Magnolia Hall brings together the best of a city wedding and a garden wedding. You get a cozy historic hall with its original fireplace and lantern chandeliers, a lawn and courtyard for your ceremony and cocktail hour, and all of Piedmont Park right outside the door for portraits.
If you are planning a wedding at Magnolia Hall at Piedmont Park, here is what to know about the venue, our favorite photo spots and how to plan your day around the park’s light.
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About Magnolia Hall
Magnolia Hall sits inside Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta, near the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and is managed by the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Built in 1945, it was originally a blacksmith’s forge, and its original fireplace is still in place today.
The 3,200-square-foot hall has Mission-style lantern chandeliers, exposed rafters, oak paneling and polished concrete floors. According to the Conservancy, it holds up to 150 guests for buffet and station-style dinners with dancing, or up to 200 for a cocktail-style reception. Outside, a stone courtyard and a manicured lawn give you room for the ceremony and cocktail hour, and two pre-ceremony rooms give the couple a private place to get ready.
Getting Ready at the Hall
Getting ready on site keeps your day simple. We photograph details like rings, flowers and jewelry, then the moments of getting dressed, before heading out into the park for portraits. Having everyone in one place means less travel and more time for photos.
Portraits Around Piedmont Park
One of the best parts of a Magnolia Hall wedding is having the whole park as your backdrop. Lake Clara Meer, shaded paths, open lawns and greenery are all close by, and a first look before the ceremony lets us take you around the park for relaxed couple portraits and wedding party photos before guests arrive.
The lawn next to the hall makes a beautiful outdoor ceremony site, with trees and greenery framing the two of you. Right after the ceremony, we photograph family portraits on the lawn while everyone is together, then join cocktail hour on the courtyard.
We never use flash during a ceremony, and we keep out of your guests’ view so the focus stays on the two of you.
The Reception Inside the Hall
Before guests come in, we photograph the room and your decor. The exposed rafters, oak paneling and lantern chandeliers give the hall a warm, rustic-elegant feel, and the fireplace makes a lovely backdrop for your sweetheart table or cake.
Indoor evening receptions need good lighting, so we set up and test our own lighting before your grand entrance. That way your first dance, toasts, cake cutting and dance floor photos look as polished as your portraits. Learn more in our guide to wedding photography at night.
Timeline Tips for a Magnolia Hall Wedding
Piedmont Park sits right next to Midtown’s skyline, and that affects the light. The official sunset time assumes a flat, open horizon. In a city park near tall buildings, the sun slips behind the tree line or the skyline earlier, often 20 to 45 minutes before the listed time, so we plan to finish outdoor portraits about 30 minutes before the official sunset.
Plan a little extra time for portraits around the park too. Walking between spots and gathering family in a public park always takes longer than couples expect. Our timeline planning guide has sample schedules to help.
FAQ: Magnolia Hall at Piedmont Park
Where Is Magnolia Hall in Piedmont Park?
Magnolia Hall is inside Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta, near the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The Piedmont Park Conservancy, which manages the hall, is at 1320 Monroe Drive NE.
Where Do Guests Park for Magnolia Hall?
The Conservancy notes that the hall is close to the parking garage at the intersection of Monroe Drive and Worchester Drive.
How Many Guests Does Magnolia Hall Hold?
According to the Conservancy, the hall holds up to 150 guests for buffet and station-style dinners with dancing, or up to 200 for a cocktail-style reception.
What Is the History of Magnolia Hall?
The building dates to 1945 and was originally a blacksmith’s forge. Its original fireplace is still part of the hall.
Roswell Historic Hall is a charming, character-filled venue in the heart of historic Roswell. High ceilings, exposed beams, original brick walls and a grand open loft give every photo warmth and texture, and the space feels intimate and elegant at the same time.
If you are planning a wedding at Roswell Historic Hall, here is what to know about the venue, our favorite photo spots and how to plan your day.
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About Roswell Historic Hall
Roswell Historic Hall is at 972 Alpharetta Street in Roswell’s historic district. The building was once known as The Old Library, and it has been carefully preserved as an event space for weddings and celebrations.
Inside, dramatic high ceilings, exposed beams and original brick walls set a warm, vintage tone, and the open loft adds height and a beautiful vantage point over the room. The owner is closely involved in planning each event, which gives the day a personal, welcoming feel.
