The Bluff at Tivoli: A Photographer's Guide to Richmond Hill's New Marshfront Wedding Venue

There's a new wedding venue on the Georgia coast, and I wanted to give couples a clear, honest look at it before the first weddings take place.

The Bluff at Tivoli sits on 21 private acres along the marsh and the Tivoli River in Richmond Hill, about 30 minutes from Savannah. It's now booking weddings for 2027 and beyond. I haven't photographed a wedding there yet, so the details below come straight from the venue's own website and FAQs, along with how I'd plan the photos on a property like this.

A family home, opened carefully

The property has been in the Jones family since 1995. Owners and founders Rhonda and Randy Jones raised their two sons, Parker and Jake, there, and for years it was the place their family and friends gathered. Rhonda's vision was to open their home as a wedding and events venue so couples could feel that same warmth.

One detail that stood out to me: The Bluff hosts only 15 weddings and events a year. That's a deliberate choice to keep the grounds well cared for and every celebration personal. If you already have a 2027 or 2028 date in mind, I'd reach out to them early.

The setting

Centuries-old oaks, Spanish moss, open marsh views and the river beyond. This is Lowcountry landscape at its quietest, and it's exactly the kind of place I love to photograph: soft layers of moss and marsh grass, room to breathe, and no city crowds walking through your portraits.

The property was designed so a whole wedding weekend can happen in one place, from getting ready to a farewell brunch, with the cottages, gathering spaces and ceremony and reception areas all connected across the grounds.

What's on the property

• Bridal Cottage: a brand-new 2,283-square-foot cottage with two bedrooms, two full baths, two half baths, a custom bunk room, covered porches, a private courtyard and a full kitchen.
• Groom's Cottage: 1,800 square feet with two bedrooms, two full baths, a custom bunk room, a full wet bar and a private outdoor pool.
• Prep kitchen: a 180-square-foot professional kitchen for your caterer and vendor team.
• Sailcloth reception tent: a 100 x 40 sailcloth tent, included with the venue rental, for celebrations of up to 400 guests.

Three ways to book

The Bluff offers three packages. Each one includes private use of the property, the sailcloth tent, round tables and chairs for up to 200 guests, a poolside cocktail hour or transition space, and prep kitchen access. For more than 200 guests, outside rentals need to be brought in.

• Coastal Estate Experience: the full wedding weekend, from Friday at 12:00 PM through Sunday at 11:00 AM, with two nights in the Bridal Cottage and Groom's Cottage and no other events on the property during your stay.
• Signature Saturday Experience: Saturday at 8:00 AM through Sunday at 11:00 AM, with one night in both cottages (Friday or Saturday evening).
• Classic Wedding Day: Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with cottage access on Friday for preparation and no overnight stay.

For current pricing and availability, visit The Bluff's venue page.

Extras you can ask about: a Thursday night stay for up to 12 overnight guests, lounge furniture, bars, tabletop and décor through their partner Jones Cole Rental Collective, and select executive retreats and company events.

Good to know before you book

• Vendors: there's no required vendor list. You and your planner can choose your own team; the venue just asks for everyone's information in advance.
• Planning: a full-service planner or, at minimum, a day-of coordinator is required. The venue team cares for the property but doesn't plan or coordinate weddings.
• Staff: venue staff are onsite during your event to look after the grounds, restrooms and trash.
• Rentals: linens, flatware, glassware and dishes aren't provided, so plan to source them through your rental company or caterer.
• Tent and lighting: string lights and extra lighting are welcome, arranged by you and your vendors. If you'd prefer a larger or clear-top tent, you can rent one separately.
• Rehearsal dinner: you can host it onsite for an additional fee beyond the venue rental.
• Alcohol: service must come from a licensed and insured bartender or caterer, and kegs aren't allowed anywhere on the property.
• Larger weddings: events over 250 guests need additional luxury portable restrooms.
• End time: all events must end by 10:00 PM, in line with county regulations.

How I'd plan the photos

Build the day around the light. With a 10:00 PM end time, the timeline matters. Sunset on the Georgia coast shifts by a few hours between winter and summer, so once you have a date, I'll help you place portraits in the softest light of the evening, when the moss and marsh glow.

Use the cottages. Covered porches, a private courtyard and a pool give us easy, natural spots for getting-ready photos and relaxed moments with your people, without anyone leaving the property.

Plan for the tent after dark. A sailcloth tent with warm string lights is beautiful in photos. Talk with your planner about lighting early so the reception feels as good on camera as it does in person.

Think about the whole weekend. If you're booking a weekend package, tell me early which moments you'd like remembered, so we can plan coverage that fits your celebration.

Prepare for the coast. Heat, humidity and the occasional bug near the marsh at dusk are part of Lowcountry weddings. A little planning keeps everyone comfortable.

Where it is

The Bluff at Tivoli, 300 Jonesarosa Place, Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324, about 30 minutes from Savannah. After you send their inquiry form, the venue team follows up about availability, offerings and private tours.

Visit The Bluff at Tivoli's website

Planning a wedding at The Bluff? Let's talk about your day.