The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a wedding venue located in Athens, Georgia. This 313-acre preserve is located three miles south of the University of Georgia campus and features themed gardens, natural trails and a tropical conservatory. With five beautiful and catering-friendly indoor and outdoor event spaces surrounded by gorgeous and fragrant garden displays, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is equipped to handle intimate to grand wedding celebrations.
Facilities and Capacity
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia contains several specialized theme gardens and collections, more than five miles of nature trails and four major facilities including a tropical conservatory. This unique and beautiful space can accommodate up to 300 wedding guests and features the beautiful Flower Garden with a covered awning, brick-paved Heritage Garden, International Garden with lush tropical flowers, and Shade and Native Flora Gardens with a pergola. Wedding ceremonies can be held in the Day Chapel, an intimate space with a rich wooden interior, carved glass entrance, outstanding acoustics and an abundance of natural light. The reception hall is downstairs and includes a dining area that extends onto a beautiful terrace overlooking a nearby ravine. Other event spaces include the following:
Services Offered
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers venue rental for weddings and other social events. The garden’s facilities are catering-friendly. Event services offered include the following:
Other Services
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is an ideal location for hosting private parties of varying sizes. In addition to wedding ceremonies and receptions, this location can accommodate all of your wedding events, such as engagement parties, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. This venue is also available for hosting corporate meetings, holiday parties, birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
History
Since its establishment at the University of Georgia in 1968, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia has served Georgia’s diverse communities. This garden was designated as the state’s botanical garden and a tranquil retreat where visitors could see and explore natural wonders. Today, these gardens attract more than 230,000 visitors each year.
Location
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is located miles from the University of Georgia and approximately 70 miles east of Atlanta. This venue is a short drive from downtown Athens. The gardens are on the Riverbend and South Milledge UGA bus route.
Recommended by 88% of couples
4 User photos
Kelli · Married on 01/19/2014
We got a great value on this venue by booking on Sunday in the winter. The flowers are beautiful all year round, and the staff is great. They have several restrictions what you can do inside and outside the gardens, however this is to be expected because it is a botanical garden. It was wonder, the place was great!!! I would recommend this to anyone who is getting married in the Athens, GA area.
Sent on 05/04/2015
Collin Shumate · Married on 05/26/2019
Beautiful chapel, wonderful ceremony & reception site
We had our ceremony in the chapel around 6pm in May, and had our reception and cocktail hour at the Conservatory (Visitor Center) which is a huge, expansive room with glass ceilings and walls and beautiful garden setting. It is an absolutely gorgeous venue for a wedding with a competent staff, a manager very good at communicating with myself and my wedding planner, and a good list of vendors that are very familiar with the venue and will make your day go smoother. (For this reason, I picked a specific catering company, tent rental, and DJ). Will never forget our special day!
Sent on 06/07/2019
The State Botanical Garden of Georgia's reply:
Savannah · Married on 08/06/2016
The Day Chapel was absolutely beautiful, as was the Garden Club room for the reception. It was so easy getting in touch with the facility coordinator and keeping in contact throughout the planning process. I was even allowed to rent the chapel an hour earlier due to having an early morning wedding. Overall great experience and beautifully-kept facilities and grounds. As a bonus, this venue does not charge exorbitant rental fees, so it is an absolute steal budget-wise.
Sent on 12/15/2016
3 Endorsements
Excellent venue to have your celebration especially for weddings! The State Botanical Garden of Georgia has multiple options including the chapel with a downstairs ballroom, an amazing outdoor private garden for ceremonies, the classical Terrace room with the outdoor patio for your bartender and hors d'oeuvres, and of course the Conservatory / The Great Room with it's exotic plants. Overall a great choice for your Athens event!
One of the best venues in Athens, GA. No matter the time of year the Botanical Gardens always delivers beautiful scenery. The craftsman style of the Day Chapel is truly amazing.
Carefree Celebrations loves the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. The venues there are perfect no matter the season. Your guests will be delighted with the beauty at the Gardens!
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