How Much Does a Wedding Venue in Georgia Cost?

After the proposal, choosing your venue is the next big step toward your “Happily Ever After”. But how do you know how much a wedding venue costs? There are so many factors and so many venues to compare. It can be overwhelming. 

Unfortunately, there’s not a straightforward answer because each venue varies in its amenities and level of service. Keep reading though. 

As a North Georgia wedding venue who’s hosted hundreds of weddings, we’ve listened to our couples and learned what is most important to their special day. We’re going to show you what questions to ask so you can get the answers you need.

There are a lot of moving parts to a wedding and there are foundational pieces that every wedding will need. Beyond the foundational list below, there may be other ideas you have for personalizing your day. Make a list and ask each venue if your ideas are doable at their location. If so, be sure to ask if there is an additional fee involved.

We’ve noted some general price guidelines based on venues in north Georgia.

 

1. One wedding per day

The hidden cost to you will be that you’ll need to get ready off site, have little time for set up and your guests may be waiting for the previous wedding to leave the parking lot. This is a big day for you and your family. Don’t short change yourself.

 

2. Base venue price

Whether you have a small or generous budget, both an a-la-carte or an all-inclusive venue can work as long as you know the costs going in. Since each venue will include a different list of amenities, be sure to get an itemized list of what is included in the venue fee.

Get a clear picture of your true cost by asking, “Are there any hidden fees? Are there any minimums?” and always ask, “What is not included?”

• An Al-a-carte venue often includes only tables, chairs and an allotted time when the venue may be accessed. This means your venue cost may be a lower portion of your overall wedding budget, but then you’ll either be paying the venue for multiple upcharges or finding your own vendors who will work your wedding. This type of venue can work well if you’re willing and have the time to spend planning your own wedding or if you’re able to hire a full service wedding planner.
• An all-inclusive wedding venue ought to be more budget friendly, allowing for you to spend any savings on specialty items you’ve been eyeing on Pinterest. This type of venue will be more than just tables and chairs. While each all-inclusive wedding venue will vary, you’ll find that bundling vendors like catering, DJ and a wedding planner into a package can be a great money saver.

 

3. Early arrival to the bridal suite.

A beautiful, naturally lit space to gather with girlfriends for hair and makeup is the best start to your wedding day. Some Georgia wedding venues will only include a two (2) hour early arrival. To get ready on site, you’ll need to arrive by 10:00 AM.  If  this is not included, you’ll be renting a house or getting ready in a hotel room. Having the early arrival included is much better since it’s so nice to be on site, relaxed and able to capture getting ready photos. Also, be sure the bridal suite has a private bathroom, is attached to the venue and open all night. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself standing in line in the hall bathroom in your wedding dress. Not ideal.

 

4. Groom's Room

He needs his own space for getting ready and we mean “space” not a closet or corner of the venue. Be sure you’ve thought of him and his experience. Hopefully, your venue of choice includes a great space where he can relax with his friends. If not included, some venues will require that you rent a house to accommodate him and that can get costly.

 

5. Set up and Clean up

Someone will need to set up the tables, chairs, decor, linens and then do the clean up at the end of the night. This is a really big task that some venues leave to your family. Ask around to friends who’ve done it before and see how it went for them. Typically, you’ll hear that it’s far better to choose a Georgia wedding venue that does this for you. Your family deserves to enjoy the day with you and the workload for a wedding is often much more than expected.

 

6. Photography and Location Options

One of the most important things about a venue is that it is beautiful on its own, before you spend any additional money to dress it up. Look at the landscaping and the furnishings. These will be the backdrop for your wedding photos. Is there ample natural light? If a lot of decor, florals and rentals are needed to beautify the space then those are expenses you’ll need to consider.

 

7. Chandeliers an Draping

Not all venues include these so be sure you’ve decided what you will want and what the cost will be.

 

8. On-Site Ceremony

Is there a ceremony fee to be married on site? Sometimes wedding venues don’t include the actual ceremony location and it’s a separate fee.

 

9. Rain Plan

Is there an acceptable ceremony rain plan? Is there a fee for a room flip? Is tent rental required? The idea of rain keeps many brides awake at night! Knowing that your venue has a beautiful rain plan will ease your mind. Also, you’ll want to ask when you will have to make the final decision about the weather. Some venues will require the decision days prior and others are willing to wait until the wedding morning. Since weather is so volatile, the more time you have to decide, the better.

 

10. Bar service. (BYOB or an alcohol purchase minimum)

Is there a BYOB option? If not, what are the bar minimums and extra fees associated with the bar? What is the cost per bartender? Alcohol costs can skyrocket quickly so it’s important to consider these costs prior to booking your venue. Choosing a venue that allows you to bring in your own alcohol is a huge savings and allows you to select what you prefer and a price you choose.

 

11. Outdoor Seating

During cocktail hour, your guests will need lounge seating and high top tables. If the venue doesn’t provide these, then add rental fees into your budget. Often rental companies have minimums which could be several thousand dollars.

 

12. Reception Chairs

This is an often overlooked expense. Sometimes “tables and chairs included” refers to a lower grade chair and not the pretty ones you see in photos. For most brides, the look of the reception room is important to their overall vision so be sure to ask for specifics on the tables and chairs that will be used on your wedding day. If you’re unhappy with what’s included, then budget in chair rental plus delivery, set up and pick up.

 

13. Table Decor

Wedding decor can be expensive to purchase and who really needs to take home twelve (12) lanterns? Rental is a better option, but that can also get expensive. If your chosen venue includes decor options, be sure to question them further. Are the items included or will they charge you per item? Will they handle all the set up and clean up for you or is your family going to be responsible for managing that on your wedding day?

 

14. Wedding Planner

Hiring a planner is a game changer and we highly recommend this. It’s even better if the venue includes her services since she’ll be very familiar with the venue and able to give excellent suggestions and guidance. A planner is going to streamline your day, include planning forms for you and communication between vendors. She will provide the support you’ll need so that you can enjoy your day worry free. 

Listen carefully to the venue’s description of the planner’s services. Some venues will have a person on site, but she’s not actively involved in helping you on wedding day. For your day to be stress free, you will need several meetings along the way and a professional managing the details on wedding day.

 

15. DJ Package

There’s more to a great DJ than pressing play. He will be your emcee for the evening and needs to be experienced so that he can handle any unexpected situations. Be sure that the cost for each aspect of the night is included: ceremony, social hour, dinner, dancing and up lighting.

 

16. Catering

Sometimes catering is priced based on the menu itself without including everything you’re going to need. Look closely to be sure that all of these items are listed in your pricing: staffing, appetizers, salad, 2 entrees, 2 sides, bread, real china plates, real silverware, glassware, tea, water, cake cutting, table linens, napkins, busing of tables and clean up. So many details go into creating a beautiful wedding and the caterer plays a huge role in the success of your day. Before booking your venue, get a clear understanding of your catering options by viewing sample menus and confirming that the items you’ll need are included.

 

Conclusion

To find out how much a wedding venue costs, you’ll need to tour armed with the right questions. A venue only venue will allow for more flexibility in hiring outside vendors but could be stressful and lead to going over your budget. A truly inclusive Georgia wedding venue will utilize pre-approved vendors, be less stressful and more affordable than hiring vendors a la carte. 

The important takeaway is: Don’t assume what a venue includes. Ask.

Carefully read through venue websites even before visiting. Then ask pointed questions during the tour. The right venue will be one that fits your vision and your budget. Once that’s established, any extra room in your budget can be allocated to fun extras rather than paying for the basics.