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It’s a day of union, yes, but a wedding is also the ultimate expression of the couple and, let’s be honest, particularly the bride. Searching for the site that’s just right for you? Read on to find the wedding reception venue that fits your personal bridal style.
For the O’Hara of Old South:
Scarlett’s got nothing on you at these charming historic treasures from the Old South.
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Blackberry Hall on Lanier
You can make this house your home for a fee and have up to eight important people in your party stay overnight, making transporting dresses and bridesmaids very convenient. 5975 Blackberry Lane, Buford, 404-358-6149, www.blackberryhallonlanier.com
 Flint Hill
Cloaked by grand oak trees, this circa 1835 mansion brings the romance of the Old South to life for your own romantic occasion, which may take place in the grand ballroom overlooking the gardens, or on the patio in the gardens themselves. The facility is owned and operated by Magic Moments Inc., which also coordinates weddings at The Atrium in Norcross, Primrose Cottage in Roswell and Little Gardens in Lawrenceville. 539 S. Peachtree St., Norcross, 770-263-7669, www.flinthill.com
Ivy Hall
Once a Civil War-era cotton mill, this beautifully renovated wedding and event facility features two separate rooms on different floors overlooking a 25,000-square-foot deck that can be used for the ceremony. 85 Mill St., Roswell, 770-518-9220, www.eventscatering.com
 Little Gardens
The newest addition to Magic Moments, Inc. offers charming outdoor areas for ceremonies complete with a waterfall koi pond, plus a stunning ballroom surrounded by glass doors that open to the secluded garden. 3571 Lawrenceville Hwy. NW, Lawrenceville, 770-923-3434, www.littlegardens.com
Naylor Hall
This historic home will make your guests feel at home and you feel at ease, whether you choose to say “I Do” on the front steps or have your reception on the lawn. 1121 Canton St., Roswell, 770-642-9409, www.naylorhall.com
Payne-Corley House
The second oldest house in Duluth, this house has quite a history and its character makes it the perfect spot for a graceful affair. Check out Magnolia Cottage for smaller events like rehearsal dinners and showers. 2987 Main St., Duluth, 770-476-5366, www.paynecorleyhouse.com
Carl House
Built as a private residence and ornamental plant nursery in 1903, The Carl House hosts country-style weddings in the ballroom, with its suspended staircase, fireplace and adjoining covered porches, or outside in the Southern-style gardens, where the bride proceeds across a white-railed bridge to exchange vows with her waiting groom against the backdrop of a magnificent stacked brick wall. 1176 Atlanta Hwy, Auburn, 770-586-0095, www.carlhouse.com
The DeVore House
Formerly The Arbors, this beautiful house features oak floors, massive wrought-iron chandeliers, brick terrace and arbors that give the space an air of glamour and sophistication. 34 Church St., Alpharetta, 770-565-4146, www.devorehouse.com
The Grande at Kennesaw
If you want it all done perfectly down to the last detail, the inclusive packages at The Grande are right for you, plus the southern mansion set in lush gardens is ideal for a wedding. 3030 N Main St. NW, Kennesaw, 770-514-8524, www.grandeevent.com
For the Demure Southern Belle:
Understated elegance and simple Southern charm make these venues as sweet as a Georgia peach.
