Dreamy locations for your Atlanta elopement
Planning an intimate elopement in Atlanta, Georgia? Countless dreamy locations offer both stunning natural backdrops and architectural gems. Whether you're searching for a secluded outdoor setting or a historic venue with character, Atlanta offers diverse elopement locations that can completely transform your special day into a truly unforgettable experience for you and your partner.
Why Choose an Atlanta Elopement?
Before diving into specific locations, let's talk about why Atlanta has become such a popular destination for couples seeking an intimate elopement. Atlanta’s ability to blend urban sophistication and natural beauty creates the perfect setting for couples who want their elopement to reflect a mix of elegance and character.
Having an Atlanta elopement gives couples:
Versatile settings from lush gardens to historic architecture
Budget-friendly alternatives to traditional venues
Close proximity to top-rated restaurants and accommodations
Best elopement locations in Atlanta
Now, here comes the fun stuff. Let's explore some of the most popular locations to elope in Atlanta:
Arabia Mountain
When considering where to elope in Atlanta, Arabia Mountain should be at the top of your list if you're searching for something truly unique. This ancient granite outcrop creates an almost otherworldly setting that will make your elopement photos look like they were taken on another planet!
Why elope at Arabia Mountain?
Arabia Mountain offers a stark, dramatic landscape unlike anything else in the Atlanta area. The massive exposed granite formations create a natural stage for your ceremony, while rare plant species burst into vibrant bloom during certain seasons, creating pools of color against the stunning gray stone.
ceremony locations for your arabia mountain elopement
For your Atlanta elopement at Arabia Mountain, consider these specific locations:
The Summit: A short hike leads to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for sunrise or sunset ceremonies.
The Reflective Pools: After rainfall, shallow depressions in the rock fill with water, making it the perfect place to get more creative with your portraits!
The Boardwalk: For easier access, the wooden boardwalk offers views of the mountain while being more accessible for guests with mobility concerns.
Explore hiking trails and great viewpoints at Arabia Mountain.
Planning Tips for your Arabia Mountain Elopement
Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially at sunrise or sunset
Secure any necessary permits through the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that can handle the rocky terrain
Consider the season where Spring offers wildflowers, and Fall provides those GORGEOUS golden hues
The Swan House
For couples wanting Atlanta elopement ideas with a touch of history and elegance, the Swan House at the Atlanta History Center provides a setting straight out of a classic romance. This 1928 mansion offers cascading fountains and manicured gardens, giving couples the perfect places to tie the knot for their Atlanta elopement.
Why elope at The Swan House?
The Swan House combines Italian and English classical architecture to create such a breathtaking Atlanta wedding venue. The iconic swan fountain and sweeping staircase have made this location a favorite for Atlanta elopement photography. You may even recognize it from "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," which is a fun fact I always love telling couples. It just adds to the allure of this grand location.
Ceremony Locations for your Swan House elopement
When deciding on ceremony locations for your elopement at Swan House, consider these specific spots:
The Grand Staircase: The outdoor staircase creates a dramatic entrance and is one of the more common ceremony spots at Swan House.
Goizueta Gardens: Meticulously maintained hedges, fountains, and stone walls give you and your partner privacy, perfect for an intimate first look moment.
The Swan Fountain: Everyone loves a good fountain, and what better way to tie getting married at Swan House than in front of The Swan Fountain?
Planning Your Swan House Elopement
Book well in advance since this is one of the most popular Atlanta elopement locations
Inquire about photography-only permits if you're planning a simple ceremony elsewhere but want Swan House portraits
Consider a weekday ceremony for more privacy and lower rates
Take advantage of indoor options in case of inclement weather
Want to elope at Swan house?
Interested in eloping at Swan House? Explore their pricing and inquire here.
toccoa falls
For couples who want their Atlanta elopement to incorporate breathtaking natural vistas, Toccoa Falls offers one of the most stunning waterfall settings in North Georgia. Located about 90 minutes from downtown Atlanta, this 186-foot waterfall gives couples the dreamiest of backdrops.
Why elope at Toccoa Falls?
Toccoa Falls features a stunning single cascade waterfall, lush surrounding forest, and a serene atmosphere that creates the most perfect intimate setting. If you're looking to have an Atlanta elopement that includes both natural beauty and tranquility, Toccoa Falls delivers just that. It's a peaceful sanctuary tucked away that gives you spectacular views and a serene ambiance, despite its close proximity to Atlanta.
