Frequently asked
questions

The Shed comfortably seats 175 indoors. Some floor plans can accommodate 200+ with table and layout adjustments. The terraces accommodate 250+, with room to grow when indoor and outdoor spaces are used together. Outdoor events above the recommended indoor capacity require a specific weather plan; a 250-person terrace setup cannot move indoors unchanged. Marie will confirm the right layout, transition plan, and any outside rentals your event needs during the tour.

Yes. Intimate weddings, second weddings, and vow renewals can use the indoor room, covered porch, terraces, and story-first planning support at a scope that fits the gathering. We shape the spaces around the people and moments that matter rather than asking a smaller celebration to imitate a large wedding.

See how a smaller celebration can begin.

Yes. Alcohol is allowed at The Shed. We do not provide it. A licensed bartender and event liability insurance are required for any event serving alcohol. We can connect you with trusted vendors from our network.

Every quote clearly states which spaces and collection pieces are included. Available venue resources include farm tables and ladderback chairs, farm benches, a full catering kitchen (double oven, 18-foot serving table, ice machine), climate-controlled interior, bridal suite, on-site parking, WiFi, indoor and outdoor sound system, 72" presentation screen, and an arch, linen, and décor collection that can be incorporated into your quoted design.

Your proposal identifies the styling focus, which Shed pieces will be supplied and pre-set, and which items or services belong to outside vendors. See how Marie can help for details.

Before the event, The Shed supplies and pre-sets the room arrangement, furnishings, linens, and décor defined in your proposal. During the live celebration, your planner, caterer, or service team handles bussing, ongoing trash, spills, and active room service. The Shed remains quietly available for urgent property needs.

After the event, The Shed gathers the pieces it supplied, launders its linens, removes event trash, and cleans the venue spaces included in your proposal. Your proposal also states what each outside vendor must remove.

Harrison House sleeps 6 and is 150 yards from the venue. Available now.

Hilltop Manor sleeps 8–10 and is opening soon. Reservations are available now for stays after opening. Together, Harrison House and Hilltop Manor sleep up to 16 on the property.

Hotels and other accommodations are also available at the I-85 exit, 4 minutes away.

Yes. Ample on-site parking is included in every rental. We are located 4 minutes from I-85 Exit 173, making it easy for guests coming from Atlanta, Greenville, and other areas.

The climate-controlled interior comfortably seats 175. Some floor plans can accommodate 200+ with table and layout adjustments, and the porch provides substantial covered space where guests can wait during a passing shower.

For events using the terraces, especially at larger guest counts, we make the rain plan with you in advance: where guests will wait, what can move inside, who makes the weather call, and how the room would be reset if the ceremony also needs to come indoors. In our years hosting events, rain has usually meant a short delay or modest adjustment. Only two events have required more significant changes, and both still went forward successfully.

A 250-person outdoor plan cannot simply move inside unchanged. Marie will help build a practical backup around your actual headcount, layout, and priorities before the day arrives.

The bridge and pergola are currently under construction. They are coming – but we will not sell them as available until they are complete. If this feature matters for your date, ask us about the expected timeline when you tour.

The event room is on a single level with a wheelchair-friendly restroom, and parking sits close to the venue. The wider property is a working farm – tiered stone terraces, green space, and natural creek ground – so if anyone in your party has specific mobility needs, tell Marie on your tour and she'll walk you through the smoothest routes for your day.

Yes. Bring your own caterer, DJ, florist, photographer – your people, your call. You coordinate your vendors, and they follow the venue's policies while on-site. Outside gas grilling is allowed and encouraged.

If you'd rather start from a shortlist, we keep local catering and DJ lists we're glad to share – ask Marie. If alcohol is served, The Shed requires a licensed bartender and event liability insurance.

Outdoor sound comes down to moderate levels by midnight, in consideration of our neighbors and local ordinances. DJs and bands are welcome, indoors and out – your vendors just follow the same noise policy you do.

Sparkler exits are a Shed tradition – allowed anywhere on the campus with adult supervision. The fire pit area is available for a small fee that includes firewood and a fire started before your event. Fireworks are possible too, coordinated with venue management and within state and local law.

During seasons of high fire danger (per the Georgia Forestry Commission), open flame use pauses – safety first, always.

Service animals are always welcome, leashed. Beyond that, the standing policy is no pets – but we're not inflexible about the ones who count as family. Couples regularly include their dog in the ceremony; just clear it with Marie in advance, keep them leashed and attended, and plan for someone to take them home after their big moment. What we don't host is the full pet party – more animals means more risk and more cleanup than a wedding day needs. And remember this is a working farm: the pasture animals are not part of the guest list.

Yes – decorations are welcome with pre-approval. The short version: nothing that damages the venue. No holes in walls, no adhesives on windows or floors; push pins, small nails, and command hooks do the job. Candles with real flames need protective surfaces beneath them. Balloons stay indoors, and outside spaces skip the confetti, rice, birdseed, and artificial petals – we share the land with farm animals.

The venue comes decorated seasonally with décor from Northeast Georgia's history. Tablecloths, runners, centerpieces, arches, and covers in a range of styles can be designed into your quoted scope, supplied by The Shed, and pre-set before your guests arrive.

The Shed is designed as a finished place, not an empty hall. Most events make it their own through tables, linens, ceremony details, signs, flowers, and selected accents rather than remaking the room's permanent architecture.

The Shed is a non-smoking facility – inside and across the grounds.

Start by checking your date. After your tour, we'll hold your date for 48 hours while you decide.

Booking is a signed rental agreement plus an initial payment – half the rental fee or $500, whichever is less. The balance is due 30 days before your event. Booking on shorter notice than that? It happens all the time – we'll set payment terms that fit your timeline. We accept check, cash, or card (cards carry a 3% processing fee).

Cancellations more than 60 days out are fully refundable. Inside 60 days, a portion becomes non-refundable per the rental agreement – Marie will walk you through the exact terms before you sign anything.

210 Thomas Rd, Lavonia, GA 30553. Use Lavonia, not Martin, and approach Thomas Road from North Fairview Road.

Some navigation apps try to bring guests from Highway 17 through Corbett Chappelear Road and the opposite end of Thomas Road. That route includes about 1.5 miles of rough dirt road that can become muddy. The preferred Fairview Road approach leaves only the final 250 yards unpaved.

See the preferred route and guest arrival details.

Hotels and restaurants are at the I-85 exit, so out-of-town guests have easy options.