Finding a wedding venue is one of the hardest decisions in your entire wedding planning process. You probably have hundreds of questions running inside your head. To make things easier for you, I’ve gathered a list of the best wedding venues in Atlanta so you can narrow your research before you ask for help. These venues are the ones I’ve personally photographed weddings at and are venues that my couples found amazing value, service and experience with. I think these insights are invaluable to choosing your wedding venue because you get views from a vendor as well as past couples. Feel free to let me know if you need more information or if you have any questions!
1) Whitlock Inn
Located in the heart of Marietta GA, The Whitlock Inn is one of the best place in Atlanta to host your dream wedding. In this Romantic Victorian Mansion, you can house up to 400 guests, have the entire main floor to yourself which includes the grand ballroom, beautiful garden to host your outdoor wedding (with PLAN B indoor at the reception area), bridal/groom suite, and basically everything you need for your big day.
From the brides that I’ve shot their weddings, they told me they love the inclusive packages that they offered which make the wedding planner process a lot easier. Alexis, which is the owner at The Whitlock Inn is a great friend of mine and is one of the best venue owners I’ve ever known. She is responsive to your needs, has a great attitude and most importantly business ethics. If you are looking for the perfect place to get married with a team of wonderful vendors then definitely check out The Whitlock Inn!
2) Lanier Islands
For the ultimate outdoor wedding experience, Lanier Islands at The Lake Lanier won’t disappoint you. In this 1,500 acre resort this venue includes ceremony, reception and beautiful bridal suites. Lanier Islands is the perfect place for an epic outdoor lake view wedding in Atlanta. Also on the photography side, Lanier Islands offer many great photo options such as Pineisle Pointe and Venetian Pier. These are also a great place for your engagement sessions.
In additional to all the perks at having your wedding at Lanier Islands, one of the main perks is that it’s convenient for group accommodations for your wedding party, friends and families that are traveling from afar. So check out Lanier Islands if you are into an epic outdoor ceremony as well as having great accommodations for your guests.
3) Villa Christina
For a modern and simple elegant wedding, Vila Christina is your best choice. It is also located at one of the most convenient locations in Atlanta (Near the Perimeter mall) so if you have a lot of out of town guests and you don’t want them to travel too far from the airport this venue is a great place to host your dream wedding.
In addition, there are many great photo locations in this venue. For example, the two waterfalls, bridges, rose bushes, seasonal flowers, wooden swing and the best of all the outdoor ceremony garden! This venue can host up to 350 guests and similar to Lanier Islands the accommodations for your guest is one of the best perks. From the numerous times that I’ve shot at this venue working with a wedding planner, the staff are friendly and the service is top notch. So check out Villa Christina for your modern and simple elegant wedding.
4) Ventanas
Ventanas is the place to go if you like to incorporate the Atlanta skyline on your wedding day. In fact, I’ve been featured in modern luxury magazine for this venue. Ventanas offers breathtaking views with a wide selection of services including amazing culinary experience. For photography, this is the epic location because the rooftop Helipad is the must go location for all Atlanta wedding photographers.
In terms of the venue location, Ventanas beats all top 5 venues in this list. It is located at the top of the Hilton Garden Inn hotel in the heart of the Centennial Park District. This location is next to the world of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, CNN, College Football Hall of Fame and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. It couldn’t be better if you have out of town guests visiting you and you want to feature the best of Atlanta to them.
To all future couples who loves the Atlanta skyline and wants to do the epic Bride and Groom portraits the Helipad. You can’t go wrong with this place!
5) Ashton garden
First thing first, my wife and I got married here so this tells how special this place meant to us! This venue is the place to go if you want a simple elegant wedding with a touch of modern style. From personal experience from being the client (as the Groom) to a vendor (as the wedding photographer) plus working with couples that hired me. I can say with proven experience that this venue should make it to your top 5 wedding venue list.
At Ashton Gardens, you’ll love the distinctive glass enclosed chapel, reception ballroom as well as the lush greenery surrounding this area. For wedding photography, this place offers many different backdrops of your bride and groom portraits, wedding party photos, as well as family formal photos.
Also, you don’t even need to think of PLAN B because the chapel is indoor so your wedding is interrupted, rain or shine. Of course we want sunshine on your wedding day so make sure you check this venue out!
6) St lves Country Club
St Ives is the venue to book if you are looking for the best country club weddings experience. This 45,000 square foot clubhouse is at one of the best locations in North Fulton County. The interior design is spectacular with the 18th century English country manor style in additional to the breaktaking golf course view. This venue can host up to 250 guests and has service that meet your every needs. Also, it has a beautiful indoor and outdoor space to hold your ceremony so PLAN B is taken care of!
7) Dunaway gardens
For the best outdoor garden wedding experience you have to consider Dunaway Gardens. Location 45 minutes southwest of the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson airport, this venue offers a stunning garden view for your wedding pictures. It has 25 acres of lush botanical garden grounds and each bride can select a variety of outdoor ceremony sites from the historic arrowhead Pools to the hidden Hanging Gardens to the ancient wedding tree.
I’ve done both engagement session and wedding in this venue for my couples. From experience, this is the best venue if you like flowers and outdoor style wedding. Some other perks of the venue is the 10 hour event period because that means you can take a lot of photos on your wedding day!
Other wedding venues for your consideration
I could keep writing all day about how amazing each venue is. Below are some other venues that I’ve shot that I had a great experience with and you should also consider. If you would like to ask me any questions feel free to reach me out!
8) Foxhall
9) Little garden
10) Cedar plantation
11) Trolley barn
12) Rocky’s lake Estate
13) Huntscliff River Club
14) Marlowe house
15) The Day Chapel – UGA State Botanical Garden
16) River club
17) Atrium
