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Wedding Tips

Top 5 Atlanta Wedding Venues with Stunning Views

Planning your dream wedding in Atlanta? Choosing the perfect venue is essential, and a breathtaking view can make your special day even more memorable. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic rooftop ceremony or an elegant ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, Atlanta has a variety of venues that offer stunning vistas. Here are five exceptional Atlanta wedding venues that promise to elevate your celebration with unforgettable views.

Ventanas

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Ventanas provides a panoramic view of the city skyline. This modern venue features floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the vibrant energy of Atlanta into your celebration. One of the highlights of Ventanas is its rooftop terrace, which offers a spectacular setting for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours.

Imagine saying your vows with the glittering cityscape as your backdrop or enjoying your first dance under the stars on the terrace. Ventanas also boasts versatile indoor spaces that can be tailored to fit your wedding theme. The sleek, contemporary design makes it an excellent choice for couples seeking a modern and sophisticated ambiance. Plus, the central location ensures convenience for you and your guests.

The Roof at Ponce City Market

For a unique and trendy venue, The Roof at Ponce City Market offers expansive views of Atlanta’s skyline combined with a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere. This versatile space is perfect for couples looking to infuse their wedding with a mix of urban charm and modern flair.

The Roof offers multiple event spaces, including a rooftop park with games and casual seating, as well as more formal areas for ceremonies and receptions. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the city while mingling in a relaxed yet upscale environment. The venue’s industrial-chic design, paired with the scenic vistas, creates a one-of-a-kind setting that appeals to modern couples. Whether you’re hosting a daytime brunch wedding or an evening celebration under the stars, The Roof provides a memorable experience for everyone.

The Commerce Club

Overlooking the city from the 49th floor of the 191 Peachtree Tower, The Commerce Club offers a refined and sophisticated setting for weddings. This venue is perfect for couples seeking an elegant, high-end experience with panoramic views of Atlanta.

The Commerce Club features a variety of spaces to accommodate ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. The elegant interiors, adorned with rich wood finishes and modern decor, complement the breathtaking views of the city skyline. The professional event staff ensures every detail is flawlessly executed, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day.

One of the standout features of The Commerce Club is its culinary offerings. The in-house catering team creates custom menus that reflect your personal tastes, elevating your wedding experience with exquisite cuisine. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand affair, The Commerce Club’s combination of stunning views and impeccable service makes it an unforgettable choice.

The Georgian Terrace

A historic venue with timeless charm, The Georgian Terrace combines classic elegance with modern amenities. Located across from the iconic Fox Theatre, this Atlanta landmark offers a rooftop event space with stunning views of Midtown Atlanta.

The Georgian Terrace is an excellent choice for couples who appreciate history and sophistication. The rooftop’s scenic backdrop is perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions, providing a romantic setting for your special day. Inside, the venue features grand ballrooms with ornate details, high ceilings, and crystal chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of luxury and refinement.

One of the unique aspects of The Georgian Terrace is its rich history. This venue has hosted countless weddings and events since its opening in 1911, adding a sense of legacy to your celebration. Couples can also take advantage of the venue’s on-site accommodations, ensuring a seamless and stress-free wedding experience.

The Estate by Legendary Events

Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, The Estate by Legendary Events offers a sophisticated and timeless setting for your wedding day. This historic mansion is full of Southern charm, featuring beautifully manicured gardens, elegant interiors with floor-to-ceiling windows, and stunning architectural details. With versatile spaces for ceremonies, receptions, and even pre-wedding events, it caters to both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. The Estate’s team provides exceptional service, including in-house catering with a focus on exquisite cuisine, making it an all-in-one luxury venue for couples who value elegance and attention to detail.

This venue perfectly matches the aesthetic and quality your clients seek. Let me know if you’d like further details or adjustments!

Why Views Matter for Your Wedding Day

Choosing a venue with stunning views adds an extra layer of magic to your wedding day. A breathtaking backdrop not only enhances the ambiance of your ceremony and reception but also elevates your wedding photos. Atlanta’s skyline, with its mix of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture, provides a picturesque setting that captures the essence of the city.

Venues with exceptional views also create memorable experiences for your guests. Whether they’re enjoying a cocktail hour on a rooftop terrace or dancing the night away in a ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, the scenery adds a sense of wonder and excitement to the celebration. Additionally, a venue with a view can serve as a conversation starter, bringing guests together and creating a shared sense of awe.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Atlanta Venue

When selecting from a list of wedding venues in Atlanta, especially when so many have stunning views to enhance your photos, consider the following tips to ensure it aligns with your vision:

  1. Visit Multiple Venues: Schedule tours to see the spaces in person and get a feel for their layout, ambiance, and views.
  2. Consider Your Guest List: Choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guests while maintaining the intimate atmosphere you desire.
  3. Ask About Customization: Inquire about decor options, catering services, and other details to make the venue uniquely yours.
  4. Check Availability: Popular venues with stunning views often book up quickly, so secure your date as early as possible.
  5. Read Reviews: Look for testimonials from other couples to gain insight into the venue’s service, amenities, and overall experience.
  6. Budget for the View: Keep in mind that venues with exceptional views might come at a premium. Determine your budget beforehand and prioritize what’s most important to you.
  7. Visit at the Right Time: If possible, schedule your venue tour around the time of day your wedding will take place to experience the lighting and views firsthand.

