This Intimate St. Simons Island Elopement is something straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. Tucked beneath the moss-draped oaks and golden marshlands of Georgia’s coast, St. Simons Island is a hidden gem for couples craving a romantic, intimate celebration. This coastal escape is where time slows down, ocean breezes carry promises, and love feels wild yet deeply rooted.

If you’re dreaming of an elopement that blends Southern charm and natural beauty, St. Simons Island might just be your perfect backdrop.

The best thing about getting married? (Other than spending the rest of your life with your favorite person of course) Getting to do whatever your heart desires. I’m a huge proponent in the saying “your day, your way”.

Is that really something people say? I don’t know. But it’s something I say, and I wholeheartedly believe it to be true. Many couples today are kicking tradition to the curb and doing things in a way that feels true to them – and to that I say: hell yeah.

Emily and Brad are one of these couples. Laid back, honest, and creative – they crafted a wedding experience that was so authentic and true to them, I couldn’t have possibly imagined their wedding weekend going in any other direction.

Friday, May 1st 2025

I pulled up to The Lodge at Sea Island and was greeted by Brad in the parking lot of their hotel. We walked up to their room where I found Emily, lit by the warm glow of the yellow bathroom lightbulbs.

Champagne in one hand, a makeup brush in the other, and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor playing from her phone speaker.

They had a late checkout, fluffy hotel eggs, and a bouquet of lose florals for Emily they bought from a local market earlier that morning.

As Em was getting into her dress (with Brad’s help), I asked how she was feeling. They’d taken the entire week off from work to prep for their backyard reception and to drive out to St. Simons Island to tie the knot.

“I’m so relaxed, like I am so chill right now. I think this is the most relaxed I’ve been all week.” It showed.

I followed them as they headed down to the lobby to checkout at noon – Emily gripping her champagne, ring box, and a travel sized bottle of Listerine between the fingers of her left hand, along with a few other spare items draped in her arms to take down to their car.

With time to kill before their ceremony, we played amongst the mighty oak trees under the big blue sky, allowing them to revel in the warmth of the midday sun and excitement of their day.

We arrived for their civil ceremony appointment at 1:30pm at the Historic Brunswick Courthouse. The excitement was palpable as Emily and Brad climbed the stairs of the courthouse. We were greeted by a cool flush of air as we walked through the doorway, the cool, dark hallway leading us closer to their nuptials.

About 15 minutes of paperwork later, their officiant escorted them out to a beautiful patch of shaded green courtyard. The only sounds were the wind softly blowing through the trees and vows being exchanged – a truly intimate ceremony, steeped in warmth and joy.

VENDORS:

Photo: Casey Ann Photo

Hotel: The Lodge at Sea Island

Ceremony: Historic Brunswick Courthouse

The festivities didn’t end here. The next day, Emily and Brad hosted a garden party reception in their very own backyard – welcoming friends and family from all over and creating such a unique experience. Read about Emily + Brad’s backyard garden party reception here.

Are you dreaming about eloping and wanting an experience that’s undeniably you? Let’s chat and create an experience that’s tailored to you. Inquire below, and I’ll see you in the next one.

xo, Casey