FAQ Library

Everything you'd ask before the tour.

Pricing, included features, policies, logistics — answered in one place. Jump to a category below or search by question.

Pricing & Availability

How much does it cost to rent The Little Cottage?

Venue rental fees are based on the day of the week:

  • Monday–Thursday: $2,500
  • Friday: $3,700
  • Saturday: $4,200
  • Sunday: $3,500

Prices may be higher on holidays. Additional event time is available at $300 per half hour.

How much does it cost to book a Saturday?

Saturday rental from March through December is $4,200. Saturdays in January and February are $3,500. Rates include the full 8½-hour rental and no extra ceremony fee. Additional event time is $300 per half hour.

What is included in the rental price?

The rental fee includes exclusive use of the venue for a total of 8½ hours — 3 hours of setup, 4½ hours of event time, and 1 hour of breakdown. A 1-hour rehearsal the day before the event is also included, subject to venue availability.

Included with every rental:

  • Furniture inventory: 170 padded white Chiavari chairs, (15) 60" round tables, (8) 6' rectangle tables, and (8) 36" rounds (high or low)
  • Dedicated suites: Full access to the Bridal Suite and Groom's Room
  • Staffing: Setup and breakdown of in-house furniture by Little Cottage staff
  • Rehearsal & walkthrough: 1-hour rehearsal (subject to availability) and a planning walkthrough 4–6 weeks before the event
What is your booking and deposit policy?

A 50% deposit is required upon signing the contract to secure the date. A $500 refundable security deposit is collected with the final payment and returned within five business days after the event, provided all venue policies are followed and the event stays within the contracted timeframe.

What payment methods do you accept?

The Little Cottage accepts:

  • Check — personal, business, or cashier's
  • ACH / bank transfer — instructions provided upon request
  • Credit card — all major cards accepted, subject to a 3.5% processing fee
How far in advance should we book?

Most weddings at The Little Cottage are booked 9–14 months in advance, with peak Saturday dates (March–May, September–November) often reserved 12–18 months out. Off-peak weekday and Sunday events have more flexibility and can sometimes be booked within 90 days. Tours are typically scheduled within a week of inquiry.

Venue Features

What is the capacity of the venue?

The Little Cottage is a 10,000 sq ft facility. For a standing or cocktail-style flow, the venue comfortably accommodates up to 300 guests across indoor and outdoor spaces.

What is the capacity for a seated reception?

For a fully seated reception — including space for a dance floor and buffet or food stations — we recommend a capacity of 170–180 guests. This allows for comfortable flow and an elegant guest experience.

Can we have our ceremony at the venue?

Yes. Ceremonies can be held in the indoor event space, which is then "flipped" to the reception layout during cocktail hour, or in one of the outdoor patio areas. No extra ceremony fee.

What is the aesthetic of the venue?

The Little Cottage offers a modern rustic aesthetic. The building has been carefully renovated to blend its original character — painted brick, vaulted wood ceilings, large windows, two built-in bars, and a fireplace — with modern amenities and a clean, elegant layout that adapts to any event style.

Is the venue indoors or outdoors?

Both. The Little Cottage features a temperature-controlled indoor event space and three outdoor patio areas, giving guests the best of both settings throughout the celebration.

Is there a space for the wedding party to get ready on the day of the event?

Yes. A Bridal Suite and Groom's Room are available on-site for outfit changes, touch-ups, and quiet downtime during the celebration. These spaces are designed for comfort during the event rather than full hair-and-makeup prep, so we recommend that the wedding party arrives ready to go.

Who sets up and breaks down the venue furniture?

Little Cottage staff handles the initial setup and final breakdown of all in-house inventory — Chiavari chairs, round tables, rectangle tables, and highboys — based on the pre-approved floor plan.

What are the venue's house rules for setup and cleanup?
  • "As found" policy: The facility must be left in the same condition as it was found. All personal items, decor, and leftover food or beverages must be removed within the one-hour breakdown period.
  • Full-service catering required: All catering teams must be full-service and provide staff to handle cleanup as the event progresses, including moving trash to the on-site dumpster.
  • Decor guidelines: To protect the space, the following are not permitted: confetti, glitter, dried flowers that shed, loose rose petals, smoke machines, and exposed flames. All candles must be enclosed in glass. Tape on walls or woodwork is not permitted.
  • Sparklers: Permitted in designated outdoor areas only.
Do you provide a microphone and speakers for toasts?

