11 Notable Wedding Venues in Atlanta

As an Atlanta wedding photographer, I know that one of the most important wedding planning decisions is choosing the perfect venue. Whether you visualize an intimate gathering or a grand affair, your wedding is a personal representation of your tastes and customs. Though this task may seem stressful and challenging at times, it doesn’t have to be, especially for those living in and around Atlanta. This concrete metropolis offers an assortment of exciting and picturesque venue options for couples. Here’s a compiled list of 10 notable wedding venues in Atlanta.

1. NAYLOR HALL

Naylor Hall is a historic landmark along Roswell Road and just a little north of the shopping district. Naylor Hall is run by Sunny Bailey and was built in 1840. This venue has one of the largest, most grand entrances of all the mansions in Roswell and the front yard makes for a perfect backdrop for you wedding ceremony. There is also a bridal room upstairs above the historic staircase and a dance area in the rear of the house that is beautiful. This area contains a bar and tons of great light, which is wonderful for photographing events here. What really makes Naylor Hall such a wonderful venue is the staff! The Naylor Hall staff are all professionals who are dedicated to making your wedding day as elegant and stress-free as possible.

Fun Fact: Reportedly, in anticipation of Sherman’s march to Atlanta during the Civil War, huge supplies of Confederate uniforms were taken from the mill and secretly stored at Naylor Hall. The building was destroyed by the seige in 1864 and was rebuilt after the war.

2. Georgian Terrace

The Georgian Terrace is a historic hotel that is a landmark in the heart of town, right across from the Fox Theatre. It is a beautiful venue with a ballroom to die for. The Georgian has three classic and elegant ballrooms as well as two restaurants, Edgar’s Proof & Provisions and the Livingston Restaurant & Bar, which even has a view of the Fox from its Mezzanine. This venue can offer you several packages for use of one of its gorgeous ballrooms, along with professional catering and attendants for your reception. It is a perfect location if you are expecting out of town guests. They can stay there in the hotel and walk to your wedding!

Fun Fact: The Georgian Terrace has serviced many notable individuals, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and President Calvin Coolidge.

3. Atlanta History Center

Founded in 1926, the prestigious Atlanta History Center has become an Atlanta staple. This venue includes an impressive funded research center and museum of history, which houses one of the largest Civil War artifact collections in the United States. The Atlanta History Center is also home to several historic gardens and house museums positioned throughout the 33-acre property, including the celebrated Swan House. The Swan House is a Renaissance revival-style mansion with a cascading fountain and manicured grounds that are the supreme milieu for a lavish outdoor ceremony. Because the Swan House is a functioning house museum, events inside the mansion aren’t permitted. However, you and your guests can enjoy a lovely evening in the Swan House Gardens.

Fun fact: The Swan House was used during the filming of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

4. Georgia Aquarium

The largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium is an underwater playground for many colorful and unique aquatic species, including beluga whales, jellyfish and more. You’ll soon discover this Atlanta tourist attraction is a truly wondrous place. The windows that grant viewers access into under-the-sea realms make for breathtaking pictures in and of themselves. Not surprisingly, they also generate ethereal, yet stunning backdrops for wedding day photographs. This spacious venue produces general splendor and convenience with an optional, all-inclusive wedding package including catering services by Georgia Aquarium and Wolfgang Puck event planning professionals. They’ll even design a cake for your big day!

Fun fact: Since the grand opening in November 2005, more than 18 million guests have visited the Georgia Aquarium.

5. Dekalb historic Courthouse

The Dekalb Historic Courthouse is the jewel of downtown Decatur and is the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners. This venue makes the perfect backdrop for your event, with its marble walls, beautifully arched windows and gorgeous gazebo, located at the rear of the courthouse. Aside from use of their venue, the Courthouse offers a list of preferred vendors for many services, such as photographers, event planners and florists. A full list of preferred vendors can be found on their website. This venue is close to the heart of Decatur, including hotels within walking distance of the venue and the historic Decatur Square, which makes for great post-wedding photos.

Fun Fact: The DeKalb County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

6. Roswell mill club

The Roswell Mill Club is another picturesque venue that offers a beautiful backdrop for your big day. There are huge windows with views of Old Mill Park and the river, and lovely hardwood floors throughout the venue. The building is complete with a large covered deck overlooking Vickery Creek, set with outdoor sofas and tables. Crystal chandeliers, a mix of antiques, and modern decor give the venue a sophisticated feel and trees wrapped with twinkle lights and lanterns provide wonderful accents for your event. The elegant feel is completed by a covered Bridge at the front door that offers the opportunity for wonderful photos. The venue offers a separate bridal suite, wedding coordinator, and decor for the event, as well as catering and clean up services.

