The Biltmore Ballrooms: A Historic Atlanta Venue for Meetings, Galas, and Corporate Events

Few venues in Atlanta blend historic architecture, central Midtown location, and flexible event space as seamlessly as The Biltmore Ballrooms. For businesses, nonprofits, and planners searching for unique event and meeting spaces in Atlanta, this former grand hotel turned event venue is a frequent top choice.

Located at 817 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, The Biltmore Ballrooms offer a distinctly Atlanta experience: early 20th‑century glamour, walkable Midtown surroundings, and easy access to MARTA, hotels, and major highways.

Where The Biltmore Ballrooms Fit in Atlanta’s Event Scene

In the broader Business and Meetings landscape, The Biltmore Ballrooms fill a specific niche:

• Type of venue: Historic, architecturally significant event space
• Location: Midtown Atlanta, near Georgia Tech and major office towers
• Best for: Corporate receptions, association events, fundraising galas, conferences with a reception component, weddings, and upscale social events
• Not typically used for: Large trade shows, very small internal meetings, or events that need many break-out rooms

If you want something more memorable than a standard hotel ballroom, but still need a professional, central, and accessible location, the Biltmore often lands on shortlists for Atlanta planners.

The Spaces: Georgian vs. Imperial Ballroom

The venue is best known for its two main ballrooms, often used separately or together depending on event size and flow.

Georgian Ballroom

The Georgian Ballroom is the showstopper that many people picture when they think of The Biltmore.

Key characteristics often highlighted by planners:

• High, ornate ceilings with detailed plasterwork
• Large windows and natural light
• Crystal chandeliers and classic architectural details
• A long, open floor ideal for receptions and seated dinners

Events that frequently use the Georgian Ballroom include:

• Corporate awards dinners
• Black-tie charity galas
• Holiday parties
• Conference receptions following daytime sessions at nearby hotels or campuses

If your event needs a single, grand main room with strong visual impact for photos and presentations, this is usually the first space to consider.

Imperial Ballroom

The Imperial Ballroom tends to be slightly more flexible in setup and is often used:

• As a second large room for events using the full venue
• For breakout-style sessions when paired with a reception in the Georgian
• For mid-sized meetings, luncheons, or trainings that still want a historic feel

While still ornate and historic, the Imperial Ballroom can be easier to adapt to:

• Theater-style seating for presentations
• Classroom or conference setups
• Station-style receptions or networking events

Quick Reference: Is The Biltmore Right for Your Atlanta Event?

Below is a simple summary to help you decide how the venue lines up with typical Atlanta event needs.

Use this as a starting point, then confirm capacities and layouts directly with the venue based on your headcount and event format.

Location and Accessibility in Midtown Atlanta

One of the biggest advantages of The Biltmore Ballrooms is its walkable, central location in Midtown.

Nearby Landmarks

The venue is conveniently positioned near:

• Georgia Tech campus
• Peachtree Street business corridor
• Midtown office towers and residential high-rises
• Other major venues like the Fox Theatre and the Woodruff Arts Center

This makes it particularly attractive for:

• Out-of-town attendees staying at Midtown hotels
• Local professionals working in Midtown, Downtown, or West Midtown
• Groups combining campus events at Georgia Tech with a formal evening function

Transit and Parking

For Atlanta logistics, consider:

• MARTA access: Midtown or North Avenue stations are typically used, depending on the walking route your group prefers.
• Driving access: Close to I‑75/85, which helps guests coming from Buckhead, Downtown, or Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
• Parking: Many events at The Biltmore Ballrooms use nearby parking garages or arranged valet. It’s common for hosts to include parking details on invitations so guests know where to go.

When planning, build in clear arrival instructions for both rideshare and self-parking, especially for evening events when Midtown traffic and parking garages can be busy.

Typical Uses for Business and Meeting Events

Although the venue is well-known for weddings, it’s also heavily used for business and meetings across Atlanta.

Corporate and Association Events

Common corporate uses include:

• Annual dinners and awards nights for Atlanta-based companies
• Regional or national meetings that culminate with a reception or banquet
• Client appreciation events for law firms, financial institutions, tech companies, and professional services headquartered in Midtown and Downtown
• Product launches or brand showcases that benefit from a unique, photogenic backdrop

For associations and professional organizations, The Biltmore Ballrooms often host:

• Industry awards
• Membership banquets
• Evening receptions following daytime conferences at nearby hotels or civic venues

Nonprofit and University Functions

Many Atlanta nonprofits and university groups choose The Biltmore for:

• Charity galas
• Alumni events
• Donor recognition dinners
• Silent and live auctions

The classic design and central location can help attract guests from across the metro area, from Buckhead, Decatur, Inman Park, West Midtown, and beyond.

What to Ask About When Contacting The Biltmore Ballrooms

Before you reserve a date, it helps to have a checklist ready so you can compare this venue with other Atlanta options.

Here are practical questions many local planners explore:

1. Capacity and Layout

• What are the maximum capacities for:
  • Seated dinner with a dance floor
  • Seated dinner without a dance floor
  • Theater-style seating
  • Reception/cocktail format
• Can both ballrooms be used together, and how is guest flow usually managed?
• Are there pre-function or lobby areas suitable for registration or cocktail hour?

