Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming task, but with the right guidance, your special day can be truly unforgettable. We’ve put together this guide to help you plan your dream wedding in charming LaGrange, Georgia.
Nestled in the rolling Georgia landscape, LaGrange offers a picturesque backdrop for couples seeking a unique and memorable wedding experience. With its historic charm, scenic beauty, and a range of exceptional venues and vendors, LaGrange has all the ingredients for a perfect wedding celebration.
Venues
LaGrange offers a wide selection of wedding venues, catering to various styles and preferences. Wedding professionals suggest the following when selecting the perfect venue for your special day:
- Consider your budget, guest count, and preferred wedding style.
- Visit potential venues in person to assess their ambiance, amenities, and overall suitability.
- Inquire about additional services offered, such as on-site catering or wedding coordination.
From historic mansions to rustic barns and outdoor gardens, couples have an array of options to choose from. The following are some of the most lauded venues found in LaGrange:
Del’avant Event Center
Perhaps the most well-known wedding venue in town, boasting a prime location steps from Lafayette Square, Del’avant Event Center provides a venue dripping with class and formality. Once the esteemed Kress and McLellan five-and-dime store, Del’avant now stands as an emblem of timeless elegance in the heart of LaGrange. Its rich heritage seamlessly blends with the contemporary amenities from the incredible restoration the building underwent in 2011, offering an impeccable setting for a distinguished wedding celebration. With features such as green rooms, a fully-equipped catering kitchen, and a sound system, this venue ensures thought is put into every detail.
Blending history with modern touches, Del’avant offers three unique spaces (including the only rooftop venue in town) that can accommodate 300 to 450 guests. Flexible space rental ensures that the venue can be easily tailored to meet the needs of your wedding. Check out the dedicated page on their website with detailed information on planning a wedding with their team.
Truitt Vanderbilt Club
From the elegant Grand Hall to the beautiful outdoor spaces that adorn the property, there are no bounds to the creative ways to host a wedding at the Truitt Vanderbilt Club. A historic home built in 1914, the Truitt Vanderbilt Club is located in the heart of town and has an upscale sophistication that will be memorable for you and your guests. Truitt Vanderbilt Club boasts an impressive space for hosting weddings both indoors (100 – 150 guests) and outdoors (300+ guests). There are also several bedroom suites available for rent on site if you are hosting guests from out of town.
Nutwood Winery
A mix of southern hospitality and natural beauty, Nutwood Winery is the perfect mix of class and rustic charm with 200-year-old pecan trees and 25 years of experience in hosting special events. The beautiful white barn is the perfect backdrop for a more relaxed feel, while remaining elegant and dripping in southern charm. Not to mention- you will have the ability to choose from wines made on the property, a special touch to make your night one to remember.
Hills & Dales Estate
A stroll among the boxwoods of Hills & Dales Estate feels like an afternoon in a European garden, bringing an extra boost of romantic elegance to this storied venue. With a 25-acre meticulously-kept garden and the historic Callaway family home on the property, the timeless sight-lines of the estate provide the perfect background for an unforgettable wedding. Truly magnificent in every season, Hills & Dales will make your guests stop in their tracks.
Oakfuskee Conservation Center
Opened in 2023, Oakfuskee Conservation Center is part natural sanctuary and part comprehensive event center. Offering panoramic views of West Point Lake in the popular Pyne Road Park, this conservation center is the premiere venue on the lake with unparalleled views and spectacular facilities. The center allows clients to choose their own vendors and is managed by an exceptional team who provides impeccable service and warm hospitality to all guests. The views alone make this venue a one-of-a-kind option.
A Church Wedding
If you are looking for a more traditional ceremony, there are beautiful historic churches on the Square. Be sure to check their policies, some require you or a family member to be members at the church in order to have your wedding ceremony there.
- First Baptist Church
- First Presbyterian Church
- First United Methodist Church
- Broad Street Church of Christ
- Fannin Street Baptist Church
- Warren Temple Methodist Church
To ensure convenience for your guests, consider recommending nearby accommodations such as the Courtyard Marriott or Great Wolf Lodge that offer comfortable lodging, great accessibility to town, and wonderful hospitality.
Working with Local Vendors
Choosing local vendors for your wedding offers a multitude of compelling reasons that can significantly enhance your overall wedding experience. They often have an intimate knowledge of the area, which means they can provide valuable insights and navigate any logistical challenges with ease. Working with local vendors usually entails more personalized attention and flexibility, as they are more readily available for consultations and site visits.
