We have photographed over fifty weddings at the Jekyll Island Club over the past fifteen years and it continues to be one of our favorite venues. With Historic cottages, wide open spaces under the Georgia Oaks, and gorgeous water views, you truly can’t ask for better scenery for wedding images. There are also so many different locations for Ceremonies and Receptions, that no two weddings there are ever alike. Lauren was married there herself in 2008 so Jekyll Island Club Weddings will always be near and dear to us! Here’s a closer look at some highlights and venue options at the Jekyll Island Club.
Crane Cottage
Crane Cottage is one of the premier venues at Jekyll Island Club. This historic Italian Renaissance style Villa was built in 1917. It features a gorgeous sunken garden for Ceremonies, a front lawn overlooking the Jekyll River that is often used for Cocktail hour, and a charming Courtyard that is perfect for a seated dinner. There is such great flexibility for how to use the space- we’ve also seen Ceremonies and outdoor dinners on the Front Lawn and tented Receptions either in the Gardens or on the patio in back. With the use of tents, Crane Cottage can accommodate up to 300 guests.
Riverfront Lawn
The Riverfront Lawn makes for a gorgeous Ceremony location under the moss-covered Oak trees with views of the Jekyll River to the side. We’ve photographed weddings here at all times of the year- Jekyll often has mild weather even in the Winter. However, there are cold snaps and rainstorms so be sure to go over your weather backup plan with your Coordinator at the Resort. Luckily rainstorms on Jekyll usually come through quickly and are brief, so even if there’s a chance of rain on your wedding day, you’ll usually still be able to get your outdoor wedding!
Even if your wedding is in a different location at the Resort, we almost always take our couples to the Riverfront Lawn for photos at some point in the day- the view of the water just after sunset is particularly beautiful. The Riverfront Lawn is also a great spot for a Reception if you want dinner and dancing under the stars.
The Tower
One of our favorite photographs to capture at the Jekyll Island Club is of the Bride or the couple in the Tower- talk about a Fairytale type moment! The only way to have access to the Tower is to book the Presidential Suite so you need to plan ahead and decide if you want to splurge. This room has a separate sitting area and multiple balcony areas so it’s a great place for the Bride and Bridesmaids to get ready for the day. The Tower gives you amazing 360 degree views of the entire property and the Jekyll River but it’s not for those with a fear of heights! We highly recommend booking the Tower if you want a unique wedding day memory.
Grand Dining Room
The Grand Dining Room feels like the heart of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel and it is such an elegant area for a Wedding Reception. With room for up to 200 guests, this is the perfect area for a more formal sit-down dinner. The entrance to the room sets up perfectly for a small band and dance floor. This space has hosted guests for over a century and we love capturing new memories in this historic location.
Cherokee Cottage
The Cherokee Cottage is a charming space for smaller weddings of up to 50 guests. The Lawn is a lovely space for an outdoor Ceremony and the Main Hall is great for a dinner party and small Reception. You can also set up for an outdoor dinner on the Lawn to take advantage of Jekyll Island’s great weather. The building’s architecture is really beautiful and we love all the natural light that comes into the Main Hall from the large windows.
Jekyll Ocean Club
If your heart is set on a beach-front wedding, the Jekyll Ocean Club is the perfect venue. You can get married directly on the beach or at the Rooftop deck with ocean views. Reception rooms will accommodate up to 40 guests.
