The Best Places to Elope in Georgia

Have you decided to elope but have no idea where? Wanting epic views with maximum privacy? Want to invite guests without having to sacrifice views? Hi there! I’m Jenna- a Georgia elopement photographer and I’m here to tell you some of the best places to elope in Georgia. Not only will I share breathtaking locations, but I’ll also let you know how accessible they are, how much privacy you can expect, the best time of year for the location and how many guests I’d recommend bringing. 

I have broken down the best places to elope in Georgia based on different backdrops- waterfalls, beaches, mountains and unique views!

Best places to elope in Georgia – Waterfalls

Toccoa Falls

This is the one waterfall in Georgia that has a fee for elopements. I know, I know- this is supposed to be a FREE recommendation, but this one is too good to leave off the list. It is perfect for those wanting a gorgeous waterfall backdrop that is easily accessible, great for inviting guests, and can host a post-elopement reception. Check out their website for more info on booking and fees here. 

Panther Creek Falls

This is a longer hike, but also very rewarding since longer hikes also tend to lead to more privacy for your elopement ceremony! This is also a waterfall you can swim at if you’re wanting to cool off or get some great swimming photos. 

Beauty: 8/10

Accessibility: 3/10

Guest count: less is better due to the long hike (<5)

Privacy: 4/10

Best time of year: Spring + Fall (summer is very busy)

Cloudland Canyon

Cloudland Canyon has multiple waterfalls and overlooks making it a great option. The best waterfall for elopements is Cherokee Falls. It’s only about a mile round-trip hike however, it is mostly metal grate stairs to/from the waterfall making it not the best for dogs. 

Beauty: 9/10

Accessibility: 5/10

Guest count: 10-15 (must be able to do lots of stairs)

Privacy: 3/10

Best time of year: Spring + Early Summer (Falls can dry up in late summer/fall)

Tallulah Falls

Tallulah Gorge State Park has multiple waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and an intense gorge floor hike for the most adventurous couples. There are many different spots for you to have a ceremony whether it be at an easily accessible overlook of the gorge or a viewing platform after completing 1000 stairs. Depending on the location you choose, it’s not recommended to take dogs on the metal stairs.

Beauty: 10/10

Accessibility: 3/10

Guest count: 10-15 (must be able to do lots of stairs- about 1000 if eloping at the bottom of the gorge)

Privacy: 3/10

Best time of year: Year round

Best Georgia mountain views for elopements

North Georgia is known for its mountain views. No matter where you pick, there are lots of vineyards, towns and breweries to explore and celebrate your new marriage at! Some mountain views require hiking, while others are easily accessible for any family you might want to bring along.

Some popular areas for mountain elopements are the Blue Ridge Mountains, spots off the Appalachian trail, or the Cohutta Mountains in Northwest Georgia. If you’re wanting a mountain sunrise or sunset elopement, it’s important to consider where the overlook faces to make sure you have unobstructed views. 

If you are looking to maximize privacy on your elopement day, I highly recommend harder to get to view points. The easier the hike, the more likely you are to have other people around. While everyone tends to be respectful of elopements, the best way to minimize onlookers is by hiking to more hidden and remote areas. 

Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you are wanting waterfalls and mountain views, this is the perfect place! Take a quick 1-mile hike to a waterfall to read your vows, then hike up to one of their many overlooks for your ceremony. There are easily accessible overlooks if you are wanting family to join, or hike to a more secluded overlook for maximum privacy. This is a highly requested spot for elopements and there is a reason why! It’s in the top 5 of my best places to elope in Georgia!

Fort Mountain State Park

This is a hidden gem in the Blue Ridge area. It has multiple overlooks, a lake and even a small waterfall. There are drive up spots, short hikes and longer hikes for those looking for adventure and privacy. It is known for its beautiful colors in the Fall. 

Beauty: 10/10

Accessibility: 10/10

Guest count: <5 

Privacy: 7/10

Best time of year: Year round – Fall is a great time to see the changing leaves

Black Rock Mountain State Park

This is Georgia’s highest state park! It has multiple overlooks with mountain views that are easily accessible. It also has a lake and lots of hiking trails of varying levels to explore. 

Beauty: 9/10

Accessibility: 8/10

Guest count: 10-15 

Privacy: 4/10

Best time of year: Year round

Yonah Mountain

This is a strenuous hike for the most rewarding views. It is a 4.4 mile hike that is dog friendly. It is in a great spot surrounded by cute downtown areas, vineyards and coffee shops. This is my go to spot for a gorgeous sunset view and camping if you want an adventurous outdoor elopement.

Beauty: 9/10

Accessibility: 2/10

Guest count: minimal- only those that can make the hike (max 5)

Privacy: 6/10

Best time of year: Year round

Brasstown Bald

This is the highest point in Georgia offering 360 degree views of the mountains. You can see 4 states from here! You can hike to the top for a strenuous workout, walk up from the parking lot for a short but intense walk, or take a shuttle up making it easily accessible for family. This can be a busy spot, but worth it for the views. It’s also a great place to watch a sunrise, sunset or go star gazing.

Beauty: 10/10

Accessibility: 10/10

Guest count: minimal out of respect for others (about 10 people)

Privacy: 2/10

Best time of year: Year round

Coastal Georgia elopement locations

Coastal Georgia is known for unique beaches, towns and its Southern charm. It’s perfect for saying your “I do’s” on a beach, exploring downtown for a celebratory drink, and strolling through a mossy oak tree grove. Some of these coastal towns have incredible downtown areas with beautiful architecture and lots of history.

