Frequently Asked Questions
Vecoma at the Yellow River in Atlanta, GA
For couples looking for a romantic and intimate wedding venue with a mountain/forest/waterfront vibe while still being close to home, Vecoma at the Yellow River is the perfect spot! It sits peacefully on the river and offers both outdoor and indoor ceremony sites that are equally beautiful. Vecoma is located on the border of Dekalb and Gwinnett County near Atlanta, Decatur, Stone Mountain, Lilburn, Snellville, Athens, and Lawrenceville. It is easily accessible by the interstate!
Vecoma is surrounded by a 70-acre forest right on the waterfront! The natural setting offers so many amazing photo locations on the property!
Vecoma is also the perfect setting for company meetings, retreats, rehearsal dinners, memorial services, and more!
Vecoma maintains a high level of quality for events.
For this reason, all food, beverages, and linens must come through Vecoma.
How long is the rental time at Vecoma?
Our initial rental rate starts at 7 hours and includes 2 hours prior to your ceremony for set-up and photographs, 4 hours of private use for your ceremony and reception, and 1 hour of breakdown. You are not permitted to exchange any amount of setup or breakdown time to extend your reception. If you wish to extend your ceremony and reception beyond 4 hours you must purchase additional time. Extra time may be purchased for $410/hour or $205/half hour (additional bar time is prorated as necessary). Events finalized with 150 or more guests receive an additional 30 minutes event time complimentarily.
Does the reception time include the clean-up and breakdown?
No. Clean up and break down is after your event time.
What is the Daytime wedding time frame?
Daytime ceremonies begin any time on the half hour up until 11:00am. Daytime events will end no later than 3:00pm.
What time do the evening weddings start?
Evening wedding start times vary by the month of the year. Spring and Summer weddings usually start between 7pm and 7:30pm. Fall/winter weddings usually begin at 6:30pm or 7pm. After daylight savings in the Fall weddings will begin no later than 5:00pm.
When can vendors arrive for set-up?
Outside vendors can arrive no more than 2 hours prior to your event. No exceptions.
Can my cake be delivered early?
Due to our limited space and strict time schedules, we cannot allow cakes to be delivered early. They must arrive during that 2 hour time frame before your ceremony.
Can I store my flowers in your coolers?
We cannot allow flowers to be stored in our coolers due to health code restrictions.
What time can I arrive?
The bridal party can arrive during that 2-hour period before the ceremony. We ask that guys come already dressed so that they can immediately start taking pictures. We also ask that girls arrive with hair and makeup already done. Girls can finish dressing once they arrive and then swap for photos.
Who directs the ceremony and reception?
A Vecoma staff member will assist you with the ceremony and the event manager will run your reception.
When is my rehearsal?
Your rehearsal will be scheduled one month in advance and will be based on our availability. Don’t worry – most couples are able to rehearse the day before. You will have 45 minutes to rehearse. Only the people involved in the actual wedding ceremony need to attend. Your officiant is not required to come but they are welcome to. We do not rehearse music at the rehearsal so your DJ does not need to come. Please do not have extra guests come to your rehearsal as they cause a distraction. Time is of the essence – You will be charged for going over your 45 minutes. You will not get extra time if you are late.
What happens if it rains? How soon do I need to decide if I want my wedding indoors?
We can easily move your ceremony inside if there is inclement weather. After the ceremony, your guests will move onto our covered deck while we turn the room around. This usually takes less than 15 minutes. The decision to move the wedding inside is made when you arrive, 2 hours before the event.
How many guests can Vecoma accommodate?
Vecoma can accommodate 320 guests, reception style; 250 guests, seated inside and on the patios;150 guests seated inside only.
How many guests are seated at each table and what size is the table?
We usually seat 10 guests per table. The tables are 60” round.
Do I need to include myself and the groom in the headcount?
Yes, bride and groom are to be included in your final headcount
Do I need to include my DJ/Photographer/Videographer/Planner in my guest count?
It is a common courtesy to provide a meal for your vendors during your event. We suggest including your vendors in part of your food and beverage purchase.
We do not offer separate vendor meals, you will be charged based on the per person amount for the menu you have selected.
Does Vecoma charge a cake cutting fee?
No! We offer complimentary cake cutting.
What centerpieces are available for use?
We have square mirrors, glass fishbowls, glass votives, and glass hurricane globes. You can bring floating candles for the fish bowls, or pillar candles (6”-9” tall) or tapered candles (12″ tall) for the hurricane globe. We also offer three sizes of cylinders – 7.5″, 9″, and 14″ and you would need to bring the 3″ floating candles for these.