Making Your Wedding Day Unforgettable

Your wedding venue sets the stage for one of the most important days of your life. By choosing from this list of top Atlanta wedding venues with stunning views, you’re creating a memorable experience not only for yourself but also for your guests. Atlanta offers a range of beautiful venues that cater to different styles, sizes, and budgets, making it easier to find the perfect fit.

I’m here to help capture every beautiful moment of your wedding, including the breathtaking views that make your venue special. Reach out to learn more about my photography services and how I can bring your wedding day vision to life. Together, we’ll ensure your special day is unforgettable and beautifully documented.

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When Taylor reached out about having me photograph her Hilton Head Island wedding, I could hardly believe it. Since marrying my husband, I’ve enjoyed annual trips to Hilton Head with my in-laws, who have been visiting for years. I’m not much of a beach person (love my lake life!) but the beauty of the low country made this a top bucket list place for photographing a future wedding. Kolby & Taylor made that a dream come true, as they lived their own dream day! On September 14 at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, Kolby & Taylor tied the knot – and I got to be a Hilton Head Island wedding photographer.

A Hilton Head Island Engagement

Kolby and Taylor met while they were in their respective professional programs. Kolby was attending Duke University for Physical Therapy. Taylor was attending law school at UNC Chapel Hill. They connected pre-Covid, stayed in contact all throughout, and finally met in person when they each returned to campus in August of 2020.

As a couple, they made a habit of exercising together every morning, taking walks and runs to talk about life and their goals. They also love visiting Hilton Head Island, where Taylor’s family lives. The beach is their happy place, where they both enjoy the sunshine and relaxation time. Kolby will listen to a podcast, and Taylor will read her books. They also like to play Spikeball, chat about life, and enjoy the water.

Fast forward a couple years. Kolby and Taylor would travel to spend a lot of time in Hilton Head, where Taylor’s family lives. After what Taylor thought was just a normal weekend visit, they went out to dinner, and her whole family decided to take a walk through a nice park on the water. While posing for pictures, Kolby got down on one knee! That park has now become a special place on the island for the two of them.

Their Hilton Head Island Wedding Day

Their wedding day was a source of some slight anxiety that week. Kevin and I decided to take a week to visit Hilton Head. We celebrated our second anniversary on the island. But the entire week, the weather was not kind to us. It was rainy, chilly, humid, and very few hours of actual sun the entire week. The forecast threatened much of the same miserable wedding for Kolby and Taylor’s big day.

To be clear: RAIN ON A WEDDING DAY IS OK. It’s unavoidable, and you can still get GORGEOUS images on a rainy day. I have plenty of proof of that from Zach & Camille’s wedding, Mary & Joey’s wedding, Kevin & Emma’s wedding, and so many more! My own wedding day still stands as the rainiest wedding I have ever attended, and I LOVE my wedding photos.

But I knew rain would add certain challenges based on their chosen Hilton Head Island wedding venues. Their ceremony was set for the beach at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. I selfishly wished, for the sake of my photos (and for Kolby & Taylor’s experience), that the sun would peek out even if just for the ceremony.

The Lord heard our prayers, because the entire day was fantastic weather!! Our only challenge was the intense wind on the beach, but even that couldn’t affect how beautiful the ceremony was. I shot quickly and took many photos of each shot to ensure we had at least one good option despite windswept hair and dresses.

Between the glorious, glowy sunlight and the wind, their portraits on the beach turned out to be so epic! Taylor’s dress flew dramatically in many of the shots. And her hair and makeup artist deserves a round of applause. Her updo survived and looked gorgeous even as the wind took the wispy pieces left out.

Highlights of the Day

There was so much to love about this wedding. On a personal note, it was my first wedding back in the saddle after giving birth to my daughter! (Birth story soon to come!) Despite worries of feeling a little rusty with postpartum brain fog, I’m feeling bold enough to say this was my favorite/best work yet! Here are some highlights you’ll want to seek out as you scroll:

A Dreamy Tower

Shoutout to Taylor’s friend and bridesmaid Jordan for showing me the tower room at Gull Island Manor, a short-term rental house in Sea Pines! I never would’ve known to wander up there, but it ended up being the dreamiest spot for details and Taylor’s getting ready photos! That light – *chef’s kiss*!

