Hey friend! If you're reading this I can only assume that you're newly engaged and just starting the wedding planning process so first of all, congrats!! I'm Sydney, a destination wedding and elopement photographer but I've been based in Georgia for the past 5 years! I have gotten to work at so many amazing venues and I wanted to share some of my favorite ones here with you!

In my opinion, these venues are some of the most unique venues I've gotten to work at while also having super accommodating staff and are organized behind the scenes to give you an amazing wedding day experience! Let's get into it!!

Sanctuary Estate (& their sister venue The Whitlock Inn)

Sanctuary Estate Georgia Wedding Venue | Sydney Shepherd Photo

One of the most organized and luxe experiences I've ever had as a photographer was second shooting for my girl Maggie from Stepping Stones Photography at Sanctuary Estate. Alex, the venue owner/coordinator was amazing and made the whole day such a breeze. This gorgeous venue in Cleveland, Georgia has everything you would need to have the most elegant estate wedding day. The estate house itself has a gorgeous front lawn where outdoor ceremonies take place. It also has two sitting rooms where you can get some really cool editorial shots, and the main room has a stunning staircase that makes a beautiful spot for photos. The bridal suite is huge and has tons of space for everyone to get ready, we love that. Not to mention, the reception spot is beautiful as well and the horse field overlooking the house is what dreams are made of. They also have a sister venue called The Whitlock Inn that is just as breathtaking!

Glover Park Brewery

 

Glover Park Brewery Georgia Wedding Venue | Sydney Shepherd Photo

I've worked at Glover Park Brewery three times now and have so many good things to say about this venue! Even though the venue is also a functional brewery they do an excellent job at separating the regular crowd from the wedding festivities. If you looking for a super unique venue experience this one is definitely it! The two story building has the bar/brewing equipment downstairs and the entire upstairs is a gorgeous venue. The one room ceremony space flips during cocktail hour to be the reception area as well and it's one of my favorites as far as the dance floor goes! I love the way that the dance floor is still super close to the table seating area but still has plenty of room for all of your guests to have a good time. Glover park is also right off of marietta square so we can make our way to the square for photos too!! Love love love the laid back vibes!

Love to Dream Estate

 

Love To Dream Estate Georgia Wedding Venue | Sydney Shepherd Photo

This up and coming venue in Buford, Georgia is such a showstopper! The venue has the option to rent out for wedding weekends and there is no shortage of room for your guests to hang out! I actually shot a close friend's wedding here so I had the opportunity to stay the whole wedding weekend and get the full experience. Cardale and Stacey really put a lot of effort and hard work into running their venue along with their catering & planning company. All around the venue is industrial warehouses so you don't have to worry about your party being too loud at night. If you are wanting a super all-inclusive wedding venue, this one is a really great option!

The Georgia Club

 

The Georgia Club Georgia Wedding Venue | Sydney Shepherd Photo

My Athens, Georgia golf resort dreams! Everyone at this venue is amazing to work with and Terri, the venue's coordinator is an organization queen. Weddings here are always such a fun time. The ballroom is huge and has tons of room for all of your family and friends. The village hall is a beautiful option for indoor weddings and they have the cutest little courtyard for outdoor weddings. If you're going for upscale country club vibes, this venue is perfect!

The Venue at twin oaks

 

The Venue at Twin Oaks Georgia Wedding Venue | Sydney Shepherd Photo

Big Twin Oaks fans around here! If you're looking for the best venue amenities then this venue is IT! They have the cutest bridal cottage and the best groom's suite. If you know anything about groom's suites then you know that they're not always roomy and usually pretty dark but this one really takes the cake! The ceremony chapel is the cutest thing ever and I love the garden party vibes that the outdoor reception area gives off. The photo spots are seriously endless here with beautiful green fields, a greenhouse, the chapel, and a silo! I think it's so fun to have the option to do an outdoor reception here since georgia weather is usually pretty mild in the fall and it makes for some really cute photos!

Want me to shoot your wedding at one of these gorgeous venues??