With its combination of Southern charm, storied history, endearing sass, and diverse population, it’s no surprise that Atlanta is home to an impressive array of unique wedding venues. A curious mix of massive fossils, delicate gardens, dreamy sea creatures, and astonishing architecture are sprinkled throughout the most distinctive event spaces in the city, allowing couples to host weddings that are sure to live forever in the minds and hearts of all who have the honor of attending. To help you find just the right spot for your big day, here are five of the most unique wedding venues in Atlanta!
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Childhood dreams are realized at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, where dino lovers can solidify their union beneath the world’s largest dinosaurs in the Great Hall. This aptly named hall leaves an unforgettable impression with its dramatic lighting, 86-feet-high glass ceiling, spiraling staircase, and of course, its permanent residents. Another unique event space in this expansive museum is The Star Gallery, which features a fiber optic ceiling illuminated with the constellations. This star-filled gallery is the ideal place for an ethereal, intimate celebration. In regards to food and drink, the museum offers beverage packages, and provides a list of approved caterers.
Total Cost: $5,500 – $6,000 for the Great Hall, and $2,500 – $3,000 for The Star Gallery
Capacity: 400 – 600 in the Great Hall, 100 – 125 in The Star Gallery
Bonus: Couples can give their wedding a truly unique sparkle by organizing a screening of one of the 3D films the museum offers before their reception. Films typically range from 40-45 minutes.
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The Woodruff Arts Center
With over 34,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and filled with awe-inspiring collections of American, European, African, Decorative and Modern arts, this venue is sure to make for culturally rich, one-of-a-kind nuptials. Beyond the wonder of the masterpieces filling the museum is the majesty of the structure itself, which was designed by renowned architects like Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. Event spaces include the luminous Robinson Atrium, elegant Grand Lobby, two-story Galleria with art deco details, the modern Center Space, the sophisticated Symphony Hall, home to the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and many other memorable spaces. Providing a one-stop shop for your wedding needs, including exceptional catering and professional event services, décor, linens, floral selection and entertainment, this stunning arts center will infuse endless creativity and ease into your celebration of love.
Total Cost: $5,000 and up for event space rental, and $55/per person and up for food
Capacity: 40 – 400
Bonus: Experience the museum in an exceptional manner by utilizing the private tours that can be arranged for wedding parties.
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Georgia Aquarium
Imagine making the ultimate commitment of love in front of a vibrant community of sharks, fish and other graceful sea creatures dancing in their water world. The Georgia Aquarium offers just that in their 23,000 square-foot Oceans Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. Beyond the otherworldly ambiance of the aquarium is the food, crafted by Wolfgang Puck Catering (maybe you’ve heard of him). Culinary options range from gourmet barbecue to three-course meals, with menu items like spicy tuna tartare in a sesame miso cone, pumpkin agnolotti with brown butter and sage, grilled filet mignon and so much more. The expert chefs work closely with couples to ensure this high-quality nosh meets their preferences.
Total Cost: $1,800 to $4,400, not including food and drink
Capacity: 1,200
Bonus: The good vibes of your big day will be enhanced by the fact that your funds are supporting this non-profit aquarium’s mission to inspire awareness and preservation of the ocean and the creatures that call it home.
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Agnes Scott College
Couples looking for a traditional wedding with a twist will find their happy place at Agnes Scott College, which hosts weddings in the strikingly beautiful, gothic-like Julia Thompson Smith Chapel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Receptions here are just as spectacular, as they’re housed in the light-filled, elegant Letitia Pate Evans Hall that features plantation-grown Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, soaring ceilings and magical hanging light fixtures. Those hoping for an outdoor ceremony can utilize the charming Alumnae Garden. Simplifying your wedding planning experience is the ample services the college provides, including a bridal suite, tables, chairs, setup, cleanup, china, linens, flatware, glassware, event planning and an in-house caterer.
Total Cost: $2,500 to $4,000
Capacity: 140
Bonus: The event staff is incredibly hands-on and so intuitive they seem to know your wants before you’ve even shared them. If planning your wedding has felt like a solitary endeavor, this incredible team will make you feel deeply supported.
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Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Few venues are as unique as those crafted by Mother Nature, as flora and fauna are always in a state of flux and composed of millions of organic masterpieces. The lush tapestry of nature-made venue options the Atlanta Botanical Garden provides allows you to select an environment that suits your specific vision. Whether you’re dreaming of a fairy tale celebration in the Rose Garden, a serene ceremony in the Japanese Garden, or an intimate wedding in Storza Woods, this 30-acre wonderland has you covered. In total, these gardens offer ten outdoor wedding sites, filled with roses, orchids, woodlands, tropical plants and more, making it a must for nature lovers.
Typical Cost: $400 – $6,500
Capacity: 70-500
Bonus: From Mid-November to the beginning of January your nuptials can include the Garden Lights Holiday Nights show.
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