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Best Wedding Venues in Georgia for 2025

Emily Nicole Photography has recently moved to Georgia! My husband, infant daughter and I relocated here from Virginia, just before Christmas as my husband accepted a new job in Atlanta. Moving my business to a new state is scary, but also so exciting! I’ve been busy trying to learn what all the best Georgia wedding venues are, especially in Atlanta, Savannah, North Georgia and beyond. And I thought my research could serve you newly engaged Georgia couples as well!

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life, and choosing the perfect venue truly sets the tone for your big day. It’s a big decision to make! Luckily, Georgia is home to a diverse array of wedding venues, from historic estates to elegant ballrooms and scenic outdoor settings. To help you find the ideal location, I’ve curated a list of the best wedding venues in Georgia for 2025. Whether you envision a sophisticated city celebration or a charming countryside affair, these venues are sure to provide the perfect setting for your core memories.

Special Note: If you are a newly engaged couple landing here to find your venue, and you end up booking one of the listed locagtions below, you can contact me for a special rate for wedding photography! Just mention this blog post when you inquire – contact me here to get the conversation started!

Wedding Venues in Atlanta

The Swan House

Easily a top bucket list venue for me to visit & photograph, the Swan House is a historic landmark right in the heart of Atlanta. With its grand architecture and beautifully manicured gardens, this venue exudes elegance. Couples can exchange vows on the sweeping lawn and host an intimate reception inside the house or on the grounds.

Ventanas

For couples seeking a modern and urban vibe, Ventanas provides a rooftop setting with breathtaking views of the Atlanta skyline. This venue is perfect for evening ceremonies, where guests can enjoy the twinkling city lights as a backdrop.

The Biltmore Ballrooms

This venue reminds me so much of the venues I used to photograph back in Washington, DC and Northern VA (a special nod to my prior work at Virginia’s Estate at River Run). With their opulent interiors and vintage charm, the Biltmore Ballrooms are a favorite among Atlanta brides looking for a venue to house their rococo-revival aesthetic wedding and maximalist tastes with a contemporary twist. The grand chandeliers and intricate details create a romantic atmosphere, ideal for a sophisticated wedding.

Best Georgia Wedding Venues Inspiration from a GA Wedding Photographer | Bride and groom pose in front of a Georgian Revival wedding venue holding a pastel bouquet in black tie apparel

Savannah’s Best Wedding Venues

Forsyth Park Inn

Savannah’s historic charm shines at the Forsyth Park Inn, located near the iconic Forsyth Fountain. This venue offers an intimate setting with lush gardens and classic Southern hospitality, making it perfect for smaller weddings. It reminds me of a wedding I photographed in 2020 (Oldie but a GOODIE).

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

If you’re dreaming of a waterfront wedding, this luxurious resort delivers. With panoramic views of the Savannah River and plenty of space for both ceremonies and receptions, it’s a versatile choice for couples. See similar work of mine here and here.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

This unique venue combines history with outdoor beauty. The museum’s garden is a serene and picturesque spot for weddings, offering a private oasis in the heart of Savannah. Photos from this past wedding may give you a similar feel for what I can create for you at this beautiful venue!

Cobb County Wedding Venues

The Gardens at Kennesaw Mountain

Nestled at the base of Kennesaw Mountain, this venue offers a blend of natural beauty and rustic elegance. The outdoor ceremony space features blooming gardens, while the indoor reception area is cozy and inviting. Their quaint gazebo brings me back to memories of this sweet elopement.

The Brickyard

A renovated industrial space, the Brickyard is a chic and versatile venue in Marietta. Exposed brick walls and modern touches make it a great choice for couples looking for a contemporary vibe. If you want inspiration for how to design your reception at this venue, check out my work at this urban set wedding!

Gwinnett County Wedding Venues

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

For a luxurious and romantic wedding venue, Chateau Elan offers a stunning backdrop with its European-inspired architecture, sprawling vineyards, and elegant ballrooms. Couples can choose from indoor and outdoor spaces, including the beautifully manicured vineyards and a grand winery. Chateau Elan also provides exceptional accommodations for guests, making it a convenient and memorable choice for your big day. Imagine getting a wedding gallery like this after your dream day at Chateau Elan!

