Franklin Dean
Will and Rachel Highsmith's wedding at the Atlanta History Center was a magical and unforgettable experience. The historic venue, with its enchanting gardens and majestic architecture, set the perfect tone for their special day. The couple exchanged vows in the presence of their loved ones, who were captivated by the beauty and charm of the Atlanta History Center, making it a wedding to remember. With its stunning backdrop, seamless planning, and attentive staff, the Highsmiths' wedding was truly a dream come true, leaving the couple and their guests with memories to cherish forever.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Venue | Atlanta History Center |
| Venue Address | 130 West Paces Ferry |
| Venue Coordinator | Steven |
| Venue Rating | #1 wedding venue in Georgia |
| Venue Features | Gardens, a grand ballroom, outdoor terraces, a museum with rotating exhibitions, ample free parking |
| Venue Spaces | Allen Atrium, Grand Overlook Ballroom, Cox Room, Draper Room, Swan Gardens, Atlanta History Museum, Column Side, Fountain Side, Boxwood Garden, Brazilian cherry-wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, Quarry Garden, Visual Vault, McElreath Hall, Sky-lit atrium |
| Catering | Provided through partnered catering companies, averaging $120 to $200 per guest |
| Beverage Service | Provided by the History Center, $65 per person for a 4-hour premium full bar |
| Rental Fee | $12,500 to $13,500 for Swan Gardens, Atlanta History Museum, and Grand Overlook Ballroom on Saturdays |
| Rental Fee (cont.) | $10,000 for Fridays and Sundays, with a $2,500 beverage minimum |
| Estimated Cost per Guest | $400 to $1,000 after all vendors and costs are added |
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What You'll Learn
Venue and setting
The Atlanta History Center offers both indoor and outdoor venues for weddings. The historic 1928 Swan House Gardens provides a perfect setting for a fairytale wedding. The venue features three enchanting gardens—the famous cascading Fountain Side, the Boxwood Garden, and the majestic Column Side. The Swan House Gardens are only available for weddings from Friday through Sunday, and the Fountain Side is reserved for ceremonies only. The Column Side can host a ceremony, cocktail hour, or an open-air reception. The Allen Atrium is a stunning and expansive 5,000-square-foot entrance to the Atlanta History Museum. It can be used as a pre-function area or as a unique ceremony or reception space. The museum atrium, ballroom, or terraces can be used for events, along with the award-winning exhibitions and grounds.
The Grand Overlook ballroom features a barrel-vaulted ceiling, Brazilian cherry-wood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the illuminated wooded Quarry Garden. The Draper Room is another indoor venue option, featuring three art deco gold chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the quarry garden. It is ideal for an intimate wedding ceremony or an upscale rehearsal dinner.
The Atlanta History Center provides tables and folding chairs for indoor events, as well as complimentary parking. However, all outdoor furniture will need to be rented. Catering is provided through their partnered catering companies, averaging $120 to $200 per guest. Beverage services and bartenders are additional and provided by the History Center, with a 4-hour premium full bar costing about $65 per person.
The facility rental fee for the Swan Gardens, Atlanta History Museum, and Grand Overlook ballroom on a Saturday is $13,500, with an additional $5,500 beverage minimum. Fridays and Sundays are $10,000 with a $2,500 beverage minimum. Most weddings can expect to spend between $400 to $1,000 per guest after all vendors and costs are added.
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Catering and beverage service
The Center has a full property minimum on Saturdays during peak months (April, May, June, September, and October), with a facility rental fee of $13,500 for the Swan Gardens, Atlanta History Museum, and Grand Overlook ballroom, plus an additional $5,500 beverage minimum. Fridays and Sundays have a reduced facility rental fee of $10,000 and a $2,500 beverage minimum.
For those looking to save money, there are a few options. Firstly, the Center offers complimentary parking, which can save on valet or parking fees. Additionally, the nearby Swan Coach House restaurant can be a more affordable option for guests, although it may cause confusion and potential lateness if guests are directed there by rideshare apps.
The Atlanta History Center also offers a range of indoor and outdoor venues to choose from, including the Grand Overlook ballroom, the Allen Atrium, the Cox Room, and the Draper Room. The historic 1928 Swan House Gardens offer three enchanting gardens—the Fountain Side, Boxwood Garden, and Column Side—which can be used for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or open-air receptions.
Overall, the Atlanta History Center provides a versatile and memorable setting for weddings, with catering and beverage services that can be customized to fit different budgets.
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Wedding coordination
Firstly, the happy couple should be aware that the Atlanta History Center is in high demand, so bookings should be made well in advance—up to two years ahead of time. The venue provides a wedding coordinator, Steven, who has received excellent reviews for his responsiveness and helpfulness. He can provide recommendations for vendors and help with budgeting.
The Center provides tables and chairs for indoor events, as well as complimentary parking. However, all outdoor furniture will need to be rented separately. Catering is provided by one of their partner companies, with costs averaging $120 to $200 per guest. Beverage service and bartenders are additional and provided by the History Center, costing around $65 per person for a 4-hour bar service.
The rental fees vary depending on the day of the week and the specific areas of the venue used. For example, renting the Swan Gardens, Atlanta History Museum, and Grand Overlook ballroom on a Saturday has a higher fee of $13,500, plus a $5,500 beverage minimum. Fridays and Sundays are $10,000 with a lower beverage minimum of $2,500.
