Skip to main content
Weddings

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia Reviews

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Athens, GA
4.5 out of 5 rating, 38 Reviews
View more information

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 rating
4.5 out of 5 rating
38 Reviews
90% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4 out of 5 rating

Awards

38
  • S
    Sharon M. Sent on 09/13/2020
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    Absolutely gorgeous venue for a wedding & reception.

    Our wedding was being planned during the COVID19 pandemic. We weren’t sure if we would be able to plan let alone actually have our wedding during this very unpredictable time! Deirdre & her staff were so helpful, supportive, ready, willing & able to help us all they could. We were not only able to have our wedding & reception, but it turned out so beautiful! More than we ever dreamed possible! Deirdre sent a list of vendors they have approved to use the facilities & once we selected the vendors we wanted to use it all started to fall into place & before we knew it our wedding day was here!! We had such a wonderful experience, our guests were all amazed how beautiful the Day Chapel was, where the ceremony took place, to the Visitor Center where the reception took place. The Day Chapel is a very quaint but elegant venue to have a wedding ceremony, there’s absolutely gorgeous woodwork throughout the entire building from the rafters to the pews to the hand carved wood & etched glass on the doors as you enter into the chapel. The chapel made such a beautiful backdrop for not just the ceremony but for pictures as well. There was a garden area that was filled with beautiful plants, flowers & natural settings that also made for breathtaking pictures! We arrived at the reception area, we had an evening wedding & the Visitor Center was a glass enclosed area that had beautiful flowers, many types of plants, trees & various foliage that it made for a gorgeous backdrop. You could also look up & see the sky from the glass enclosed ceiling & see all the stars, it was phenomenal!! We had a great DJ, fabulous food from Dawg Gone Good BBQ, everyone danced the night away & had awesome food, great atmosphere & so much fun with family & friends! It made for a very magical night & a perfect wedding & a perfect venue!! We highly recommend The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia, located in Athens. We couldn’t have picked a better place to have had our wedding & reception. It was no doubt the best place for a wedding & a reception!!
    Tommy & Sharon

    The State Botanical Garden of Georgia's reply:

    Sharon and Tommy,
    Thank you so much for choosing the State Botanical Garden of Georgia for your wedding and reception. We had such a great time working with you and your marvelous group of friends and family. They are troopers! I hope we'll see you all soon. And, as always, if you have any questions . . . :) DP
  • Tracy
    Tracy Y. Sent on 04/16/2020
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    Dream wedding at the Conservatory

    We had our wedding ceremony and reception at the Conservatory at the State Botanical Gardens of GA. We planned our wedding from out of state and worked closely with Dierdre (venue coordinator) who was extremely responsive and often went out of her way to help us. She recommended several vendors who we loved working with, including our wedding planner, DJ, and photographer. The greenery and natural light of the conservatory were just beautiful, and we received (and are still receiving) compliments from our friends and family about the venue. We had a tented cocktail hour on the patio when the room was flipped which worked out extremely well. We highly recommend the Conservatory and the wonderful people who work there for a gorgeous wedding experience!

    The State Botanical Garden of Georgia's reply:

    Tracy,
    Thank you so much. You and Andres deserve every happiness! It was truly a joy to have worked with you on your wedding. You two and your families are wonderful. Please come see us next time you are in town.
  • Collin
    Collin S. Sent on 06/07/2019
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    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!

    The State Botanical Garden of Georgia's reply:

    Collin, we were honored to be a part of your wedding. Congratulations! Even though you all are moving, we hope to see you out here in the future. Don't forget to send pictures!
  • illustration stars

    Are you interested?

