Today on the blog we’ll be discussing one of Miah Luke Co.’s favorite Atlanta wedding venues: Cator Woolford Gardens! We love this venue for so many reasons, most of which we’ll get into later on in the blog. If you’re planning an Atlanta wedding, keep reading to learn all about the venue's history, its spaces and capacities, and all of the frequently asked questions we get.
Venue History
Cator Woolford Gardens has such a rich history behind it! The venue is one of the very few functioning estates (sitting on 39 acres of Old Growth Forest) from the 1920s that still stands in Atlanta today. It was originally the home of Cator Woolford, whom we now know as the principal founder of the credit bureau Equifax. Today, the estate serves as one of our favorite Atlanta wedding venues! The Italian-style gardens are perfect for any couple wanting a romantic outdoor wedding. The classic beauty and Southern Charm are certainly the cherries on top!
Another thing we love about Cator Woolford Gardens is their generosity and support of local charities. Along with the wedding venue, the estate also houses the Frazer Center, a nonprofit that fosters community for people of all abilities and disabilities. When you host your wedding at the Gardens, all of the proceeds go towards supporting the Frazer Center!
Spaces & Capacity
There are two main spaces at Cator Woolford - The Garden and The Atrium. Below, you’ll find details of each venue!
The Garden
The Garden is where most of the ceremonies take place on the property. The area is split up into 6 different locations where you can host your ceremony, take your wedding photos, or even have an outdoor reception. Those locations are:
The Main Garden: This area is where most couples choose to have their ceremony, as it’s home to the sweeping ceremony lawn. You’re surrounded by beautiful greenery and lush landscaping that’s original to the estate!
The Meadow: If you’re thinking of a more unique-style ceremony, The Meadow would be right up your alley. With its circular shape, we can set up your ceremony in a stylish, non-traditional way. If that’s not what you’re looking for, The Meadow is a great place to host pre-ceremony cocktails for your guests!
The Colonnade: This is one of the most popular sites for wedding photos. The pillared Colonnade blends right in with the natural elements of the Gardens and the Italian-style architecture you see throughout.
The Courtyard: The stone courtyard is at the foot of a beautiful grand, outdoor staircase, partially secluded from the other areas of the grounds. This site is suited for an intimate seated dinner with your closest friends and family.
The Pavillion: Another popular location for wedding photos, the Pavillion is an original white marble archway with twinkling string lights to create a romantic atmosphere. Your photos will surely be striking when taken in the evening here at the Pavillion!
The Events Tent: For couples who would prefer an outdoor reception instead of hosting it inside The Atrium. The white tent comes with an ornate chandelier that will provide a romantic ambiance to your evening reception.
The East Lawn: This space is available for your guests to roam throughout your Atlanta wedding, or it can be used as an alternate uncovered reception dinner setting on clear days/evenings.
The Hollow: Last, but not least, we have The Hollow! This rustic, woodsy location can be utilized for fun lawn games for your guests or for your outdoor cocktail hour for up to 75 people.
The Atrium
In case of inclement weather, we can always move the party inside to The Atrium. This indoor space is filled with natural light and its neutral decor can be transformed to seamlessly fit your wedding theme and color scheme. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide beautiful views of the manicured gardens so that you’re still taking advantage of the beautiful scenery!
Venue Rates
Garden Wedding Ceremony & Atrium Reception
March through November - Up to 180 guests
Monday - Thursday: $3,800 // 6-hour rental and 3-hour event
Friday: $6,000 // 7-hour rental and 4-hour event
Saturday: $8,100 // 9-hour rental and 6-hour event
Sunday: $6,500 // 8-hour rental and 5-hour event
December through February - Up to 180 guests
Monday - Thursday: $3,500 // 6-hour rental and 3-hour event
Friday: $5,200 // 7-hour rental and 4-hour event
Saturday: $6,500 // 9-hour rental and 6-hour event
Sunday: $5,700 // 8-hour rental and 5-hour event
Additional time: $500/hour
Includes:
Table & chairs
Venue manager
Crew
Security
Golf Carts
Garden Wedding Ceremony Only
March through November - Up to 200 guests
Monday - Thursday: $2,000 // 3-hour rental and 1-hour event
Friday & Sunday: $2,500 // 3-hour rental and 1-hour event
Saturday: Unavailable
Includes:
Ceremony chairs
Venue manager
Crew
Atrium Wedding Reception Only
All-year - January through December - Up to 150 guests
Monday - Thursday: $3,800 // 6-hour rental and 3-hour event
Friday: $5,000 // 7-hour rental and 4-hour event
Saturday: $6,000 // 7-hour rental and 4-hour event
Sunday: $5,000 // 7-hour rental and 4-hour event
Elopement Ceremony & Intimate Reception in the Garden
March through November - Up to 30 guests
Monday - Thursday: $5,200 // 5-hour rental and 3-hour event
Friday: $3,500 // 5-hour rental and 3-hour event
Saturday: Unavailable
Sunday: $4,000 // 6-hour rental and 4-hour event
Includes:
Table and chairs
Venue manager
Can serve food and alcohol
Elopement Ceremony in the Garden
March through November - Up to 30 guests
Monday - Thursday: $1,000 // 3-hour rental and 1-hour event
Friday: $1,500 // 3-hour rental and 1-hour event
Saturday & Sunday: Unavailable
Includes:
Table & chairs
Venue manager
FAQ
Can you host your rehearsal dinner at Cator Woolford Gardens?
Yes, you can host your rehearsal dinner here! Each wedding package comes with a complementary rehearsal in the days leading up to your event. If you’d like to host your rehearsal dinner at Cator Woolford Gardens, you can contact them directly for a pricing quote. You can also book the Gardens for an additional day if you’d like more time!
Is there a getting-ready space?
Yes, couples can get ready inside the Pavillion and in the conference room of the Frazer Center near The Atrium. There is also a designated bridal suite at the Gardens!
What is the weather contingency plan?
In case of inclement weather, you can either utilize the Events Tent in the Gardens or move your event indoors to The Atrium. Either way, you’ll be covered!
What is the parking situation?
There is free parking for around 90 cars at Cator Woolford Gardens in the Frazer Center parking lot.
Is there additional transportation around the property?
Yes! Since Cator Woolford Gardens is so expansive, the venue provides golf carts for the guests to get from space to space during the wedding.
Can we hire our own vendors?
You are more than welcome to hire your own Atlanta wedding vendors at Cator Woolford Gardens! Their only policy is that you must work with one of their preferred caterers, which will be no problem for us to organize.
Why Miah Luke Co. Loves Cator WoolfordGardens
There are so many reasons why we here at Miah Luke Co. love this Atlanta wedding venue! One of those reasons being its central location. When you host your wedding at Cator Woolford Gardens, your guests will have plenty of nearby accommodation options to choose from. How convenient is that?
Aesthetics-wise, this venue does not disappoint either. Between the picturesque windows and the iconic stairs in the Gardens, there are overall just so many opportunities for amazing photos. We’re sure that your photographer will love exploring all of the locations for you two to have your first look or take your wedding portraits! Not to mention, the Garden is beautiful all year round. It doesn’t matter what time of year you get married, you can be confident that this venue will impress both you and your guests with its scenery.
Ready to get married at this beautiful Atlanta wedding venue?
We would love to get in touch with you and help plan the Atlanta wedding of your dreams. To inquire with our team, you can visit the contact form and we’ll be in touch shortly! In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Atlanta, GA for even more helpful information.
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