memorable meal with Southern charm.
- Elizabeth’s on 37th: Set in a beautifully restored mansion, Elizabeth’s on 37th offers a fine-dining experience with an emphasis on fresh, local seafood and Southern classics. The restaurant’s elegant but welcoming atmosphere and personalized service make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a luxurious yet intimate reception for a small group of guests.
Each of these fine dining establishments offers an exquisite atmosphere and culinary experience, making them perfect for balanced Tybee Island wedding day that is equal parts casual and upscale in order to celebrate your love with those you love.
This flattering sentiment was sent to me more than once in response to a recent blog post I wrote about what I consider the perfect, simple, yet beautiful Tybee Island wedding. You know, it’s as easy as the idea that a Tybee Island wedding photographer can also be a Tybee Island vow renewal photographer—and it’s never too late or too early for a vow renewal.
In the three short years I’ve known and become friends with Halle and Daniel, I’ve experienced the overwhelming reward of purpose as I photographed the family they built together. I’ve had the honor of photographing their loving presence five times during those three years, but this last session—when they decided to renew their vows before moving their little family farther west—was perhaps the most magical.
Once again, here are two people full of passion, with a beautifully simple yet clear vision for their celebration. There wasn’t even an officiant, just their children to witness their love for one another, marking the day by wearing their wedding attire.
It’s no accident that Halle and Daniel, without hesitation or prompting, stepped into the ocean with their little ones during their session. I’m so grateful they made these plans with me—an excuse to hire their friend one more time before it’s time to say goodbye.
You attract what you are, and I’m grateful to be passionate about being a Tybee Island wedding photographer. If you want that same passion present for your wedding day on Tybee, please call me—I’d love to hear your story!
