Savannah vs. Charleston vs. Jekyll Island: How to Choose the Right Wedding Location for You

If you’re planning a coastal wedding in the Southeast, Savannah, Charleston, and Jekyll Island are usually at the top of the list. I don’t blame you. Each location offers beauty, history, and a feeling of peace.

However, they don’t feel the same on a wedding day.

Each city creates a different mood, pace, and experience. Therefore, choosing the right one shapes your entire wedding—from how your day unfolds to how your photos FEEL.

Since I photograph weddings across Savannah, Charleston, and Jekyll Island, I love helping couples confidently choose a location that matches their vision, energy, and priorities. This guide breaks down what makes each place unique and how to decide which one is the best fit for you and your fiancé.

Savannah Weddings: Romantic, Historic, and Cinematic

Savannah pulls you into a story the moment you arrive.

Spanish moss hangs low. Cobblestone streets add texture. Historic homes and gardens create depth and character. Savannah weddings feel emotional, layered, and cinematic.

This city suits couples who want their wedding to feel intimate and meaningful, not overly polished.

Savannah weddings work best if you love:

• History, architecture, and old-world charm
• A moody, romantic atmosphere
• Photos with texture, shadow, and depth
• A slower, more soulful pace

From a photography perspective, Savannah shines when couples embrace its natural mood. Altogether, the overcast skies and soft rain often improve the light instead of ruining it.

Charleston Wedding: Polished, Refined, and Classic

Charleston defines Southern elegance.

The city feels brighter and more structured. Think pastel colors, manicured gardens, grand estates, and formal spaces. As a result, Charleston weddings look clean, classic, and editorial.

This elegant city suits couples who love tradition, refinement, and a well-organized wedding day.

Charleston works best if you want:

• A polished, elevated aesthetic
• Formal venues with gardens or ballrooms
• A classic Southern wedding style
• Bright, airy photos

The wedding venues and vendors run like well-oiled machines. Therefore, if you value structure and a smooth timeline, this city delivers.

Things to keep in mind:

• Venues often book far in advance
• Guest counts and budgets tend to run higher
• The overall style leans classic over edgy

Overall, weddings in Charleston fit couples who want their wedding to feel elegant, timeless, and highly curated.

Jekyll Island Weddings: Intimate, Coastal, and Unrushed

Undoubtedly, Jekyll Island invites you to slow down.

Wide beaches, open skies, and ocean air set the tone. Weddings here feel relaxed, intentional, and deeply connected. The island creates space for presence, not production.

In general, this location suits couples who care more about experience than spectacle.

Weddings in Jekyll Island work best if you want:

• A smaller, more intimate wedding
• A true destination feel without heavy travel
• Natural backdrops like beaches and marshes
• A calm, laid-back celebration

So, photography here focuses on movement and light. Wind, water, and open space create images that feel natural and honest.

Things to keep in mind:

• Fewer venue options than Savannah or Charleston
• Wind and weather play a bigger role
• Best for shorter guest lists

All in all, Jekyll Island fits couples who want a wedding that feels peaceful, connected, and unforced.

How to Decide: Questions That Bring Clarity

If you feel torn, these questions usually make the answer clear:

Which do you prefer – history or open horizons?

• History → Savannah or Charleston
• Open horizons → Jekyll Island

Would you rather have polished or personality?

• Polish → Charleston
• Personality → Savannah

Do you want an event or an experience?

• Event → Charleston
• Experience → Savannah or Jekyll

Another key point: Do you want a fast-paced weekend or a slower rhythm?

• Fast-paced → Charleston
• Slower, intentional → Jekyll
• Balanced → Savannah

With this in mind, there’s no wrong choice. The right choice simply matches who you are.

From a Photography Perspective: What Actually Matters

No matter which city you choose, these factors shape how your wedding looks and feels more than trends ever will:

• Venue layout and natural light
• Timeline flexibility
• Hair and makeup prep for humidity and wind
• Trust between you and your vendors

Altogether, some of the most beautiful weddings I photograph don’t have perfect weather. They have couples who choose a location that fits their energy and let the day unfold naturally.

Final Thoughts

All three wedding locations tell a different story.

Weddings in Savannah feel romantic and cinematic.
Charleston weddings feel elegant and refined.
Jekyll Island feels intimate and coastal.

Overall, when your wedding location matches your vision and priorities, everything flows more easily—including your photos.

If you’re planning a wedding in Savannah, Charleston, or Jekyll Island and want help choosing the right location or building a calm, thoughtful plan around it, I’d love to help.

Inquire here → https://staciaddisonphotography.com/contact

Do you want more wedding tips?
Click here to read my last blog post about A rain plan for your Savannah wedding.