Hollycrest Hall
This turn-of-the-century cottage offers both a homey, intimate feel and an elegant ballroom that can accommodate a big party. 2235 Sewell Mill Road, Marietta, 770-565-4146, www.hollycresthall.com
Kimball Hall
Built in the 1880s, the space was recently updated with a 3,000 square-foot ballroom. For your event, you have exclusive access to the house and the grounds including the outdoor gazebo. 881 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, 770-518-0225, www.kimballhall.com
Mansell House & Gardens
This Queen Anne-style home has been preserved down to the original heart-of-pine floors for an intimate setting inside by the fireplace or a larger affair outside in the gardens. 1835 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, 770-475-4663, www.ahsga.org
Marietta Educational Garden Center
Located on 3.5 acres in historic Marietta, the antebellum home is perfect for intimate indoor or outdoor gatherings as well as large weddings and receptions. 505 Kennesaw Ave. NW, Marietta, 770-427-3494, www.mariettagardencenter.com
Roswell Mill Club
This 120 year-old restored mill overlooks the river with a ballroom and private, covered deck in an elegantly decorated facility. 85-A Mill St., Roswell, 770-518-9220, www.eventscatering.com
Primrose Cottage
Built in 1839 by Roswell King, this charming, three-story house is completely open to guests before and after the ceremony whether it is on the front lawn, garden terrace or in the ballroom. 674 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, 770-594-2299, www.primrosecottage.com
Roswell Founders Hall
With elegance and grace, Roswell Founders Hall sets the scene for an Antebellum affair. Whether your big day takes place the private courtyard or grand ballroom, you and your guests can enjoy the Southern-style porch, front parlor and antique bar of this quaint 1870s home. 1076 Canton St., Roswell 770-992-4120, www.roswellfoundershall.com
Stonehedge
For a smaller affair, this historic home is perfect. Even the simplest weddings will be magnificent with Stonehedge as the backdrop. 406 East Shadburn Ave., Buford, 770-932-9329, www.stonehedgeevents.com
The Foster House
A wrap-around porch and antique mantels of this restored 1887 home are charming, indeed, but outdoor weddings at The Foster House are the most stunning. Opt for a small ceremony in a chapel environment, swap vows in front of the carriage house or under the garden arbor, or host a larger reception on the brick patio against the scenery of vivid flowers, mature pecan trees and a waterfall from the roof of the smokehouse. 305 W. Main St., Cumming, 770-887-9905, www.foster-house.com
The Whitlock Inn
The Whitlock Inn is a mint-condition bed and breakfast that highlights everything charming about the South and offers reception options to fit any taste and budget. 57 Whitlock Ave., Marietta, 770-428-1495, www.whitlockinn.com
For the Natural Beauty:
Nature lovers will revel in the beauty of Mother Nature at these picturesque venues.
Barnsley Gardens
Just 60 miles north of Atlanta in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Barnsley Gardens offers 1,400 landscaped acres, cozy cottages, world-class golf and an enchanting setting for weddings. Hold your ceremony in the romantic gardens or overlooking the lily pond by the Historic Ruins, or indoors in the Town Hall, with its heart-of-pine flooring and dramatic fireplaces. Complimentary wedding night accommodations with romantic turndown service are provided for the bride and groom. 597 Barnsley Gardens Road, Adairsville, 770-773-7480, www.barnsleyresort.com
Big Canoe
Located in the foothills of the North Georgia Appalachians just one hour north of the city, the mountain resort and community of Big Canoe offers numerous natural settings for couples. Unions may take place in Chapel in the Wild, on the sandy beach by the Canoe Lodge, on an outdoor stone patio sheltered by Chinese cherry trees overlooking Lake Sconti, or in The Chimneys building overlooking the lake, with rich woodwork and rustic fireplaces. 592 Big Canoe, Jasper, 706-268-3178, www.bigcanoe.com
Callaway Gardens
With world-renowned gardens and 2,500 acres of natural beauty less than two hours south of Atlanta, Callaway Gardens offers plenty of beautiful natural settings for your big day, from the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel, a 16th century, Gothic-style stone chapel by the lake, to the impeccably manicured, year-round gardens of the Sibley Horticultural Center. US Hwy. 18, Pine Mountain, 706-663-5179, www.callawaygardens.com
The Gardens at Great Oaks
