The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast


Raw space venue

The venue will provide just the space. You’ll bring in your own caterer and vendors.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $2,250

Packages

Prices start at $2,250

Guest capacity

Up to 130 seated guests


About this venue

Welcome to the enchanting Gillen House Bed and Breakfast, where timeless charm meets contemporary elegance. Nestled in a picturesque setting, our 2.5-acre venue is the perfect backdrop for your wedding, special event, or intimate gathering. We're located in Maxeys, Georgia, just 25 miles east of Athens, Georgia, making us easily accessible to you and your guests. Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. We offer weddings in March, April, May & June (first weekend) and September, October and November. Please check our calendar here for open dates. Taking a tour of our property is really the best way for you to feel what we have to offer. Please reach out to schedule time with us.

Best of Zola 2024

Our event spaces

Backyard

Exquisite manicure area for the perfect outdoor wedding.

This beautiful backyard area is about one and a half acres of matured magnolias and beautiful flowers.

Guest capacity

25-130 Seated

10-20 Standing

Square footage

40,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

Electrical outlets for tent and dj, turtle pond, firepit patio, ceremony platform.

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Ceremony Area

Say "I Do" under a stunning Magnolia tree.

A comfortable deck area with enough room for the Bride and Groom and officiant to seal the deal. It has plenty of area for the wedding party and guest seating.

Guest capacity

50-100 Seated

10-20 Standing

Square footage

20,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Serenity Hall Barn

Rustic Chic Barn

The Serenity Hall Barn is a Rustic Chic style refurbished chicken house! There is ample space for up to 130 guests seated & a dance floor. The building has two bathrooms and a large hall for the reception, two bathrooms and a food prep area. White washed wooden walls, with a black ceiling that includes two open air copulas, with sage green walls make this a perfect backdrop to create a magical place for your guests to enjoy

Guest capacity

16-130 Seated

1-15 Standing

Square footage

3,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Engagement party, Elopement

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

- Tables & Chairs - Fully customizable area to decorate - 2 bathrooms - Catering Preparation Area

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Maxeys City Limits Bar

Great Bar Area

Enjoy cocktail hour before the ceremony or an open bar for the reception. A charming space with a rustic old building flair. Bar top and service area makes a great place to serve your guests liquid refreshments.

Guest capacity

1-5 Seated

5-10 Standing

Square footage

700

Ideal for

Cocktail hour, After party

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

Included in this room:

- Bar for reception - Bartenders service area

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Backyard

Exquisite manicure area for the perfect outdoor wedding.

This beautiful backyard area is about one and a half acres of matured magnolias and beautiful flowers.

Guest capacity

25-130 Seated

10-20 Standing

Square footage

40,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Elopement

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

Electrical outlets for tent and dj, turtle pond, firepit patio, ceremony platform.

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Ceremony Area

Say "I Do" under a stunning Magnolia tree.

A comfortable deck area with enough room for the Bride and Groom and officiant to seal the deal. It has plenty of area for the wedding party and guest seating.

Guest capacity

50-100 Seated

10-20 Standing

Square footage

20,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Serenity Hall Barn

Rustic Chic Barn

The Serenity Hall Barn is a Rustic Chic style refurbished chicken house! There is ample space for up to 130 guests seated & a dance floor. The building has two bathrooms and a large hall for the reception, two bathrooms and a food prep area. White washed wooden walls, with a black ceiling that includes two open air copulas, with sage green walls make this a perfect backdrop to create a magical place for your guests to enjoy

Guest capacity

16-130 Seated

1-15 Standing

Square footage

3,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Engagement party, Elopement

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

- Tables & Chairs - Fully customizable area to decorate - 2 bathrooms - Catering Preparation Area

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Maxeys City Limits Bar

Great Bar Area

Enjoy cocktail hour before the ceremony or an open bar for the reception. A charming space with a rustic old building flair. Bar top and service area makes a great place to serve your guests liquid refreshments.