Coastal Georgia is a great place to have not only your elopement ceremony but also your honeymoon. There is so much to see, enjoy, and eat that you can’t go wrong spending an extended amount of time here. There are plenty of boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and unique airbnbs to complete your one-of-a-kind elopement experience.

Some of the most popular elopement destinations include Savannah, Tybee island, St. Simon Island, and Jekyll Island. They each have their own unique look and vibe based on what you might be looking for. These are popular tourist destinations in the summer, so I recommend choosing to elope in late spring or early fall to avoid the crowds.

Driftwood Beach

This unique beach on Jekyll Island is the perfect backdrop for a beach elopement. No permits or fees are required- the beach is open to everyone on a first come, first serve basis. While this might not be the best place for privacy, it is a unique and beautiful place to say your “I do’s”. 

Beauty: 9/10

Accessibility: 10/10

Guest count: unlimited however, I highly recommend keeping it small to not disturb others

Privacy: 2/10

Best time of year: Late Spring and Early Fall

Savannah’s Parks and Squares

In some cases, permits may be required to have an elopement in one of Savannah’s 23 parks and squares. If you are having a small elopement with <50 people and no arches, chairs or extra setup- you may be able to elope without permits and fees. Elopements are on a first come first serve basis. If you are eloping during a busy time of year in a popular spot, you may want to go ahead and pay for a permit to reserve your spot. 

Beauty: 8/10

Accessibility: 10/10

Guest count: <50 if not wanting to pay for a permit

Privacy: 2/10

Best time of year: Late Spring and Early Fall

Tybee Island

This is a great place for a beach elopement close to Savannah. While you must reserve your date and location ahead of time, this ensures there are no other events in the same area during your ceremony. There is a small permit fee that I cover for my eloping couples. The beach is still accessible by the public during your ceremony, so the chance of onlookers is likely. 

Beauty: 8/10

Accessibility: 10/10

Guest count: unlimited however, I highly recommend keeping it small to not disturb others

Privacy: 2/10

Best time of year: Late Spring and Early Fall

Cumberland Island

This is a great spot if you are looking for something unique and private. This island is only accessible by ferry which is perfect for a fun elopement day adventure! Cumberland island is known for beautiful beaches, wild horses, and unique ruins that make for fun backdrops. There is a permit fee required, which I cover for my eloping couples. This is one of the best places to elope in Georgia!

Beauty: 10/10

Accessibility: 1/10

Guest count: small ceremonies only per the national park service

Privacy: 8/10

Best time of year: Late Spring and Early Fall

The best places to elope in Georgia – Unique Locations

If you’re looking for something unique and different for your elopement- look no further! Georgia not only has mountains and waterfalls but unique opportunities for you to have a once-in-a-lifetime elopement day. Whether you are looking for privacy, stunning backdrops, or wanting to elope somewhere no one has before, I know the perfect spot for you!

Providence Canyon

This is a truly unique part of Georgia. If you love the looks of National Parks out west, Georgia actually has a mini grand canyon for you! There are 9 different canyons to explore along with overlooks. This means there is plenty of space for you to find privacy on your elopement day. There is a fee to have an elopement here, but I cover all costs for my eloping couples. 

Beauty: 10/10

Accessibility: 6/10

Guest count: minimal guests in the canyons, 10-20 at the overlooks

Privacy: 4/10

Best time of year: Year round but temps get HOT here in the summer

Piedmont Park

This is a great spot for those wanting an elopement in a big city while still getting to experience nature. For elopements with <75 guests, under an hour with no chairs/structures- permits are not required. I always recommend double checking this because rules can and do change frequently. Depending on where you chose to elope in the park you can have various backdrops and privacy. 

Beauty: 6/10

Accessibility: 1/10

Guest count: less than 75 if wanting to avoid permits

Privacy: 2/10

State Botanical Garden of Georgia

This is a great elopement spot if you are wanting lush green plants and flowers as a backdrop for your elopement with easily accessible paths and walkways. Everyone will enjoy watching you say your “I do’s” and getting to explore the beautiful gardens. While you do have to pay to have an elopement here, they do offer “walk up weddings” for those with less than 30 guests. You can inquire for pricing here.

Beauty: 9/10

Accessibility: 10/10

Guest count: less than 30 for a “walk up wedding”

Privacy: 5/10

Various lakes

Here’s a fun fact- all of Georgia’s 33 lakes are man-made. There are lakes of various sizes throughout the state for you to enjoy. You can have a lakeside ceremony with a mountain backdrop or- for maximum privacy I recommend renting a boat and having a sunrise/sunset ceremony on a boat in the middle of the lake. You could also ride or paddle out to a secluded sandy shore and say your “I do’s” there surrounded by nothing but nature. 

Beauty: 10/10

Accessibility: 5/10

Guest count: depends on the location

Privacy: 8/10

Now that you know the best places to elope in Georgia.. What’s next?

Now that you have a starting point of where to elope, it’s important to continue to research rules and permits as the requirements can frequently change. From here, you may also want to narrow down when to elope in Georgia and who to invite to your elopement. Once you’ve got a basic idea of your elopement, reach out to an elopement photographer in Georgia to keep planning your day!