Can we bring in our own decorations?
Yes! Please note, you may not nail, staple or tape anything to the walls, mantle, or arbor ceremony site. Decorations may be tied on with floral wire. If using flower petals, petals outside must be real, as the artificial are bad for the environment. Silk petals are fine for inside use.
Please do not bring: rice, confetti, silly string, or birdseed. These are extremely difficult to clean up and may result in the loss of your security deposit.
You will be required to bring any materials you will need for your decorations, eg: scissors, step stool, floral wire, buckets, etc.
Flowers must be trimmed outside of the building.
We request that someone outside of the bridal party be responsible for any decorating. This means no brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride or groom, or groomsmen. The bridal party must remain available for photos before the ceremony.
Can I bring my decorations before the day of my wedding?
You can bring your decorations the day of your rehearsal and store them in our basement. Please note that Vecoma is not responsible for items left on our premises. You must have your name on all items. Do not bring perishable items.
What is included in the facility rental?
This fee includes: private use of the facility and grounds, tables, chairs, centerpieces (see above), plates, crystal, flatware, complimentary cake cutting, clean-up, dance floor, 2 hours for set-up and an on-site wedding consultant.
What if more guests attend than are guaranteed as the final count?
If more than the confirmed number of guests show up, you will be asked to pay for the extra guests at the event. Please have a credit card available. The charge will be the cost of food and beverage plus a 10% penalty for each guest.
How long do I have to finalize all of the details for my event?
You are free to make any changes to your invoice up until 2 weeks before your event. At your 2-week meeting we will finalize all details on your invoice and we will accept your final payment. After this point we cannot make any changes or exceptions.
What is the payment schedule?
*If booking more than 7 months away from your date:
- $600 to reserve the date (*$500 is your damage deposit)
- $500 payment two months after booking
- $1,100 payment eight months after booking
- $700 payment seven months before the event
- ½ the estimated balance 60 days before the event
- Final headcount and remaining balance 2 weeks before the event
*If booking less than 7 months away from your date:
- $1300 to reserve the date
- $500 payment two months after booking
- ½ the estimate balance 60 days before the event
- Final headcount and remaining balance 2 weeks before the event
*Damage deposit returned within 30 days after event.
What restrictions are there (if any) on photography?
Vecoma provides the very best photo opportunities. Vecoma has an in-house photographer or you may bring in your own. There are no restrictions on photography- we just ask that your photographer does not move any items or stand on any tables or chairs. We will provide a vendor agreement that your photographer must sign and return that goes over the rules of our facility.
What restrictions are there (if any) on music?
There are no restrictions on music. Vecoma has an in-house DJ or you may choose to bring in your own. Please be sure that if you bring in your own DJ that he or she has all their own equipment in working order and knows that they are responsible for making all announcements for the event. We will provide a vendor agreement that your DJ must sign and return that goes over the rules of our facility.
What are the measurements of the arbor?
8.5ft Tall, 7.5ft Wide, Depth is 3.5ft
What are the measurements of the fireplace?
Hearth: 4ft tall x 7ft wide.
Mantle: 7 ft-11in wide, 11in deep, 4.75in tall
Does Vecoma host corporate events or weddings during the week?
Yes! Vecoma has weekday rates for weddings and corporate events.
What services does Vecoma provide? What services can I bring in?
Vecoma will provide all of the catering and bar services. DJ and photography are optional services. You are responsible for the florist and cake (Vecoma provides complimentary cake cutting). You will also need an officiant for the ceremony. We can provide one for you, if needed, for a fee. We have several highly recommended vendors for flowers and cake – just ask!
If there is food left over, can we take it with us?
Health codes prohibit taking food off the premises, except the cake.
Can we order snacks and drinks during set-up time?
Yes! Snacks and drinks can be provided for the bridal party. Prices vary depending on your food and beverage choices. Clients are not permitted to bring in their own food or alcohol.
Can I bring in my own alcohol?
Georgia law prohibits any outside alcohol being brought onto the Vecoma premises, including the parking lot. Vecoma has very reasonable prices. Please see that your guests obey this law as you are responsible for your guests’ actions. Failure to abide by these rules will results in the loss of your security deposit.
Is Vecoma handicapped accessible?
Yes!
How is the music handled for the ceremony?
