If you're searching for a wedding venue that captures the charm of the South while offering incredible flexibility, The Mackey House is unlike anywhere else in the Savannah area. Family-owned and operated, this beautiful estate has become one of the region's most beloved wedding venues thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful grounds, and thoughtfully designed event spaces.
One of the things we admire most about The Mackey House is the passion the owners have for continually investing in the property. Because The Mackey House is family-owned and operated, there's a genuine sense of care that you can feel throughout the planning process and on the wedding day itself. The owners are continually investing in the property and looking for ways to make the experience even better for future couples. That dedication is one of the reasons so many couples, and vendors, love coming back.
Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a larger wedding, The Mackey House offers the convenience of hosting your entire day in one location. From getting ready with your wedding party to your ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and portraits, every part of your wedding can take place on the property, creating a relaxed and seamless experience.
Why we love photographing at the mackey House
One of the things we love most about The Mackey House is that no two weddings here ever feel the same. While the property has a signature Southern charm, couples have so much freedom to make the space their own. From choosing between multiple ceremony sites to creating unique cocktail hour and reception layouts, every wedding feels personalized rather than following a one-size-fits-all formula.
The property itself is another reason couples fall in love with The Mackey House. Towering oak trees, beautifully maintained gardens, elegant architecture, waterfront views, and open green spaces all come together to create a venue that feels timeless and inviting. As the day unfolds, each area offers a different atmosphere, giving your guests a new experience throughout the celebration.
One of our favorite parts of every Mackey House wedding is exploring the grounds with our couples. We've captured portraits in the garden, by the pond, in front of the house, on the porch, in the house and everything in between. No matter the season, there are beautiful portrait locations tucked throughout the property, making it easy to create a gallery with a wide variety of images without ever feeling repetitive.
CEREMONY LOCATIONS AT THE MACKEY HOUSE
garden ceremony
The Garden Ceremony is The Mackey House's most popular ceremony location, and it's easy to see why. Nestled among mature trees and lush landscaping, this space feels private, romantic, and beautifully connected to nature. The brick paver aisle, white arbor, and surrounding greenery create a timeless setting that complements virtually any wedding style.
One of our favorite things about the Garden Ceremony is how intimate it feels, even with a larger guest count. The landscaping naturally frames the ceremony while the towering trees provide a beautiful backdrop. As photographers, we also love that the surrounding greenery photographs beautifully throughout the year, creating a classic, timeless look that never goes out of style.
Lakeside ceremony
For couples dreaming of a waterfront ceremony, the Lakeside Ceremony offers a beautiful setting overlooking The Mackey House's lake and fountain. The open lawn creates a peaceful atmosphere while the water adds a beautiful focal point, making this location especially stunning in the late afternoon and early evening.
One of the things we love about this ceremony site is its flexibility. We've photographed weddings with the ceremony facing the lake and fountain, creating a dramatic waterfront backdrop, while other couples have chosen to rotate the ceremony so the fountain sits to the side. Both layouts photograph beautifully and allow couples to customize the space based on their vision, guest count, or lighting preferences.
Whether you choose the fountain as your backdrop or as an accent to the ceremony, the Lakeside Ceremony offers a classic outdoor setting with beautiful natural scenery and plenty of room for guests.
reception spaceS AT THE MACKEY HOUSE
the pavilion
The Pavilion is the perfect setting for dinner and wedding toasts. Recently upgraded with advanced climate control, it allows couples and guests to stay comfortable while still enjoying the beauty of an outdoor celebration. The bright, neutral design complements any wedding color palette, while the covered space provides peace of mind no matter the weather.
The Pavilion also includes its own bar, restrooms, and plenty of seating, making it a comfortable and convenient space for guests to gather throughout the evening. We especially love how it creates a welcoming atmosphere for dinner before the celebration transitions into the next part of the night.
the deck
One of our favorite features of The Mackey House is the covered Deck. Rather than keeping every part of the reception in one location, many couples choose to move to the deck for dancing, creating a natural transition from dinner to the party. Not to mention, the light-up dance floor is always a hit!