Pairing a Church Ceremony With a Reception at the Hall
Many couples hold their ceremony at a church and then celebrate at Roswell Historic Hall. If that is your plan, build in time for travel and for us to break down and set up our gear between locations, usually about 30 minutes. Couple portraits right after the church ceremony, while you are still dressed and fresh, are a great use of that window.
Staircase Portraits and a Private Look at the Room
The staircase at the hall is one of our favorite portrait spots, and it is especially stunning for showing off a long train or veil. We like to set aside about 15 minutes for staircase portraits as soon as you arrive.
We also love giving you a few quiet minutes to see the finished reception space before your guests come in. It is a lovely moment to take in all the planning, and it gives us beautiful photos of the room with the two of you in it before the celebration begins.
The Reception
While you take a breather, we photograph the reception room, tables and decor untouched. Then come the grand entrance, first dance, welcome, dinner, cake cutting and toasts, parent dances and the open dance floor.
The exposed beams and brick look beautiful with warm evening light, and we bring our own lighting so everyone looks their best once the sun goes down. You can see more of our approach in our guide to wedding photography at night.
Sunset Portraits and Your Send-Off
Partway through the reception, we like to step away with you for about 30 minutes of sunset portraits. The official sunset time assumes a flat, open horizon. Around trees and buildings, the sun slips out of view earlier, often 20 to 45 minutes before the listed time, so we plan to finish outdoor portraits about 30 minutes before the official sunset.
Historic Roswell has beautiful spots close by, including Old Mill Park with its covered bridge. A staged send-off before the dance floor gets going is another great option, since it lets us photograph your exit while all of your guests are still there.
Timeline Tips for a Roswell Historic Hall Wedding
A traditional timeline with no first look works well here: getting ready, the ceremony, family and wedding party portraits right after, then couple portraits on the way to the reception. If you want more relaxed portraits, a first look frees up time later in the day. Our timeline planning guide has sample schedules, and our post on how long you need a wedding photographer can help you choose your coverage.
FAQ: Roswell Historic Hall Weddings
Where Is Roswell Historic Hall?
Roswell Historic Hall is at 972 Alpharetta Street in Roswell, Georgia, in the city’s historic district.
What Is the History of Roswell Historic Hall?
The building was once known as The Old Library. It has been preserved with its high ceilings, exposed beams and original brick walls and now hosts weddings and events.
Where Are the Best Photo Spots at Roswell Historic Hall?
Our favorites are the staircase, the open loft looking over the room, the brick walls inside the hall and nearby historic Roswell for sunset portraits.
Governors Towne Club in Acworth is a polished, welcoming setting for a wedding, with a full-service clubhouse, an outdoor ceremony option and golf course views that glow at sunset. Everything from getting ready to the last dance happens on one property, which keeps the day relaxed for you and your guests.
If you are planning a wedding at Governors Towne Club, here is what to know about the club, our favorite photo spots and how to plan a timeline that makes the most of the light.
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About Governors Towne Club
Governors Towne Club is a private golf and country club at 4545 Champions Walk Drive in Acworth, northwest of Atlanta, set inside a gated community. Its 18-hole course was designed by two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange, and the clubhouse hosts weddings and private events with an in-house events team and catering.
The club staff is gracious and organized, and they were happy to walk through the property with us ahead of the wedding. A walkthrough before the day helps us plan where each part of your timeline will happen and where the light will be best.
Getting Ready at the Clubhouse
The clubhouse gives both of you a place to get ready on site. The bridal suite has a balcony that is lovely for a private first look with a parent or bridesmaids, and the men’s locker room makes a classic, fun setting for the guys to get dressed.
We like to photograph the details first while hair and makeup finish: the dress, rings, bouquet, shoes, invitations and any personal touches like a letter or a family keepsake. A quiet spot near the suite with good window light makes these photos shine.
Wedding Party Portraits Around the Club
The club’s bar areas are a fun spot for groomsmen portraits and group photos with a bit of personality. Inside, the staircase is a beautiful place for bridal portraits and bridesmaid photos, and the front of the clubhouse gives you a stately backdrop for groups of any size.
If you are planning a first look or a first touch before the ceremony, the front entrance of the clubhouse works well, and it lets us finish most wedding party portraits before guests arrive.
