Historic Chapel Wedding Venue in Downtown Athens

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The Chapel Athens

Ceremony and Reception Venue in Athens

The Chapel
The Chapel
private events at the chapel athens

Athens, GA

Renovated Chapel

300 Guests

All-Inclusive

The Chapel

Welcome to The Chapel Athens, a 1912 landmark reimagined for modern weddings and distinct private events. Once St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, this fully restored venue blends historic architecture with airy natural light and understated Southern design.

Exchange vows beneath vaulted ceilings in the main hall, surrounded by whitewashed brick and glowing chandeliers. After the ceremony, guests can sip cocktails on the covered patio, gather in the courtyard garden under café lights, or toast from the mezzanine lounge overlooking the ballroom while the main hall is seamlessly flipped for your reception.

The Chapel

Every celebration at The Chapel Athens includes private access to the venue, chef-crafted menus and full bar service by Cater Athens, and a professional team that handles every detail from setup to teardown.

From your first look to your final send-off, our staff ensures every moment feels effortless, elegant, and completely yours.

XO – The Chapel Athens Team

The Chapel

Spaces That Tell Your Story

The Chapel

Main Hall

The Chapel

Mezzanine Lounge & Bar

The Chapel

Courtyard & Garden

A Peek Inside The Chapel

The Chapel Cater Athens
private events at the chapel athens
private events at the chapel athens
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The Chapel Downtown Athens
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Your Questions Answered

Our most frequently asked questions.

Everyone has questions — and we’re here with the answers. Below you’ll find helpful details about hosting your wedding or private event at The Chapel Athens, from timelines and setup to catering and service.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just reach out. Our wedding & private event team loves talking through the details and helping you feel calm, prepared, and genuinely excited for your wedding or private event.

Venue

The Chapel Athens is located at 100 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30601, in the heart of downtown Athens. Originally built in 1912 as St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the venue was fully restored by Athens Food Group in 2022.

Today, it’s one of Athens’ most elegant and historic event spaces, just minutes from hotels, restaurants, and the University of Georgia campus.

Every event rental includes exclusive access to The Chapel Athens for your reserved time period, a dedicated Venue Manager, and full-service event staff — including servers, bartenders, and setup/cleanup crew.

You’ll also receive use of all venue assets such as tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, glassware, and flatware. All catering and bar service is provided in-house by Athens Food Group’s culinary team, ensuring a seamless, all-inclusive experience.

The Chapel Athens can host up to 300 guests for a cocktail-style reception when combining indoor and outdoor spaces.

The main hall accommodates approximately 180 seated guests for dinner indoors or 220 when using the covered patio extension.

The Chapel Athens features a variety of stunning spaces designed for flexibility and flow:

  • Main Hall (3,200 sq ft): vaulted ceilings, original windows, and a neutral color palette ideal for ceremonies or receptions.
  • Mezzanine Lounge & Bar: an upstairs overlook with a built-in bar and lounge seating—perfect for cocktail hour or VIP gatherings.
  • Courtyard & Garden: a lush outdoor ceremony or cocktail area with string lighting and greenery.
  • Covered Patio: a seamless indoor-outdoor extension for dining or dancing under the lights.

Yes. With multiple indoor spaces — including the main hall, mezzanine, and covered patio — The Chapel Athens offers built-in rain-plan flexibility so your celebration can continue comfortably regardless of weather.

Definitely! You’re welcome to bring in your own florals, signage, or décor pieces that complement the space.

Yes. Complimentary suite accommodations are provided for two nights when you book both your ceremony and reception at The Chapel Athens.

These suites, located nearby through our hotel partners, offer a convenient and comfortable space for getting ready and pre-event photos.

The Chapel Athens features a combination of natural light and custom lighting design. The main hall is illuminated by modern architectural fixtures that highlight its historic beams and vaulted ceilings, while the courtyard and patio glow with string lights and warm ambient lighting for evening celebrations.

Our venue staff handles all setup and cleanup of tables, chairs, linens, and dinnerware so you and your vendors can focus on enjoying the day.

While The Chapel Athens does not include on-site lodging, several downtown Athens hotels are located within walking distance.

Couples booking both their ceremony and reception packages receive complimentary suite accommodations for two nights through our partner hotels.

Free deck parking is available directly adjacent to the venue, offering ample and convenient options for guests. Additional downtown parking and rideshare access are also nearby.

Planning

Yes. Every event at The Chapel Athens includes a dedicated Venue Manager and full event staff through Athens Food Group. Your Venue Manager will oversee timelines, staffing, and logistics to ensure your day runs seamlessly—from setup to last call.

Absolutely. While your Venue Manager will coordinate all venue and catering details, you’re welcome to bring in an outside planner or day-of coordinator to assist with design, décor, and vendor communication.

Once your date is booked, our team works closely with you to create a custom planning timeline that includes menu selections, layout design, and final guest counts. Many couples reserve The Chapel Athens 12–18 months in advance, especially for spring and fall weddings—our most popular seasons.

Rehearsal time can often be arranged based on venue availability. If you’re hosting your ceremony at The Chapel Athens, your Venue Manager will help coordinate a rehearsal walk-through in the days leading up to your wedding.

All events must comply with Athens city noise ordinances, which typically require amplified music to conclude by 11:00 p.m.

Yes. The Chapel Athens hosts elegant rehearsal dinners and welcome gatherings in its main hall, mezzanine bar, or courtyard. Our in-house culinary and bar team, managed by Athens Food Group, customizes menus and layouts to match your wedding weekend vision.

