1) 12–9 MONTHS OUT (FOUNDATION + BIG DECISIONS)
☐ Pick your wedding date (or 2–3 backup dates)
☐ Set a realistic budget (include cushion for taxes/gratuity/rentals)
☐ Choose your guest count range (this drives venue + food costs)
☐ Decide your wedding style (classic, modern, garden, industrial, etc.)
☐ Book your venue (ceremony + reception, or separate locations)
☐ Start your vendor shortlist (photo/video, DJ, coordinator, catering, bar)
Pro Tip:
If your date is flexible, request written quotes for several dates. Compare the complete cost, including staffing, rentals and minimum spending requirements, rather than assuming a weekday or Sunday will be cheaper.
2) 9–6 MONTHS OUT (BOOK THE “CORE TEAM”)
☐ Hire your wedding planner/coordinator (even “month-of” helps)
☐ Compare photography collections and choose coverage around your wedding timeline
☐ Consider coverage add-ons early (second photographer, extended coverage, rehearsal dinner)
☐ Book DJ / MC (your reception flow depends on this)
☐ Lock catering + bar plan (venue-required vendors, insurance, tastings)
☐ Book officiant (or confirm who will legally officiate)
Vendor Tip:
Ask your venue what insurance/COI is required and confirm every vendor can provide it before paying a retainer.
3) 6–3 MONTHS OUT (DETAILS + GUEST EXPERIENCE)
☐ Send Save-the-Dates on a schedule that gives your guests time to plan travel (earlier if needed)
☐ Choose attire + start alterations timeline
☐ Book florist (or confirm DIY/wholesale plan)
☐ Book hair + makeup trial
☐ Confirm rentals (chairs, linens, tent, heaters/fans, dancefloor)
☐ Build your ceremony plan (processional order, music, readings)
☐ Create a family photo list (keep it simple + organized)
☐ Plan reception “moments” (grand entrance, first dance, toasts, cake, exit)
Guest Experience Tip:
Your guests remember (1) the atmosphere, (2) the music, (3) the food, and (4) the moments they shared.
Build breathing room into the reception timeline so those moments unfold naturally and can be documented in photographs and film.
4) 3–1 MONTH OUT (CONFIRM + FINALIZE)
☐ Send invitations
☐ Build your day-of timeline (include travel + buffer time)
☐ Confirm vendor arrival times and load-in rules
☐ Confirm final guest count deadline with catering/venue
☐ Plan your seating chart + print place cards
☐ Confirm ceremony rehearsal date/time
☐ Decide on signage needs (welcome sign, seating chart, bar menu, unplugged ceremony)
☐ Prepare tip envelopes (if you plan to tip day-of)
☐ Confirm music list: must-plays + do-not-plays
Photo Tip:
Schedule portraits earlier than you think. Golden-hour photos are beautiful, but you still need a timeline that protects your ceremony start time.
5) WEEK-OF CHECKLIST (STRESS-REDUCTION MODE)
☐ Confirm final headcount with venue/catering
☐ Confirm all vendor balances and payment methods
☐ Print timeline and distribute to key people (planner, DJ, photo team)
☐ Pack emergency kit (steamer, stain remover, safety pins, personal essentials, snacks, water)
☐ Check that your marriage license arrangements are complete; appointment and document checks belong earlier in planning (see the Georgia guide below)
☐ Prepare detail items (rings, invitation suite, heirlooms, vow books)
6) WEDDING DAY CHECKLIST (KEEP IT SIMPLE)
☐ Eat something before the ceremony
☐ Hydrate (especially in Georgia heat)
☐ Give rings to the correct person
☐ Confirm marriage license is on-site for signing
☐ Confirm who has the vendor tip envelopes
☐ Enjoy the day—your job is to get married, not manage logistics
7) AFTER THE WEDDING (DON’T FORGET THESE)
☐ Return rentals and personal décor
☐ Confirm who will return the signed marriage license to the issuing probate court; Georgia.gov says it should be returned within 30 days of the ceremony
☐ Order certified copies of your marriage certificate (for name changes, insurance, etc.)