An Outdoor Ceremony
An outdoor ceremony at the club gives your photos open sky, greenery and room for every guest to see. We photograph the processional, vows and ring exchange from positions that stay out of your guests’ view, and we never use flash during a ceremony.
Right after the ceremony, we photograph family and wedding party portraits at the ceremony site while everyone is gathered. A family photo list shared ahead of time keeps this part moving, especially with larger families.
Sunset Portraits and the Reception
Once dinner begins, we love stepping away with you for 15 to 25 minutes of sunset portraits around the front of the clubhouse and the grounds. The course and open sky make golden hour one of the best times for couple portraits at the club, and your guests barely notice you are gone.
Inside, we photograph the reception room before guests enter, then the grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake cutting, parent dances and the open dance floor. Evening receptions call for thoughtful lighting, and we bring our own so the dance floor photos look as good as the portraits. See more in our guide to wedding photography at night.
Planning a getaway car or a special arrival? A few night portraits with it out front make a fun finale before the send-off.
Timeline Tips for a Governors Towne Club Wedding
Plan your ceremony time around sunset. For a fall wedding, a ceremony about two hours before sunset leaves time for family photos, cocktail hour and sunset portraits during dinner. If you want more portraits before the ceremony, a first look gives you that time without rushing.
Yes. Governors Towne Club is a private golf and country club in a gated community. Contact the club’s events team to ask about hosting your wedding there.
Where Is Governors Towne Club?
Governors Towne Club is at 4545 Champions Walk Drive in Acworth, Georgia, northwest of Atlanta.
Who Designed the Golf Course at Governors Towne Club?
The 18-hole course was designed by two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange.
Where Are the Best Photo Spots at Governors Towne Club?
Our favorites are the bridal suite balcony, the staircase, the bar areas for groomsmen portraits, the front of the clubhouse and the grounds at sunset.
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.
The Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University is a one-of-a-kind setting for a wedding reception. Designed by architect Michael Graves, the museum is home to the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast, and its marble facade and pyramid-shaped entrance make an unforgettable backdrop for portraits.
We have photographed a wedding reception at the Carlos Museum, and here is what to know about celebrating there, from Ackerman Hall to the best portrait spots nearby.
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About the Michael C. Carlos Museum
The Carlos Museum sits on Emory University’s main campus on South Kilgo Circle. Its collection began in 1876, and the current museum building, designed by Michael Graves, opened in 1993. For private events, the museum lists receptions, rehearsal dinners and other celebrations. If you are hoping to hold your ceremony on site, ask the museum’s events team what is possible for your date.
Receptions in Ackerman Hall
Ackerman Hall is the museum’s top-floor event space, with tall windows, chandeliers and a grand piano. It seats about 130 guests for a seated dinner or about 120 with a dance floor, and it overlooks the Emory Quadrangle.
The room has a clean, simple style, so your linens, florals and centerpieces really shape the look. Greenery, candles and soft colors feel elegant against the warm wood and natural light.
Portraits at the Pyramid Entrance
The museum’s marble facade and pyramid-shaped entrance are the signature photo spot. The clean lines and stone give portraits a polished, architectural look that you will not find anywhere else in Atlanta.
Portraits on the Stone Bridge
Just steps from the museum, a stone bridge surrounded by trees gives you a completely different feel, with soft greenery and shade. We love pairing classic portraits at the museum entrance with relaxed, playful photos on the bridge.
Grand Entrance and First Dance
With the dance floor at one end of Ackerman Hall, your grand entrance and first dance happen right in front of your guests, and the windows and chandeliers frame the moment beautifully.
Planning Tips for a Carlos Museum Wedding
Parking on campus is free after 5 pm and on weekends, and a parking deck is a short walk from the museum.
Couples can hold the ceremony at a nearby church, like Immaculate Heart of Mary, then head to the museum for portraits and the reception.
Plan your portraits before the reception begins so you can use the museum entrance and the bridge while there is still daylight.
The museum has a list of preferred caterers, so ask the events team about catering early in your planning.
FAQ: Michael C. Carlos Museum Weddings
Can You Get Married at the Carlos Museum?
The museum lists receptions, rehearsal dinners and other celebrations among its private event options. Ask the events team about ceremonies for your date.
What Event Space Does the Carlos Museum Offer for Weddings?
