Proposals

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For a truly unforgettable proposal, look no further than our beautifully unique Swan Gardens!

Since the Atlanta History Center is private property, a photo shoot permit is required for all proposals, whether you are using a professional camera, a cell phone, or no camera at all. The permit reserves your time in the gardens, ensuring you do not disrupt any scheduled events and allows you to enjoy your special moment without interruption from security. Please note that proposals are only permitted outdoors, not inside the Swan House.

Availability

We require at least two weeks’ notice for scheduling, and you can book up to eight weeks in advance. We are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. To allow for a more private experience, proposal photo shoots are allowed these days and times only.

• Mondays:​​  Open availability

• Tuesday – Sunday:​  8:00am – 10:00am (year-round)

• 4:00pm – 6:00pm:   (February – October)

Due to the frequency of weddings Friday through Sunday, most proposal photography permits are issued Monday through Thursday.

Routine Maintenance

On Monday mornings until about 12:00pm and Thursdays until about 11:00am, there is lawn care around the Swan Garden. The grass on the column side of the Swan House may be watered between 8:00am and 10:00am on Tuesday or Wednesday. In the fall, leaves are blown every morning until about 10:00am. Photography is still permitted at these times as long as you are flexible with your photography location.

Swan Fountain Side Photography

Photo shoots do not have access to the cascading fountain side ceremony lawn of the Swan House Gardens. This space is exclusively reserved for booked wedding ceremonies. Photos may be taken above or on the stairs and near the lower cloverleaf fountains. All lawns on the fountain-side are closed for seeding from mid-September through mid-October.

Proposal Photo Shoot Permit

Looking to document an intimate moment with your significant other as you ask them to marry you? This delightful option is just for you!

• Private Personal Photo Shoot Permit
• Up to 10 people maximum – including the couple and photographer
• 1 prop is allowed (examples: furniture, flowers, sign, marquee letters, blanket, etc.)

Pricing

• Standard — $650 — January, February, July, August, December
• Peak — $750 — ​March, April, May, June, September, October, November​

Premium Proposal Photo Shoot Permit

For an unforgettable proposal, this option offers a few more ways to make your moment truly special.

• Private Personal Photo Shoot Permit
• Up to 20 people maximum — including the couple, photographer, and supporting vendors
• You can bring in live music (harpist, strings, etc.)
• Up to 20 props allowed (furniture, flowers, sign, marquee letters, blanket, etc.)
• You may bring in a floral/decorator vendor

Pricing

• Standard — $900 — January, February, July, August, December
• Peak — $1,000 — March, April, May, June, September, October, November

Additional Hours

$200 per hour beyond two

Swan Gate Opened

$100

Props & Photographer

The History Center does not include or supply photographers or props.

Have more people you want to invite? We allow additional guests for $25 per person and more time for $200 per hour for either our standard or premium proposal option.

Champagne

Bubbly always makes the day just that much sweeter! Alcohol and champagne may not be brought onto property, all alcohol must come through us. You can purchase bottles of champagne for $52 including tax. Bring toasting flutes, as we do not have glassware in-house.

Looking for Something More

If you’re envisioning a celebration that goes beyond the limits above – more than 20 guests, light snacks, a charcuterie spread, a small cake, or a more elaborate setup – this can absolutely be arranged with a facility rental.

Evening rentals start at $7,000 and includes exclusive use of the Swan Gardens for your proposal or celebration. Please refer to our Private Events brochure for full details.

For booking please contact: ablaylock@atlantahistorycenter.com or 404.814.4114.