The Wimbish House is one of the most elegant historic venues in Midtown Atlanta. Its chateau-inspired architecture, the staircase inside the house and rooms full of old-world character photograph beautifully from the first getting-ready moments to the send-off at the end of the night. We have photographed weddings here over the years, and it remains one of our favorite historic homes in the city.
If you are planning a wedding at the Wimbish House, here is what to know about the venue, our favorite photo spots and how to plan a timeline that gives you time to enjoy it all.
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About the Wimbish House
The Wimbish House sits at 1150 Peachtree Street NE in Midtown Atlanta. Architect Walter T. Downing designed the home for Susie Wimbish, who was inspired by the chateau-style homes she saw in France, and it was completed in 1906. The Atlanta Woman’s Club purchased the house in 1920 and has cared for it ever since, and the complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today the Wimbish House hosts weddings and events, with the historic home, a banquet hall and an auditorium on the property. Its spot on Peachtree Street puts your guests close to Midtown hotels and restaurants, and it gives your wedding photos a sense of history that newer venues simply cannot recreate.
Getting Ready Upstairs
The house has getting-ready suites upstairs for both of you, plus an upstairs parlor that works beautifully for a private moment before the day gets busy, like a first look with a parent. Having both suites in the same building means we can move between them quickly and catch the candid moments on each side.
We like to start with the details while hair and makeup finish: rings, invitations, florals, shoes and the dress. Gathering everything in one spot before we arrive gives us more time for the candid moments that make getting-ready photos feel like you.
Portraits on the Staircase and Out Front
The staircase inside the house is one of our favorite spots at the Wimbish House. It frames a couple beautifully, and it is especially stunning for a bride with a long train or cathedral veil. Out front, the facade of the house and the Peachtree Street entrance make a classic backdrop for a first look and couple portraits.
If you are planning a first look, we recommend setting aside at least an hour for the first look, couple portraits and wedding party photos before the ceremony. That keeps family photos after the ceremony short, so you can join your guests sooner.
The Ceremony and Family Portraits
With the ceremony and reception both on site, your guests never have to travel between locations, and the indoor spaces mean your plans are not at the mercy of the weather. That makes the Wimbish House a wonderful choice in any season, including winter.
Right after the ceremony, we photograph family portraits at the front of the ceremony space while everyone is still gathered. Sharing a short family photo list with us ahead of time keeps these moving, so you can get to cocktail hour. We never use flash during a ceremony.
The Reception
During cocktail hour, we photograph the reception room before guests come in, so your decor, florals and table settings are captured just as you planned them. Then come the grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting and the open dance floor, all the way through your send-off.
Evening receptions inside a historic home call for thoughtful lighting. We bring our own lighting and know how to shape it so everyone looks their best on the dance floor. You can see more of how we approach evening coverage in our guide to wedding photography at night.
The venue team is wonderful to work with. They coordinate closely with every vendor before the wedding, sharing a final timeline and floor plan, which makes for a smooth and well-organized celebration.
Timeline Tips for a Wimbish House Wedding
Light shapes your timeline more than anything else. The official sunset time assumes a flat, open horizon. In the city, the sun slips behind the buildings and trees earlier, often 20 to 45 minutes before the listed time, so we plan to finish outdoor portraits about 30 minutes before the official sunset. In winter, that can mean planning your portraits in the early afternoon.
A first look before the ceremony is the easiest way to get your portraits done in good light. Our timeline planning guide walks through sample schedules, and our post on how long you need a wedding photographer can help you choose the right amount of coverage.
FAQ: Wimbish House Weddings
Where Is the Wimbish House?
The Wimbish House is at 1150 Peachtree Street NE in Midtown Atlanta.
What Is the History of the Wimbish House?
The house was completed in 1906 for Susie Wimbish and designed by architect Walter T. Downing in a chateau-inspired style. The Atlanta Woman’s Club bought it in 1920, and the complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Is the Wimbish House Home to the Atlanta Woman’s Club?
Yes. The Atlanta Woman’s Club has owned and cared for the Wimbish House since 1920.
Where Are the Best Photo Spots at the Wimbish House?
Our favorites are the staircase inside the house, the front of the house for first looks and couple portraits, the upstairs suites and parlor for getting ready, and the reception room once it is set and lit for the evening.
Venue Link
The Wimbish House: thewimbishhouse.com
Photographing Your Wedding at the Wimbish House
The Wimbish House brings together history, elegance and an easy Midtown location. If you are planning a wedding here, we would love to hear about it. Contact us to check your date, or explore more historic homes like Rhodes Hall and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in our guide to Atlanta wedding venues we have photographed.
