Kim Hymes Photography is a documentary wedding photographer rooted in Atlanta and travels to destinations around the world.

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bride and her dad walking down the aisle in a garden

Venues

Have a Stunning Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement in Georgia!

You don’t need a long guest list to have a wedding; all you need is two partners who are ready to vow to love one another for the rest of their lives. If you’re newly engaged and not enjoying the pressures of wedding planning, eloping is always a wonderful option. There’s no shame in keeping things intimate. But you can always still invite a few key friends and family members to share in the occasion. Eloping just lets you focus on what’s important: you and your partner. Especially with a Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement!

Eloping can also open up a world of wedding opportunities. Not being tied to finding space for a large group of people means that you can find a more intimate venue with the exact vibes and aesthetic you’re looking for. It also means that you can reinvent the way a larger venue is interpreted. Use smaller spaces for your vow exchange that may not otherwise accommodate a larger ceremony. If you’re looking for a place to host an outdoor elopement amidst some of Atlanta’s most beautiful gardens, then I’ve got a spot for you. 

Details of a colorful table setting for a wedding reception with floral print linens and colorful flowers at a Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement

Check Out A Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement

Not too far from the heart of Downtown Atlanta is a hidden gem with an exceptional purpose. Cator Woolford Gardens is a lush, gorgeous oasis perfect for a stunning garden wedding. While the space itself is spectacular and unique, its mission is truly what sets it apart. All proceeds directly supporting the Frazer Center. A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and adults with developmental needs. So not only will your wedding be unforgettably gorgeous, but you’ll feel good about investing in a venue that cares about making the world a more equitable place. 

Cator Woolford’s beautiful Italian-style gardens are opulent and robust, still reminiscent of the era in which they were created. The property and its original estate (which is still standing, though privately owned by a separate business) originated back in the 1920s. When Cator Woolford, one of the founders of Equifax, made his home here. Just outside Atlanta. It’s one of the few viable estates still around in the city today, and the elegance of its history is still present throughout its grounds. 

Newlyweds dance on the dance floor nose to nose at a Cator Woolford Gardens ElopementDetails of a long table setting with floral print linen and blue candles Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement

Logistics

How to Get Married at Cator Woolford Gardens

The first thing to do before picking any venue is to schedule a tour, and elopements are no exception. You want to make sure the space is exactly what you envision for your wedding. But the only way you can do that is by seeing it in person. So, Step 1 to planning your Cator Woolford Gardens elopement is to get in touch with them. Then set up a visit. 

Then, if upon your tour, you fall head over heels in love with the venue (which, heads up, you just might), it’s time to pick your date and sign a rental agreement! Your Cator Woolford Gardens representative will send you all the paperwork you need. Next you’ll sign a contract and make your deposit. It’s as simple as that! 

Details of a family style reception table set up in front of large windows Details of a table setting at a Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement

How Much Does a Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement Cost?

Cator Woolford Gardens offers two elopement packages from which you can choose, one including a small reception following your ceremony. Your elopement can include up to 30 people. Both packages include a site manager to make sure everything runs smoothly. Should you choose to only have your ceremony at Cator Woolford Gardens, you’ll pay between $1000 – $1500 for an elopement that takes place Monday – Friday (weekend days are not available.) 

If you want to host a small celebration at the Gardens following your ceremony, you’ll be looking to pay between $2,500 and $4,000, depending on the day (Monday – Friday and Sundays only.) With this package, you’ll get a few extra hours of celebrating included, as well as the ability to serve food and alcohol and play amplified music.  

Of course, in addition to the venue fee, when planning your elopement budget, you’ll want to take into consideration costs like attire, decor, hair and makeup, transportation, etc. Plus, if you want to host a celebration following your “I do’s,” even if it’s just an intimate dinner for you and your new spouse, you’ll need to account for those costs as well. Your elopement can be as luxurious or budget-friendly as you want it to be; you just have to think about what you want to prioritize and stick to it!

A bride in a white lace dress has her veil clipped in while looking out a windowDetails of a table setting with floral linen tablecloth and matching blue napkins and candles

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

Elopements at Cator Woolford Gardens are only available from March through November, so sometime in that time range would be ideal for visiting. You’ll want to get a sense of what the weather could be, as well as what flowers or plants might be in season at the time of your elopement. However, since elopements are often planned in less time than large weddings if you can’t see it in the month you’ve decided to elope, you’ll want to ask someone from the Cator Woolford Gardens team about what to expect seasonally at the time of your elopement. 

Details of a wedding reception table with a floral centerpieceDetails of cake and champagne sitting on a wedding reception table

Where to Get Married

Elopement Locations Within Cator Woolford Gardens

There are so many beautiful spots throughout Cator Woolford Gardens that would be excellent backdrops for an elopement. Their grand outdoor staircase in the courtyard is a classic photo opp, but could also be a gorgeous spot for a vow exchange. Throughout the gardens, you’ll find plenty of lush landscaping that could make for a romantic garden elopement, or use some of the property’s architectural features, like stately columns and archways for your vows. There’s also a small stone bridge crossing over a small creek that could be perfect for a truly intimate elopement. 

Where to Have a Reception

If you want to celebrate but don’t feel like hosting at the Cator Woolford Gardens, there are plenty of places nearby to host a small reception! Consider a dinner at one of Atlanta’s amazing restaurants, perhaps in a private dining area. Or, if you’re having a morning ceremony during the week, a brunch with mimosas and bellinis could be the perfect way to celebrate your nuptials! Treating your small group of guests to a true Atlanta experience could be fun, too, like a visit to the Georgia Aquarium for a whimsical way to make memories together. Get creative with how you want to celebrate because with a smaller group of people, the sky’s the limit! 

Newlyweds dip and guests wave light up sticks over them on their grand exit at a Cator Woolford Gardens ElopementA wedding reception with a large wall of windows, market and DJ lights and people talking at a Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement

Hiring a Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement Photographer

When you elope, you are prioritizing the wants and needs of you and your partner. Putting you even more at the center of this incredible day. That’s why it’s important to hire a photographer who knows how to capture your essence and personality in photos. Up close and personal. On the day you promise each other forever. I pride myself on my ability to capture the love between a couple. There’s no better time or place to do so than at your beautiful and unique elopement. Every emotion you feel on your wedding day will be captured in your wedding album. So you can relive this incredible day over and over again. 

Details of a wedding reception venue completely set up for a celebrationDetails of a wedding cake on a silver platter with floral decorations

Cator Woolford Gardens Elopement

A Cator Woolford Gardens elopement is a wonderful way to celebrate the love between you and your partner in a gorgeous Atlanta setting. Plus, you’ll be contributing to an amazing cause! Check out their website for more information, and then be sure to set up that initial tour to get the ball rolling. 

While planning an elopement, don’t forget about your photographer! Now it’s time to find one that fits best with you! I love helping couples capture the emotion of their special day in pictures. Just how you remembered it. So reach out today to chat about your dream wedding photos.

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Journalist. Documentarian. Artist


As a documentary wedding photographer, my photography style embodies connection and draws couples with a deep love for family.