A Venue Review of the Carlyle in Atlanta, GA

Hi friends! Amber here. 
Today I'd like to review a new(ish) venue in Atlanta: The Carlyle. I can't remember exactly when it opened, but if my memory serves, it was late 2019. We've played numerous weddings at The Carlyle over the past couple of years, and I'd love to share my thoughts with y'all.

All of the photos in this post were supplied by the lovely and talented Laura Watson. Y'all go check her out at www.LauraAnneWatson.com

First, let's start with the pros.

This venue is gorgeous and modern. It's got more of an "open concept" type feel, and there are tons of open spaces that would be great for customization. 

It's got a lot of blank white walls, including a dreamy outdoor courtyard with white walls that is just PERFECT for photos and portraits. You'll see some of the courtyard pics below!

I mean...look at this beautiful courtyard!!
I love the crispness and airiness.

This white, airy courtyard provides the perfect crisp backdrop for photographers to work their magic. Venues always get extra points from me when there are good spots for photos.

Let's talk about 2 more things I love: the lighting (I mean, look at how Laura was able to use the natural lighting in the photos above!) and the acoustics. The openness of the spaces and the high ceilings make for really great acoustics. The sound is naturally amplified and carries really well. Good acoustics are a plus in my book!

The entryway (pictured left,) is huge, and is a perfect cocktail hour space. There are 2 other homongous, open spaces, both of which make great spaces for the wedding ceremony. Pictured above you'll see one of the spaces transformed for the reception. I love the openness!

Now I unfortunately have to talk about some things I do not like about this venue. And those things are: parking and safety. It's important to know that there is almost no parking at this venue. Parking is extremely limited, and vendors can't park at the venue at all. Vendors have to park across the street at a business complex, which is totally fine and not that unusual in the city. BUT there is no cross walk, no street lights, and really no actual intersection at the venue. So we have to quite literally sprint *illegally* across many lanes of busy traffic on a crowded, unsafe road. All while carrying armloads of musical gear. At the last wedding, there was (thankfully!) a police officer outside to help us cross the street after the wedding, but there wasn't an officer out there to help us get to the venue before the wedding. I have no idea about the logistics of this at all, but it would be worthwhile to see about getting a police office to be out on the street way before the wedding to help all the vendors actually get to the venue. I almost got completely run over by a car, and y'all I'm just not ready to meet Jesus like that. It's also not a super close walk, so I would advise other vendors to wear flat shoes that you can sprint through traffic while wearing. I'm just looking out for y'all! LOL

​All in all, I give this venue a 7/10, with all deducted points due to the safety issue of parking across the street and risking life and limb running across a busy Atlanta road, haha! Other than that, this is a super awesome venue!!!

I really hope y'all enjoyed my review of the Carlyle in Atlanta, GA. Let me know if there's another venue you'd like me to review!

Lots of love,
Amber

Vendors:
Photographer: @lauraannewatson
Event Planner: @gloriaschulzevents
Venue: @thecarlylevenue
Event Designer & Florist: @bloominghites
Stationery, Gifts + Signs: @fromsirwithlove
Hair & Makeup: @itmeanspretty
Cake Artist:  @cake_envy_ga
Wedding Attire: @thesentimentalistatl
Jewelry: @songbirdsarajewlery 
Entertainment: @cobaltstrings
Models: Tammy & Zelon Noel 
Rentals & Decor: @tabelmadeco
Linens: @bbjlinen 
Florals: @gracerosefarm
Film Lab: @richardphotolab