Florist
No matter the season or venue, flowers play a significant role in setting the tone for your wedding day. For stunning floral arrangements that capture the essence of LaGrange, consider these local florists that are the top choices for wedding flowers in town:
Sweet Pea’s Floral Designs
Location: 609 Greenville St, LaGrange, GA 30240
Why they’re a great choice: Sweet Pea’s has been providing florals to LaGrange for almost 20 years. Their years of experience and expertise in LaGrange makes them a trusted choice for your wedding day. Call in advance and set up an appointment for a consultation to talk through the floral options they can provide.
Wildflower MJ
Location: 408 S. Lewis St, LaGrange, GA 30240
Why they’re a great choice: Wildflower MJ is one of the most popular choices for wedding florists in town and it’s no surprise why. Their creativity and ingenuity in floral design makes the whole process highly personal and their team will work to cater to your individual tastes and overall vision for your big day. Check out their website for examples of their wedding work.
Capturing Your Memories
Your wedding photographs will be treasured for a lifetime, so it’s crucial to choose a talented local photographer who can capture the essence of your special day.
- Ivory and Grace Photography: Based in nearby Auburn, Ivory and Grace photography is high on local’s lists of best photographers, especially for weddings. Check out her website and instagram to get an idea of her style.
- Jenna Calleen Photography: A LaGrange-based wedding and family photographer, owner Jenna Eady is extremely skilled at capturing your big day. Check our her work on her Facebook page!
- Leanna Key, Key Moments in Time: Leanna Key is a local photographer who was recently awarded Best of Weddings Photography by the Knot and Couple’s Choice Wedding Photographer by Wedding Wire. Check out her Instagram and website for more information and to catch a glimpse of her photography portfolio.
- Meg Shelnutt Photography: LaGrange-based photographer Meg Shelnutt is a local favorite for all types of photography, including engagement and wedding photography. Check out her Instagram for examples of her work.
If you are looking for a videographer to capture all of the emotion and fun on your wedding day, consider Legacy Multimedia in LaGrange. Legacy, a husband & wife team, are a local favorite and provide high-quality video to add another dimension to your wedding day coverage.
The Perfect Cake
Finding the perfect vendor to bake your wedding cake is a crucial step in ensuring your big day is as sweet as can be. Not to mention, a cake taste test is one of the best parts of wedding planning!
Consider one of these local bakers to bake your dream wedding cake:
- Cakes by Debbie: Contact Debbie at cakesbydebbie@aol.com, Facebook page,
- The Copper Carrot Bakery
- Kakes by Karen: karen@mcsweeneygroup.com
- Kaylynn Cook: 706-881-1933, Facebook page
- Sadie’s Sweets: 706-616-5458, Facebook page
Delectable Catering Choices
LaGrange is home to a variety of outstanding wedding caterers, each offering a unique culinary experience that can make your special day even more memorable. Here, we’ll introduce you to five exceptional caterers: Mare Sol, Tulla White, Kimbles, Tara Ogletree, and Sloppy Pig.
- Kimble’s Food: Jane Foods (formerly Kimble’s Food Services) has been a LaGrange institution for years, known for its Southern comfort food and down-home hospitality. If you’re looking for a warm and inviting wedding menu filled with classic, upscale dishes, Jane Foods is the go-to choice. They offer a wide selection to choose from including themed stations and multiple course meals. Their hearty and flavorful offerings are sure to delight your guests.
- Mare Sol: With a reputation that precedes them, Mare Sol is a LaGrange classic and they have consistently delighted couples and their guests with their exceptional cuisine and impeccable service. Their commitment to fresh ingredients ensures that every dish is bursting with flavor and crafted with care. From elegantly plated dinners to buffet-style feasts, Mare Sol can accommodate a variety of culinary preferences and dietary needs, making them a versatile choice for any wedding celebration.
- Sloppy Pig BBQ: For a more laid-back wedding theme, Sloppy Pig BBQ is an excellent choice. Their mouthwatering barbecue offerings, including smoked meats, homemade sides, and signature sauces, are sure to be a hit with your guests. If you’re planning a casual and fun-filled celebration, Sloppy Pig BBQ brings the flavor and charm of Southern barbecue to your wedding day. Not to mention, this is the most affordable option on the list, giving you a lot of bang for your buck!
