The Ridges Resort – Lake Chatuge
Finding the right wedding venue in Georgia can actually be easier than you think. Especially if you’re dreaming of a celebration surrounded by natural beauty. If you’re looking for a peaceful lakefront setting in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this spot is for you. Mountain views, fresh air, and the quiet feeling of being tucked away make it a perfect escape for couples who want a wedding day that feels both intimate and unforgettable. Learn about this venue from a Atlanta wedding photo and video duo’s perspective. Book your wedding day here!
First Impressions
When we first arrived at The Ridges, we were immediately struck by the quiet beauty of the property. The resort sits right on Lake Chatuge, surrounded by the Blue Ridge mountains, which made every direction feel like a backdrop. Even though we hadn’t shot there before, it felt like the kind of place that made our job easy. From the water views to the tree-lined paths, we knew right away this venue had the potential for some really cinematic photo and video moments.
Ceremony & Reception Spaces
Let’s start with the ceremony space. Kelly and Bobby chose to have their ceremony out on the lakeside dock, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect setting. The dock stretches out over the water with a narrow path that leads to a square platform just big enough to seat their guests. It felt peaceful and tucked away, with Lake Chatuge and the mountains wrapping around the scene.
As soon as we saw the setup, our team knew we had to throw the drone up during the ceremony to capture this spot in action. Seeing everyone gathered out on the water, with the fall colors reflecting all around them, made for a moment that felt cinematic and totally unique. It was a creative choice by the couple that ended up being one of the most stunning parts of the day.
The Ridges has an awesome reception setup that really stood out to us. There are actually two separate reception spaces on the property, so two events can happen at the same time without ever crossing paths. Their reception space has a great indoor and outdoor layout, which is perfect for larger crowds and gives guests plenty of room to move around. During Kelly and Bobby’s wedding, a live band performed, which had more than enough space to make it work. There is a bar built right into the wall and easy bathroom access, which helped everything flow smoothly.
Our Photo & Video Experience There
Shooting at The Ridges was a great experience for us as an Atlanta wedding photo and video team. The lighting was incredibly easy to work with, especially with the soft fall glow bouncing off the lake and trees. The red, orange, and green tones of the season made every shot feel vibrant and cinematic. We also loved how the venue layout gave each part of the wedding day its own space. Everything was within about a minute’s walk. From the dock ceremony to the open reception area, it made the timeline simple to follow. Our favorite part to capture was definitely the dock. The couple surrounded by water with the mountains behind them felt like something out of a film. It is moments like that that remind us why we love doing this. Check out their wedding video here.
Final Thoughts and Tips
The Ridges on Lake Chatuge is a hidden gem for couples looking to get married in the North Georgia mountains. Between the scenic dock ceremony spot, indoor and outdoor reception spaces, it is a venue that photographs and films beautifully. If you are planning a wedding here, our biggest tip is to lean into the natural surroundings. Sunset portraits by the lake are a must. Having everything so close together also helps your timeline run smoothly. Hiring an experienced Atlanta wedding photo and video team is essential. They know how to use the multiple locations and natural scenery to tell your full story. Choosing an Atlanta wedding photo and video team that works well together like ours helps capturing every special moment.
A little about The Duo – Atlanta wedding photo and video!
At The Duo Weddings, we believe your photo and video experience should feel effortless and true to your story. Therefore, not just another copy and paste video or trendy photo gallery you will dislike ten years from now. If you’re looking for a Atlanta Wedding Photo and Video Team in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, or anywhere in the Southeast: one that communicates clearly, has a true-to-color style, and leads with heart, we’d love to connect and see if we’re the right fit for you.
