Historic
DeKalb
Courthouse

PRIVATE EVENTS

Nestled in Decatur, GA, just a stone’s throw from Atlanta, the Historic DeKalb Courthouse stands as an impeccable venue for all occasions. Whether you’re envisioning a wedding ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, holiday soirée, fundraiser, or any other special event, our venue sets the stage for memories that last a lifetime. With its timeless marble walls and elegantly arched windows, the Courthouse provides a picturesque backdrop for your historic occasion. Let us help you bring your vision to life in this iconic setting, where every moment is filled with charm and significance.

Amenities:

  • White Folding Chairs: Included at no additional cost.
  • Gold Chiavari Chairs with Ivory Cushions: Upgrade available for an additional cost.
  • Tables: Round, rectangular, and highboy tables provided.
  • Baby Grand Piano: Available for use during your event.
  • Reserved Parking: Enjoy two reserved parking spaces for your convenience.
  • Spacious Bridal Suite: A dedicated space for the bride and her party to prepare and relax.
  • Private Groom’s Room: A separate area for the groom and his party to get ready.
  • Walkable Location: Conveniently situated within walking distance of hotels and restaurants, perfect for your guests’ comfort and enjoyment.
  • Rehearsal: One hour rehearsal included at no additional cost. Available upon request for Ceremony only rentals.

Ceremony & Reception:

All ceremony and reception rentals include exclusive access to the Courtroom, Harrison Room, Lobby, Groom’s Room, and Bridal Suite for eight hours. Typically, the first two hours are allocated for setup, while the final hour is dedicated to cleanup. The remaining five hours can be tailored to accommodate your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception needs.  During the event, guests transition seamlessly from ceremony to cocktail hour, allowing for a room flip in the Courtroom while attendees enjoy refreshments in the Lobby. To ensure smooth execution, many renters opt to enlist the services of one of our Preferred Caterers, who handle setup, flipping the room, and breakdown/cleanup, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day to the fullest.

Ceremony & Reception Rates:

  • Mon-Wed: 4pm-12am, 8 hours, 150 people max — $1,900
  • Thursday: 4pm-12am, 8 hours, 150 people max — $2,100
  • Friday: 4pm-12am, 8 hours, 150 people max — $3,300
  • Saturday: after 2pm, 8 hours, 150 people max — $4,300
  • Sunday: anytime, 8 hours, 150 people max — $3,300

HDC Ceremony & Reception Packages


Ceremony Only:

Located in Decatur, the Historic DeKalb Courthouse sets the stage for unforgettable wedding ceremonies. With its stunning historic marble interior, it provides a timeless backdrop for couples with a wedding of any size. Plus, its prime location offers easy access to surrounding restaurants, bars, and hotels, ensuring your intimate celebration is nothing short of perfect.

Our affordable Ceremony packages offer exclusive access to the entire second floor of the Courthouse. The highlight? The Courtroom itself, boasting historic marble walls, terrazzo floors, and elegant arched windows—a dream setting for your intimate ceremony. Choose from flexible two, four, and six hour time-blocks to suit your needs, with varying guest counts permitted. All packages include access to the Courtroom, Groom’s Room, Bridal Suite, and use of our tables and chairs (setup and breakdown not included). While we don’t allow food or drink on-site, fear not! We’re steps away from Decatur Square’s vibrant dining scene. Let us help you discover the perfect local spot to continue the celebration after your Ceremony.

Ceremony Only Rates:

  • Mon-Thurs: 9am-3pm, 2 hours, 10 people max— $450
  • Mon-Thurs: 9am-3pm, 4 hours, 25 people max— $950
  • Mon-Wed: 4pm-10pm, 6 hours, 50 people max — $1,450
  • Thursday: 4pm-10pm, 6 hours, 50 people max — $1,650
  • Friday: 4pm-10pm, 6 hours, 75 people max — $1,900 (only available to book within 90 days of the event)
  • Sunday: anytime, 6 hours, 75 people max — $1,900 (only available to book within 90 days of the event)

HDC Ceremony Only Packages


How to Book A Date

To book your date, simply complete the Booking Contract online. Once submitted, we’ll send you an online invoice for the Booking Deposit, which amounts to 50% of the Rental Fee. Once this invoice is paid, your booking will be confirmed. The remaining balance, including any additional fees, is due 90 days prior to your event date. If your event is within 90 days of booking or the rental fee is under $1,000, full payment is required at the time of booking. Please note that the booking deposit is non-refundable.

Damage Deposit

  • Ceremony & Reception: A refundable Damage Deposit is due 90 days prior in cash, check, money order, or Zelle ($15 fee applied to all Zelle payments).  This deposit will be returned to you if the venue is left in good condition, including cleanliness, proper storage of chairs and tables, and adherence to all rules. Any additional fees incurred due to overages in time or damages will be deducted from the Damage Deposit.
    • $500 (with a preferred caterer) or $1,000 (without a preferred caterer)
  • Ceremony Only: A refundable Damage Deposit is required in cash on the day of your event. This deposit will be returned to you if the venue is left in good condition, including cleanliness, proper storage of tables and chairs, and adherence to all rules. Any additional fees incurred due to overages in time or damages will be deducted from this deposit. Mon-Thurs $250, Friday and Sunday $500.
    • $250 Mon-Thurs or $500 Friday or Sunday

Police Fee

A Police Officer is required to be on-site whenever alcohol is served. We will hire a uniformed off-duty Police Officer to be present from cocktail hour to last call, with a minimum requirement of 3 hours. This fee can be paid along with the Damage Deposit via cash, check, money order, or Zelle.

Rehearsals

A one-hour rehearsal is included and scheduled 90 days in advance, around other events. Weekday rehearsals are generally from 3pm-4pm, Monday to Friday. Saturday rehearsals are typically from 1pm-2pm. All rehearsal times are subject to change. Rehearsals only available upon request for Ceremony only rentals.

Alcohol

Renters may bring their own alcohol, which must be served by licensed and insured servers. Our preferred caterers offer bar setup and service. Alcohol and non-perishable items can be delivered 30 minutes before the rehearsal and stored in one of three locked closets. All items must be removed by the end of the rental period. DHC is not responsible for items left in the building.

Parking

Two reserved parking spaces on Ponce De Leon Avenue are included in your rental. For your guests’ convenience, public parking options are available nearby. With over 2,000 deck spaces currently available, parking shouldn’t be an issue. Here are two convenient public parking decks that we recommend:

  • DeKalb County Courthouse Parking Deck: 125 W Trinity Pl $6
  • One West Court Square Parking Deck: 158 W Ponce de Leon Ave
    Email: onewestcourt@peakparking.com to inquire about a special $5 rate

Hotels

Less than a block away, stand two fantastic hotels, making your and your guests’ stay even more comfortable and accessible. Book a suite for yourselves to enjoy alongside your guests.


Preferred Caterers


HDC Ceremony & Reception Packages

HDC Ceremony Only Packages

The Historic DeKalb County Courthouse

Located in Decatur, Georgia, just minutes away from Atlanta, the Historic DeKalb Courthouse is the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, fund-raisers, bar/bat mitzvahs, reunions, meetings and more. The marble walls and beautifully arched windows are the perfect backdrop for your historic events.

HDC Ceremony & Reception Packages

HDC Ceremony Only Packages


We are open by appointment ONLY.

Email donaldson@dekalbhistory.org to schedule.

Historic DeKalb Courthouse Private Events: Calendar
Availability Calendar
Historic DeKalb Courthouse Private Events: Preferred Caterers
Preferred Caterers
DeKalb History Center Private Events: Galleries
Event Galleries


 

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