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Writer's picturePheather

Best Wedding Venues in Northeast Georgia

Northeast Georgia has an overwhelmingly large amount of wedding venues, but we've narrowed it down to the best of the best. These were chosen based on their photogenic aspects, logistical considerations, and photogenic qualities across the seasons. These are listed in no particular order.


The Ruins at Kellum Valley

bride and groom at the Ruins at Kellum Valley moody gothic wedding venue

Description: In 1922, Mrs. Elizabeth Carnegie Kellum (niece of Andrew Carnegie) and her husband purchased 1,000 acres of land in the Cleveland, GA area. Shortly after moving onto the land, Mr. and Mrs. Kellum built a dormitory and schoolhouse for underprivileged children. Unfortunately, in 1928, the school and dormitory burned down, leaving a lasting beautiful arrangement of stone foundation and chimney architecture from that era. When you drive onto the address you'll see a white house, which is the owner's home containing the bridal suite. The white tent for the rain plan is behind the house and the groom's suite is in an adjacent barn across from that.

Photographer Insight: There are endless options for photo spots on the property from the large oaks, open fields, mountain peaks, thoughtfully manicured botanicals, and of course the stone ruins. There are multiple ceremony location options, but our favorite over the years has been the large oak (make sure you rent wooden pews for an extra special touch). Be sure to include extra time in your timeline for your newlywed photos because there's way too many good spots here.

Location: 705 Kellum Valley Road, Cleveland, GA 30528

Guest Capacity: up to 350

Space: 3000 sq. ft. stone ruins, oak tree, white tent, bride/groom suite, poolside cocktail hour, etc.

Price: Couples generally spend $18,000

*Note: This venue only hosts a limited number of weddings per year, so get your date reserved quickly!


New Holland Parlor

Bride is picked up by groomsmen on victorian couch at the New Holland Parlor in Gainesville, GA

Description: Built in 1921 as a recreation facility containing a men's parlor, a bowling alley, men's/women's locker rooms on either side of the indoor basement pool. The construction of this recreation center was meant to be community space for the families working at the Millikan Mill across the street. Today, the New Holland Parlor hosts three separate spaces for your wedding and reception. Each space is extremely unique and ascetically takes you back in time to that early 20th century era. It also boasts a large bridal suite and groom's room. The former indoor pool has been filled in and has a blue epoxy floor that makes you feel like you're dancing on water.

Photographer Insight: This property is a hidden gem! There are so many photo options with perfect window light and backdrops of actual history. You never have to worry if you'll end up with an ugly ceremony site if it rains, because with all indoor options, the weather has no impact. It's logistically easy to navigate as well with photo spots tucked away from arriving guests if the timeline is running over and you have to finish photos up until the ceremony. We also love how New Holland already has beautiful furniture that comes with your rental, which makes staging photos even better.

Location: 100 Myrtle Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501

Guest Capacity: 120

Space: Parlor Room, Locker Room, Pool Room, bridal/groom suite, etc.

Price: Wedding packages start at $4,500


Neverland Farms

Bride and groom kiss on a dock at Neverland Farms in Cleveland, GA

Description: Neverland Farms is a 120 acre private estate nestled in the elevated landscape of the southwestern region of the Appalachian Mountains. Long gravel roads lead you through the dense woodlands covering most of the acreage. On your drive to the venue, this natural beauty opens up to a relaxed resort type feel that you'd find in Costa Rica. Although “farms” is in its name, and there are rustic touches on the property, we'd describe this as a botanical, whimsical wedding spot without livestock surrounding you and your guests. The main buildings are in close proximity to the outdoor ceremony site, and the open-air reception building is similar to an elevated resort setting in the Caribbean.They also boast an exceptionally friendly staff with full service on-site catering and event planning.

Photographer Insight: If your dream is to effortlessly get married barefoot in the woods, this is your spot. We love Neverland not only because of the gorgeous plant life and manicured lived-in feel, but because of the family feel that the staff exudes. Once you're in the Neverland family, you're in for life. When you choose from their preferred vendors, it's really like a family is hosting your wedding. From a photo standpoint, our favorite spot is definitely the floating dock. The serenity and quiet at the dock creates an intimate moment for you and your new spouse before the party begins.

Location: 456 Neverland Trail, Cleveland, GA 30528

Guest Capacity: Minimum of 100 guests required on Saturday, but less than 100 are allowed on Sunday

Space: the Grand Wedding Barn, Bridal Cabin, Dan's Hall, outdoor ceremony site, etc.