Guest capacity

1-5 Seated

5-10 Standing

Square footage

700

Ideal for

Cocktail hour, After party

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

Included in this room:

- Bar for reception - Bartenders service area

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing


The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast packages

Brightwell Package

15-30 guests

Peak pricing $2,250

Off-peak pricing $2,250

Description

This is a Wedding package for up to 30 guests. The dining reception is offered in the Serenity Hall and the Maxeys City Limits bar is included if desired. You will have access to the property from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds our venue. Stroll through our gardens or take in the serene pond. These picturesque settings provide wonderful opportunities for photography and outdoor activities.

What’s included
  • Offsite Parking a block away for 50 vehicles.
  • Bride and Groom Room included.
  • Guests can book a room.
  • Rustic Chic Barn for Reception
  • Stunning Landscape and Gardens
  • Tables & Chairs for ceremony and reception
  • Maxeys City Limits Bar

Buchanan Package

30-60 guests

Peak pricing $3,250

Off-peak pricing $3,250

Description

This package is for a small wedding of up to 60 guests. The dining reception is offered in the Serenity Hall and the Maxeys City Limits bar is included if desired. You will have access to the property from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds our venue. Stroll through our gardens or take in the serene pond. These picturesque settings provide wonderful opportunities for photography and outdoor activities.

What’s included
  • Offsite Parking a block away for 50 vehicles.
  • Bride and Groom Rooms included.
  • Maxeys City Limit Bar if desired.
  • Reception in Serenity Hall
  • Tables & Chairs for ceremony and reception

Vinson Package

60-90 guests

Peak pricing $4,250

Off-peak pricing $4,250

Description

The Vinson Package is for up to 90 guests. The dining reception is offered in the Serenity Hall and the Maxeys City Limits bar is included if desired. You will have access to the property from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. One night accommodation for up to 4 guests, (2 rooms) is included. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds our venue. Stroll through our gardens or take in the serene pond. These picturesque settings provide wonderful opportunities for photography and outdoor activities.

What’s included
  • Offsite Parking a block away for 50 vehicles.
  • Bride and Groom Room included.
  • Maxeys City Limit Bar if desired.
  • Reception in Serenity Hall
  • Tables & Chairs for ceremony and reception
  • Two Guest rooms included for one night

Gillen Package

90-130 guests

Peak pricing $5,250

Off-peak pricing $5,250

Description

You may enjoy the Serenity Hall Barn for an indoor dining reception or choose to have dining on the grounds. Access to the property on your selected day is 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. One night accommodation for up to 8 guests (4 rooms) is included. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds our venue. Stroll through our gardens or take in the serene pond. These picturesque settings provide wonderful opportunities for photography and outdoor activities.

What’s included
  • Offsite parking up to 50 vehicles.
  • Maxeys City Limit Bar if desired.
  • Bride and Groom Rooms.
  • Tables & Chairs for ceremony and reception.
  • 1 night accommodations for up to 8 guests-4 rooms

Available services that can be provided by The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast

Services & amenities

  • Bar services
  • Dressing room / Bridal Suite
  • Event rentals
  • On-site accommodations
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Transportation & access

  • Self parking - free
  • Wheelchair accessible

Rentals

  • Glassware
  • Standard Chairs

Accommodations

  • Bedroom suites
  • Honeymoon suite
  • Single king rooms
  • Single queen rooms

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

5 reviews

  • AB

    Ansley B.

    Rating: 5
    Zola
    Jan 10, 2025

    Our Dream Wedding

    The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast was everything we hoped for in a wedding venue. The property is absolutely beautiful, and its peaceful setting made it feel special from the moment we arrived. Staying in the bridal suite the night before and getting ready in the main house made the day feel seamless. The built-in bar inside a converted barn shed was a charming touch that made our cocktail hour even more memorable. The outdoor ceremony in front of the forest, with the wildflower meadow in the background, was stunning and exactly what we envisioned. The backyard was perfect for our tented reception, and our guests couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful and unique the venue was. The Gillen House exceeded our expectations and gave us a wedding day we’ll always treasure. If you’re planning a wedding, I can’t imagine a better place to celebrate such a special occasion.

