We, at the Tybee Wedding Chapel firmly believe that the Chapel can work for almost every budget, with the proper planning.  We love our Wedding planner friends and will be happy to refer any of the amazing planners we have met!   As you all know, we just wrapped up our first year of business as an event facility, and WOW we have learned a lot.  We recently found some very interesting information that we would like to pass on to you!

Did you know that in 2011 Brides spent an average of $27,021 on their overall Wedding (excluding honeymoon).

Here are the top 5 expenses and the average costs you will encounter (excluding catering).

#1.  Reception Venue:  On average brides spent $12,116 on their Wedding Reception Venue only.  (Additional $1599 was spent on Ceremony site.)

#2.  Engagement Ring:  Average cost was $5130.

#3.  Reception Band:  Average cost was $3122 versus average cost for DJ at $929.

#4.  Wedding Photographer:  Average cost is $2299, and probably worth every penny!!  They capture one of the most important days of your life.  Huge responsibility!

#5.  Wedding/Event Planner:  Average cost is $1753, also important!

Photos courtesy of Mark Williams Studio.

Source: TheKnot.com  polled over 18,000 US Brides.

So there was this boy and this girl that you could just see were head over hills in love ♥!

Special Thanks to Brittany Sweat Photography

One random day in August of 2011, we had the opportunity to meet Rebecca.

She said that she had heard a lot about the Tybee Wedding Chapel, and just had to see it for herself!  When we first met she let us know right away, that her fiance Scott was ready to just wisk her away to elope. 

(I know! I know!  You already know what happened!  The pictures gave it away.)  So during our meeting we asked Rebecca to bring Scott to the Chapel and see what he thought.  A few days later we meet Scott!  Right away, I could tell these two were head over hills in love!

To make a long story short…Rebecca and Scott got married on February 4th, 2012 at the Tybee Wedding Chapel.  They were our first couple to get married at the Chapel in 2012.

Flowers by Kiwi Fleur

Flowers by Kiwi Fleur

Rebecca and Scott had the perfect mix of luxury and simple.  First City Events, along with many other highly talented vendors stepped in to make sure that Rebecca and Scott’s special day was a smooth event!  From their floral designs by Kiwi Fleur, catering by Chef Nick Mueller to the Classic Rolls Royce getaway car!  The events of their day were captured by none other than the talented Brittany Sweat Photography!

Tybee Island Wedding Chapel is so proud to have Mr. & Mrs. Burton as new friends and a part of our Chapel legacy!  We look forward to seeing the happy newlyweds around the Islands.  ♥

Check out the rest of the fabulous details of the Burton wedding below.

Savannah's Beach

While on Tybee many guests take advantage of visiting the areas many historical sites.  Fort Pulaski located on Cockspur Island, made its first mark in history during the American Civil War.  Guest will love a tour of the historic fort, followed by a Kayak trip around Savannah’s beach Island.

Photo courtesy of Leann Ritch Photography

Tybee Island fishing is a must!  Guys will be thrilled with an offshore fishing expedition.  Tybee is famous for its fishing; whether it be off shore or on one of Tybee’s piers or even fishing right from the shore.

No matter what you are craving, one of Tybee’s restaurants is sure to satisfy your appetite.  Local restaurants specialize in their own unique menus.  The Breakfast Club, made famous by JFK Junior and their multiple Southern Living features will make you want to keep coming back for more!  Tybee restaurants offer anything from a low country boil at The Crab Shack, to the best veggie pizza you will ever taste at Huc-a-Poos!  Hungry yet?

Okay, so you know your guests will have plenty of activities and restaurants to choose from, but where does everyone stay?   Oceanfront Cottage Rentals offers anything from a one bedroom condo to one of the larger homes that sleep 20 people!  “Stairway to Heaven” and “Villa by the Sea” are some of the most popular rentals for Bridal parties and their families!  They also offer larger homes that are great for large groups on a budget.  “Mermaid’s Castle” and “Mariner’s View” offer all the amenities and luxuries of the Oceanfront Cottage’s, but are just a little easier on the wallet.  The Brass Rail condos have also been popular for guests attending the wedding events at the Tybee Wedding Chapel.  Just contact us or anyone of the Oceanfront Cottage rentals staff to assist you or your guests in finding the perfect home or combination of homes for your Tybee wedding destination!

Since our first Wedding on April 2nd, 2011, we have had the privilege of hosting several dozen more Tybee special events throughout the year.  We are still learning, but have learned a lot in the past year.  Thank you to all of the vendors that have taken us under their wing, like big brothers and sisters!  Especially thank you to all of the Brides, Grooms and families that had faith in us.  The smiling faces, teary eyes and voices of excitement over the past year have been so encouraging.

We were recently honored with the Knot award, Best of Weddings 2012!  If anyone has photos or videos that they would like to share with us, we would love to see them.  Even possibly use them in advertising the Tybee Chapel!

I personally have enjoyed working with everyone of you, and have met some amazing people that I will never forget.  So thank you, and we look forward to a wonderful 2012!

-Ray Anaya