Ceremony locations for your Toccoa Falls elopement
When considering eloping at Toccoa Falls, here are some options on locations that give you the best of this enchanting destination:
Base of the Falls: Exchange vows with the waterfall behind you
Viewing Platform: With easy accessibility, you can enjoy panoramic waterfall views without a challenging hike
Wooded Pathways: The surrounding forest offers several secluded spots perfect for an intimate and small ceremony
Planning Your Toccoa Falls Elopement
Obtain necessary permits and make arrangements with Toccoa Falls College well in advance
Be aware that while Summer offers the best greenery, Spring showcases beautiful wildflowers
Consider weekday ceremonies for more privacy and fewer visitors
Dekalb Historic Courthouse
For couples who want their Atlanta elopement to incorporate architecture and historic charm, the DeKalb Historic Courthouse offers one of the most distinguished venues in the metro Atlanta region. Located just minutes from downtown in Decatur Square, this beautifully preserved neoclassical landmark gives couples the perfect setting for an elopement.
Why elope at DeKalb Historic Courthouse?
DeKalb Historic Courthouse features columns, ornate interior details, and a picturesque courtyard that creates a perfect romantic setting. If you're looking to have an Atlanta elopement that includes both historic significance and elegant ambiance, DeKalb Historic Courthouse delivers just that. It's a refined sanctuary nestled in vibrant downtown Decatur that gives you opportunities for breathtaking imagery and a timeless feel, while still being conveniently located near the city.
Ceremony locations for your DeKalb Historic Courthouse elopement
When considering eloping at DeKalb Historic Courthouse, here are some options on locations that give you the best of this venue:
Grand Staircase: Marvel in the beauty of their classic marble staircase with natural light streaming through
Courtyard Garden: Have an intimate outdoor ceremony surrounded by beautiful landscaping and the courthouse as your backdrop
Interior Ballroom: The restored ballroom offers perfect historic charm and is best for a small ceremony
Planning Your DeKalb Historic Courthouse Elopement
Reserve your date through the DeKalb History Center well in advance, as dates can get booked very quickly
Be aware that while weekends provide a great lively atmosphere with Decatur Squarenearby, if you’re wanting more privacy than weekdays are better
Cator Woolford Gardens
For couples seeking a hidden gem for their Atlanta elopement, Cator Woolford Gardens offers seven acres of meticulously maintained terraced gardens tucked away in the Druid Hills neighborhood. This historic garden gives couples a sense of seclusion despite being just minutes from downtown Atlanta.
why elope at Cator Woolford Gardens?
Originally designed in the 1920s and on thirty-nine acres of old growth forest, Cator Woolford Gardens features stone walkways, fountains, and seasonal blooms, creating a romantic, timeless atmosphere for your Atlanta elopement. The Italian-inspired terraced design creates natural "rooms" perfect for intimate ceremonies.
Ceremony Locations for your cator Woolford Gardens elopement
When exploring Cator Wooldford Gardens, here are some of the best ceremony locations for your elopement:
The Main Terrace: A flat, open space with lush greenery surrounding you, which is perfect for a small ceremony
The Stone Staircase: Elegant stone steps flanked by seasonal plantings that create a natural aisle
The Woodland Path: For a more natural setting, the tree-lined paths offer dappled light and privacy.
planning your cator Woolford Gardens elopement
Pricing and booking can be done through the Frazer Center
Consider the season carefully, with Spring and Fall being the peak season
Take advantage of getting-ready spaces within the adjacent historic building
Dreamy locations for your Atlanta elopement
When planning where to elope in Atlanta, consider not just the visual appeal of the location but also the atmosphere you want to create and the experience you want to have. Many of these elopement locations we talked about today not only can host a ceremony, but many can arrange for small receptions on-site. This gives you the option to fully indulge in the experience of one of these beautiful locations, or head out into the town as a post-elopement celebration.
Most importantly, it’s not about how you choose to celebrate, but it’s who you choose to celebrate with. It’s not about the number of people that makes your wedding day special, it’s about the love and support that you surround yourself with that will make the day memorable.