2. Catering and Bar Service

• Does The Biltmore work with a preferred or exclusive caterer list?
• Are there minimums for food and beverage?
• Are outside caterers allowed, especially for cultural or specialty menus?
• How are bar packages (hosted, consumption-based, cash bar) typically structured?

In Atlanta, many unique venues collaborate closely with a short list of caterers familiar with the space, which can help with setup, timing, and service quality.

3. Audio-Visual and Technology

• What built-in AV exists (sound system, projection, screens)?
• Are there requirements or recommendations for external AV vendors?
• How many power drops and internet access points are available for:
  • Stage lighting
  • Live streaming or hybrid events
  • Band or DJ setups

If you are hosting a business meeting, presentation, or product launch, clarify AV needs early, as historic venues may require additional arrangement time compared to modern conference centers.

4. Timing, Noise, and Building Rules

• What are the start and end times for events, including vendor load-in and breakdown?
• Are there noise or music restrictions, especially late at night?
• Are there limitations on décor (open flames, hanging items, confetti, etc.) to protect historic finishes?

Historic buildings in Atlanta often have stricter rules designed to preserve flooring, walls, and ceilings.

Planning Tips for Atlanta-Based Organizers

Choosing The Biltmore Ballrooms is just one piece of a larger event puzzle. Here are some Atlanta-specific tips to keep your planning smoother.

Consider Traffic and Timing

Atlanta traffic can be heavy, especially around Midtown during:

• Weekday rush hours
• Major events at nearby venues (Fox Theatre, sports arenas, large conferences)

To help guests:

• Schedule receptions to begin after peak rush when possible (for example, 6:30 p.m. rather than 5:30 p.m. on weekdays).
• Include arrival time ranges on invitations so guests can stagger entry.
• If many attendees are staying in Midtown hotels, emphasize walking or rideshare over driving.

Coordinate with Nearby Hotels

For multi-day business meetings or conferences:

• Look at hotel blocks in Midtown within walking or short rideshare distance from the Biltmore.
• Plan shuttles only if a large portion of attendees are staying outside Midtown (e.g., near the airport or Perimeter Center).

This can help you use The Biltmore as a feature venue for one key night, while using hotel meeting rooms for daytime programming.

Accessibility and Special Needs

Ask the venue about:

• Accessible entrances and elevators
• Restroom access near event spaces
• Reserved or close parking options for guests with mobility needs

Providing a note about accessibility in your invitations is often appreciated, especially in a historic building where layouts may be less obvious.

Working With Local Vendors

Because The Biltmore Ballrooms are a distinctive space, many Atlanta planners rely on local vendors who already know the venue:

• Event planners and coordinators: Helpful for complex corporate events, multi-part galas, or out-of-town organizers.
• Florists and décor companies: Used to working around the existing architecture and lighting.
• AV and lighting professionals: Familiar with room acoustics and power layouts.
• Transportation providers: Experienced navigating Midtown traffic and loading areas.

When you speak with potential vendors, mention upfront that your venue is The Biltmore Ballrooms; many will immediately know the space and can suggest layouts, lighting, and timelines that align with common Atlanta practices.

How to Get Started if You’re Considering The Biltmore Ballrooms

If you’re planning an event in Atlanta and think this venue might be a fit, a straightforward sequence usually works best:

1. Clarify your basics

   • Approximate guest count
   • Desired date(s) and whether you can be flexible
   • Type of event (corporate dinner, fundraiser, reception, etc.)
   • General budget range for venue + food and beverage

2. Reach out to the venue

   • Ask for availability, rental pricing, and standard package details.
   • Request a floor plan and sample event diagrams relevant to your format.

3. Schedule a site visit

   • Walk both ballrooms and any pre-function areas.
   • Check where guests will enter, register, and gather.
   • Note AV locations, power outlets, and potential stage or podium spots.

4. Compare with alternative Atlanta venues

   • Consider at least one hotel ballroom and one different unique venue (such as an arts center, museum, or rooftop) so you understand how the Biltmore’s atmosphere, cost, and logistics stack up.

5. Lock in date and vendors

   • Once you commit to The Biltmore, secure your caterer, AV partner, and planner early—especially for spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), which are very popular event seasons in Atlanta.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Event Planners

• The Biltmore Ballrooms offer one of Atlanta’s most recognizable historic settings for business, meeting, and gala-style events.
• The Georgian and Imperial Ballrooms provide flexible options for receptions, dinners, and mid- to large-sized corporate functions.
• Its Midtown location makes it convenient for local professionals, visiting guests, and university-linked events.
• It’s especially well suited for gala-style evenings, award ceremonies, conferences with a formal night, and nonprofit fundraisers, rather than trade shows or small internal meetings.
• Effective planning includes early coordination on catering, AV, parking, and traffic timing, which are key considerations for any major Atlanta event.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta and searching for a unique event and meeting space with local character, The Biltmore Ballrooms are a strong candidate to place on your shortlist.