A wireless microphone and speaker system is available for rent at $150. The system is well-suited to toasts and light background music. Many couples choose to have their DJ or band bring more robust equipment for the full reception.

Who handles the room flip between ceremony and reception?

Room flips are managed by the catering team. We recommend discussing the floor plan with the caterer early to ensure they staff the transition appropriately.

Is the venue climate-controlled?

Yes. Modern heating and cooling systems keep the indoor space comfortable year-round, regardless of Georgia's weather.

Can we drop off decorations early?

The rental period includes 3 hours of setup time on the day of the event. Additional setup time or early drop-off is available at $100 per hour, subject to other bookings on the calendar.

Who handles cleanup?

Cleanup is the responsibility of the catering team. Caterers clear tables, manage trash throughout the evening, and move all refuse to the on-site dumpster. Clients are responsible for removing personal items and decor within the one-hour breakdown period.

Is The Little Cottage affiliated with Endive Catering?

Yes. The Little Cottage is owned and operated by Endive Catering. This partnership brings decades of high-end hospitality experience to every event, so venue logistics and culinary service work in sync. The Little Cottage remains a "blank canvas" venue that welcomes other professional full-service caterers as well.

Is a dance floor included, and how big is it?

A dedicated dance floor area is part of the standard reception layout in the main event room. Recommended size depends on guest count — caterers and planners can advise on configuration during the floor-planning walkthrough.

Can we use a fog machine or bubble machine?

Fog machines and bubble machines are permitted in outdoor patio areas only, to protect indoor flooring.

Is the building new?

The Little Cottage is housed in a beautifully renovated building. The renovation preserves the structure's original brick-and-stone character while adding modern finishes and amenities, creating the venue's signature modern rustic atmosphere.

Logistics & Operations

Can we bring our own caterer?

Yes. The Little Cottage maintains a curated list of preferred caterers we love working with, and outside caterers are also welcome. A $300 coordination fee applies, and all outside caterers must provide proof of valid business licensing and liability insurance. View our preferred catering partners.

Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility needs?

Yes. The Little Cottage is fully ADA-compliant, with accessible pathways and entrances throughout the property.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Yes. Clients may provide their own alcohol. To ensure a safe, professional experience, all beverage service must be managed by licensed and insured staff. The hired caterer may handle bar service if they meet these requirements, or you can use a dedicated third-party bar service — we recommend Raising the Bar.

What is the parking situation?

The venue offers 105 free, dedicated on-site parking spaces.

Where is The Little Cottage located, and how far is it from Atlanta?

The Little Cottage is at 652 Concord Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30082 — 9 miles from downtown Atlanta, 4 miles from The Battery and Truist Park, and 15 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

What time must our event end?

All events must conclude by 12:00 AM. Total rental time includes event duration, setup, and breakdown — we recommend planning the timeline so there's adequate time for cleanup before the midnight wrap-up.

Do you provide in-house wedding or event coordination?

No. The Little Cottage focuses on providing a beautiful, well-maintained venue and a seamless rental experience. Clients are free to bring in the planner or coordinator of their choice. A list of preferred planners is available on request.

What is the rain plan?

The Little Cottage's 10,000 sq ft indoor space accommodates the full ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception even when weather requires moving outdoor elements inside. Couples planning outdoor ceremony or cocktail components should work with their caterer and planner to set a weather call timeline — typically the morning of the event — so the indoor layout can be staged during the setup window without disrupting the timeline.

Are there restrictions on photography or videography?

Photographers and videographers are welcome to capture all areas accessible to guests, including the main event room, back room, Bridal Suite, Groom's Room, and outdoor patios. The venue's large windows, exposed brick, and built-in stage and fireplace provide a range of natural settings for portraits. We recommend coordinating with your photography team in advance to plan around natural light and to schedule outdoor portrait time before sunset.

What other types of events do you host?

