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Georgia Wedding Venues: What to Look For and What Questions to Ask When Touring

Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. Your venue sets the tone for your entire celebration and plays a major role in your wedding’s ambiance, guest experience, and even your photography. Whether you’re envisioning a grand estate, a rustic barn, or a romantic garden ceremony, Georgia wedding venues offer an array of stunning options to suit every style.

If you’re in the process of searching for your ideal Georgia wedding venues, this guide will help you know exactly what to look for to ensure your special day is everything you dreamed of.

Determine Your Wedding Style and Vision

Before you start touring venues, take time to define your wedding style. Do you want a formal black-tie affair, a boho outdoor ceremony, or a charming rustic celebration? Georgia wedding venues can accommodate every aesthetic, so knowing your style will help narrow down your options.

Styles of Popular Wedding Venues in Georgia

Elegant Ballrooms & Estates – Ideal for couples looking for a luxurious and timeless feel.
Barn & Farm Venues – Perfect for rustic and country-inspired weddings.
Garden & Outdoor Spaces – Great for nature-loving couples who want an open-air celebration.
Historic Mansions & Plantations – A dreamy choice for those who appreciate Southern charm and history.
Industrial & Modern Spaces – Best suited for contemporary couples looking for a unique and stylish venue.

Consider the Location & Accessibility

Georgia is home to diverse landscapes, from the bustling streets of Atlanta to the serene Blue Ridge Mountains. The location of your venue should align with your wedding vision and be convenient for you and your guests.

City Venues (Atlanta, Savannah) offer accessibility, vibrant nightlife, and hotel accommodations for guests.
Coastal Venues (St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island) provide stunning oceanfront views.
Mountain Venues (Dahlonega, Blue Ridge) feature breathtaking backdrops and scenic beauty.
Countryside Venues (Athens, Columbus) offer a peaceful and intimate setting.

Think about your guest list and travel logistics when selecting your location. Is there nearby lodging? Will guests need transportation? These factors play a crucial role in the overall experience.

Guest Capacity and Comfort

Before falling in love with a venue, make sure it can comfortably accommodate your guest list. Some venues have strict capacity limits, and you don’t want to end up with a space that’s too small or too large for your event.

Small Intimate Venues: Perfect for weddings with 50 guests or fewer.
Medium-Sized Venues: Suitable for 100-150 guests.
Large Venues: Ideal for grand weddings with 200+ guests.

Be sure to ask about seating arrangements, dance floor space, and additional areas for cocktail hour or a lounge.

Georgia wedding venues with ample guest space for a large wedding | Fine art wedding photographer in Georgia | Bride posing with a large bridal party | Photo of bridesmaids in mix and match dresses

Venue Amenities & What’s Included

Some Georgia wedding venues provide full-service wedding packages, while others are more DIY-friendly. Consider what’s included in your venue rental:

Tables and chairs
On-site catering or preferred vendor lists
Bridal and groom suites
Parking and shuttle service
Outdoor/indoor backup options in case of bad weather
Setup and cleanup services

Understanding what’s included can help you budget accordingly and avoid unexpected costs.

Photography-Friendly Settings

As a couple planning their wedding, you’ll want a venue that provides gorgeous backdrops for photos. Look for spaces with abundant natural light, scenic landscapes, or unique architectural details. For indoor venues, try to notice how much natural light is coming in through windows. The bigger and more abundant the windows, the dreamier your photos will be!

Ask to see every room that will be photographed: the bridal suite, groom suite, cocktail hour space, ceremony space(s), reception space(s), dance floor, outdoor portrait options and more.

Outdoor Venues: Make sure there are shaded areas for portraits during midday lighting.
Indoor Venues: Check if they have ample lighting and elegant décor.
Sunset Views: A venue with an open horizon will give you stunning golden-hour wedding photos.

Georgia wedding venues with aesthetic groom suites | Fine art wedding photographer in Georgia | Wide shot of a groom getting ready suite at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta, GA

Vendor Flexibility & Restrictions

Some Georgia wedding venues require you to use their in-house catering and bar services, while others allow you to bring in your own vendors. Be sure to ask about:

Preferred vendor lists
Outside catering policies
Alcohol and bar service requirements
Noise restrictions and curfews

If you have a dream team of vendors in mind, confirm that the venue allows you to work with them before booking.

