Just off the coast of the southeast United States sits an island undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of modern life. A place where unspoiled beaches, dunes and waterways meet towering southern live oaks and native palm trees, the likes of which line the quiet roadways and footpaths that lead to the historic center of it all: Jekyll Island Club Resort. I’m talking, of course, about Jekyll Island, a 5,950-acre barrier island situated less than a mile east of mainland Georgia. And while the region is technically part of the continental U.S., its sprawling natural areas, endless beaches and historic ties to Gilded Age greats like J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer and William K. Vanderbilt, make this magical destination feel a world away from the goings-on across the shore.
All this considered, it’s no wonder Jekyll Island, and more specifically, its prized gem, the Jekyll Island Club Resort, have found themselves the apple of soon-to-be-wed couples’ eyes, as the charming coastal escape touts many of the same benefits of a far-flung destination wedding without the need for a passport. Come with us as we explore the many ways Jekyll Island Club Resort can bring the wedding of your clients’ dreams to life — one ceremony, reception or champagne sabering at a time.
The Venues
Whether they’re looking to go all out with a massive celebration or keep things intimate with only their nearest and dearest in attendance, couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting their ideal venue at Jekyll Island Club Resort. Here’s what advisors need to know about each option.
Intimate to Mid-Sized
Hall of Mirrors: Comprising the Federal Reserve Room, Aldrich Room, Pulitzer Room and Aspinwall Room, the Hall of Mirrors acts as a timeless backdrop for intimate celebrations. Here, couples’ big day will join the ranks of historic events such as the drafting of the modern-day Federal Reserve in 1910 and the nation’s first transcontinental phone call in 1915. Quaint and cozy, rooms in the Hall of Mirrors can accommodate between 24 to 60 guests.
Jekyll Ocean Club: Jekyll Island Club Resort’s sister property, Jekyll Ocean Club is a seaside retreat located just footsteps from the Atlantic Ocean. As such, the hotel is a fabulous venue for unforgettable beachside weddings, elopements and receptions. Regarding guest count, oceanfront ceremonies are flexible on capacity, while Jekyll Ocean Club can accommodate up to 40 guests on either its rooftop deck or inside at Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar — the hotel’s onsite restaurant.
Cherokee: A private cottage boasting 10 guest rooms, a spacious great room and an immaculately groomed lawn, Cherokee makes for a dreamy indoor/outdoor wedding venue. Dripping with southern charm, the 1904 cottage boasts three arched double front doors and a massive live oak tree, perfect for photo ops. Couples who choose Cherokee for their big day love its versatility with the option to have their ceremony on the Cherokee Lawn before moving indoors to enjoy the cocktail hour, dinner and reception in the Main Hall and Veranda. Cherokee can accommodate up to 50 guests.
Club Ballroom: With seating for up to 100 guests, the Club Ballroom is a sophisticated mid-sized wedding venue. Located in The Clubhouse, couples can live out their fairytale fantasies as they dance the night away beneath dramatic golden chandeliers and catch up with family and friends on the adjoining Veranda. Featuring four sets of double doors that overlook the Annex Courtyard, newlyweds love The Clubhouse for its traditional vibes and indoor/outdoor versatility.
Large
Crane Cottage: The most coveted of Jekyll Island Club Resorts’ stunning wedding venues, Crane Cottage is a grand, Italian Renaissance-style cottage that boasts 13 guest rooms, fantastic views of the Jekyll River, a picturesque reflecting pool, a charming interior courtyard and more. From ultra-romantic ceremonies to next-level receptions, Crane Cottage is a place where couples and their guests can do it all in one convenient, and downright gorgeous, location. Regarding capacity, the Crane Courtyard, with its tidy landscaping and dazzling string lights, can host up to 130 to 300 guests, depending on if couples expand their space to include a tent. In addition to the courtyard, wedding guests at Crane Cottage have access to the building’s elegant interior, which features a well-appointed Living Room and Library.
Grand Dining Room: Touting enchanting details of an era past, intricate woodwork, opulent chandeliers and plush furnishings make Jekyll Island Club Resort’s Grand Dining Room a delightful option for couples looking to lean into the property’s unique history and cozy aesthetic. With seating for up to 200 guests, the space can be utilized for both ceremonies and receptions, and wedding-goers will love dancing alongside the grand piano and sipping beverages at the adjacent Riverview Lounge.
Riverfront Lawn: Framed by a swoon-worthy canopy of ancient oaks, the Riverfront Lawn is a blissful open-air venue accommodating up to 250 guests. With the Jekyll River just footsteps away, the Riverfront Lawn is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions alike, promising guests an enchanting celebration filled with dancing and laughter beneath the stars.
Morgan Center Ballroom: Last, but certainly not least, Morgan Center Ballroom is Jekyll Island Club Resort’s largest wedding venue with the ability to accommodate up to 250 people. Featuring an outdoor terrace, a mezzanine, a spacious lawn with trellises and a sprawling main floor with dramatic skylights, this venue can do it all with plenty of options for both indoor and outdoor fun. As an added bonus, unlike other onsite event spaces, Morgan Center Ballroom has an attached kitchen, making in-house catering a breeze.
Where To Stay
After the big day, newlyweds and their esteemed guests can keep the party going when they book a stay at either Jekyll Island Club Resort, Jekyll Ocean Club or one of the property’s onsite historic cottages — Crane Cottage, Cherokee and Sans Souci. Rooms average around $250 a night with stays ranging from $200 - $500, and with 13, 10 and 20 available guest rooms, respectively, couples even have the option to rent out entire cottages to accommodate their crew. As an added touch, the staff at Jekyll Island Club Resort are happy to provide catering for wedding parties, offering mouthwatering breakfast and coffee spreads that are sure to help lovebirds relish their celebratory stay.
Want to learn more? Travel advisors can give Jekyll Island Club Resort a ring at 912-635-5170 or email sales@jekyllclub.com for more information.
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