This beautiful home in historic Roswell gives you indoor and outdoor options for ceremonies and receptions, plus the option of cocktails in the Rose Garden. 786 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, 770-693-6010, www.historicgreatoaks.com
Lake Lanier Islands
This popular summer fun zone is also the perfect place for a wedding with five venues on the property including two yachts. The wedding package includes everything from the big items to the small details. 7000 Holiday Road, Lake Lanier Islands, 1-800-840-LAKE, www.lakelanierislands.com/weddings/
 Neverland Farms
With 92 manicured acres including pastures, gardens and ponds, Neverland features an enchanting cabin for the bridal party to relax while guests gather in the Wedding Barn before a magical event under the garden arbor or in Dan’s Hall, a covered, open-air pavilion that exudes rustic elegance. 456 Neverland Trail, Cleveland, 706-865-0184, www.neverlandfarms.com
The Atrium
Don’t just get married with a view of the gardens, get married in the gardens at this neoclassical facility owned by Magic Moments, Inc., 139 Norcross-Tucker Road, Norcross, 770-840-9949, www.the-atrium.com
The Cherokee Retreat Center
The Cherokee Presbytery of Northwest Georgia’s summer camp facility, with 100 acres of forested land and two miles of Lake Allatoona shoreline, provides a great natural environment for springtime weddings in one of two outdoor chapels or the Parker Lodge. Cottage rentals are also available for the wedding party and out of town-guests. 370 Wilderness Camp Road, White, 877-647-8542, www.cherokeeretreatcenter.com
The Gardens at Kennesaw Mountain
Set on four beautifully manicured acres, The Gardens sit at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain for an elegantly rustic atmosphere. 1127 White Circle NW, Marietta, 770-396-5361, www.gardensatkennesaw.com
The Lodge at Simpsonwood
Make it a destination wedding in the heart of the city on 227 wooded acres along the Chattahoochee River. Your ceremony can take place in the charming chapel and your guests can stay in one of the 170 guest rooms. 4511 Jones Bridge Circle, Norcross, 770-409-7601, www.simpsonwood.org
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
Located along 35 acres of Lake Oconee shoreline less than two hours east of Atlanta, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge wedding can take place in a number of idyllic settings, from The Landing overlooking the lake or the Lakeside Lawn, nestled between the resort’s infinity pool and towering loblolly pines, to The Forest, a large clearing with two stacked stone fire pits, and a number of elegant ballrooms. A complimentary Special Moments Reception allows bride and groom to spend a few moments alone together with Champagne and canapés before celebrating with friends and family. One Lake Oconee Trail, Greensboro, 706-467-0600, www.ritzcarlton.com
Waters Mill
At this beautiful destination just north of Atlanta, you can choose to have your ceremony by a babbling brook or in the lush garden. Receptions are held in the well-appointed banquet room. 765 Guy Waters Road, Dahlonega, 706-867-7324, www.watersmill.com
For the Artistic Bride:
Your wedding will be a masterpiece at these stunning galleries.
Hudgens Center for the Arts
You and your guests will get access to the entire facility, including the Al Weeks Sculpture Garden, black box theatre and the grand hall, when you hold your special event at Gwinnett County’s best art center. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth, 770-623-6002, www.thehudgens.org
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
Let your wedding take center stage in the 600-seat auditorium, then move to the large lobby for the reception. 950 Forest St., Roswell, 770-594-6232, www.roswellgov.com
For the Hollywood Starlet:
Get ready to step in the spotlight of Old Hollywood
The Strand Theatre
Built in 1935, this Art Deco theatre reopened for performances in 2007 after a community-wide restoration initiative. With its grand marquee and classic movie posters, the Strand can transform your wedding day into a scene from your favorite movie. Receptions may take place in two different event rooms or on the open-air rooftop terrace overlooking downtown Marietta, but for a truly striking ceremony, bride and groom can take center stage and swap vows in the theatre’s magnificent auditorium. 117 N. Park Square, Marietta, 770-293-0080, www.earlsmithstrand.org
For the Honeyed Bon Vivant:
Wine lovers will fall in love with these mountain views ripe with budding vines.