Ackerman Hall, the museum’s top-floor event space, hosts wedding receptions, with tall windows, chandeliers and a grand piano overlooking the Emory Quadrangle. Ask the events team about other spaces for your plans.
How Many Guests Does Ackerman Hall Hold?
About 130 guests for a seated dinner, about 120 with a dance floor, and about 200 for a standing reception.
Where Can We Take Photos at the Carlos Museum?
The pyramid entrance and marble facade, the nearby stone bridge and the greenery around the museum are all beautiful portrait spots.
Is Parking Available?
Yes. Parking on campus is free after 5 pm and on weekends, with a parking deck a short walk from the museum.
The Carlos Museum brings together art, architecture and a beautiful campus setting. If you are planning a reception here, we would love to hear about it. Contact us to check your date, or browse more Atlanta wedding venues.
First Baptist Atlanta is known to many as a large church in north Atlanta, but its grounds also hold a peaceful surprise: a pond with fountains, an open lawn and tall pines. It is a lovely setting for a small outdoor ceremony or an elopement, with the sound of the fountain in the background and plenty of greenery for portraits.
We have photographed an outdoor ceremony on the grounds, and here is what to know about planning a First Baptist Atlanta wedding and the photos you can expect.
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About First Baptist Atlanta
First Baptist Atlanta was founded downtown in 1848 and moved to its current campus on North Peachtree Road, near Dunwoody, in 1997. The church’s wedding ministry helps church members plan weddings at First Baptist Atlanta, so reach out to the church directly about availability and current guidelines.
An Outdoor Ceremony by the Fountain
The pond and fountains make a gorgeous backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. A simple floral arch on the lawn, a few chairs or a small group standing close, and the water behind you is all it takes.
The open lawn also works for an even smaller ceremony under the trees, with just the two of you, your officiant and a few loved ones.
Live Music for a Small Ceremony
A single guitarist or violinist is a beautiful way to add music to a small outdoor ceremony. Acoustic music fills an outdoor space naturally, and guests love it.
After the Ceremony
Once the ceremony wraps, we like to photograph the two of you with your officiant and any guests right away, while everyone is still gathered by the arch.
Portraits Around the Grounds
The grounds give you a variety of portrait spots in a short walk: lush plantings, tall pines, the open lawn and the fountain itself. Late afternoon sun filters through the trees beautifully, so we plan portraits for the softest light of the day.
Planning a Small Wedding or Elopement
If you love the idea of a small, meaningful ceremony, see our guides to eloping in Atlanta and micro wedding photography for planning ideas, timelines and more places to celebrate around the city. For more churches and chapels around the city, see our guide to wedding chapels in Atlanta.
FAQ: First Baptist Atlanta Weddings
Can You Get Married at First Baptist Atlanta?
Yes. The church’s wedding ministry helps church members plan weddings at First Baptist Atlanta. Contact the church for current availability and guidelines.
Where Is First Baptist Atlanta?
The church is on North Peachtree Road near Dunwoody in north Atlanta.
How Long Is a Baptist Wedding Ceremony?
Most Baptist wedding ceremonies last about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the music, readings and any special traditions you include. A small outdoor ceremony like the ones on the church grounds can be even shorter.
Can We Have an Outdoor Ceremony on the Grounds?
The grounds include a pond with fountains and an open lawn that make a beautiful setting for a small outdoor ceremony. Ask the church about using the grounds for your date.
What Is the Best Time of Day for Photos on the Grounds?
Late afternoon, when the sun is lower and filters through the trees, gives the softest light for portraits by the fountain.
Whether you are planning a small ceremony by the fountain or a larger celebration, we would love to hear about your plans. Contact us to check your date.
Hi! We're Jaimie & Kyle (+Associates) with Jaimie Dee Photography. We're Atlanta photographers based in the metro area and service clients all over the globe. Jaimie Dee Photography was established in 2008. We're primarily a wedding and portrait studio. Our images are crisp, clean & colorful and strike a balance between classic and candid styled portraits. Aside from the photography, we help you craft the perfect photo experience - from the beginning planning stages to the finished artwork hanging on your walls. When you're in front of our camera, we'll also offer you gentle guidance through a combo of stationary and movement based poses. We'll help bring out your inner diva too - even if you're shy! If you're looking for a photographer in the metro Atlanta area or beyond, we'd love to meet you!
