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.
Table of Contents
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.
We have photographed many weddings and portrait sessions in Piedmont Park. See our guide to Piedmont Park weddings and our Piedmont Park photography post for more ideas.
A Ceremony on the Lawn
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.
Venue Link
Magnolia Hall at Piedmont Park: piedmontpark.org
Photographing Your Wedding at Magnolia Hall
Magnolia Hall gives you a historic hall, an outdoor ceremony and one of Atlanta’s most beloved parks, all in one place. If you are planning a wedding here, we would love to hear about it. Contact us to check your date, or explore more Piedmont Park venues like Greystone, Dockside, the Piedmont Garden Tent and the Piedmont Room, plus our full list of Atlanta wedding venues we have photographed.