Like the Pavilion, the Covered Deck features overhead cover, its own bar, restrooms, and guest seating, making it a fully functional reception space. Having two separate areas gives the evening a unique flow and keeps guests moving throughout the property instead of spending the entire reception in one room. It's one of those thoughtful details that makes a Mackey House wedding feel different from many traditional venues.
what type of couple will love the mackey house?
- Couples who love timeless Southern charm and elegant outdoor spaces
- Couples looking for a venue where they can host their entire wedding day in one location, from getting ready through the reception.
- Couples who want the flexibility to personalize their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces.
- Couples who appreciate a family-owned venue with a welcoming, attentive team.
- Couples who want a variety of beautiful backdrops for their wedding photos without leaving the property.
- Couples planning a classic, romantic, or garden-inspired wedding.
- Couples who want the peace of mind of having beautiful indoor and covered spaces available if the weather changes.
MY FAVORITE Portrait LOCATIONS AT THE mackey house
One of the reasons we love photographing weddings at The Mackey House is the variety of portrait locations available throughout the property both indoors and outdoors. Couples can enjoy waterfront views, garden scenery, classic estate backdrops and Spanish moss covered oak trees.
Here are some of my favorite places for wedding portraits:
The garden
the lake
The house and porch
Insider tips for a mackey house wedding
- Don't overlook the golf experience. If you're looking for a fun way to entertain your guests during cocktail hour or add something unexpected to your wedding day, ask The Mackey House about their golf experience. Guests have the opportunity to hit biodegradable golf balls into the lake—a unique activity that always gets people talking and creates a memorable experience for everyone.
- Set aside time to explore the property for portraits. Some of my favorite images have been captured in the gardens, by the pond, on the front porch, inside the estate, and beneath the oak trees. Building portrait time into your timeline allows you to take advantage of all the beautiful scenery the property has to offer.
- Take advantage of the property's natural beauty. The Mackey House already offers so much character and charm that you don't need to overdecorate every corner. Let the oak trees, gardens, and estate provide the backdrop while adding personal touches that reflect your style.
- Think about the season when choosing your ceremony location. Each ceremony site has its own personality, and the time of year (and day) can influence the overall look and feel of your wedding day. Touring the property with your vision in mind can help you choose the location that best complements your style.
mackey house wedding cost
One of the things we appreciate about The Mackey House is their transparent approach to pricing. Rather than asking couples to inquire before learning the basics, they publish their wedding investment directly on their website, making it easy to understand what to expect as you begin planning.
Wedding pricing varies based on the day of the week and time of year, with peak spring and fall dates typically representing the highest investment. Your venue rental includes exclusive use of the estate for your celebration, along with planning meetings, a rehearsal, getting-ready suites, venue setup and cleanup, tables and chairs, guest parking, and access to the property's beautiful ceremony and reception spaces.
In addition to the venue rental, couples should also budget for catering, bar service, photography, florals, entertainment, and other wedding vendors. Because pricing and inclusions may change over time, I always recommend visiting The Mackey House's website for the most up-to-date investment information and available enhancements.
final thoughts
The Mackey House is one of the best wedding venues in the area! It's beautiful on its own, but the family and staff truly make it one of a kind! If my husband and I were getting married in Savannah today, The Mackey House would absolutely be at the top of our list.
As Savannah Wedding Photographers, The Mackey House is a venue we are always excited to return to!
The Mackey House
at a glance
Location: Savannah, Georgia - 10 to 15 minutes from Downtown
Address: 190 Red Gate Farms Trail, Savannah, GA 31405
Venue Type: Private Estate & Garden
Phone: (912) 234-7404
Website: https://mackeyhouse.com
Ceremony Options: Garden & Lakeside
Reception Options: Pavilion & Deck
Catering: Preferred Caterers
Guest Capacity: From intimate celebrations to approximately 250 guests
Pet Friendly: Yes!