    Send a message
  • S
    Savannah Sent on 12/15/2016
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    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.
  • L
    Lindsay Sent on 06/03/2015
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    We had our winter wedding reception here. It was beautiful. The people that worked there were very helpful and accommodating. They were very professional and we would highly recommend him for any event. They were very organized. They always returned calls promptly. We would recommend this venue for any occasion.
  • starjonea
    *Jonea Sent on 01/16/2014
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    We used the Cecil B. Day Chapel for our wedding and reception. The location is beautiful and the chapel is gorgeous! It was just the right size for us - we had about 80ish guests. We reserved the space for the entire day so there was plenty of time to set everything up and decorate.
  • K
    Kara Sent on 07/09/2013
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    My husband and I got married at the Day Chapel and had our reception in the downstairs reception hall at the Chapel, as well. Shené and the team at the State Botanical Gardens were a joy to work with. Shené was always incredibly responsive to my emails and questions, and when I needed some measurements within the space, she was happy to have someone take them for me and send them via email. I can't imagine us getting married anywhere else!
  • S
    Sarah Sent on 09/15/2013
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    My husband and I were married and held our reception in the Day Chapel at the Georgia State Botanical Garden. The event coordinator was very helpful and answered all of our questions quickly and thoroughly. The chapel and setting were absolutely stunning. I could not have found a more beautiful, secluded, historic place to get married. The history of the chapel and the beauty of the gardens made for a very unique location. On the day of there was a member of staff present to help us. He was very friendly and available when we needed him but he gave us space and freedom to set up and enjoy the day without interference. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
  • D
    Mary R. Sent on 08/06/2011
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    My daughter got married in the Day Chapel and the reception was in the Terrace Room. The chapel is so beautiful we didn't need much in decorations. The staff were very helpful from the start and leading up to the wedding.
  • S
    Stephanie Sent on 08/20/2011
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    We rented out the day chapel and conservatory for our wedding and reception. It was simply beautiful. It was everything I had imagined for my wedding day venue.
  • Michelle
    Michelle Sent on 05/19/2011
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    For our wedding, we rented the Day Chapel at the State Botanical Garden in Athens, Georgia--beautiful! The entire staff was wonderful to work with and very accommodating to any of our needs before and on our wedding day. I would highly recommend this location--zero problems and everything was perfect!
  • R
    A Sent on 02/02/2011
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    The Day Chapel is a beautiful, unique venue. It speaks for itself. If you are getting married in Athens, consider it and just go see it. We had our ceremony here. Too small to hold the reception here, too. But, we couldn't have imagined getting married anywhere else.
  • G
    Amanda Sent on 10/11/2009
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    Chapel was beautiful! I'm still waiting on my refund for the deposit 6 weeks later.
  • M
    Heather Sent on 10/10/2008
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    This is a beautiful chapel and reception site. Very elegant and perfect for a small wedding party. The staff at the chapel walk you through every step along the way. They even give you reminders when deposits and payments are due. The chapel has tables and chairs so this saves you a rental fee, although I opted to rent chairs because the chapels chairs aren't very formal. You won't be disappointed with this venue. You can rent the chapel for a partial day or full day.
  • W
    Kaitlin Sent on 11/12/2014
    4.9 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    We had both our ceremony & reception in the Conservatory/Visitor Center. We could not have chosen a more beautiful ceremony for our ceremony and reception. Caterers 'flipped' the space while we had cocktail hour on the patio, so we didn't have to pay for two space rentals (excellent!). Staff were helpful prior to and during the event. Easy online payment system. Beautiful spaces for pictures. Would pick it again in a second. Highly recommend.
  • M
    Mary S. Sent on 06/23/2023
    4.8 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    Exactly what I wanted

    The Day Chaple at the Botanical Gardens is what drew me to this venue. It looks like it is out of an fairy tale. I knew I wanted a venue where events were planned to be indoors, because I couldn’t stand to plan for months just to have rain cause me to have to shift to a Plan B last minute. (It rained) the Visitors Center at the Botanical Gardens offered a perfect solution to having an indoor venue that didn’t feel stuffy.
    They were very easy to work with. It is very much a do-it-yourself venue, but I was prepared for that, and it was more than worth the price. They provide a space, a kitchen, tables and chairs… everything else (table setting linens, etc) will have to be rented or provided by the caterer.
    I highly recommend their suggested caterer, Trumps Catering— they know the venue well and we’re FANTASTIC.

    The State Botanical Garden of Georgia's reply:

    Mary Catherine, great to hear from you and Sam. I remember your wedding well and how beautiful everything was. Your gown was so perfect and the color for your bridesmaids looked like the sky. We hope you're doing well and will come see us next time you are in town!
  • C
    Claire Sent on 11/02/2011
    4.7 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    We had our ceremony at the Cecil B. Day Chapel on the grounds of the state botanical gardens in Athens. What a beautiful place! Words can not express how lovely and unique the chapel is! It took my breath away! It is perfect for smaller weddings and I think the chapel seats about 180 people. Our wedding pictures were taken in the chapel and around the gardens. It was the perfect place for some really stunning pictures! Our reception was at the Terrace Room in the Garden club building. It was beautiful and elegant! We hardly needed flowers and decorations in the chapel and the Terrace room; they were already gorgeous on their own! I worked mainly with Shene at the State Botanical Gardens; she was alway friendly and accommodating; whenever I needed to see the chapel or Terrace room to take measurements or in planning she was always very helpful. The price was right for us and I would highly recommend this venue to others!
  • M
    Melissa Sent on 04/23/2008
    4.7 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      3.5 out of 5 rating
    i loved this venue!! it was so beautiful and the staff was so helpful. some of their policies were inconvenient, and the rehearsal times were tough to work around but all in all it was a great experience!
  • Rebekah
    Rebekah G. Sent on 11/09/2023
    4.6 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      4.0 out of 5 rating

    Hitched Without a Hitch!

