The Biltmore Ballrooms: Planning a Wedding or Social Event in Midtown Atlanta

If you’re looking for a ceremony and reception venue in Atlanta with historic character and a classic city feel, The Biltmore Ballrooms in Midtown often ends up on the short list. Located at 817 West Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, this landmark building combines vintage architecture with a central, walkable location.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what to expect, how events typically work here, and what to think through before you book.

Where The Biltmore Ballrooms Fits in the Atlanta Venue Scene

Atlanta has a wide range of wedding and social event venues: industrial lofts in West Midtown, hotel ballrooms in Downtown and Buckhead, rustic spaces outside the perimeter, and everything in between. The Biltmore Ballrooms is best understood as:

• A historic, elegant, indoor venue
• In Midtown Atlanta, close to MARTA, hotels, and major roads
• Suited for ceremonies, receptions, galas, corporate events, and large social gatherings

It’s especially appealing if you want:

• A formal or black-tie atmosphere
• Grand spaces with high ceilings, chandeliers, and ornate architectural details
• A venue with a strong sense of Atlanta history and old-world charm

The Spaces: Georgian vs. Imperial Ballroom

The Biltmore usually features two primary ballrooms plus adjoining spaces that can be used for cocktail hours, staging, or smaller functions.

Georgian Ballroom

The Georgian Ballroom is often the choice for:

• Larger wedding receptions or galas
• Traditional ceremony + reception in one room (with a room flip during cocktail hour)
• Events that want a “wow” moment when guests walk in

Typical features include:

• Grand chandeliers
• Detailed ceilings and wall moldings
• Space for a large dance floor and band or DJ

Imperial Ballroom

The Imperial Ballroom is slightly more intimate and is often used for:

• Smaller weddings or receptions
• Cocktail-style events, rehearsal dinners, or milestone celebrations
• Events that want a formal feel but don’t need the largest space

Many Atlanta couples use:

• One ballroom for the ceremony
• The other for cocktail hour and reception

This setup can reduce the need for a complicated room flip and gives guests a smooth flow through the evening.

Location and Accessibility in Atlanta

One of the biggest advantages of The Biltmore Ballrooms is its Midtown location.

Getting There

• Address: 817 West Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Nearby landmarks: Georgia Tech, Midtown office towers, and Peachtree Street’s restaurant strip
• MARTA: Midtown and North Avenue stations are typically the closest stops
• Highway access: Reasonable access from I-75/85 (Downtown Connector)

If you’re inviting a lot of out-of-town guests, Midtown is convenient because:

• It’s roughly between Downtown and Buckhead
• It’s a relatively short drive from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• There are multiple hotel options in Midtown, plus rideshare is widely available

Parking Considerations

Parking in Midtown can be tight, especially on weekends or when big events are happening nearby (football games, concerts, festivals).

For The Biltmore Ballrooms, couples and planners often:

• Arrange valet parking through the venue or a third-party vendor
• Reserve or direct guests to nearby parking decks
• Encourage rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or MARTA for guests who prefer not to drive

Ask early in your planning:

• What parking arrangements the venue typically uses
• Whether valet costs are per car, flat fee, or bundled
• How guests will be informed (map on invitations, wedding website, etc.)

Types of Events Commonly Held at The Biltmore Ballrooms

The Biltmore is often used for:

• Wedding ceremonies and receptions
• Rehearsal dinners (often in the smaller spaces)
• Corporate events, galas, and fundraisers
• Holiday parties and milestone celebrations

Because of its formal look, it’s especially popular for:

• Black-tie or semi-formal weddings
• Cultural weddings that need a grand backdrop (South Asian weddings, African traditional ceremonies, etc.)
• Nonprofit galas and university or alumni events

If you’re planning a multicultural wedding, ask about:

• Space for traditional ceremonies or rituals
• Timing for longer event days
• Any sound, décor, or capacity limits that might affect your plans

Capacity, Layout, and Flow

Exact capacities can vary depending on:

• Seated dinner vs. cocktail-style
• Size of the dance floor
• Stage, band, or DJ setup
• Additional furniture or lounge areas

A typical pattern Atlanta couples follow:

1. Ceremony in one ballroom (often theater-style seating).
2. Cocktail hour in the lobby, terrace, or alternate ballroom.
3. Reception with seated dinner and dancing in the main ballroom.

This layout lets the event feel grand and keeps everything indoors, which is helpful in Atlanta’s:

• Hot summers
• Rainy spring days
• Humid fall evenings

When you tour, ask the venue coordinator to walk you through a sample floor plan that matches your estimated guest count.

Vendor Policies: Catering, Bar, and Décor

Many Atlanta venues in historic or mixed-use buildings work with approved or preferred vendors for key services. The Biltmore Ballrooms typically follows a similar approach.