Frogtown Cellars
Sitting atop a hill, Frogtown Cellars greets guests with a timber-frame structure with a wrap-around porch, cathedral ceilings, hand-carved Tennessee flat stone walls and Brazilian cherry floors. Ceremonies and receptions may take place in the vineyard itself, in the winery’s interior event space or on either the back or covered side deck, all of which overlook the mountains and the vines. 700 Ridge Point Drive, Dahlonega 706-865-0687, www.frogtownwine.com
Persimmon Creek Vineyards
The 110-acre estate of Persimmon Creek Vineyard, nestled in the mountains near lakes Burton and Rabun, offers bucolic beauty and a sense of harmony with nature with meandering creeks, fields of flowers and, of course, rows of grape vines. Ceremonies and receptions may take place in the vineyard from June to October; in the wildflower and poppy fields in June; or in the sunflower fields in July and August. 81 Vineyard Lane, Clayton, 706-212-7972, www.persimmoncreekwine.com
Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery
With space for large parties, gourmet cuisine and breathtaking scenery, Wolf Mountain Vineyards is a coveted space for numerous brides. From March to November, evening wedding ceremonies take place on the covered Vineyard Pavilion, where couples exchange vows under an elegant arbor against the backdrop of vine and mountain views, followed by grand receptions atop the winery. 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, 706-867-9862, www.wolfmountainvineyards.com
For the Quintessential European Lady:
A taste of the Old World offers a stunning backdrop to your big day.
Bona Allen Mansion
This 1911 Italianate mansion hosted plenty of extravagant parties in the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s for the affluent family of Bona Allen, and the tradition continues today. With twelve-foot ceilings, original carved wood paneling, stained glass windows and seven fireplaces, receptions inside the building are elegant affairs, while six acres of manicured grounds and gardens provide a place to say “I do” under hundred-year-old magnolia trees. 395 East Main Street, Buford, 770-271-7637, www.bonaallenmansion.com
Château Élan Winery & Resort
A 16-century, French-style resort, Chateau Elan offers a combination of French provincial and Southern hospitality for weddings of any size just outside the Atlanta metro area. Ceremonies and receptions can take place in a number of ballrooms in the inn, on the chateau lawn or in various areas of the winery, including the Cask Room for an intimate affair. A complimentary wedding night suite in the resort is provided to brides and grooms with 100 guests or more, and a number of rooms can be reserved at a reduced rate for out of town guests. 100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton, 800-233-9463, www.chateauelan.com
Houston Mill House
This 1920s-era house is surrounded by gardens that make it idyllic for your event. Though it is just minutes from the Emory campus, your guests will feel they are miles away in a secluded English garden. 849 Houston Mill Road, Atlanta, 404-712-6015, www.houstonmillhouse.com
Montaluce Winery & Estates
With 400 acres and plentiful green space, this Tuscan-inspired village offers endless options for outdoor weddings. Say “I do” by the lake in the middle of the main vineyard, in a park along the Etowah River or on one of many mountain top ridges. The winery’s wine production area and two covered terraces overlooking the vineyard make excellent indoor options, while European-style winemaking, authentic Italian food and Old World décor make your wedding seem like a destination affair in Tuscany. 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega, 706-867-4060, www.montaluce.com
For the Classic Debutante:
The classy sophisticate can’t resist these venues for a smashing good time.
Atlanta National Golf Club
The clubhouse was specifically designed to create an elegant atmosphere for grand receptions with more than 15,000 square feet of space for any size wedding, impeccable service, a qualified staff and exceptional cuisine. 350 Tournament Players Drive, Milton, 770-442-8801, www.atlantanationalgolfclub.com
Canongate at Windermere Golf & Country Club
