If you’re planning an Ashton Gardens wedding, you’ve chosen one of the most beautiful venues in the metro Atlanta area. Known for its elegant chapel, grand ballroom, and lush grounds, Ashton Gardens offers a beautiful backdrop for timeless weddings. As a luxury wedding photographer with extensive experience at this venue, I’ve gathered my top tips to help you have a flawless and stress-free experience. Let’s make your Ashton Gardens wedding truly unforgettable!

Getting Ready: Start Your Day Right

While Ashton Gardens provides a beautiful bridal suite, I recommend getting ready at a nearby luxury hotel to elevate your experience. The suite at Ashton Gardens is ideal for touch-ups and relaxation before the ceremony, but preparing elsewhere ensures you have plenty of space, time and stunning photo opportunities.

My Hotel Recommendation – The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett 

• Spacious and Modern Suites: Perfect for accommodating your bridal party of any size and capturing editorial-style getting-ready photos.
• Indoor Backup Options: The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett offers chic, well-lit indoor spaces, ideal for photos in case of inclement weather.
• Outdoor Greenspace: The hotel’s beautifully manicured grounds provide a sophisticated backdrop for pre-ceremony portraits.
• Close Proximity: The hotel is only 18-20 minutes from Ashton Gardens.

Starting your day at a hotel like The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett sets the tone for a calm and luxurious experience while ensuring you have an impeccable space for photos.

Embrace a First Look: Maximize Your Time

With Ashton Gardens’ limited access to the property (typically 2-3 hours before the ceremony), having a first look is a strategic choice. It allows you to make the most of your time at the venue while ensuring you capture all the photos you desire without feeling rushed.

Why Have a First Look at Ashton Gardens?

• Streamline Your Timeline: After the first look, you can seamlessly transition into couples portraits, solo portraits, wedding party and family portraits, creating a relaxed and efficient schedule.
• Intimate Moments: A first look offers a private, emotional moment between you and your partner before the ceremony begins.
• Avoid Guest Interactions: Because of the distance from Atlanta, guests often arrive early at Ashton Gardens (sometimes 2-2.5 hours before the ceremony). Completing portraits before their arrival ensures privacy and minimizes distractions.

For more insights on the benefits of a first look, listen to my podcast interview with Hue I Do.

Optimize Your Photos at Ashton Gardens

Ashton Gardens is known for its stunning architecture and natural light, but the venue’s layout requires strategic planning to make the most of its beauty.

Key Tips for Beautiful Photos:

• Coordinate with Your Team: Ensure your family and bridal party are ready on time to maximize your portrait session.
• Leverage Natural Light: The chapel’s large windows provide breathtaking natural light. Schedule key portraits during optimal lighting hours to take full advantage.
• Plan Ahead: Work with your photographer and planner to map out the day, ensuring every moment is captured seamlessly.

Final Thoughts: Your Ashton Gardens Wedding

A wedding at Ashton Gardens is an unforgettable experience, combining elegance and charm in every detail. By planning your preparation location, incorporating a first look, and thoughtfully utilizing the venue’s unique features, you can ensure a day that is as magical as your love story!

For more personalized tips or to learn how I can help create timeless, editorial-quality photography for your Ashton Gardens wedding, reach out or explore my blog. Let’s make your wedding day everything you’ve ever dreamed of—and more.