Atlanta History Center | Simply Charming Socials | Atlanta Wedding Planner

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Our favorites list is ever-changing, and we have a pretty extensive roster of venues and locales, but some classics remain staples in our book. The iconic Swan House, Gardens, and Grand Overlook at the Atlanta History Center offer the loveliest combination of outdoor ceremony settings, countless photo backdrops, and a grand reception space. We have designed the most incredible celebrations at this venue, with such a variety of aesthetics in mind. Whether a floral arch was the star, an intimate elopement or tiny winter wedding was the best fit, or the time we set 200 ghost chairs on the lawn for a modern juxtaposition to the historic architecture, there are endless possibilities for AHC.

We asked Steven a few questions about the historic Atlanta History Center. Here’s what he had to say:

What is your favorite historic feature on the grounds and is it original to the property? The Swan House Mansion is my favorite. I know it sounds cliché to like the Swan House but it really is a neat place. When I moved to Atlanta ten years ago, I toured the Atlanta History Center as a guest and thought to myself ‘it must be a lot of fun to work at such an amazing venue with such cool historic houses’. Little did I know that in about ten months I would apply and be hired there. The 1920’s Swan House mansion is supposedly the most photographed space in Atlanta, and it’s no wonder. You really do feel taken back to a time passed when you walk around it. Even some of the bushes are the original plantings from when the house was built.
What is in the peak of its beauty in the Spring, Summer and Fall? The unique thing about the landscape of the Swan House is that it is mostly greenscape, meaning there really are not a lot of floral blooms and it truly looks good year round. Apparently that was a popular style in the 1920’s. Of course the grass tends to be in the best condition at the beginning of wedding season in spring. My personal favorite time is late fall going into November. It can get pretty cool then, leaves are halfway to almost gone. I just feel like it’s a very refreshing look for a wedding that is so commonly held in spring and summer…and it gives the ladies an excuse to showcase their furs which are always a fun conversation piece.
Why do you think AHC remains one of Atlanta's premier wedding venues and is so sought after? Well clearly my opinion is biased but I will try to answer. I think the biggest overall answer is that we are unique. Unique in multiple ways:
The turnover of staff at the Atlanta History Center is pretty low. I have been there 9 years, our director of sales 34 years, and others across the campus have been there a long time too. We all love the Atlanta History Center, its mission, and our clients, and it shows in our work. Our style of sales may be a little different that other venues. Since we don’t make commission, we are really just looking for the best match of bride to our venue, and awesome fun caring people we want to work with. I think brides can tell, since we aren’t pushing sales, a lot of what we say is a little more genuine and real and most people really like that.
Of course we have some incredible spaces. Ceremonies in stately beautiful evergreen gardens in the middle of Buckhead. Cocktail hour in a History Museum - how cool is that! We even allow drinks into the exhibits, not many museums across the country allow that one. Our Grand Overlook ballroom has floor to ceiling windows on one whole side overlooking the gardens, tall barrel vaulted ceilings, and hardwood floors throughout so you can dance anywhere. Oh, free parking too, lots of it!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t credit our vendors. It takes a serious team to run a wedding here. It can be difficult grasping in the dark for vendors when you just don’t really know what you need or who. We have curated a top notch list of award winning caterers to select from, fantastic recommendations for décor, etc. In the end, without an experienced professional to tie it all together and say go, it’s really just an expensive dinner. We are lucky to work with Simply Charming Socials. They always do a wonderful job of coordinating everything so it’s truly a moving experience for all and a wedding for the history books.