Relax and let the professionals handle all the details while you enjoy your event in the Piedmont Room or on the outdoor patios and veranda. 5000 Davis Love Drive, Cumming, 678-513-1000, www.canongategolf.com
Collins Hill Golf Club
If you want to hold a smaller affair in a beautiful setting, this is the perfect place with a rolling landscape and wonderful menu. 585 Camp Perrin Road, Lawrenceville, 770-822-5400, www.collinshillgolf.com
Country Club of Roswell
Let the friendly staff at Country Club of Roswell do all the work, whether you choose to use the ballroom, garden or both for your big day. 2500 Club Springs Drive, Roswell, 770-475-7800, www.ccroswell.com
Hampton Golf Village
Great for any style and budget, the club offers indoor seating in a spacious dining room and seating for additional guests on the veranda overlooking the golf course and lake. You can also choose to have your ceremony on the range with as many guests as you like. 6310 Hampton Golf Club Drive, Cumming, 770-205-7070, www.hamptongolfvillage.net
 Hawks Ridge Golf Club
The Clubhouse at Hawks Ridge airs classic Southern charm with authentic Tuscan columns and sweeping verandas overlooking breathtaking golf course views. 1100 Hawks Club Drive, Ball Ground, 770-205-6889, www.hawksridge.com
Pinetree Country Club
The Pinetree Country Club offers four indoor spaces plus an outdoor space to custom fit your dreams. 3400 McCollum Pkwy. NW, Kennesaw, 770-422-5902, www.pinetreecc.org
Polo Golf & Country Club
Impress your guests in the beautiful ballroom at the clubhouse with large windows offering breathtaking views of the golf course. 6300 Polo Club Drive, Cumming, 770-887-7656, www.pologolfandcountryclub.com
Olde Towne Athletic Club
Choose between an outdoor gazebo for a charming ceremony and the Elegant Grand Ballroom for a majestic affair. 4950 Olde Towne Pkwy., Marietta, 770-578-9901, www.otac.net
St. Ives Country Club
As your guests drive up to the elegant clubhouse, they will be in wonderment of this magnificent facility where the inside is just as pretty as the outside. One St. Ives Country Club Drive, Johns Creek, 770-623-1239, www.stivescountryclub.org
The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farms
The Plantation Pavilion on the club grounds offers views of the range and the openness of the outdoors while being covered to make weather worries disappear. 3030 Bradshaw Club Drive, Woodstock, 770-592-2222, www.bradshawfarmgc.com
Woodmont Golf and Country Club
This club not only boasts beautiful golf course views, but a stunning clubhouse and places to hold your event indoors or out, giving you flexibility for your special day. 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton, 770-345-9260, www.woodmontgolfclub.com
For the Chic Urbanite:
The city girl will fall in love with these Atlanta hotspots.
The Mansion on Peachtree
What could be more elegant than a beautiful mansion in the middle of a beautiful city? Your guest will be blown away at this luxury boutique hotel. 3376 Peachtree Road NE., Atlanta, 404-995-7500, www.rwmansiononpeachtree.com
The Ritz-Carlton
Celebrate your big day at either of the Ritz-Carlton’s luxurious Atlanta locations for an elegant affair featuring luxury at it’s finest. Buckhead and Downtown Atlanta, 800-241-3333, www.ritzcarlton.com
For the Victorian Romantic:
Weddings at these settings are as pretty as a love sonnet by Elizabeth and Robert Browning.
The 173 Carlyle House
Built in the 1900s, this charming house has been renovated to keep its original character with leisurely porches and a new terrace perfect for any size reception or ceremony. 173 South Peachtree St., Norcross, 770-662-5800, www.173carlylehouse.com
The Marlow House
The staff at this lovely home, circa 1887, will help you at every step with vendor recommendations and a team to help your wedding day dreams come true. 192 Church St., Marietta, 770-426-1887, www.marlowhouse.com
The Stanley House Inn
This Victorian home serves as a bed and breakfast as well as an event venue complete with Southern hospitality, 236 Church St., Marietta, 770-426-1881, www.thestanleyhouse.com
For the Traditional Valentine:
These popular venues are perfect for a wedding celebration to remember.
