Chota Falls Private Estate, a favorite full-service wedding venue located in the North Georgia mountains near the city of Clayton, celebrates 25 years of business in 2025. Over its quarter century of existence, this destination venue has hosted over a thousand wedding celebrations, corporate meetings, and special events, creating a multitude of memorable experiences and relationships. Nestled in the heart of nature, this unique venue features a natural 100-foot waterfall and a charming white wedding chapel, a selection of reception venues, and on-site accommodations.

Chota Falls, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 25 years. When the current owners first came across the land, the only way to reach it was to cross a wooden bridge that would occasionally wash out, and five moonshine stills were in active use across the mountain property. Despite these challenges, they fell in love with the scenic meadows, streams, cascading waterfalls, nature trails, and the mountaintop overlook from which three nearby states can be seen. They named their new home “Chota,” referring to an old Cherokee vision of heaven on earth.

Initially launched as a simple venue with basic services, Chota Falls is still solely owned and has gradually expanded to offer multiple picturesque locations, modern amenities, and dedicated wedding planning. These improvements have positioned Chota Falls as a versatile destination location capable of hosting both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations, as attested by multiple positive online reviews and features on websites including The Knot, The Wedding Wire, and Cosmopolitan.

Weddings take place among lush gardens, serene streams, and breathtaking mountains views, each providing a unique backdrop for an individualized experience, while upgraded amenities include spacious indoor and outdoor gathering areas, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and comfortable accommodations for wedding parties.

Within these beautiful settings, Chota Falls also offers the latest wedding inspirations and trends, floral design and décor, curated vendor partnerships, and a highly praised on-site chef. Such expertise and individualized care are of valuable service as couples and other visitors plan their festivities in this “heaven on earth.

From the moment guests arrive until their happy farewells, the dedicated and professional staff are here to share their expertise. In-house wedding coordinators Lawanna and Henry Luther have the skill—and the heart—to arrange every detail to make a wedding day perfect. Chef Arlene Hollier creates a cuisine that will have guests talking for months.

Lawanna Luther, a Georgia native, loves to exceed expectations and bring together thoughtful details to create an experience guests will enjoy.  Beyond weddings, Lawanna is equally well-versed in orchestrating business and social gatherings, bringing the same devotion to detail and engaging personality to executive retreats, galas, and other events. Lawanna is married to on-site floral designer Henry Luther. Together they enjoy designing a weekend you will never forget.

“Lawanna was a dream to work with during the planning process and helped us think through all of the little details that we never would have thought of on our own. On the day of, the staff was so professional and everything went perfectly — and the best part was, I didn’t have to do anything!” — Katie R.

Henry Luther has 30 years of experience in creating customized floral arrangements and décor. Combining a degree in horticulture from Ohio State University with his natural creativity, he has worked with Chota Falls Estate for 20 years. His favorite moment is when he sees the expression on the bride’s face when she first peeks at his custom-crafted florals and décor.

“Henry will get to know the bride before he plans her floral presentation. He does a casual interview and nailed it for our bride & groom who are very artistic and especially particular about color.” — TJS (review at The Knot)

Arlene Hollier, Henry’s sister, had a culinary bent to her Georgia-Florida childhood followed by a professional career in film catering, running her own restaurant, and planning meals for large Atlanta churches. Arlene discovered Chota Falls through Henry when her youngest daughter was married there: Arlene catered the event, and the owners asked her to stick around! Guests of Chota Falls Estate’s wedding, business, and social events have enjoyed Arlene’s upscale twists on hearty fare, like her Dutch-encrusted Kailua sweet potatoes. One attendee, a cattle rancher, declared her beef  bourbon peppercorn steak unforgettable.

“We are so thankful for you, and the wonderful food you provided for us. It was AMAZING, and so much more than we could have dreamed—and all the extras that we were not expecting. You completely changed [our] idea of wedding food—it was like we were at a 5-star restaurant. Literally everyone commented on the food being SO GOOD.” — The Darby Family

In 2025 Chota Falls will mark its 25th year with package discounts and special events while continuing to create lasting memories and new relationships with those who come to celebrate weddings, special events, retreats, and other gatherings.