Lean Supplies And A Broken Ring Dish

For the couple’s wedding day details, I really didn’t bring a ton with me from my usually packed styling kit. We had to travel light to fit the essentials. What’s more, my favorite ring dish snapped in half when I dropped it going up the stone steps to the manor!

It was time to get creative. I actually ended up loving the look of my broken ring dish and decided to use it! I also found some dead palm foliage on the outer landscaping to feature in the flat lay of details. Paired with a wisp of Spanish moss, what once was a lean styling kit soon became true-to-location details that made the photos sing “Hilton Head Island wedding.” This just goes to show: Less is more. The less I have to work with in preparation for styling details has sometimes led to my most creative work!

A Touching Island Wedding Ceremony at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Despite the crazy wind, we were all so grateful for beautiful sunlight during Kolby & Taylor’s wedding ceremony at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. Kolby & Taylor opted out of having a First Look, so I was dead set on getting Kolby’s reaction to seeing his beautiful bride. What I captured was one of the sweetest Groom reactions – instant happy tears as she came down from the dunes.

Another standout moment from their ceremony happened toward the end. Kolby’s dad officiated the ceremony. After a beautiful exchanging of the rings, and just before inviting the first kiss, he began choking up as he pronounced them husband and wife. It was so profound coming from a father (and now father-in-law). You could hear the soft “aww” reactions from the guests. That was such an emotional, happy moment!

Experience > Tradition

Kolby & Taylor planned a truly personal and intimate wedding reception at Gull Island Manor. It more so mimicked a dinner party than wedding reception. They hosted a warm cocktail hour with an open bar featuring their signature cocktails. Guests could explore the grounds while enjoying appetizers and getting their photo taken by the live painter commissioned to watercolor their portrait for a unique take-home gift.

When dinner was ready to start, guests descended to the lower tier of the garden overlooking the marsh. There, a long singular table was set with cheesecloth, candle sticks, place settings, and customized name plates made out of oyster shells.

The couple came down last, but there was no planned fanfare. They decided to forego the traditional dances and simply welcome guests to a laid back dinner serenaded by live musicians. This allowed the couple plenty of time to mingle with each guest and create special memories with the entire party, including a surprise visit from Keebler their dog. I absolutely loved this approach to a wedding celebration – and I could tell everyone else did too!

Final Thoughts From Kolby & Taylor’s Hilton Head Island Wedding

I’m so honored to have served as Kolby & Taylor’s wedding photographer. The entire experience was a dream for me – one that I hope opens the opportunity for even more chances to expand as an HHI wedding photographer. Their warmth and friendship was extended to me from the start, and their guests and family were a true delight to spend the day with.

I’ve begun asking couples to share what they love most about one another, and what excites them for marriage. Here’s how they answered.

What Taylor Loves Most About Kolby

“I love how devoted Kolby is to our little family. He is the most selfless person I know and would do anything to make things easier on others. He supports me emotionally and has the utmost patience when it comes to helping me navigate stressful situations, and he would do literally anything for our dog Keebler. Keebler gets to go to the dog park, walks, gets bones, pup cups, everything! He’s so spoiled because Kolby likes to take such good care of him.”

What Kolby Loves Most About Taylor

“I love how much Taylor guides and anchors me in our life. I am a very good-with-the-flow person which helps me stay optimistic and positive. However, I struggle sometimes with direction and focus because of this. Taylor has given me so much purpose in life and given me the direction for how I want my life to go. She is so ambitious and helps me make goals for ourselves that I would’ve never thought possible. Even in the few years I’ve known her, she’s helped me achieve goals and see a future I would’ve never thought possible for myself and for us.”

The Most Beautiful Thing About Marriage: According to Kolby & Taylor

“The most beautiful thing about marriage in my eyes is the commitment to stand by your partner no matter what life brings. My parents have had a long marriage and I admire the way that they’ve stuck by each other through every challenge. It’s easy to walk away from something when things become difficult but marriage is the commitment to another person to instead engage with them and work through the issues instead of walking away. In my eyes, marriage is beautiful because its permanent.”


K&T, I wish you both so much happiness in your marriage. Enjoy your honeymoon in Europe!!

If you love my work and you’re considering getting married in Hilton Head Island, or another destination in the southern East Coast, I would love to chat! I am based in the DC area but travel often for weddings. Contact me for more information!

Vendor Shoutouts

I was honored to work alongside a vendor dream team, consisting of the following talent:

Kolby & Taylor's Intimate Wedding at Gull Island Manor on Hilton Head Island | A wide shot of Gull Island Manor, available for short-term rental via VRBO

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