Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church is one of the most beautiful sanctuaries we have photographed in the Atlanta area. The soaring wood ceiling, the symmetry of the aisle and altar, and the craftsmanship throughout make every wide photo look like a painting, and it is clear the parish takes wonderful care of this space.
If you are planning a wedding at Our Lady of the Assumption in Brookhaven, here is what to know about the church, the ceremony and planning your wedding photos.
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About Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church
Our Lady of the Assumption is a Catholic parish on Hearst Drive in Brookhaven, just north of Buckhead. The parish was founded in 1951, and the current church was dedicated in 2005. Inside, you will find a rose window, a baldacchino (a canopy over the altar) with arcades on each side, and oak pews and furnishings that give the sanctuary its warm, rich tone.
The parish hosts weddings in the main church and in its chapel, and it welcomes both parishioners and couples from outside the parish. Couples meet with a priest or deacon at least six months before the wedding, so reach out to the parish early to check dates and current guidelines.
A Sanctuary That Photographs Beautifully
What stands out most about Our Lady of the Assumption is how good the whole room looks in photos. The aisle, the altar and the wood beams overhead line up with lovely symmetry, so wide photos from the back of the church show off the full architecture of the sanctuary. Not every church allows for that, and it makes for some of the most striking ceremony photos we take.
The church’s new pipe organ is a stunning backdrop behind the altar. Dedicated in 2025 and built by A. E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Company, it is the first pipe organ in the church’s history, and the parish is rightfully proud of it. Its red oak case was designed to match the pews, and it adds depth and grandeur to every photo taken toward the altar.
Ceremony Guidelines for Photographers
Every church has its own guidelines for photographers, and they can change over time. In our experience, Our Lady of the Assumption has been generous about where photographers can stand during the ceremony, which made it possible to capture both the full sanctuary and close moments at the altar. We always follow the church’s current rules, and we never use flash during a ceremony.
Like many churches, the parish asks vendors to complete its paperwork ahead of time and to finish photos inside the church by a set time after the ceremony, so the space can be prepared for what comes next. Planning family photos at the altar right after the recessional keeps everything on schedule.
A Catholic Wedding Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption
A full Catholic wedding Mass usually runs about 50 to 60 minutes. From the processional to the exchange of vows and rings to the liturgy of the Eucharist, each part of the Mass unfolds beautifully in this space, and the light from the windows and the warm wood tones give the photos a timeless feel. If you are comparing Catholic churches, see our guide to Immaculate Heart of Mary near Emory.
Because the sanctuary is so photogenic from every angle, we like to mix wide photos that show the whole church with closer photos of your expressions and the small moments that happen during the Mass.
In December, the altar is often decorated for Advent and Christmas with greenery and seasonal flowers. If you are planning a winter wedding, our Christmas wedding ideas include more tips for a December celebration.
Family and Wedding Party Portraits at the Altar
The altar steps give large groups plenty of room, and the organ and carved wood behind them make every family photo feel grand. After the recessional, we photograph family and wedding party portraits at the altar while everyone is still together.
Sharing a short family photo list with us before the wedding keeps these portraits moving, so you can get to your reception sooner.
Couple Portraits Inside and Outside the Church
Once the church clears, the center aisle and altar steps are perfect for a few quiet portraits of the two of you. The side altars, the arched doorways and the stained glass windows all make beautiful backdrops too.
The arched entry doors frame portraits beautifully, with soft daylight coming in from outside. Out front, the church’s facade and cross make a classic final portrait before you head to your reception.
Planning Your Wedding Day Timeline
Most couples hold their reception at another venue, so build in travel time between the church and your reception, along with a few minutes for portraits outside the church before you leave. If your wedding is in late fall or winter, keep the early sunset in mind for any outdoor portraits. Our timeline planning guide can help.
FAQ: Our Lady of the Assumption Weddings
Where Is Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church?
The church is on Hearst Drive NE in Brookhaven, Georgia, just north of Buckhead in the Atlanta area.
Can Non-Parishioners Get Married at Our Lady of the Assumption?
Yes. The parish welcomes couples from outside the parish. Check the parish’s marriage page and wedding guide for current requirements and scheduling.
What Are the Requirements for a Catholic Wedding?
The Church asks couples to marry freely, and to commit to a faithful, lifelong marriage that is open to children. At Our Lady of the Assumption, couples meet with a priest or deacon at least six months before the wedding to begin marriage preparation and paperwork.
How Long Is a Catholic Wedding Mass?
A full wedding Mass usually lasts about 50 to 60 minutes. A ceremony without a Mass is shorter, often around 30 minutes.
Do You Kiss the Bride in a Catholic Wedding?
A kiss is not part of the Catholic rite itself, but many priests invite the couple to share one after the vows or at the end of the ceremony. Ask your priest what to expect, so we know exactly when to be ready.
Can You Take Pictures During a Catholic Wedding?
Yes, within the church’s guidelines. We never use flash during a ceremony, and we follow each church’s rules about where photographers may stand, using lenses that capture close moments from a respectful distance.
Venue Link
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church: olachurch.org
Photographing Your Wedding at Our Lady of the Assumption
Our Lady of the Assumption is a joy to photograph, from the first step down the aisle to the last portrait at the church doors. If you are planning a wedding here, we would love to be part of it. Contact us to check your date, or explore more wedding chapels and churches in Atlanta.
