Live oak trees draped with Spanish moss lining the path through Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah Weddings

Forsyth Park Weddings

A cast-iron fountain, a canopy of Spanish-moss-draped live oaks, and one of America's most beautiful historic squares — here is everything you need to plan your Forsyth Park wedding.

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Written & reviewed by the Forsyth Park Guide editorial team · Updated June 2026 · Independent, on-the-ground Savannah coverage

In short

Forsyth Park weddings draw couples from across the country to Savannah's most iconic public green space. The 1858 fountain and live-oak allée provide a naturally photogenic backdrop for ceremonies and elopements, while the City of Savannah's park-use permit process governs organized events with chairs or setup in this 30-acre Historic District landmark.

Why couples choose Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park sits at the heart of Savannah's National Historic Landmark District, surrounded by antebellum town homes and shaded by live oaks that have grown for well over a century. The combination of the 1858 cast-iron fountain — one of the most photographed objects in the American South — and the cathedral-like canopy of Spanish-moss-draped trees creates a setting that is simultaneously grand and intimate. Unlike a rented venue, the park is free from the branding and commercial feel of a hotel ballroom or event space. Couples come for a ceremony that feels genuinely rooted in place. The park is also central to the city's walkable Historic District, making it easy for guests staying nearby to arrive on foot. For a sense of what the park looks like and what surrounds it, the Forsyth Park Savannah guide covers the full layout and neighborhood.

Do you need a permit for a Forsyth Park ceremony?

For any organized ceremony involving chairs, temporary decor, a setup, or a significant gathering, a park-use permit is required through the City of Savannah. Permits are handled through Savannah's Leisure Services department or the City's film and special-events office. The process typically involves an application, a fee, and a lead time — all of which can change, so always confirm current requirements, costs, and availability directly with the City of Savannah before making any bookings or deposits.Small, unadorned elopements — a couple, an officiant, and a couple of witnesses with no chairs or structures — are generally treated with more flexibility as the park is a public space. However, "flexible" does not mean unrestricted; rules evolve, and the park can be reserved by permitted events. Contacting the City directly is always the right first step.A local wedding planner or coordinator who works regularly in Savannah will be familiar with the current permit process and can handle the paperwork on your behalf — worth considering if you are planning from out of town.

Best ceremony spots and photo backdrops

Three areas of the park stand out for ceremonies and portraits:

Near the fountain — the most iconic option. The 1858 cast-iron fountain provides a grand, symmetrical backdrop visible from many angles. The surrounding paved area offers room for a small gathering. Expect the most foot traffic here; early morning or weekday permits help.
The formal garden — located in the center of the park, the parterre garden has a more enclosed, intimate feel than the open fountain plaza. Good for small ceremonies.
The live-oak allée (north mall) — the long, shaded promenade running north–south under a canopy of live oaks creates a natural aisle. Dappled light and Spanish moss make this one of the most romantic portrait settings in the park.

For photography tips at each of these spots, see the Forsyth Park photos guide.

Planning tips: season, guests, parking, and weather

Season: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the sweet spots — mild temperatures, manageable humidity, and beautiful natural light. Spring azalea season in the surrounding Victorian District adds color to portraits. Summer ceremonies are feasible but plan for heat and humidity; an early-morning start makes a significant difference for guest comfort. Avoid St. Patrick's Day weekend entirely if you want the park without large crowds — it is one of Savannah's biggest annual events, and the fountain is dyed green.Guest arrival: Forsyth Park is walkable from most hotels in the Historic District. For guests driving in, street parking is available on the surrounding streets (Park Avenue, Whitaker, Drayton, Gaston) though it can be competitive on weekends. For details, see Forsyth Park parking.Weather backup: Savannah weather is unpredictable, especially in summer and early fall (hurricane season). Build a backup plan — a covered venue or indoor space nearby — into any outdoor ceremony, and discuss it explicitly with your planner and any vendors. For a broader sense of Savannah's seasonal weather, see the best time to visit Savannah.Local vendors: Savannah has an active community of wedding photographers and planners who specialize in Historic District ceremonies. A photographer with experience at Forsyth Park will know the best angles, the light at different times of day, and how to work around the park's foot traffic.

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FAQ

Frequently asked

Can you get married in Forsyth Park?

Yes. Forsyth Park is a public park and a beloved wedding and elopement location in Savannah. The fountain and live-oak canopy make it one of the most scenic ceremony backdrops in the city. For organized ceremonies with chairs, decor, or a setup, a park-use permit from the City of Savannah is required. Small, unadorned elopements with just a couple and an officiant are more flexible, but rules can change — always confirm current requirements directly with the City.

Do you need a permit for a Forsyth Park wedding?

For organized ceremonies with chairs, a setup, or any temporary structures, yes — a park-use permit is required through Savannah's Leisure Services or the City's film and special-events office. Fees and lead times vary; check with the City of Savannah directly for current costs and availability. Small elopements with no setup are generally more flexible but confirm before assuming.

What is the best spot for a ceremony in Forsyth Park?

The area near the 1858 cast-iron fountain is the most iconic backdrop — the white iron, water jets, and surrounding oaks create an unforgettable setting. The formal garden in the center of the park and the live-oak allée along the north mall are also popular for intimate ceremonies or portraits. Each has a slightly different feel: the fountain is grand and photogenic; the oaks are more sheltered and romantic.

What time of year is best for a Forsyth Park wedding?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are the most popular seasons — mild temperatures, lower humidity, and beautiful light. Spring brings azalea blooms in the surrounding neighborhood. Summer is hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for guests in formal attire; early-morning ceremonies help. December through February can be cool but rarely prohibitively cold. Avoid St. Patrick's Day weekend if you want the park to yourselves — it is one of Savannah's busiest events.

Location

Where is Forsyth Park?

Forsyth Park is a 30-acre public park at the south end of Savannah's Historic District in Georgia, bordered by Drayton Street, Whitaker Street, West Gaston Street and Park Avenue — about one mile south of River Street. It's free and open daily from sunrise to 10 PM.

Address: Forsyth Park, Drayton St & W Gaston St
Savannah, GA 31401
Hours: Daily · sunrise–10 PM
Entry: Free · no tickets
Coordinates: 32.0686° N, 81.0951° W
Good to know: South end of the Historic District · ~1 mile (20-min walk) from River Street · street parking on the surrounding squares.

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