  • EC

    Emily C.

    Rating: 5
    Zola
    Dec 23, 2024

    An Intimate Wedding Venue Hidden In Georgia

    The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast was an excellent wedding venue choice for our couple's special day. The owners were incredibly effective and fast in their communication, making it easy for us to coordinate all the details. The quality of their work was top-notch - the venue was clean, put together, charming, and elegant. They were very accommodating if we needed anything, and we appreciated how they have worked their magic to transform this small bed and breakfast into an amazing wedding destination. We highly recommend The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast to any couple looking for a beautiful, stress-free wedding experience!

    Cynzia SanchezDec 23, 2024

    Thank you so much!

  • GE

    Gilly Francis Events

    Rating: 5
    Zola
    Dec 18, 2024

    Owner

    Absolutely beautiful bed and breakfast that the owners have lovingly restored. The grounds are perfect for a wedding with many areas for photographs. The couple that manage the property have impeccable taste and have thought of every little detail to elevate the couples experience. We love working there and look forward to planning many more events.

    Cynzia SanchezDec 20, 2024

    Thank you so much!

  • JA

    Jessika and A.

    Rating: 5
    Zola
    Nov 28, 2023

    Our beautiful Wedding

    We had our beautiful wedding at the Gillen bed and breakfast in Athens, GA and let me say that it was the best decision we made for our best day ever. From the professionalism to the cleaningness to the amazing day with such care and attention to detail. We loved every moment from saying our vows under the beautiful and natural outdoor setting under the this breathtaking tree to the suites named by Spanish colors with the amazing hospitality, a cloud felt like bed and breakfast made fresh from ingredients from thier garden that next morning ! We couldn’t have asked for more! Thank you Gillen B&B for making our day unforgettable !

    Edward toledanoJan 12, 2025

    Thank you!

  • CU

    Carisa U.

    Rating: 5
    Zola
    Nov 2, 2023

    The Perfect Wedding Venue!!

    My husband and I got married here in April 2023 and had the perfect wedding! The Gillen House is absolutely gorgeous inside and out. We chose April for the spring flowers and they did not disappoint. The Gillen House had beautiful, colorful flowers growing all over the property that were also used for our table settings. The upstairs of the house was a great space for me and my 8 bridesmaids to get ready in and the owners are the sweetest, most accomodating people. They worked very well with all our vendors and really went the extra mile to make our day special. All of our guests loved the venue and we had an absolute blast celebrating. You will not beat their prices if you're looking in the Atlanta or Athens area. I highly recommend The Gillen House for your wedding!

    Edward toledanoJan 12, 2025

    Thank you!


Preferred vendors of The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast

Planner
Oakwood Lace and Co
Event extras
Clack Bartending
Band/DJ
Sound Insight
Event extras
Lake Oconee Rentals

April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November
January, February, March, and December
Yes. We do have The Maxeys City Limit Bar Barn for bartenders to set up. This space includes refrigerator, sink, counter area and a great atmosphere.
Yes, we can park up to 15 vehicles on site, 35 vehicles a short walk from the venue. We recommend for guests to stay in hotels in Athens, GA and bus to the event. Bus service contact is on our vendor list.
Yes, all our facilities are wheelchair accessible. We also have ramps at the main and side entrances, hearing-impaired fire alarm lights, and trained staff.
Depends on the package selected. Anywhere from 12 hours to the whole weekend.
We are about 1.5 hours from Atlanta, GA. Athens, GA is where hotels are located for guests, we 23 miles from Athens.
Yes, we request extra insurance. The contact for the insurace company we use is in the vendor lliist.
Cancellations must be made no less than 90 days in advance. We will refund the deposit only if we are able to re-sell the date to another party. Your deposit would then be refunded less a $200 deduction for administration fees. Should you choose to cancel your event, the total fee for rental is non-refundable within 90 days. Cleaning deposit will be refunded within two weeks of cancellation. Cancellations or change of date must be in writing.