Blackberry Ridge is the crown jewel of wedding venues in the South. It originated from an idea by two newlyweds, Steven and Jackie Shaffer, who desired an elegant wedding space that was equally beautiful and welcoming. Inspired by European architecture and its quiet countryside, Blackberry Ridge now stands as a remarkable venue space in Georgia where couples can enter into the next chapter of their love story.
For Clarissa and Chris, it was an easy yes to the venue space, specifically the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge, and I’m honored to have been a part of it. As a wedding photographer based in Chattanooga, I love traveling to nearby states for weddings of all styles and sizes. In this blog, I’ll share about Clarissa and Chris’s big day and share some insider tips for planning your own at this Georgia venue space.
What is the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge Venue?
Set on 265 acres, Blackberry Ridge is home to three primary venue options for couples:
- The Conservatory (where Clarissa and Chris said “I do”) is an all-glass work of art set against a backdrop of a small pond and water fountain. The space starts at $16,995 and allows for up to 300 guests. With marble courtyards, spacious gardens, Greek-style statues, and a ceremony space with French castle doors on the water, it can’t get better than this. There’s even accommodations and a patio on-site for cocktail hours and getting-ready moments.
- Blackberry Village is the intimate option of the three venue spaces, ideal for micro weddings and rehearsal dinners. The venue rental starts at $5,450 and allows for up to 75 guests. It has a charming lakeside dock, blooming rose bushes throughout, a beautiful garden, and two European-style cottages for a fairytale-esque wedding.
- The Villa is an Italian-inspired space with rose-lined pathways and arched, romantic entryways. It starts at $5,995 and fits up to 200 guests. The Villa has an elegant grand hall filled with natural light, a garden courtyard surrounded by roses, and private groom and bride suites to prepare for your big day.
Blackberry Ridge also makes it super easy for your guests to stay close during all the festivities. Lodging is available for up to 92 guests across the estate, including a quaint cottage, a private tower for the newlyweds, and two manors.
What a Wedding at the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge is Like, Starting With Getting Ready
Clarissa and Chris met in a way that feels like a Hallmark movie: a snowstorm at Clarissa’s house that made them stay inside for hours. And they were practically inseparable since.
They were compatible from the start. Clarissa, the playful, outgoing type that loves a spontaneous night out, and Chris, a more calm, reserved demeanor, but with the right people, he’s the life of the party.
When planning their wedding, they thought “Go big or go home,” so when they found the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge, it was an immediate yes with zero hesitation. The venue spoke to their desire for an elegant wedding that was also warm and inviting to their guests. The European estate in North Georgia was everything they dreamed of.
I arrived in the late afternoon after Clarissa had her hair done by Asia Parks and makeup by Nat Brown. She had finishing touches and put on her beautiful ballgown-style dress in one of the rooms at the French-inspired chateau that’s a part of the Conservatory space. We spent some time capturing the quiet in-between moments and a few shots with family and friends.
Then, we transitioned to one of the most breathtaking parts of the day: the ceremony courtyard with the pond backdrop and tree-lined elegance.
An Outdoor Ceremony On a Warm Summer’s Day
The July day really couldn’t have been better, especially from a photographer’s perspective. The light draped every guest and detail beautifully, and I knew it would be hard to pick my favorite angle for each shot. As the ceremony started, a saxophonist played romantic tunes as Chris and eventually Clarissa made their way down the aisle.
They exchanged vows at the Conservatory’s outdoor courtyard, with the ornate marble gazebo behind them. Umbrellas covered the guests from the sun and provided the ideal amount of shade for the photos.
The ceremony ended with colored powder canons of whites and blues going off behind Clarissa and Chris as he dipped her for a kiss. It was such a fun, intentional addition, and it perfectly fit the energetic duo.
A Conservatory Reception & a Lively Sendoff to Match the Duo’s Energy
While guests enjoyed cocktail hour at the patio portion of the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge, I snuck away with the couple to capture photos of the two of them along with the wedding party, family, and friends. Basically, every corner of the venue space is beautiful for photos, but I specifically took shots outside of the Conservatory on the steps, in the Italian garden spaces, and inside the chateau for a mix of candid and cinematic photos.
From there, we transitioned to the reception inside the Conservatory. It was jaw-droppingly beautiful with flowers arranged by Ramblewood, and delicious catering done by the same team. The couple had a light-up sign of their last name upon entrance, and the gorgeous chandeliers really completed the look. Honestly, if you have a reception at the Conservatory, the space doesn’t even need much decor because of how stunning it is alone.
The reception involved eating good food, listening (and crying) to speeches, receiving handmade candles (the couple’s unique party favor by 29Thirty), and a lot of dancing.
And how did they end the night, you ask? In true Clarissa-and-Chris fashion, they said goodbye to their guests with dramatic handheld smoke flares. It was something I’d never seen before, and it fit them perfectly.
Planning a Wedding at the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge Wedding: 3 FAQs
If you’re inspired by Clarissa and Chris’s day at Blackberry Ridge, here are some answers to a few common questions I hear about the venue:
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How much does a wedding at the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge cost?
The rental price for this venue starts at $16,995 and varies by season, day of the week, and the package you select. The entire estate rental, including the Conservatory, the Villa, and four on-site manor homes and cottages, starts at $75,000.
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What are the catering options at the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge?
Blackberry Ridge has an approved vendor list of planners, caterers, and bartenders to ensure a seamless wedding day. They make it really easy for the bride and groom to plan a celebration at the venue.
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How far in advance should I book the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge?
I’d personally recommend booking 12–18 months in advance, especially for weekend and summer weddings. The Conservatory is always in demand, so you’ll need to give yourself plenty of time to book it. Winter dates tend to have more openings, so you can sometimes get away with booking less than 12 months in advance, but I still recommend giving yourself ample time.
Photograph Your Wedding at the Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge
Ready to plan your own wedding with the Conservatory as your venue? Work with a wedding photographer who’s been there and knows all the best corners for beautiful photos!
I’m a Chattanooga-based wedding photographer who loves traveling to nearby states to capture every moment of your day, from the tears to the dance moves right before you call it a night. I’m here to make your day less stressful and to remind you to enjoy everything about your wedding. Reach out to me, and let’s capture your wedding day at Blackberry Ridge.
Vendor Team
Venue: The Conservatory at Blackberry Ridge
Planner: Ramblewood
Caterer: Ramblewood
Florals: Ramblewood
Hair: Asia Parks
Makeup: Nat Brown
DJ: 1st Verse
Cake: Bohemian Bakery
Party Favors: 29thirty (Suwve’s candlemaking experience)