Price: Wedding day prices start at $10,000

*Note: Neverland ONLY hosts two weddings per week, on Saturday or Sunday.


Willow Creek Farm

Wedding ceremony with guests seated off stone path and intricate twisted wood arbor at Willow Creek Farms in Cleveland, GA

Description: Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Willow Creek Farms is a wedding & event venue with sweeping views of mountains, lush pastures full of sheep & newborn lambs, two gorgeous creeks, an open air pavilion, and a 4,000 sq.ft. vintage barn.

Photographer Insight: This has one of our favorite outdoor ceremony locations with the permanent, natural branch arbor which can be left as is, or decorated with florals. Barns aren't our vibe, but this barn is really suited for dressing up in moody overtones. If you're lucky, a soft fog rolls in over the sheep pasture and with the billowing willows, you'll truly have photos that make a statement and can't be recreated.

Location: 6825 US Hwy 129 North, Cleveland, GA 30528

Guest Capacity: Indoor 170, Outdoor up to 250

Space: Creek side ceremony reception, Barn, open-air pavilion, field/willows, bridal suite, sheep farm cottage, etc.

Price: Wedding day prices start at $6,000


The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Bride and groom clasp hands in front of beautifully carved ornate wood and etched glass at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia Day Chapel in Athens, GA

Description: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is home to a stunning range of plant collections, floral displays and trails. We love plants so naturally, we love shooting at the SBGG. When you leave the parking area, you'll very quickly spot the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum and massive tropical conservatory perfect for all your indoor photos. Outside, you'll find an abundance of varied garden spaces while walking along the nature trails.

Photographer Insight: It's hard to find a non-photogenic area of the State Botanical Gardens. We also love that compared to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, SBGG is typically less busy. We love shooting in the rose garden, the tropical conservatory, and the Day Chapel. It doesn't matter to us what season you get married in at the SBGG, there will always be beautiful and interesting nooks and crannies.

Location: 2450 S. Milledge Avenue Athens, GA 30605

Guest Capacity: up to 300

Space: Indoor: Day Chapel, Great Room, Gardenside Room, the Terrace Room, etc.

Price: Wedding prices start at $2,000


Unicoi State Park

Bride and groom stand beside lake at Unicoi State Park in Helen, GA

Description: Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, Unicoi State Park and Lodge welcomes you and your wedding guests for a truly unique wedding experience.  The lodge features 100 guest rooms and 30 cabins. Unicoi State Park and Lodge is surrounded by 1,050 acres of state park property and is adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest. There are eight indoor/outdoor locations, including the famed "kissing bridge" filmed on the movie set of "Smokey & the Bandit."

Photographer Insight: The area around the Kissing Bridge gives off serious Twilight vibes and Heather loves it. Moss covered trees, trickling streams, and the old wooden bridge all provide amazing interest for photos. All of this is extremely close to the parking lot, which is good if you don't super enjoy hiking (like Heather).

Location: 1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545

Guest Capacity: up to 300

Space: Masters Hall, fireside room, the beach house and stone terrace, the dogwood room, tiered knoll landing, Smith creek field, Serenity meadow, Smith creek overlook, Amphitheater, etc.

Price: Contact for custom price. Required to book a minimum number of rooms for two nights.


Toccoa Falls

bride at Toccoa Falls waterfall wedding fall

Description: Toccoa Falls waterfall is an impressive 186 foot free-falling rush of water located on the western side of the Toccoa Falls College campus. To access the falls, you'll enter through the Falls gift shop, walk about 300 feet up a rock path to the basin of the Toccoa Falls waterfall.

Photographer Insight: Of all the waterfalls in Georgia, in our opinion, none compare to the simple yet intense beauty of Toccoa Falls. It photographs well in any season and if you're extremely lucky and you choose a winter wedding and the waterfalls freezes, you'll have photos that all your friends will be envious of. Not only is the waterfall itself insanely epic, but the large boulders at the base are an amazing neutral, yet textural backdrop as well.

Location: 107 Kincaid Drive, Toccoa Falls, GA 30598

Guest Capacity: up to 200

Space: Toccoa Falls, Gate Cottage

Price: Prices start at $500.00

*Note: Required to book your ceremony between 4:30pm to dusk. Your ceremony must be officiated by a Christian minister.

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