1420 Room
With an elegant ballroom featuring Corinthian columns, crystal chandeliers and state-of-the-art technology, plus a separate bar for cocktail hour and a luxurious bridal lounge for the lady of the day, this premier event space is well-equipped to host your wedding or rehearsal dinner. 1420 Dunwoody Village Pkwy., Atlanta, 770-587-9117, www.1420room.com
Barrett Hall
This elegantly decorated home airs Southern charm and, even though they are already equipped with an in-house caterer, you can bring your own alcohol. 2543 Bells Ferry Road, Marietta, 770-420-6490, www.barretthall.org
Duluth Festival Center
At this unique event facility, you can start from scratch to create your dream wedding. With outdoor space large enough to accommodate 10,000, the options are endless for tents and tables by the fountain overlooking the town green. 3142 Hill St., Duluth, 770-497-5291, www.duluthfestivalcenter.net
Gwinnett Historic Courthouse
For a really unique event, think outside of the chapel and consider the beautifully appointed courthouse in the heart of downtown Lawrenceville where you can choose a specific location like the gazebo or an exclusive package that gives you and your guests access to the entire grounds. 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville, 770-822-5450, www.gwinnettcounty.com
The Metropolitan Club
The options are endless with ample space to create the atmosphere you desire, plus an attentive staff for your event, which will be the only one on property that day. 5895 Windward Pkwy., Alpharetta, 678-527-2000, www.themetropolitanclub.net
The Pavillion
For 25 years, the staff at The Pavilion has been making wedding dreams come true with beautiful facilities and top-notch service that is ideal for formal weddings. 736 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, 770-578-1110, www.pavillioncatering.com
Winfield Hall
This facility was completed in 2001 and has a variety of indoor options to choose from for ceremonies and receptions. 3890 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, 770-495-8099, www.winfieldhall.net
For the Beach Babe
Planning a destination affair? Consider these sun-soaked locales for your wedding or honeymoon.
Emerald Grande
Ascend a grand staircase and exchange vows on a stunning deck overlooking the Destin Harbor and Gulf of Mexico in Florida. The Grand also offers well-appointed banquet rooms for receptions and an exceptional culinary staff to cater to your every whim. 4100 Legendary Drive, Destin, Fla., 800-676-0091, www.emeraldgrande.com
 Henderson Park Inn
This New England-style bed and breakfast overlooking the white-sand beaches and emerald ocean in Destin is the perfect place for romance. Wedding ceremonies may take place on the beach, on the beachside lawn or in a secluded “secret” garden before the celebration moves to the ocean-view Verandah Deck or the intimate Beach Walk restaurant for the reception. 2700 Scenic Hwy. 98, Destin, Fla., 866-398-4432, www.hendersonparkinn.com
The King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort
Your wedding will be the ultimate low country affair at this historic luxury resort. Exchange vows on the expansive ocean front lawn on the Georgia coast, or in one of four elegant, indoor venues before a magnificent celebration with sophisticated Southern culinary creations.201 Arnold Road, St. Simons Island, Ga., 877-662-5598, www.kingandprince.com
What’s more, plenty additional picturesque locations for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, honeymoons and travel options for your guests about along Georgia’s coast in Brunswick and the Golden Isles. For more information, visit www.comecoastawhile.com.
Sandestin Hilton
Choose from a number of packages like “Sugar Sand Dreams” and “Emerald Waters” to create the wedding of your dreams with everything you need for the Big Day, plus spa treatments for the bride and groom, and the option for special touches like tiki torches to make your reception a beach bash to remember. 4000 Sandestin Blvd., South Destin, Fla., 850-267-9612, www.sandestinbeachhilton.com
St. George Island’s Resort Vacation Properties
The options for a memorable event are endless on this natural barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast near Apalachicola. Say “I Do” on an unspoiled beach, in a picturesque pavilion, or at a private rental home for an intimate wedding. 140 W. First St., St. George Island, Fla., 866-534-3785, www.resortvacationproperties.com
Sterling Resorts
If you’re planning a destination wedding or honeymoon along the Gulf Coast, eliminate the stress of where to stay with Sterling Resorts. With a range of accommodations from resorts to hotels to cozy cottages in destinations like Destin, South Walton, Gulf Shores and Pensacola, there are plenty of options for the perfect beach-front wedding, or perhaps a romantic haven to hole up in with your spouse after the big day. Various Gulf Coast Destinations, 866-573-7678, www.sterlingresorts.com
Watercolor Inn & Resort
Located on a sugar-white stretch of beach surrounded by Mother Nature in all her glory, Watercolor offers numerous beachfront and natural venues for you wedding and reception. Enjoy your ceremony right on the beach or in Cerulean Park, then raise a toast to your new lives together over an island-themed dinner or a Low Country Boil. 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., 850-231-7711, www.watercolorresort.com
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