Four of the More Unusual Wedding Venues in Athens, GA

So you and this lovely person have decided to live the rest of your lives together, but now comes the second most important decision of your new life together. Where do the nuptials take place? We all know the old standby – churches, parks, meeting halls, and gardens. But what about the road less traveled? And in Athens, GA, that road can get very … strange and fast.

The first stop on this less traveled road is The Tree That Owns Itself. This tree is located at the corner of Dearing and Finley Streets, which is also home to the last brick paved road surfaces in Athens, GA. This tree is an oak and was deeded to itself by Colonel W.H. Jackson around 1890. It is a beautiful location back dropped by several fine, old houses. The area around the tree is cordoned off by a chain and pylon fence, but the ceremony would have to be quick. On a nice day, the area is a hot spot for tourists.

The next stop on this whirlwind of wedding spots is the Double Barrel Cannon as it is known by locals. To make a long story short, someone decided that a double barreled cannon was a good idea, and it was built in Athens during the civil war. However, the Confederacy was never really that desperate, especially since in a test fire it is rumored that it killed some of the spectators. The cannon was decommissioned and placed in front of City Hall. And how convenient for those of you who may not want a traditional church wedding but can’t bring yourself to be hitched by a justice of the peace.

The final downtown stop on this ride is the anchor on Broad Street. The anchor was gifted to the city when the Navy Supply School was moved here in 1954. This anchor is centrally located in the downtown area and only a block from a Holiday Inn for those who are concerned about where to host the reception. However, you would have to be quick or have a small wedding party. The anchor is in the middle of a crosswalk.

Now the last spot on this ride is my personal favorite wedding venue. It just happens to be where my husband and I did the deed. The Oconee Forest Park is behind the Intramural Fields of UGA off of College Station Road. While a certain amount of walking is needed, the park has a beautiful bridge, two piers, the fire place from an old cabin, picnic spots, and a host of trails that cut through a beautiful forest area. And don’t forget, you can always have a picnic instead of a reception.

So what do you think of this particular road? Less traveled definitely, but in this case that means free. Unfortunately, it also means fast, since most of these areas are public and in some cases in the middle of the street. And don’t forget, it is first come, first serve. Reservations don’t exist on this particular path, so be careful what you choose.