Located in the countryside of LaGrange, Georgia, Hills and Dales Estate is a historic home that has earned a reputation as one of the most breathtaking manors around. With lush European gardens and high-end amenities, it has become a beloved wedding venue for couples looking for a luxurious space for their celebration. As a documentary wedding photographer, I am lucky enough to explore some of the best venues in the entire country. Here is what you can expect with a Hills and Dales Estate wedding.
About The Hills And Dales Estate Wedding Venue
1916 Hills and Dales Dr, LaGrange, Georgia 30240
Hills and Dales Estate was a home built for Fuller Earle Callaway and his wife, Ida. A textile magnate, Fuller was looking for a manor that was worthy of his family. He purchased the estate of Judge Blount and Sarah Ferrell in 1912 and went to work commissioning a 13,000-square-foot home. The house came complete with an Italian boxwood garden that Sarah had dreamed up. The manor was designed to compliment the design of the garden with a white stucco exterior and a red tile roof.
Over the years, the house was passed down through generations of the Callaway family, and the splendor was maintained. The gardens today match the same designs Sarah had envisioned years ago when she planted the very first seeds.
Details of the Grounds
Hills and Dales Estate rests on 35 acres with several spots you can use throughout your wedding day. On the morning of your wedding day, you will have access to the bedrooms, where you will be able to get ready for the ceremony. The rooms are quaint yet spacious, giving you plenty of room to prepare while celebrating the mansion’s Southern charm.
As you explore the grounds, taking pictures with your party, your guests will be led to the ceremony site. There will be several options for this location. If you would prefer something outdoors, you can use the Fuller E. Callaway Home Terraces and Garden. They have several spots designated for this part of your event. You can use the 2,000 square foot pool terrace or the 1,500 square foot house terrace, porte-cochere, and the garden.
If you feel like getting out of the Georgia heat, you can use the Visitor’s Center. This room includes a 1,200-square-foot Great Hall, a 1,000-square-foot Gallery, and a theater. You will be able to use venue-approved decor to dress up the space so you can have the perfect style for your wedding!
Once your ceremony ends, it will be time for your cocktail hour. The venue will work with you to find the spot that will be perfect for this portion. I personally love the idea of holding it on one of the home terraces. With this option, your guests can order a signature cocktail before exploring the gardens.
Receptions At Hills And Dales Estate
Your night will conclude with the reception. All of the ceremony spaces can be converted into party spaces. Outside at the home, you can set up an event tent that will shield your guests from the Southern heat. You will also be near a catering kitchen as well as indoor restrooms. The Home Terraces and Garden can hold up to 325 guests while the Visitor Center and Terrace are ready to host up to 225 guests.
Photography Opportunities
Now, let’s talk about your pictures! Hills and Dales Estate is such a scenic spot, people come across the state to use it for their portrait sessions. As you might imagine, you are going to have so many perfect spots for your pictures!
The getting ready rooms are ideal for your pictures before your ceremony. The large windows bring in plenty of bright light, while the vintage furniture offers you a spot to sit and get a portrait of your entire look. During this portion, you are also going to have plenty of great candid pictures with your bridal party!
The estate has grand staircases where you can drape your gown’s train. Once you are done with this, you can head outside for your first look portraits. The exterior of the house tends to be a favorite option for this portion. You can also use the boxwood gardens as a way to add in some color.
The property has countless walkways and porticos that will be positively dreamy for couple’s portraits. As you stroll the grounds, you will find open lawns and fields as well as verdant hedges. When the sun starts to set in the evening, you are going to fall in love with the golden light illuminating the property!
The best thing about this property is how accessible it is for everyone. The terraces are ideal for group pics. Here, family members of all ages and abilities will be able to be included.
Wedding Details
Hills and Dales Estate is a very exclusive venue and limits their rentals to a certain number of weddings each Spring and Fall. They review each rental request on a case-by-case basis. As such, they ask you to send in your request as soon as possible. On the day of your celebration, your caterers will have access to kitchens where they can prepare your food. Your visitors will have access to a parking lot, and you will have space for up to 125 cars. They are exceptionally accommodating about contingency plans. If you plan an outdoor celebration, you will have the freedom to move it indoors should the forecast not cooperate.
Your Day Will Be Nothing Short Of Magical At Hills And Dales Estate
With Hills and Dales Estate, your dream wedding is about to become a reality! Schedule a tour soon if you think this might be your spot.
Once you have your venue, it’s time to think about your photographer. That’s where I come in! I am a documentary wedding photographer, and I work with a limited number of couples each day to capture their celebration. I want to be there to document all those small yet meaningful moments that make your wedding so unique! If you have been looking for your wedding photographer, let’s connect! Send me a message today to find out more.
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