    We rented the Day Chapel for our wedding day. It was a small wedding in July. The Chapel was nice and cool for our guests and it was easy to set up everything ourselves. There was plenty of room for a dance floor and guests to sit and eat. The caterer's already knew the drill because the chapel has a list that they use. We also didn't have to worry about visitors to the garden interrupting our wedding.

    The State Botanical Garden of Georgia's reply:

    Rebekah,
    Loved having you and Dexter here! You had a beautiful wedding and amazing families. We hope Kansas is treating you all well but please come visit us soon!
  • Sarah
    Sarah Sent on 08/15/2019
    4.6 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      4.0 out of 5 rating

    Beautiful - the perfect wedding venue!

    I knew very early that I wanted to get married at the Botanical Gardens, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Although all of my vendors did a wonderful job, I would say I received the most compliments on the venue.

    I got married and had my reception in the large conservatory room. It is absolutely gorgeous and surrounded by so much beauty, that I didn't even need a lot of decorations. Aside from some table decor items where the guestbook was, a few signs, and centerpieces, nothing else was needed! So although this venue was a little bit on the pricier side, you will save a lot on decorations. And we all know how expensive flowers can be!

    Since it is a garden, there are a few restrictions, which is expected - but the biggest restriction was not permitting vendors to start setting up until after visitor hours were over at 4, so we had a later ceremony start time at 6 (which was the absolute soonest my vendors were able to offer to allow for set up time, guest arrivals, etc). I would say that was the biggest drawback and caused the most planning headaches for me, but luckily I had amazing vendors that were able to work with it. I would say the pros far outweighed this con, but I just wanted to make others aware!

    Aside from the beauty the Botans offer, I would say the biggest plus of getting married here, specifically at the conservatory, is being able to enjoy the outdoors while being inside. I know many brides worry about the weather on their special day and I could have cared less! It ended up not raining on our wedding day but we did get a heat wave - luckily we were able to enjoy the sunshine from the inside :)

    The State Botanical Garden of Georgia's reply:

    Sarah, Thank you for letting us be a part of your beautiful wedding. We wish you and Matt all the best and hope to see you soon and often!
  • E
    Elin Sent on 05/20/2018
    4.6 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    We had a great time in a beautiful venue. Staff was responsive and helpful!
  • E
    Elizabeth Sent on 06/20/2012
    4.6 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      3.0 out of 5 rating
    We were told that we could use sparklers off the property, but a security guard saw them and was very rude to our wedding planner and said we couldn't use them after all. We didn't find out until the groom and I were walking into the reception, which was a huge bummer! Other than that, it was an incredibly beautiful venue and turned out to be perfect for us!!
  • S
    Thomas Sent on 01/09/2012
    4.6 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      3.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    The venue is beautiful and the facilities are great, but it is a bit on the pricey side if they are only being used for the ceremony.
  • User2598962 Sent on 05/06/2016
    4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      3.5 out of 5 rating
    the day chapel is beautiful and the terrace room was a great space for the reception! they always responded quickly to email.
  • JoAnna
    Joanna Sent on 07/18/2012
    4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      2.5 out of 5 rating
    Our ceremony and reception were both held in the Cecil B. Day Chapel at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens, and it was absolutely PERFECT! Originally, we did not plan to have a large wedding or even a paid venue, but this was our "dream/never-gonna-happen" venue, and our parents made it happen. We have absolutely NO regrets and would recommend this venue to anyone and everyone looking for a beautiful, indoor/outdoor, simple yet elegant location! There are a few things to be aware of before considering this venue, (1) you are required to use a licensed caterer from their list of approved caterers, (2) if you have a band or DJ, you must rent the dance floor, (3) rehearsal times are pre-scheduled according to the day/time of the wedding, and are not convenient for most people, and (4) champagne/champagne punch or white wine are the only types of alcohol allowed on the premises!!! With that said, the rental manager and staff are EXTREMELY helpful, professional, and responsive, and typically responded to our emails within an hour or so! Hope this info helps other brides considering this venue!
illustration stars

Are you interested?

Send a message
Responds within 24 hours