Visiting the Georgia Atlanta Temple: A Local’s Guide for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

The Georgia Atlanta Temple is a landmark of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) located in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. Whether you are a member of the church, a curious neighbor, or a visitor interested in local architecture and faith communities, understanding how the temple works in Atlanta, Georgia can make your visit smoother and more meaningful.

Where the Georgia Atlanta Temple Is and How to Get There

The Georgia Atlanta Temple is located in the city of Sandy Springs, just north of Atlanta:

Address:
Georgia Atlanta Temple
6450 Barfield Road NE
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

This area is part of metro Atlanta and is easily accessed from several major routes.

Driving from Different Parts of Atlanta

Most Atlanta residents and visitors reach the temple by car. It is near GA-400 and I-285, two major highways that circle and cross through Atlanta.

• From Downtown Atlanta:
  Typically a 20–30 minute drive in light traffic. You would usually take GA-400 North and exit near Hammond Drive or Abernathy Road, then follow local roads to Barfield Road NE.

• From Buckhead or Brookhaven:
  Head north via Peachtree Road to GA-400, or use surface streets through Sandy Springs. Travel time can be around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.

• From the Airport (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport):
  Plan for roughly 35–60 minutes. Most routes go through downtown, then north via I-85/GA-400 or I-75/I-285.

Parking is typically on-site and free for visitors using the temple or the surrounding church facilities.

Using MARTA and Rideshare

If you prefer not to drive:

• Take MARTA Rail (Red Line) to either:
  • Sandy Springs Station, or
  • Dunwoody Station

From either station, you can use a rideshare service or taxi to reach the temple area. The ride is usually about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic.

This is a common approach for visitors staying in downtown Atlanta or near MARTA-accessible hotels.

What the Georgia Atlanta Temple Is (and Is Not)

In Atlanta, it helps to distinguish between a temple and a regular Latter-day Saint meetinghouse.

Temple vs. Meetinghouse

• Temple (like the Georgia Atlanta Temple):

  • Considered a sacred house of worship for specific religious ordinances.
  • Access is generally limited to church members in good standing with a temple recommend.
  • Not used for Sunday worship services.
  • Known for its distinctive, carefully maintained architecture and grounds.

• Meetinghouse / Chapel:

  • Open weekly for Sunday worship services, activities, and community events.
  • Usually welcomes visitors and those curious about the faith.
  • Located throughout the Atlanta metro area (such as in Atlanta, Tucker, Marietta, Roswell, and other nearby cities).

If you live in Atlanta and are simply looking to attend a Sunday service, you would go to a local meetinghouse, not the temple.

Can You Visit the Georgia Atlanta Temple?

For Members of the Church

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who hold a current temple recommend, the temple is a place for:

• Ordinances and covenants
• Marriage ceremonies (sealings)
• Family history-related worship

These activities follow scheduled temple hours, which can change over time. Members typically check the temple’s current schedule through official church channels or local leaders before attending.

For Non-Members and General Public

For the general public in Atlanta:

• Inside the Temple:
  Once a temple is dedicated, the interior is not open for public tours. Access is reserved for eligible church members.

• Temple Grounds:
  The grounds are usually open to the public and are known for being quiet, well-kept, and peaceful. Many Atlanta residents and nearby office workers enjoy:

  • Walking around the exterior
  • Sitting quietly for reflection
  • Viewing the architecture and landscaping

If you are visiting Atlanta and want a brief, calm stop away from busier areas like Midtown or Buckhead, the temple grounds can offer a quieter environment.

What to Expect When You Arrive

The Look and Feel

The Georgia Atlanta Temple features:

• A white exterior and clean, modern design
• Well-maintained lawns, trees, and flowerbeds
• A peaceful, reflective atmosphere despite its proximity to busy Atlanta roads

Even from the outside, the building stands out from nearby offices and residential complexes, making it a recognizable landmark in Sandy Springs.

Security and Access

As with many religious sites in metro areas:

• You may see modest security measures, such as cameras or on-site staff.
• Visitors generally can walk on the grounds during normal daytime hours.
• Interior access is controlled and limited to those with authorization.

If you are unsure where you can or cannot go, you can usually look for posted signs or politely ask a staff member or volunteer on-site.

Typical Uses for Atlanta Residents

For people living in or around Atlanta, the Georgia Atlanta Temple may play different roles:

For Church Members in Metro Atlanta

Church members across north and central Georgia often travel to this temple from places like:

• Atlanta proper
• Decatur
• Marietta
• Roswell
• Lawrenceville
• Peachtree City and surrounding suburbs

They may schedule temple visits:

• Weekly
• Monthly
• For special events such as marriages or family gatherings

Because Atlanta is a transportation hub, members from other parts of the Southeast sometimes coordinate temple trips through Atlanta when visiting family or during layovers.

For Neighbors and Local Community

If you live or work nearby in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or the Perimeter Center area, the temple grounds may serve as:

• A quiet place for personal reflection
• A point of interest to explain to visiting friends or family
• A visual landmark when giving directions in the Perimeter area

Some neighbors appreciate the well-maintained landscaping as part of the broader look and feel of that section of Sandy Springs.

When the Temple Might Host Public Events

From time to time, Latter-day Saint temples around the world may hold open houses before they are dedicated or after major renovations. During an open house:

• The public is invited to tour the interior
• Volunteers explain the purpose of the different rooms
• Visitors learn more about the beliefs tied to temple worship

These events are not constant; they occur only at specific times. If such an event happens in Atlanta, it is usually:

• Publicized through local church units
• Announced through local media and community channels
• Managed with specific dates, hours, and tour guidelines

If you are in Atlanta and hear about a temple open house, it can be a rare opportunity to see inside a space that is usually closed to the general public.

Planning a Visit: Practical Details for Atlantans

Here is a quick reference guide if you’re planning a visit to the Georgia Atlanta Temple area.

If You Want to Learn More About the Church in Atlanta

If your interest in the Georgia Atlanta Temple is part of a larger curiosity about Latter-day Saints in Atlanta, you can:

• Visit a local meetinghouse on a Sunday for worship services.
• Ask local church members or missionaries (often seen around midtown, downtown, and suburban areas) for information about:
  • Service times
  • Family history resources
  • Community activities

Many meetinghouses in the Atlanta area host regular Sunday services that welcome visitors and those exploring or learning about the faith.

How the Temple Fits into Atlanta’s Religious Landscape

Atlanta is home to a wide range of religious sites, including:

• Large Baptist and Methodist congregations
• Historic Black churches in and near downtown
• Synagogues, mosques, temples, and other houses of worship in neighborhoods all over the metro area

Within this mix, the Georgia Atlanta Temple is:

• The primary Latter-day Saint temple for Georgia and much of the surrounding region
• A special-purpose worship space rather than a community gathering spot
• One of several prominent religious landmarks in the northern part of metro Atlanta

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s religious and cultural sites, combining a stop at the Georgia Atlanta Temple grounds with visits to other local houses of worship can give you a broader sense of the city’s religious diversity.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• The Georgia Atlanta Temple is in Sandy Springs, just north of central Atlanta, near GA-400 and I-285.
• Temple grounds are generally open and can be quietly visited by the public; the interior is reserved for eligible church members.
• Access from downtown and other parts of metro Atlanta is straightforward by car, with MARTA + rideshare as an option.
• If you want to attend regular Sunday services or community events, look for a local Latter-day Saint meetinghouse, not the temple.
• From an Atlanta perspective, the temple is one of the city’s notable religious landmarks, adding to the diverse spiritual landscape of the metro area.