Chateau Elon Best Georgia Wedding Venues | Bride and Groom Portrait Inspo for Winery Wedding | Bride and Groom Walking In front of Elegant Wedding Venue with a Large Estate and Vineyards in the Backdrop

550 Trackside

This historic venue in Lawrenceville combines charm and character with modern amenities. Originally a cotton warehouse, 550 Trackside features exposed beams, brick walls, and a spacious layout perfect for weddings of all sizes. Worried the stone and wood interior will photograph too dark? See how I fixed that problem with these venues, to put you at ease that the right photographer can still capture your light and airy dreams at this venue (here and here).

Carl House

Known for its Southern charm, Carl House in Auburn offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. The property’s gardens and stately mansion provide a storybook setting for your ceremony and reception. This iconic wedding from my VA portfolio has nearly identical vibes.

Wedding Venues in Athens, GA

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

For a nature-inspired wedding, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers stunning outdoor settings surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The garden’s Conservatory is a breathtaking spot for receptions, featuring a glass-enclosed space filled with natural light. Botanical garden weddings are always a romantic choice.

State Botanical Garden of Georgia Inspiration | Best Georgia Wedding Venues | Bride and Groom kissing in front of a botanical garden scene, taken by a Georgia Wedding Photographer

255 Milledge Hardeman-Sams Estate

This historic estate provides an elegant backdrop for weddings. With its manicured gardens, classic Southern architecture, and versatile event spaces, 255 Milledge is a favorite among Athens brides looking for sophistication and charm. My ENP Couple Caroline & Nick had a venue very similar – check out their photos for an idea of what your ENP Experience at this estate could look like.

Other Must-See Wedding Venues in Georgia

Barnsley Resort

Located in Adairsville, Barnsley Resort is a countryside gem. This venue offers everything from enchanting gardens to rustic barns, making it a versatile option for any wedding style. This venue feels like my time working at this wedding mixed with this wedding.

Callaway Resort & Gardens

In Pine Mountain, Callaway Resort & Gardens provides a breathtaking backdrop of nature. With various ceremony sites, including a serene chapel and outdoor garden spaces, it’s a top choice for outdoor-loving couples. See this inspiration for a garden-themed wedding day.

Best Georgia Wedding Venues from a GA Wedding Photographer | Bride and groom pose in a nature-filled backdrop, groom wearing a pine green suit and tie and bride is in a pastel floral wedding dress with a ballgown, off-the-shoulder silhouette

Jekyll Island Club Resort

For a coastal wedding with historic flair, Jekyll Island Club Resort delivers. Couples can choose from several venues on the property, each with stunning ocean or garden views. It’s like low-country vibes meets opulent resort experiences.

Whether you’re drawn to the cosmopolitan allure of Atlanta, the historic charm of Savannah, or the natural beauty of Georgia’s countryside, the perfect venue for your 2025 wedding awaits. As you explore these stunning Georgia wedding venues, consider how your wedding photographer can help capture your vision, just as you see it.

Why Book an Experienced Georgia Wedding Photographer?

Your wedding venue sets the stage, but your wedding photographer brings to life the memories made there. An experienced Georgia wedding photographer not only captures the beauty of your chosen venue but also preserves the emotions and fleeting moments of your special day. From the sweeping gardens of Savannah to the modern cityscapes of Atlanta, every venue deserves to be photographed in a way that honors your unique love story and the marriage you are building together – a marriage even more beautiful than your wedding day.

If this guide helped you find your dream venue, let me help you check another item off your list! I’m offering special rates to couples who book mentioning this blog post in their inquiry. I specialize in capturing the magic of Georgia weddings, combining a warm and laid-back approach to working with people, with a passion for showcasing the meaningful details and moments that make your day unforgettable. After six+ years at this dream job of mine, I can ensure your wedding memories are captured, protected and cherished for a lifetime.

Contact me today to book your Georgia wedding photographer!

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A Low Country-Inspired Hilton Head Island Wedding | Hilton Head Island Wedding Photographer

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!