Continuing our series of Venue Visits, this month we visited the stunning and historical Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Situated in the center of metro Atlanta, this venue offers the convenience of location while having the ambience of a cozy estate far beyond the hustle and bustle of the city.
Acting as more than just a venue, Callanwolde functions as a nonprofit community arts center providing the Atlanta community with accessible arts education. Serving over 12,000 people each year, your rental payment to this venue will be going to support their nonprofit missions!
Don’t forget to check out our Instagram where we shared a video tour!
Before I begin, I want to start off with the disclaimer that this highly sought after venue is practically completely booked up for Saturdays in 2025. Have no fears though, they still have Fridays and Sundays available for wedding rentals! On top of that, any dates that are 6 months or less out are offered at promotional rates. They recommend booking upwards of 1.5 to 2 years in advance if you want to rent on a Saturday.
To start off the tour, we began in the gorgeous Great Hall, the primary indoor ceremony option for weddings. Able to accommodate up to 150 guests, this ceremony location is the perfect spot for a grand entrance. The wide staircase makes for the perfect ceremony backdrop or entrance before walking down the aisle.
Grand staircase found in the Great Hall. Photo by Laura Watson Photography.
Intricate ceiling design found at the top of the staircase. Photo by Ashlyn Cathey Photography.
Wedding altar directly across from the staircase. Photo by Ashlyn Cathey Photography.
Moving into the primary indoor reception option, we made our way to the Indoor Courtyard. While no ceiling installations are allowed in this venue, the eye-catching chandeliers and drapery cascading from the ceiling leave nothing to be desired. The newly installed flooring makes it to where a dance floor installation isn’t even necessary! This room is able to comfortably seat up to 160 guests while leaving space for the dance floor and a DJ/band. If you have a larger guest count, the Winter Living Room can be added to accommodate more.
Photo of the Indoor Courtyard by Laura Watson Photography.
Photo by Sarah Folsom Photography.
The Indoor Courtyard used as a wedding ceremony. Photo by Ashley White Photography.
Other rooms included on the bottom floor of the estate include the Dining Room, Library, Music Room, Billiard Room, and the Winter Living Room (only included in full rentals when fee is paid). For wedding rentals, the Music Room is typically used for gifts while the Library is often used as the bar and cocktail area. Their pianos are available to rent.
The Winter Living Room. Photo by Laura Watson Photography.
There are two rooms upstairs that are great getting ready spaces, where you’ll be surrounded by art as these rooms also function as art galleries. Each room also has a restroom attached with original features from when the estate was built in 1920! Tables, chairs, mirrors, and clothing racks are included in your rental.
Moving outdoors, we visited the Front Terrace, the Formal Garden, and the Hydrangea Garden. If you have a smaller guest count, the Front Terrace is a gorgeous ceremony option for Spring and Fall weddings. Found at the front of the estate, you’ll have the gorgeous architecture as your backdrop.
The Front Terrace used as a wedding ceremony. Photo by Glorianna Chan Photography.
The Formal Garden and Hydrangea Garden are two more ceremony options perfect for those looking to enjoy the outdoors on their big day. The Hydrangea Garden can accommodate up to 200 guests, while the Formal Garden can seat close to 50 guests comfortably.
The Hydrangea Garden. Photo by Hellen Oliveira Photography.
Rental packages for this venue include Full Day and Hourly. The Full Day rental is from 1pm-11pm and is only offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The Hourly package is a minimum rental of 5 hours at $750/hour and is only offered on Fridays and Sundays for weddings. Expect to spend between $8,000 and $11,000 when renting this venue for your wedding.
For more information on this stunning, historic venue, visit their website at www.callanwolde.org. If you’re looking for decor, floral, or catering services, we’d love to be a part of your trusted vendor team. Get in touch with us through our Contact Form here. Let’s get planning!