Additionally, some venues reserve the entire facility for one wedding per weekend, while others will have multiple weddings at the same time. Ask about exclusivity and what restrictions you may encounter if they do host other weddings the same day as yours. You may be limited on where you can go for photos if you have to share with other couples.

Georgia wedding venues with beautiful bridal suites | Fine art wedding photographer in Georgia | Bride posing in front of a large window with the back of her dress shown

Budget & Hidden Costs

Your venue will likely be one of the largest expenses in your wedding budget. Be clear on pricing and what’s included in your package. Ask about:

Rental fees (weekday vs. weekend pricing)
Deposit and cancellation policies
Overtime charges
Catering minimums
Security deposits
Liabilities

Being upfront about costs will help prevent surprises later on.

Best Georgia Wedding Venues to Consider

Here are some of the top-rated Georgia wedding venues across different cities that fit a light and airy, refined wedding vibe:

Atlanta:

See all my recommended Atlanta wedding venues. But the shortlist includes:

Swan House – A historic mansion with stunning gardens.
The Biltmore Ballrooms – A luxurious venue with grand chandeliers and marble floors.
The Piedmont Room – A refined venue with breathtaking city skyline views.

Savannah:

See my favorite of the best Savannah wedding venues. The shortlist includes:

Wormsloe Historic Site – Famous for its breathtaking oak-lined driveway.
Harper Fowlkes House – A stunning historic home with elegant charm.
Forsyth Park Inn – Perfect for intimate garden weddings.

Georgia wedding venues with lowcountry aesthetic | Savannah GA wedding photographer

St. Simons Island:

King and Prince Resort – A beautiful beachfront venue with Southern charm.
Village Creek Landing – A private estate with Mediterranean-inspired elegance.
Sea Palms Resort – A stunning coastal venue with expansive marsh views and elegant event spaces.

Georgia wedding venues with ocean views | GA wedding photographer in St Simons or Jekyll Island | Savannah wedding photographer | Couple posing amidst the sand dunes on a beach near coastal Georgia

Athens:

The Georgian Hall – A classic and sophisticated ballroom venue.
255 Milledge Hardeman-Sams Estate – A charming historic estate with lush gardens.

Dahlonega:

Montaluce Winery & Restaurant – A vineyard venue with Tuscan-inspired elegance.
Yonah Mountain Vineyards – A romantic mountain wedding setting.

Georgia wedding venues with Italy vibes | GA wedding photographer | Couple walking up a hill with rolling hills of grape vineyards behind them at their winery wedding venue in the North GA mountains

Columbus:

Illges House – A refined, historic mansion for an elegant wedding.
Rivermill Event Centre – A picturesque venue with exposed brick and vintage charm.

Final Tips for Booking Georgia Wedding Venues

Visit in Person – Photos don’t always do a venue justice. Touring the space will help you envision your big day.
Ask About Plan B – If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, make sure there’s a solid backup plan in case of bad weather.
Read Reviews & Get Recommendations – Other couples’ experiences can provide insight into the venue’s service and reliability. Or ask your wedding vendors – especially your planner and wedding photographer! Don’t have a wedding photographer yet? I can help with that 😉
Book Early – Georgia wedding venues get booked quickly, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall). Secure your date as soon as possible.

Ready to Find ‘The One’ Out of Your List of Georgia Wedding Venues?

Choosing your Georgia wedding venue is a big step, but with the right planning and considerations, you’ll find the perfect spot that reflects your love story. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand ballroom in Atlanta, a historic plantation in Savannah, or a mountain retreat in Dahlonega, Georgia wedding venues offer endless possibilities.

If you’re looking for a Georgia wedding photographer to capture every magical moment at your chosen venue, let’s connect! Your love story deserves to be told in a way that will stand the test of time, and I’d love to be part of your special day.

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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!