The Stave Room at ASW Distillery: A Modern Atlanta Venue for Ceremonies and Receptions

Planning a wedding or social event in Atlanta and want something modern, urban, and memorable that isn’t another hotel ballroom? The Stave Room at ASW Distillery in Midtown/West Midtown is a popular choice for couples who want an industrial-chic backdrop with a local Atlanta feel.

Below is a practical guide to what to expect, how the space works, and how to decide if it fits your ceremony and reception plans.

Where The Stave Room Fits in Atlanta’s Event Scene

The Stave Room is an event venue attached to ASW Distillery near Atlantic Station and the Arts Center area. It combines:

• A large, flexible event hall (for ceremonies, receptions, or both)
• Access to ASW Distillery’s barrel rooms and production spaces as a visual backdrop
• An atmosphere that’s distinctly Atlanta industrial loft rather than traditional ballroom

For couples in the city, it’s often considered alongside other urban venues in West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown, especially for guests who like the brewery/distillery vibe but want a more polished setting.

Typical uses in Atlanta include:

• Wedding ceremonies + receptions in one location
• Reception-only events after a church or courthouse ceremony
• Rehearsal dinners, milestone birthdays, and corporate parties that still feel elevated

Location & Access in Atlanta

General area: Near Atlantic Station / West Midtown
Typical address: The Stave Room at ASW Distillery is located in an industrial-style complex convenient to I-75/85, 17th Street, and Peachtree Street.

For Atlanta guests, the main advantages are:

• Central location: Reasonable drive from Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, and the Westside
• Access from I-75/85: Helpful for out-of-town guests staying in hotels around Downtown or Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Nearby hotels: Plenty of options in Midtown and Atlantic Station, which can simplify guest transport and room blocks

If you rely on MARTA, many couples choose:

• Arts Center Station (Red/Gold line), then a short rideshare to the venue
• Rideshares for late-night returns to Midtown or Downtown hotels

Parking options tend to include on-site or nearby lots/garages, but you’ll want to confirm current details with the venue and consider valet or rideshare for ease, especially for evening events.

What the Space Feels Like

The Stave Room is known locally for its industrial-meets-elegant look. The atmosphere usually includes:

• High ceilings and exposed beams
• Concrete floors suitable for dancing
• Brick or industrial-style walls that work well with greenery, candles, or dramatic lighting
• Views or access to the distillery barrels and equipment, depending on your layout

This aesthetic appeals to couples who want:

• A modern, urban ceremony backdrop
• A space that can swing from black-tie formal to cocktail-casual depending on décor
• A location that feels distinctly “Atlanta” rather than generic

Capacity, Layout, and Flow for Weddings

Exact capacities can vary based on layout and current venue policies, but in Atlanta, The Stave Room is generally considered a large event venue that can accommodate:

• Ceremony + seated reception in one main hall
• A cocktail hour in a separate foyer, outside patio, or near the distillery area
• Dance floor, DJ/band, bar areas, and lounge seating within the same overall space

Typical Wedding Layouts

Many Atlanta couples use the space in one of these ways:

1. Ceremony + Reception in the Main Hall

   • Ceremony at one end of the room
   • Flip during cocktail hour to set up the reception
   • Works well if most guests are local and used to one-venue events

2. Outdoor or Offsite Ceremony + Reception at The Stave Room

   • Ceremony at a church, temple, Atlanta City Hall, or outdoor spot (e.g., Piedmont Park)
   • Guests arrive at The Stave Room for cocktail hour and reception
   • Helpful if you want a religious ceremony but an industrial reception

3. Full Indoor Experience

   • Indoor ceremony
   • Cocktail hour in a separate pre-function space
   • Reception with full bar and dance floor in the main room

Quick Venue Snapshot

Always confirm maximum guest count and specific layout options directly with the venue when you start planning.

Ceremony Options at The Stave Room

On-Site Ceremonies

If you choose to hold your wedding ceremony at The Stave Room:

• The main event hall can be set up with rows of chairs, an arch or floral installation, and an aisle.
• Lighting and draping can change the feel from industrial to romantic and soft.
• Some couples use the barrels or distillery elements as a unique backdrop.

For Atlanta couples, on-site ceremonies can simplify:

• Guest transportation (no need to move between venues)
• Timing (especially if you want a later ceremony followed immediately by the reception)
• Weather concerns (all-indoors during hot summers or rainy seasons)

Off-Site Ceremony + Stave Room Reception

If an off-site ceremony is important to you—such as a traditional service at a local church, temple, or the Fulton County Courthouse—The Stave Room works well as the reception-only site.