☐ Update legal/HR items (driver’s license, SSN, bank, insurance) if changing names
☐ Leave vendor reviews (this helps small businesses a lot)
8) Georgia marriage license: what to confirm
Georgia marriage licenses are issued by county probate courts. The State of Georgia’s marriage-license guide explains that if either applicant is a Georgia resident, the license can be issued in any Georgia county. If neither is a resident, use the county where the ceremony will take place. Both applicants must be present to obtain the license.
Contact the issuing probate court early to confirm appointments, accepted identification, proof of a previous marriage ending, payment methods and any qualifying premarital-education fee reduction. Procedures vary by county; do not wait until the wedding week to discover a missing document.
The state guide says the signed license should be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony. Confirm who is responsible for returning it and how you will obtain certified copies. For a county example, consult Fulton County Probate Court’s current instructions; its procedures and fees should not be treated as every county’s policy.
Official guidance checked October 8, 2026. This is general planning information; the issuing probate court can answer questions about your application.
9) Atlanta-area venues to research
Keep a shortlist, tour the spaces and compare written proposals for the same guest count and event schedule. Ask about your ceremony and reception plans, indoor weather alternatives, portrait access, vendor requirements, parking, setup time and the full cost. These links are starting points, not price rankings or a promise of availability.
Parks and community spaces
Piedmont Park Conservancy’s venue rentals is the current official starting point for its event spaces. For wedding inquiries, the published rental contact is 404-618-0711. The official GPS and event-invitation address is 1322 Monroe Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306; confirm the arrival location for your selected space directly with the venue. Ask for a current proposal rather than relying on the older 2025 rate packet.
The Solarium / Community Center of South Decatur is another starting point for a community-space shortlist.
Restaurant and brewery spaces
- Park Tavern private events
- Monday Night Brewing — The Garage
- Wild Heaven Beer — West End private events
Historic spaces and gardens
- Atlanta Utility Works
- The Trolley Barn
- Georgia Building Authority catering and facility rentals — ask about the Georgia Freight Depot
- Cator Woolford Gardens
- The Wimbish House
North Metro Atlanta
Ashton Gardens, Atlanta is listed by its operator in Sugar Hill. Confirm the address, inclusions and vendor arrangements in your own proposal.
To connect venue research with real work, explore our venue guides and related Stories. Our Ashley + Hunter wedding Story connects to our Montaluce venue guide. For current wedding inquiries, visit Montaluce’s official wedding page or call 706-867-4060. Its published GPS address is 501 Hightower Church Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533.
Official venue resources checked October 8, 2026. Confirm current pricing, access, capacity and inclusions with each venue.
10) RECEPTION “MUST-HAVES” (WHAT GUESTS ACTUALLY REMEMBER)
If you want a reception that feels full, fun, and high-energy, prioritize:
☐ Great DJ/MC (controls the room)
☐ Comfortable seating + good lighting (keeps people around longer)
☐ A simple, clear timeline for toasts + special dances
Why Reception Timing Matters:
Leave space between formalities so guests can connect and your photography and film team can document genuine moments without rushing the evening.
Wedding Photography and Film Planning:
Review the Alton Martin wedding experience for guidance on coordinated photography and film coverage, timelines and deliverables.
11) FAQ (GEORGIA + ATLANTA)
Q: Do I need a blood test to get married in Georgia?
A: Fulton County Probate Court states that premarital blood-test results are no longer required in Georgia. Confirm your application documents with the issuing court.
Q: When should I book photography in Metro Atlanta?
A: Once your date and venue are settled, contact the photographers on your shortlist. Ask about your specific date rather than treating a general booking window as an availability guarantee.
Q: What coverage time should I start with?
A: Choose coverage around your timeline, including:
• number of locations
• size of bridal party
• whether you want full reception coverage
• whether you want a grand exit
Q: Should I add a second photographer?
A: If your guest count is larger, you have multiple locations, or you want stronger “morning prep + ceremony + cocktail hour” coverage, a second photographer is a smart upgrade.
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Alton Martin is based in Atlanta and photographs weddings across the United States and internationally. Tell us about your date and destination, and we will help you plan the coverage for your celebration.
Alton Martin Wedding Photography
Phone: 404-973-2616
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