Yes. Many couples host their ceremony in the courtyard garden, cocktail hour on the patio or mezzanine bar, and reception in the main hall. Each area transitions beautifully, creating a seamless guest experience throughout your celebration.

Yes. Your venue rental includes all standard tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, and flatware. Specialty rentals or custom décor can be added through your preferred vendor.

The Chapel Athens is designed for elegant, timeless celebrations with a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Its 1912 architecture and natural light create a stunning backdrop for both modern and traditional weddings.

We also host:

  • Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions
  • Rehearsal Dinners
  • Corporate & Nonprofit Events
  • Milestone Celebrations and Galas
Bar & Catering

Yes. Every event at The Chapel Athens includes professional bar service with licensed bartenders. Bar setup, staffing, and glassware are all provided, with house, premium, and top-shelf liquor packages available to match your event’s style and budget.

All alcohol must be provided and served through The Chapel Athens’ in-house bar program, managed by Athens Food Group. This ensures quality, compliance with local licensing, and a smooth experience for you and your guests.

Absolutely! Our bartenders are happy to craft personalized cocktails that reflect your taste, theme, or color palette. You can also add local craft beers from Creature Comforts or Southern Brewing Co., curated wines, and champagne toasts for a customized experience.

View Our Current Menu Here

The Chapel Athens features in-house catering by Athens Food Group’s culinary team, known for upscale Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern presentation. Menu styles include plated dinners, buffets, stations, and cocktail receptions, each fully customizable to fit your event vision.

Yes! Our chefs offer a variety of service styles, including buffets, stations, and plated meals. Popular options include the Shrimp & Grits Bar, Charcuterie Display, and Carving Station, along with desserts like Bavarian Cream Shortcake and Chocolate Angel Food Cake. All menu items are freshly prepared using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Day Of

The Chapel Athens will be available to you during the time block outlined in your Event Summary, beginning with guest arrival and ending with guest departure.

You and your vendors are guaranteed access for setup at least two hours before your event starts, and our staff will handle all venue setup and cleanup within that window.

Your rental period is based on the time specified in your Event Summary, which includes access, event, and cleanup times.

Yes. The Chapel Athens and Athens Food Group maintain all required licenses and liability coverage.

All events must comply with Athens city noise ordinances, which require amplified music to end by 11:00 p.m. The official end time for your event will be confirmed in your signed Event Summary.

Logistics & More

The nearest major airport is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), located about 75 miles (1.5 hours) west of Athens. It’s easily accessible by car or shuttle service, with several transportation options available for out-of-town guests.

Located at the edge of downtown Athens, The Chapel is surrounded by some of the city’s best dining, shopping, and entertainment. Guests can explore the University of Georgia campus, browse local boutiques and art galleries, or catch a live show at the Georgia Theatre.

Enjoy a taste of Athens at our sister restaurant, South Kitchen + Bar, known for its upscale Southern cuisine, or stop by Trappeze Pub—another Athens Food Group favorite for craft beer and casual fare. The area also features beloved spots like Creature Comforts Brewing Co. and The National, all within walking distance.

For outdoor activities, Athens offers plenty of scenic escapes just minutes away. Stroll through the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, explore the North Oconee River Greenway, or relax lakeside at Sandy Creek Park—ideal for guests looking to experience the natural beauty of the Classic City during their wedding weekend.

Absolutely! Contact our events team to schedule a private tour of the venue. Tours are available by appointment based on availability.

Yes. Each of our venues is available for private dining, networking events, fundraisers, corporate dinners, and social celebrations. Our team will help you tailor the layout, menu, and flow to fit your group.

We create custom proposals based on your guest count, menu preferences, and event style — from seated dinners to cocktail receptions and multi-course tastings.

Yes. Microphones, sound systems, projectors, and screens can be provided upon request for meetings, panels, or presentations.

Absolutely. Many of our clients host midweek retreats, client luncheons, or team appreciation dinners. Weekday availability is often more flexible.

Yes. Many local businesses and organizations host their annual celebrations here. We can customize seasonal menus, décor, and entertainment to bring your event to life.

Miscellaneous

You’re welcome to use any licensed and insured vendors of your choice for services not provided by The Chapel Athens. We also maintain a trusted list of recommended vendors for florals, entertainment, and design, which we’re happy to share!

The first step is to complete the inquiry form on our website with your event details. A member of our sales team will respond with pricing and availability and help you schedule a tour.

After your visit, you’ll receive a customized proposal outlining details, menu options, and estimated charges. Your date is officially reserved once you’ve signed the Agreement for Services and submitted your initial deposit.

Yes. A deposit is required to secure your date and finalize your booking. The deposit amount and due date will be outlined in your Agreement for Services.

Your deposit is due at the time of booking, once your contract is signed and your date is confirmed.

All proposals include food and beverage, service, and room rental, along with applicable state and local taxes. Pricing varies based on your event style, duration, and guest count.

A 20% service charge is applied to all food and beverage totals to cover full staffing—including setup and cleanup—so your event runs seamlessly from start to finish. All charges are subject to state and local sales tax, currently at 8%.

Your final payment schedule will be detailed in your Agreement for Services and coordinated directly with your Venue Manager during the planning process.

Love Notes from The Chapel

"We had the absolute BEST time at The Chapel Athens for our wedding! They exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Would definitely recommend this venue and group to anyone planning a wedding!"

Katie, WeddingWire

Download Our Pricing

If this sounds like your dream wedding or private event, fill out our form to download pricing and package details.

info@chapelathens.com

(706) 850-5935

100 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30601