Did you know that Atlanta came in fourth as the ultimate place to get married?
Atlanta's top ranking for wedding spots should surprise no one, as the city combines Southern charm with a hip, modern vibe. It also has a diverse selection of wedding venues to choose from and a mild climate that makes it an ideal location for weddings year-round.
Whether you want a destination wedding or are from the area, there are a lot of things you need to know to have a beautiful Atlanta wedding. Below is a guide with everything you need to know about hosting a dream wedding in Atlanta.
1. Determine the Type of Wedding You Want
Atlanta is a cultural hub, thus you'll find occasions from all types of communities. Several different types of weddings can be held in Atlanta. These include:
Traditional Wedding: It usually takes place in a religious venue such as a church or synagogue, followed by a reception at a separate location
Outdoor Wedding: From parks to gardens and farms, Atlanta is ideal for outdoor weddings
Urban Wedding: These weddings usually take place in a downtown venue such as a rooftop space, gallery, or loft
Historic Wedding: You can hold your wedding at historic buildings with vintage elements
Destination Wedding: If you want to get away, a destination wedding location in Atlanta can be perfect
Cultural Wedding: You can choose to incorporate your cultural traditions into their wedding day, whether it be with ceremony rituals or food
No matter what type of wedding you choose, the city of Atlanta offers quality options to create a beautiful and memorable day.
2. Figure Out the Right Whether for Your Atlanta Wedding
When planning a wedding in Atlanta, consider the weather conditions. The area experiences mild winters with occasional snow and hot, humid summers. There are also a lot of rainy days throughout the year.
With an average temperature of 51 degrees, January is the coldest month in Atlanta. July is the hottest month, with an average of 87 degrees. For weddings set in the summer or winter, opt for indoor locations with an HVAC unit to ensure the comfort of your guests.
If you want an outdoor wedding, the extreme cold and heat can pose difficulties. For a successful outdoor event, consider setting your wedding date in spring or fall. However, you may experience occasional major storms in August and September.
3. Consider the Various Atlanta Venues
Atlanta is home to the best wedding venues. There's something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular types of wedding venues in the area:
Ballrooms
The city offers stunning ballrooms in the country that feature high ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and plenty of dancing space.
Parks
If you're looking for a more natural setting, parks in Atlanta offer beautiful green space for your wedding. They come with stunning views of the skyline and plenty of space for an outdoor reception.
Barns
For a rustic and charming wedding venue, there are several barns in Atlanta to hold a perfect country-style wedding.
Botanical Gardens
With its lush greenery and colors, Atlanta's botanical gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for any wedding.
No matter what your style or budget is, Atlanta has a wedding venue to fit your preferences for the special day.
4. Find Accommodations
When it comes to planning a successful wedding, finding suitable accommodations for you and your guests is also important.
If you and your guests live in Atlanta, you can stay at home and save money. But if you’re having a destination wedding, take the time to find quality accommodations for your guests. You can choose to book a hotel.
However, vacation rentals may be a good option for a more relaxed, home-like atmosphere.
5. Research on Catering
Food is an important aspect of any celebration. One of the many perks of planning an Atlanta wedding is the city’s diverse culinary scene. This means you have a wealth of catering options for your wedding.
Whether you're looking for traditional Southern fare or a varied meal plan, you're sure to find a caterer that suits your tastes.
Before you get in touch with caterers, have a rough idea of how much you want to spend on catering. Determine what you expect to pay per person for a full-service wedding catering package. This includes:
Hors d'oeuvres
Main course
Sides
Dessert
Alcoholic beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages
Remember to also cater to any dietary restrictions your guests may have, such as vegan and gluten-free options.
6. Obtain an Atlanta Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Atlanta, you and your partner need to be 18 years old or older. You can fill out an application form online. But, you will need to visit a government office to complete the process.
When you go to your appointment, carry two forms of identification. The cost of a marriage license is $56. However, you can get a $40 discount if you complete a premarital course.
Once you have your marriage license, you can have your wedding whenever you want. This is because Atlanta doesn’t have a waiting period or expiration date.
7. Choose Your Vendors
Building a vendor team is a crucial part of wedding planning in Atlanta. They can help you make your vision a reality. Here are people that should be on your wedding vendor list:
Wedding planner
Photographer
Florist
Hair and makeup pros
Cake baker
Videographer
Jeweler
Owner of dress salons and tux shops
DJ or Band
Make sure you schedule consultations with potential vendors to discuss your vision and budget. Also, check availability. Additionally, review each vendor's contract carefully before signing.
8. Plan for Traffic
When planning a wedding in Atlanta, consider traffic. Choose a venue that’s accessible to make it easier for guests to get there on time and without stress. You can also provide transportation for your guests.
If possible, schedule your wedding during off-peak traffic times to avoid the worst of the congestion
9. Set a Budget
Weddings can be costly affairs. Atlanta weddings can cost about $26,000 on average. To avoid frustration, you and your partner discuss your finances and set a budget. Make sure you create a budget you can afford and stick to.
As you set your budget, put aside an allowance for unexpected costs. You can also create an Excel spreadsheet to track your expenditures.
Find a Stylish Venue for Your Atlanta Wedding
Planning an Atlanta wedding can be stressful, but with the right venue, you can ease some of your worries. At The West Venue, we offer a spacious, glamorous facility to make your big day memorable and special.
Take a virtual tour of our wedding spaces in Atlanta.