The couple should also be aware that hair and makeup must be done offsite, as there is no bridal suite available. A casual holding space will be provided for the wedding party to relax in before the ceremony, and separate spaces can be requested for the bridal party and groomsmen.
Overall, the Atlanta History Center offers a versatile and historic venue for Will and Rachel's wedding, with a range of indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from. With careful planning and coordination, their special day is sure to be unforgettable.
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Guest experience
The Atlanta History Center offers a range of indoor and outdoor venues for weddings, providing a unique and memorable guest experience. The historic venue, with its gardens, grand ballroom, outdoor terraces, and museum, creates a versatile and enchanting setting for celebrations.
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by the stunning visuals of the grounds, with the Swan House serving as one of the most sought-after backdrops in the city. The natural aging of the foundation, surrounding walls, and stairs of the Swan House, designed by architect Philip Shutze, adds to the allure. The nearby Swan Coach House restaurant is a convenient location for guests arriving by rideshare services.
Ample free parking is available on-site, eliminating the need for valet or additional parking fees. As guests make their way towards the wedding venue, they will be captivated by the beauty of the gardens. The historic 1928 Swan House Gardens offer three enchanting options: the famous cascading Fountain Side, the Boxwood Garden, and the majestic Column Side. Each provides a unique atmosphere and serves as a perfect setting for wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, or open-air receptions.
For the wedding ceremony and reception, the Atlanta History Center presents multiple venue options. The Grand Overlook Ballroom, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, Brazilian cherry-wood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a spectacular space with illuminated views of the wooded Quarry Garden. The Allen Atrium, a 5,000-square-foot space, can be utilised as a pre-function area for cocktails or silent auctions, providing guests with access to the museum's exhibitions and collections. The museum atrium, the Cox Room, the Draper Room, and the outdoor terraces are also available for events, allowing for a versatile experience.
Catering at the Atlanta History Center is provided by their partnered catering companies, offering a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. Beverage services and bartenders are also available on-site, ensuring a seamless dining experience for guests. With a range of indoor and outdoor spaces, ample parking, and versatile catering options, the Atlanta History Center is equipped to make every guest feel welcomed and attended to.
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Photography
The Atlanta History Center offers a variety of picturesque backdrops for wedding photography, both indoors and outdoors. The venue is known for its stunning grounds, gardens, and historic architecture, providing ample opportunities for capturing memorable photos. Here are some key considerations for photography during a wedding at the Atlanta History Center:
- Swan House Gardens: The historic 1928 Swan House Gardens offer three enchanting garden settings for wedding ceremonies: the famous cascading Fountain Side, the Boxwood Garden, and the majestic Column Side. These gardens provide a fairytale-like backdrop for wedding photos, with options for both intimate and grand shots. The Fountain Side, with its cascading water feature, offers a romantic and elegant setting, while the Column Side provides a more open and majestic backdrop.
- Allen Atrium: This 5,000-square-foot space serves as a stunning entrance to the Atlanta History Museum. With its glass-enclosed Visual Vault, it offers a unique backdrop for wedding photos, combining modern architecture with glimpses of the museum's incredible collections. The atrium's size also allows for grand entrance photos, capturing the scale and elegance of the venue.
- Grand Overlook Ballroom: The ballroom features a barrel-vaulted ceiling, Brazilian cherry-wood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the illuminated wooded Quarry Garden. The ballroom provides a sophisticated and elegant backdrop for wedding photos, especially with its combination of warm wood tones and natural light flooding in from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Museum and Exhibitions: The Atlanta History Center is also a museum with rotating exhibitions. Couples can take advantage of the unique backdrops that the museum offers, from historic displays to award-winning exhibitions. This adds a cultural and intellectual dimension to wedding photos, providing a contrast between the celebration and the educational context of the venue.
- Outdoor Terraces: In addition to the gardens, the Atlanta History Center offers outdoor terraces that provide elevated views of the grounds. These terraces can be used for cocktail hours or open-air receptions, offering opportunities for sunset photos, group shots with the garden backdrop, and candid moments as guests enjoy the evening breeze.
- Natural Lighting: With venues such as the Allen Atrium and Grand Overlook Ballroom featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, photographers can take advantage of abundant natural light. This soft, flattering light is ideal for wedding photography, creating bright and airy images that capture the joy and emotion of the day.
When photographing a wedding at the Atlanta History Center, it is essential to consider the variety of spaces and backdrops available. From intimate garden ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions, the venue offers a wealth of opportunities for creative and memorable wedding photography.
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Frequently asked questions
The facility rental fee for the Swan Gardens, Atlanta History Museum, and Grand Overlook ballroom on a Saturday is $12,500 to $13,500 and there is an additional $5,500 beverage minimum. Fridays and Sundays are $10,000 with a $2,500 beverage minimum. Catering can be provided for $120 to $200 per guest, and beverage service and bartenders are additional.
The indoor venue options include the Allen Atrium, Grand Overlook Ballroom, Cox Room, Draper Room, and McElreath Hall. The outdoor venue options include the Swan House Gardens, featuring the Fountain Side, Boxwood Garden, and Column Side.
The Atlanta History Center offers complimentary parking, which is rare among venues in the area. The venue also includes a museum with rotating exhibitions that wedding guests can tour. The venue is also known for its beautiful architecture and landscaping.
Reviews of the Atlanta History Center as a wedding venue are overwhelmingly positive. Couples praise the venue's beauty, convenience, and the helpfulness of the staff, particularly a coordinator named Steven. One review mentions that the venue books up fast, so interested couples should not wait too long to reserve their date.
