Nestled in the heart of North Georgia’s wilderness, Chota Falls offers a magical retreat for couples seeking a nature-infused celebration. High school sweethearts Cortney Miller and Michael Leone chose this scenic backdrop for their long-awaited nuptials after more than a decade together.

The Venue

At Chota Falls, nature takes centre stage: a striking 150-foot waterfall, lush forest canopy, and open meadows create an atmosphere of timeless romance. Most ceremonies here take place beneath the waterfall, but Cortney and Michael opted to make their mark in the meadow just below the charming chapel — a choice never before done at the venue. The Knot+2The Knot+2

Planning & Photography

Their wedding planning was handled by the experienced Lawanna Luther, who curated every detail to highlight Chota’s natural beauty. Floral and décor artistry came from Henry Luther, whose designs embraced the autumnal landscape. And capturing it all was the talented team at Cariad Photography, whose images bring the location’s magic to life.

Ceremony in the Mountains

Cortney had long envisioned a fall wedding, and Chota’s mountain backdrop felt like the only right choice. With the Georgia ridgelines dressed in russet and gold, the couple exchanged vows in the meadow beneath Chota’s chapel — leaving the waterfall backdrop for portraits and embracing the meadow’s open, rustic charm. The Knot+1

Decor flourished in the venue’s natural setting: wicker cornucopias heavy with mini-pumpkins lined the aisle, sunflowers clustered on a branch-style arbor, and the color palette—rich reds, burnt oranges, sunny yellows—echoed the surrounding woods in October. The Knot

Reception Under the Trees

For the reception, the Luther team dressed the grounds in wood slices, black lanterns, carved pumpkins filled with ranunculus, hydrangea, craspedia and dusty miller (a nod to Cortney’s maiden name) and, of course, mountain air. The Knot+1 A bonfire and s’mores rounded out the night, creating an easy-going, celebration-filled atmosphere where guests could relax under the stars.

A Personal Touch

The cake topper? A cheeky nod to Michael’s loyalty to the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team—and to the couple’s own commitment: penguins mate for life. “They turned out much bigger than we expected and looked too big for the cake,” Cortney recalls, “but that made them all the more like us since we don’t take things too seriously!” The Knot+1

Why Chota Falls Works

  • Versatility: While the waterfall is the classic photo spot, the meadow offers fresh possibilities for ceremony setups.

  • Scenic backdrop: The Georgia mountains provide natural décor; the foliage in October becomes part of the design.

  • Rustic & refined: With the right décor team (like Henry Luther) and planner (Lawanna Luther), a raw outdoor space transforms into an elevated wedding experience.

  • All-in-one location: Ceremony site, photo backdrop, reception setting—all within one property, minimizing logistics.

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