Thompson House & Gardens
We Make Planning Easy
When you book your wedding at The Thompson House & Gardens, planning becomes a whole lot easier. With our in-house florist, coordinators, and officiants, our couples are able to relax and enjoy the process.
What's Included?
Indoor & Outdoor Ceremony Locations
Seating for up to 250 Guests
Personal Flowers
Decorative Flowers
Ceremony Arbor
9 Hours on the Property
Bridal Suite
Groom’s Room
Full Kitchen
Set Up & Break Down
Easels
Candles
Centerpieces and other decor
Tables, Chairs, & Linens
Onsite Staff & Floral Designers
About Thompson House
The Thompson House and Gardens is located in the small quiet town of Bogart, Georgia, just minutes from downtown Athens and its quaint cafés, antique shops, and of course the University of Georgia.
The House a historic Victorian farmhouse built in the 1880 by Mr. and Mrs. Thompson. The House remained in the Thompson family for over 100 years until On Guest transformed it into a beautiful and unique setting for weddings, receptions, and social gatherings. The Thompson House and Gardens embraces nature and elegance at its finest, as demonstrated by its ever-changing display of color and fragrance. The inviting wraparound porch offers guests a place to sit and marvel at the meticulously maintained grounds and experience the serenity and tranquility of the garden’s soothing water feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can Thompson House and Gardens accommodate?
We can accommodate up to 200 people (indoors and outside) for a wedding ceremony and reception or dinner.
What are the venue rental rates?
Thompson House and Garden’s rental rates are available upon request. You can contact us through the “Book a Tour” link or via email. Please note that prices quoted at initial tour are only valid for 30 days.
Is there a payment schedule?
To secure your event date, 1/3 of your anticipated total fee is due when you sign your contract. You will be expected to pay a second 1/3 FOUR months prior to your event date. Your final 1/3 payment is due ONE month prior to the event as well as a refundable damage deposit. All payments are non-refundable with the exception of the damage deposit. We do not accept credit cards.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
You have a scheduled 9 hours on the day of the event. The standard block of time is 2:00 PM–11:00 PM. Thompson House and Gardens closes at 11:00 PM at which time all guests, bridal party members, and vendors must be off the property. Any amount of time over 9 hours will be cause for an additional fee.
Can we have an early check in?
Early check in is available for $200. Keep in mind that even if you do pay the early check in fee, the venue still has the right to show the property from 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM. Earliest check in time is 10:00 AM
Do you provide any services or can I need to use my own vendors?
Thompson House and Gardens is rented as a venue with an inclusive flower and decor package, and all other vendors may be outsourced. We do REQUIRE you use our in-house flower service (Flowers by On). We do provide a list of preferred vendors. If you choose not to use our preferred vendors, we do require that the vendors you choose are licensed/insured. For more information on these vendors please visit the Preferred Vendors page.
Do we have to use your in-house flower shop?
Yes. Flowers by On is our full in-house flower shop. By booking with us, brides understand that they must use Flowers by On. Our pricing does include an Inclusive Flower Package and use of ALL of our decor.
Does Thompson House and Gardens provide a wedding planner/coordinator?
Thompson House & Gardens requires that all events have a director or coordinator. Please visit the Preferred Vendors page for our list of trusted planners and coordinators.
When can I reach out to onsite staff members?
Anytime! But please be aware that questions or concerns that we receive after 5:00 PM will be responded to by 9:00 AM the next business day. We love our staff members and want them to enjoy time with their families after business hours.
Can Thompson House and Gardens be used for both the ceremony and reception?
Yes. We have outdoor locations for the bride to choose from for the perfect ceremony, and our grounds and house are reserved for hor d’oeuvres and reception. However, in the case of rain or inclement weather the house can be transformed for both the ceremony and reception.
How long is rehearsal time?
You are allotted one hour rehearsal time. The time and day must be scheduled two-four weeks prior to the event. Please be aware that we hold all rehearsals on Wednesday and Thursday during regular business hours (no later than 5:00 PM).
Are there any additional fees along with the rental fee?
There is a $300.00 refundable security deposit that is due one month prior to the date of the event. In the case of any damage done to the property, the amount of the damages will be taken out of the security deposit. All deposit money will be returned within 5-7 business days after the event.
Do I need an appointment in order to come and view the property?
We require an appointment so that we may ensure that the house is open, and a staff member is present to give you a tour and answer any questions you may have. Tours are typically held during regular business hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday mornings before 1:00 PM.
Do you have an ice-maker?
We do NOT provide a functioning kitchen because all caterers are outside vendors and will provide their own food, already cooked. Therefore the kitchen allows for warming and cooling only. We do not have an ice-maker, you must provide your own ice.
Can we bring in our own alcohol?
We do not provide any alcohol, so you must bring in your own. However, we do require that if any alcohol is distributed on the property the vendors must provide a licensed bartender. We have several we can suggest to you.