Common Atlanta patterns include:

• Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead ceremonies followed by reception at The Stave Room
• Afternoon ceremony, with guests traveling via shuttles, rideshare, or private transport to the venue
• Room blocks at Midtown hotels to keep logistics manageable

Reception Features & Guest Experience

Food and Catering

Atlanta venues like The Stave Room often work with:

• Preferred or exclusive caterers familiar with the space
• Vendors who know how to handle large guest counts and bar-driven events

Expect reception setups such as:

• Plated dinners for more formal weddings
• Buffet or family-style service for flexible seating
• Heavy hors d’oeuvres and stations for cocktail-style receptions

It’s important to ask:

• Whether you must use a specific caterer list
• What kitchen or prep facilities are on-site
• If outside catering is allowed for cultural or specialty cuisines

Bar and Beverage Service

Being part of ASW Distillery, The Stave Room naturally highlights:

• Craft cocktails featuring ASW spirits
• Signature drink options that reflect your tastes or story
• A bar setup that can be central to the guest experience

In Atlanta, many couples:

• Offer a full open bar with ASW favorites
• Create signature his/hers/ours cocktails named after neighborhoods or meaningful places
• Coordinate bar hours to align with City of Atlanta ordinances and venue rules

Clarify with the venue:

• Who provides bartenders and bar product
• Whether ASW spirits are required or simply recommended
• Policies around last call, shots, and late-night service

Music, Dancing, and Noise Considerations

The main event hall has space for:

• A DJ or live band
• A clearly defined dance floor
• Lighting setups ranging from simple to full production

Because The Stave Room is in an industrial and commercial area rather than a purely residential neighborhood, couples often feel more comfortable planning:

• Lively receptions with dancing
• Late-evening celebrations, depending on venue rules

Still, always confirm:

• Event end time and noise restrictions
• Any rules about subwoofers, stage setups, or amplified music

Working with Vendors in Atlanta

The Stave Room is a known venue among Atlanta wedding professionals, which can simplify planning. Many local vendors have worked there before, including:

• Wedding planners and coordinators
• Florists familiar with industrial spaces
• Photographers who know the best spots for portraits inside and near the venue
• Lighting and draping companies that can transform the room

When interviewing vendors, you can ask specifically:

• “Have you worked at The Stave Room before?”
• “Do you have photos or layout ideas from past events there?”
• “Any tips for using the distillery elements in photos or décor?”

Experienced local vendors can share practical suggestions, such as:

• How to light the barrels or columns
• Where to place bands or DJs for the best sound
• How to time outdoor or natural light photos around the venue

Logistics to Think Through in Atlanta

When considering The Stave Room, it helps to plan around a few Atlanta-specific realities.

Traffic and Timing

Atlanta traffic is known to be heavy on weekdays, especially:

• I-75/85 near Midtown
• Peachtree Street, 10th/14th/17th Streets

To keep guests comfortable:

• Consider Friday evening events carefully if most guests are driving from work
• Build in extra time between ceremony and reception if they’re in different locations
• Include specific arrival instructions with your invitations and wedding website

Weather Considerations

Atlanta weather can be:

• Hot and humid in summer, with pop-up thunderstorms
• Mild but unpredictable in spring and fall
• Cool to cold, but generally manageable, in winter

Since The Stave Room is primarily an indoor venue, it’s well-suited for:

• Summer weddings where air conditioning is a priority
• Rainy-season events without worrying about tents or lawn seating
• Evening receptions in any season

If you plan to incorporate any outdoor element (photos, a small patio, or outdoor cocktail hour):

• Have a backup indoor plan with your planner and venue
• Keep umbrellas and wraps in mind for colder or rainy months

Cost Factors and Budget Planning

Exact pricing depends on:

• Day of the week
• Time of year
• Guest count
• Length of rental and what’s included

In Atlanta, venues like The Stave Room are typically considered mid-to-upper tier urban venues, especially compared with smaller or more casual spaces.

When budgeting, ask what’s included in:

• Base venue rental:

  • Access hours
  • Tables, chairs, standard linens (if provided)
  • House lighting or AV basics

• Additional services and fees:

  • Security requirements
  • Cleaning or service fees
  • Bar minimums or beverage packages
  • Overtime charges for extended hours

Many Atlanta couples work with a wedding planner (full service or month-of) to help manage contracts and keep overall costs on track when using a large, flexible space like this.

Who The Stave Room is Best For

The Stave Room at ASW Distillery tends to work especially well if you:

• Want a central Atlanta location near Midtown and West Midtown
• Prefer a modern, industrial venue over a ballroom, barn, or country club
• Like the idea of craft spirits and a distillery vibe as part of your event experience
• Expect a medium to large guest count
• Want everything under one roof (ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception)

It may be less ideal if you:

• Prefer outdoor or garden-style venues with lots of green space
• Are planning a very small, intimate wedding where a large hall might feel too big
• Want a completely dry event and do not want alcohol present in any form

Next Steps for Atlanta Couples

If you’re considering The Stave Room for your ceremony and reception in Atlanta:

1. Schedule a site visit.

   • Walk the main hall, cocktail areas, and nearby surroundings.
   • Stand where you’d imagine your ceremony, then where you’d put the dance floor.

2. Confirm logistics.

   • Maximum capacity for your desired layout.
   • Parking, valet, and rideshare recommendations.
   • Exact access hours for setup and breakdown.

3. Ask about vendor policies.

   • Whether they require preferred caterers.
   • Rules for bar service and use of ASW Distillery products.
   • Any restrictions on décor (open flame, hanging installations, confetti, etc.).

4. Compare with other Atlanta venues in your short list.

   • Look at Midtown loft spaces, Westside warehouses, or hotel ballrooms.
   • Consider what feels most like “you” and what works best for your guests’ travel and comfort.

By focusing on location, layout, vendor flexibility, and the unique distillery aesthetic, you can decide whether The Stave Room at ASW Distillery is the right setting for your Atlanta wedding ceremony and reception.