The Little Cottage is designed as a versatile blank canvas with a modern rustic aesthetic, suitable for nearly any gathering:

Milestone celebrations

  • Cultural milestones — Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, Sweet 16s
  • Anniversaries and vow renewals

Social gatherings

  • Engagement parties and rehearsal dinners
  • Holiday parties
  • Gala fundraisers (cocktail-style up to 300 guests; ideal for silent auctions and staged presentations)

Corporate events

  • Product launches and brand activations
  • Off-site meetings and retreats (high-speed Wi-Fi, two distinct indoor rooms, three outdoor patios for breakouts)
  • Awards banquets (seated capacity 170–180)

Community and creative events

  • Workshops and classes (abundant natural light from expansive windows)
  • Celebrations of life

For events not listed, we welcome a conversation about how the space can be adapted to a specific vision.

Can we host a Mitzvah, Quinceañera, or other cultural celebration?

Yes. The Little Cottage regularly hosts cultural milestone events and approaches them with the same care and attention as weddings, accommodating unique traditions, timeline needs, and catering requirements.

Do you accommodate multi-day or multi-part events?

Yes. The venue and staff are familiar with the logistics of complex, multi-part events — whether that's a ceremony and reception in one space, or specific setup needs for a cultural milestone — and work directly with vendors to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Are there restrictions on cultural traditions, food, or ceremonial items?

The Little Cottage aims to accommodate cultural traditions whenever possible. As long as requests adhere to the core house rules (such as candle and safety policies), we are generally very flexible. We encourage clients to share planned traditions early in the booking process so everything can be set up safely.

Day-Of Peace of Mind

Is Wi-Fi available for guests?

Yes. High-speed guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue.

Can guests leave their cars overnight?

Yes. Cars may be left in the parking lot overnight, provided they are picked up by 10:00 AM the following morning. The venue can help coordinate ride-share arrangements as needed.

Can we include a pet in the wedding?

Yes — well-behaved pets are welcome to participate in the ceremony. A dedicated, responsible adult (other than the couple) must be assigned to handle the pet at all times. Pets must remain under the handler's supervision and are limited to ceremony and outdoor areas. Please let us know in advance if a pet will be part of the day.

Are there any areas of the property that are off-limits?

Guests have full access to the main event space and outdoor patios. Private staff areas and storage rooms are off-limits to ensure safety.

For Your Guests

Are there hotels nearby for out-of-town guests?

Several hotels are within a short drive of The Little Cottage:

  • Near The Battery & Truist Park (4 miles east) — multiple full-service and select-service options within walking distance of the ballpark and restaurants
  • Cumberland / Galleria area (3 miles east) — convention-class hotels suited to larger room blocks
  • Smyrna Market Village (2 miles north) — boutique and select-service options closer to the venue

Couples are encouraged to set up a hotel room block with their preferred property. The Little Cottage team can share contacts for sales teams at hotels we work with regularly.

How do guests get to the venue from the airport?

The Little Cottage is 15 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport — typically a 25–35 minute drive depending on traffic. Ride-share (Uber, Lyft) and rental cars are the most common options for out-of-town guests. The venue's 105 dedicated parking spaces accommodate guests who rent cars.

Can guests use ride-share for pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Ride-share pickup and drop-off is accommodated in the main parking area. For events ending at 12:00 AM, we recommend guests pre-schedule rides where possible — Smyrna ride-share availability remains good late-night, but pre-scheduling avoids wait times during a single concentrated departure window.

Why The Little Cottage

Why should we choose The Little Cottage over other venues?

The Little Cottage offers more than space — it offers a foundation of hospitality expertise and architectural character:

  • Hospitality pedigree. Owned and operated by Endive Catering, the venue is backed by decades of high-end hospitality experience. Service logistics are as polished as the room itself.
  • Renovated modern-rustic character. A 10,000 sq ft renovated building that preserves original brick and stone charm while offering modern amenities — full climate control, high-speed Wi-Fi, accessible entrances.
  • Two-room advantage. A unique layout featuring two distinct indoor rooms and three outdoor patios allows for dynamic guest flow — for example, a ceremony in one space and a reception in the other — without a complicated transition.
  • Location and logistics. The privacy of an estate-style venue with the convenience of Smyrna. 105 free, dedicated parking spaces eliminate the cost and stress of city-venue parking.
  • Blank-canvas flexibility. Outside catering is welcome (with a small coordination fee), clients may bring their own alcohol, and there are no required in-house vendors beyond standard licensing requirements — keeping budget decisions in the client's hands.
How do I book a tour?

Tours are by appointment so you receive the team's full attention. Submit the inquiry form or call (404) 504-9044, and a team member will respond within 24 hours to coordinate a time.