- Tara Ogletree Catering: Tara Ogletree Catering is all about creativity and customization. Chef Tara works closely with couples to design a menu that suits their preferences, from traditional Southern fare to international cuisine. Tara Ogletree Catering is known for its attention to detail and presentation, ensuring that your wedding meal not only tastes fantastic but also looks stunning.
- Tulla White Catering: Tulla White Catering is synonymous with elegance and exceptional service. Their culinary team prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients to create dishes that are delicious and memorable. From gourmet appetizers to exquisite plated dinners, Tulla White Catering ensures that your wedding food is a true reflection of your taste and style.
Get the Party Started!
Here are a few more suggestions for local vendors to take your wedding reception to the next level for you and your guests.
- To keep your guests dancing and to curate your perfect first dance, we suggest looking no further than local Solomon Whitfield, a.k.a DJ Solo Dolo, who is a regular on the wedding circuit in town and knows how to get the party (and keep the party) going.
- For a fun touch to your party, contact Solomon Whitfield and his wife Elizabeth to rent their photo booth, Flashback Foto. This is not your average photobooth and includes advanced software which allows guests to pose for pictures, boomerangs, GIFs, or videos.
- Want to make sure your guests get home safely and worry free? Call Latrelle at Courtesy Limo, to provide a shuttle service for your guests from the reception to their hotel.
The Season of Love
To say the weather is an important factor for your special day would be a severe understatement. The season you want to get married in can be a major determining factor in planning your wedding. LaGrange typically experiences a temperate climate, characterized by warm summers and cool winters. The town enjoys a pleasant ambiance throughout the year. It’s important to consider the weather conditions when choosing the best time to get married in LaGrange.
Spring
Springtime in LaGrange is delightful, with blooming flowers and mild temperatures. This season offers a romantic backdrop for outdoor weddings and allows for a variety of floral options.
Summer
Despite the heat, there is something so charming about summertime in the South. LaGrange is no exception, with spectacular sunsets and plenty of water to cool off in. Oakfuskee Conservation Center is the prime venue for taking advantage of both, and even offers access to some of the best outdoor excursions around! For the outdoorsy couple, enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, and access to West Point Lake.
Winter
The coldest season of the year is typically quite temperate in LaGrange. Besides the weather, the city is aglow with beautiful Christmas light displays by local businesses and organizations. The Southern hospitality is pushed to new heights during the most wonderful time of the year, and you are sure to experience the smell of fresh greenery in a variety of places. The ideal time for that classic church wedding, many are already decorated to the nines with evergreen decoration, perfect for the minimalist bride.
Fall
The autumn months bring a tapestry of vibrant colors to LaGrange. With pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, fall is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and rustic-themed weddings.
Consider weekdays or off-peak seasons: Opting for a weekday wedding or getting married during the less busy seasons can provide cost savings and increased availability of venues and vendors.
Exploring LaGrange
LaGrange offers a range of attractions for couples and their guests to explore before and after the wedding festivities.
Some notable ideas include:
- Outdoor Adventures: Spend time on West Point Lake and enjoy boating, fishing, and lakeside picnics. Explore the scenic nature trails at nearby Pyne Road Park or take a stroll or bike ride on the Thread- a trail that winds for miles through LaGrange.
- Have little ones to entertain? There is plenty to do! Check out Southbend Park, the Wild Animal Safari or Great Wolf Lodge.
- Shopping and Dining: Discover unique boutiques (here’s our guide to shopping through LaGrange) and enjoy culinary delights at local restaurants, savoring the flavors of LaGrange. Check out our list of food and drink options here.
- Enjoy a local beer: Between Wild Leap and Beacon Brewing Co., there are fantastic options for local craft beer and a great atmosphere to gather your guests together and welcome them to town.
LaGrange offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal wedding destination. It’s diverse range of venues, talented local vendors, and attractions provide couples with endless possibilities to create their dream wedding.
A few final wedding planning tips to keep in mind:
- Start planning early to secure your desired venue and vendors.
- Consider hiring a wedding planner to alleviate stress and ensure a seamless wedding day.
- Embrace the local charm of LaGrange by incorporating its unique elements into your wedding style.
- Communicate openly with vendors to express your vision and expectations.
- With careful planning and the assistance of local experts, your wedding in LaGrange is sure to be a cherished and unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.