Catering

Common patterns at venues like The Biltmore include:

• A list of required or preferred caterers familiar with the building
• Options for buffet, plated, or family-style service
• Rules about outside catering, especially for cultural or specialty cuisines

If you want a specific caterer:

• Ask if they’re on the approved list
• If not, ask about the process and fees (if any) to get them approved
• Confirm who handles staffing, rentals (china, glassware, linens), and cleanup

Bar Service

For bar service, you’ll want to clarify:

• Whether alcohol must be provided through the venue or an approved bar vendor
• Whether you can provide your own alcohol (BYO) and pay for bartenders only
• Corkage fees, bar packages, and last call times
• How ID checks will be handled and whether security is required

Décor, Lighting, and Restrictions

Historic venues in Atlanta often have rules to protect the building. At The Biltmore, you may encounter guidelines such as:

• No nails, tape, or hooks in historic walls or molding
• Restrictions on open flames (candles)
• Approved methods for hanging drapery or lighting
• Limitations on confetti, sparklers, and fog machines

Ask about:

• In-house lighting and AV options (uplighting, microphones, speakers)
• Whether you’ll need to bring in a lighting or production company
• Setup and breakdown timeframes for decorators and vendors

Cost Factors for Events at The Biltmore Ballrooms in Atlanta

Pricing can vary widely by date, season, and event type. You’ll usually encounter several categories of cost:

1. Venue Rental Fee

This often covers:

• Use of one or both ballrooms and designated spaces
• A set rental time block (afternoon to late evening)
• Basic tables and chairs (depending on the venue’s inventory)
• On-site venue staff or coordinator

Pricing may be higher for:

• Saturdays
• Peak months in Atlanta (often spring and fall)
• Larger events that use more of the building

2. Catering and Bar

Food and beverage can easily become the largest portion of your budget. Costs depend on:

• Menu style (plated vs. buffet)
• Bar type (open bar, beer/wine only, or cash bar)
• Guest count and event length

3. Rentals and Décor

You may need:

• Linens, upgraded chairs, specialty tables
• Additional glassware, chargers, or china
• Draping, additional lighting, or staging

4. Service and Other Fees

Venue contracts often include:

• Service fees (sometimes a percentage of food and beverage)
• Tax
• Possible security, valet, or overtime fees

When you receive a proposal, ask for a “bottom line” estimate that includes:

Working with Planners and Coordinators in Atlanta

For a venue as detailed and historic as The Biltmore Ballrooms, many couples and organizations find it helpful to involve a wedding or event planner.

Venue Coordinator vs. Independent Planner

Most Atlanta venues provide an in-house venue contact who focuses on:

• Building access and rules
• Venue-provided items (tables, chairs, basic setup)
• Coordination with catering and vendors on logistics

An independent planner or day-of coordinator usually handles:

• Timeline creation
• Vendor scheduling and communication
• Décor setup oversight (within the venue’s rules)
• Managing the flow of the event itself

If you’re planning from out of town or balancing busy work schedules in Atlanta, having a planner familiar with Midtown venues can make logistics smoother.

What Atlanta Locals Often Consider Before Booking

To decide whether The Biltmore Ballrooms fits your needs, consider:

Atmosphere and Style

• Do you want a formal, historic, and elegant environment?
• Are you comfortable leaning into a classic ballroom look, or do you prefer something more industrial or modern?

Guest Experience

• Will most guests be local to Atlanta or traveling in?
• Can they easily reach Midtown on a Friday or Saturday evening?
• Are there suitable hotel options nearby in your price range?

Timing and Season

Atlanta weather affects more than photos:

• Summer: Hot and humid. Indoor venues like The Biltmore are a plus, but factor in transportation comfort.
• Spring/Fall: Popular wedding seasons; dates at major venues can book early.
• Winter: Often more date and price flexibility, but it’s still an indoor-focused venue, so weather is less of a concern.

Cultural and Religious Needs

If your ceremony includes:

• Specific religious requirements
• Cultural traditions that affect timing, attire, or layout
• Multiple ceremonies or long event days

Discuss all of this with the venue early to ensure the space and timeline will work.

How to Get Started with The Biltmore Ballrooms

To explore hosting your wedding or social event at The Biltmore Ballrooms in Atlanta, a typical first step is:

1. Contact the venue to confirm:

   • Available dates
   • Approximate capacity for your guest count
   • Basic pricing structure and minimums

2. Schedule an in-person tour if you’re local, or a virtual walkthrough if you’re planning from out of town.

3. When you tour, bring a short list of questions:

   • What’s included in the rental fee?
   • How do catering and bar services work?
   • What are the parking and transportation recommendations?
   • What are the decor and noise restrictions?
   • What does a typical wedding or event timeline look like here?

Because the venue is in Midtown Atlanta, you can also plan to visit nearby hotels, parking options, or restaurants in the same trip. This helps you visualize the full guest experience—from arrival and ceremony to late-night rideshare pickup on West Peachtree.

If you’re planning a wedding or social event in Atlanta and you want a historic, centrally located, all-indoor space, The Biltmore Ballrooms offers a style and setting that many find distinctly “Atlanta” in feel—formal, grand, and rooted in the city’s architectural past.