If you happen to live in or near Atlanta, and are looking for a fabulous wedding locale, you will have a fairly tough time trying to narrow that list down to an acceptable number. There are so many gorgeous places in Georgia to get married. But have no fear, for the sake of this article, that list has been whiddled down to a stately number Five. In fact some of the locales on this list might surprise you…
Quaint Simplicity: Glover Park Gazebo/ Marietta Square
Those looking to exchange their nuptials in a small, cozy environment may choose to have a “Wedding on the Square” compliments of Marietta’s historic Glover ParkMarietta, Georgia government website, weddings may be arranged between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and all day on Sunday. For the nominal fee of $125 per hour, couples may rent the center gazebo, which is surrounded by plush greens, public benches, and a lovely fountain. Larger wedding parties may opt to use the stage, for $300 per hour. Be mindful when organizing your wedding, that the entire park itself may not be rented. Therefore, you run the risk of the having the public interfere with your wedding ceremony. Additionally, couples must arrange for their own seating, as there are no chairs available for rent. But these minor details may seem insignificant, if you are planning a very small and intimate wedding.
Fire Your Florist: Botanical Gardens / Piedmont Park
Both the Botanical Gardens and Piedmont Park, located on Piedmont Avenue in Midtown Atlanta, should be mentioned together where it regards wedding plans, as these venues seem like one in the same. Having your wedding at the Botanical Gardens,will eliminate the need to hire an expensive florist for decorations. But another great thing about the Botanical Gardens is that couples have a few options with regard to where to hold their ceremonies.
For instance, the Japanese Garden and Tea House has been specifically designated for commitment and marriage ceremonies. But the wedding parties held here must be extremely small. In fact, there is room for only 10 people at one time. But for $500, couples and their (few) loved ones will get to have a sublime and holistic experience. The Fragrance Garden, also for standing ceremonies, can be rented for half that price. However, the Exhibit Hall and RoseGarden are main wedding favorites for engaged couples, as there is room for tenting and space for guests at the reception. The Rose Garden PiedmontPark, another breathtaking location for a wedding. The park itself contains many different venue options as well. One of the most scenic locations in the park is the Clara Meer pier. Overlooking the lake is a walkway surrounded by a lush patch of greenery, perfect for accommodating at least 200 guests. Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall
Traditional Elegance: Emory Conference Center
A little known wedding locale can be found at the Emory Conference Center located only minutes from downtown Atlanta. The Conference Center hotel boasts a gorgeous courtyard which is perfect for elegant ceremonies. But the beauty of holding a wedding here is that out-of-town guests need not hunt for accommodations. In fact, as part of your wedding package, the hotel offers special rates for both members of the family and wedding party; they may opt to stay either the Conference Center Hotel, or the Emory Inn.
Fees for wedding packages can be a bit pricey if you’re looking to pull out all the stops. But those who enjoy “one-stop-shopping”, will love that so many details are included in the complete package deal. Things like limo service, valet parking, ice carving, and of course—fabulous catering options are all yours for the choosing. Look to spend several thousand dollars for more lavish affairs. But some “moderately” priced packages will set couples back at least $6,000 or more.
A “Haunted” Wedding: Anthony‘s Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Buckhead is one of metro Atlanta’s oldest antebellum mansions-turned restaurant, Anthony’s. This cozy eatery sits on Piedmont Road in Atlanta and has some of the most breathtaking scenery, as it sits on three acres of gardens. Because the restaurant also houses a banquet facility, it’s the perfect location for both wedding ceremonies and receptions.
The mansion contains 12 different rooms and a wine cellar, and is great for moderately sized wedding parties. The décor is extremely rustic, yet classy with many artifacts from the 1800’s sprinkled throughout. Interestingly, this is one of the few wedding venues located in such a busy part of the city, with so much green space.
But visitors to Anthony’s Antebellum Restaurant should also be privy to its chilling story: supposedly, the antebellum estate is haunted. Visitors to the home/restaurant will admit that it possesses an otherworldly feel. However, other visitors have revealed experiences which cannot be explained—strange noises, lights which turn on and off by themselves, and even the sound of bells. Some say that the home’s previous mistress, Annabelle still walks the halls. You may or may not believe in ghost stories. But if you are planning a wedding at this beautiful estate, you might want to advise your guests ahead of time.
Underwater Wedding: The Georgia Aquarium
Many people do not even consider the Georgia Aquarium for wedding ceremonies. But this new metro Atlanta attraction is simply awe-inspiring when enjoyed under these pretenses. The size of your wedding party will not matter at this venue, as the space can hold from 50-500 guests easily.
The Georgia Aquarium ballroom can be configured in any number of ways, with stunning effects. Enjoy the wonderful sounds of a string quartet in the Ocean Voyager. In the Arctic Room, wedding guests will have a delightful view of the aquatic life, like the beluga whales. With the sleek lighting and stunning table displays, your wedding will be one to remember.
The real treat, however is in the fabulous dining. Wedding fare is sponsored by Wolfgang Puck Catering, featuring customized menus and kosher foods. Wedding dinner buffets cost around $56 per person; seated dinners cost somewhere between $40- $50 per person. An evening Saturday wedding itself is priced at $5,250.00. However, it is the top-notch catering that might make some quiver; there is a $25,000+ minimum. Daytime catering minimums begin at $11,000. Additionally, there may be extra charges for breakdown and/or set-up of equipment. is simply perfect for impressing guests with a lavish reception. Know that you’ll be paying somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,000+ for the use the facility on a Saturday. But for this price, couples are allowed 7 hours of wedding bliss. If you’re looking to cut corners, plan your wedding on a weekday and knock off $2,000 from this price.
itself can hold up to 200 people.
Just a few “skips” away from flower heaven is . Many people in the area refer to this area simply as the Marietta Square, as the picturesque gazebo in the center is flanked by four adjoining streets lined with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and of course the County Courthouse. Per the