Fun Fact: The mill ruins are part of the Roswell Manufacturing Company constructed in 1839. You can still see the mill trace and dam along with other artifacts from the mill. The waterfall made by the dam was created when the creek was dammed to provide water power as well as the power for the original machine shop.

7. FOX THEATER

The historic, gorgeous Fox Theatre is a genuine Atlanta landmark. The ornate, mosque-style structure was later transformed into a premiere live entertainment venue, showcasing musicals, artists, and classic cinema. What’s extraordinary about the Fox is the décor. The building, including its two ballrooms, is adorned in true Far East fashion with towering columns, vibrant mosaics, and antique stained glass. This venue creates a fantastic romantic setting for your special day. The Fox provides catering services and list of approved vendors available, as well as multiple event spaces you can rent for your reception. You’ll also have the opportunity to display a personalized message on their marquee.

Fun fact: One of the Fox’s famous ballrooms, the Egyptian Ballroom, has authentic hieroglyphics on the walls. However, the ancient written characters aren’t readable because of their placement.

8. CallAnwolde Arts center

The Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is a community arts conservatory and renowned venue located on a historic 12-acre campus in the heart of Atlanta. The center was designed by Henry Hornbostel, who also designed Emory University. Callanwolde’s floor plan is an open plan, where most rooms adjoin the great halls located on each floor. The entire 27,000 square foot mansion is centered around a large, courtyard that has recently been enclosed. The attention to fine detail is evident in the excellent craftsmanship of the walnut panelling, stained glass, bronze balustrades, the artistry of the delicate ceiling and fireplace reliefs, and the pierced tracery concealing the Aeolian organ chambers.

Fun Fact: Callanwolde was the home of the family of Charles Howard Candler (1878-1957) from 1920 until 1959. Charles Howard Candler was the oldest son of Asa Griggs Candler (1851-1929), the Atlanta pharmacist who, in 1891 purchased the rights to the formula for Coca-Cola, which was originally developed by John S. Pemberton.

9. Payne Corley House

The Payne Corley House in Duluth is a wonderful historic facility that gives off a feeling of Southern charm. One defining feature of this venue is a railroad in front of the mansion that gives you a romantically historic place to take beautiful photos on the day. The gardens and home have been interwoven to offer a variety of indoor and outdoor options for your special occasion. Payne Corley offers its exclusive floral and event design company to help plan your wedding and you can have your own bridal room and groom’s house to get ready. The venue is complete with its own private dining location, The Cottage on Main, available to guests by reservation.

Fun Fact: The Payne-Corley House is the oldest standing home in the city of Duluth.

10. Atlantic Station

Atlantic Station is an upscale commercial and residential area that is an epicenter for everything, from shopping to dining to entertainment. At its heart is the open-air Atlantic Station mall with all kinds of stores from popular fashion and home decor stores to restaurants and hotels. The major landmark there includes the Millennium Gate Museum, which often has great lighting for photos, and the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum, which is near the Georgia Institute of Technology campus where students come to enjoy the nightlife and eateries. There are many great locations for photos in the area, especially since there’s an amazing view of the Atlanta skyline! There are also a couple of hotels in the area where you can hold your wedding, or where your wedding guests can stay.

Fun Fact: Atlantic Station is so large, it has its own zip code-30363

11. Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta was built in 1924, and was the focal point of Atlanta’s business and social life for almost sixty years. This splendid landmark was designed by the architecture firm Shultze and Weaver, who have designed many notable, beautiful hotels. In 1999, The Biltmore underwent a total renovation, transforming it into a classic, elegant event space. The two rental areas are the Georgian and Imperial Ball rooms. Each have these wonderful Columns that go up to the elaborate ceiling with plaster accents. Rental of this venue is managed by Novare Events. Featuring original handcrafted plaster relief ceilings, restored crystal chandeliers, Palladian windows and Tennessee marble floors, the Biltmore Ballrooms offer a truly spectacular backdrop for weddings and special events.

Fun Fact: Though the hotel was renovated in 1999, both ballrooms are original to the hotel.