Your DJ (or musician) should provide the speakers and other equipment for the ceremony music. The DJ can put his speakers on the back deck. Vecoma can provide a power cord to the ceremony site if needed.
May I outline a specific floor plan for my event?
Yes! You are free to map out your table configuration however you would like, or you can have us create one for you.
Can I change the linen colors or styles?
Yes! We have several choices in colors and fabrics for your linens. You can upgrade to a color linen for $1 more per table. Prices for upgraded fabrics are dependent on the style chosen.
What other linen options are available?
Linen Napkins in choice of color are $2 each which includes the folding and placement
Can I bring in my own linens?
We require that all table linens come from Vecoma. If you wish to bring in your own sashes and napkins, you will be responsible for any tying, folding, and placement of these items. Our staff is not responsible for placement of any outside items brought to the venue.
Are all of your menus served buffet style?
Our standard menus are all served buffet style. You may request sit down service for an additional charge. Plated meals are $5 more per person.
Can we bring in our own food and drinks?
Our policy states that we must provide all food and beverages (including alcohol) for all events.
Under certain circumstances we will allow up to four cultural outside dishes that must be approved by Vecoma and a food liability waiver must be signed and on file. All food must arrive fully prepared and in disposable aluminum pans. Use of our kitchen is prohibited. There will be an added service charge of $25 per dish brought in.
Are there discounts on larger events?
Ask us about our deals for parties over 150 guests!
Will your staff decorate?
Vecoma staff will take care of all set up of tables, chairs, linens, and the in-house centerpieces that are requested. Our staff is not responsible for placement of any outside décor that is brought to the venue. We request that you have someone outside of the bridal party to do your decorating.
Do you provide candles?
You will be responsible for bringing any candles, including the tea light candles that are placed inside of our glass votives. Please note that while we do allow the use of real candles that all open flames must be contained in some form of a fire-safe container such as the glass votives, or a glass hurricane globe.
Vecoma reserves the right to remove any item that is deemed unsafe or hazardous.
Do you allow the use of sparklers?
You will be required to sign a liability waiver and must pay an additional $30 clean up fee. The fee is non-negotiable.
Can we use Chinese floating lanterns for our send-off?
No, due to our heavily wooded area.
Are drones allowed?
Only outside of the building. Vecoma must also obtain a signed waiver.
Do you allow smoking?
Smoking is allowed outside on both the front and back patios. We will provide ash trays.
What drinks are included?
We have several open bar package options for you to choose from that also include your standard non-alcoholic beverages: water, sweet tea, coffee, and lemonade. If you do not purchase an open bar package, you will still be required to pay for the non-alcoholic beverage package at $3.88 per person. This is non-negotiable.
How much is a champagne toast?
Prices start at $245 for 75 guests. The pouring service is included in the price. Non-alcoholic option available.
What beer selections are available?
Any Budweiser product, Yuengling, or Sweetwater 420. Other options available for a fee (imports/crafts)
Vecoma at the Yellow River in Atlanta, GA
For couples looking for a romantic and intimate wedding venue with a mountain/forest/waterfront vibe while still being close to home, Vecoma at the Yellow River is the perfect spot! It sits peacefully on the river and offers both outdoor and indoor ceremony sites that are equally beautiful. Vecoma is located on the border of Dekalb and Gwinnett County near Atlanta, Decatur, Stone Mountain, Lilburn, Snellville, Athens, and Lawrenceville. It is easily accessible by the interstate!
Vecoma is surrounded by a 70-acre forest right on the waterfront! The natural setting offers so many amazing photo locations on the property!
Vecoma is also the perfect setting for company meetings, retreats, rehearsal dinners, memorial services, and more!
Vecoma maintains a high level of quality for events.
For this reason, all food, beverages, and linens must come through Vecoma.
How long is the rental time at Vecoma?
Our initial rental rate starts at 7 hours and includes 2 hours prior to your ceremony for set-up and photographs, 4 hours of private use for your ceremony and reception, and 1 hour of breakdown. You are not permitted to exchange any amount of setup or breakdown time to extend your reception. If you wish to extend your ceremony and reception beyond 4 hours you must purchase additional time. Extra time may be purchased for $410/hour or $205/half hour (additional bar time is prorated as necessary). Events finalized with 150 or more guests receive an additional 30 minutes event time complimentarily.
Does the reception time include the clean-up and breakdown?
No. Clean up and break down is after your event time.
What is the Daytime wedding time frame?
Daytime ceremonies begin any time on the half hour up until 11:00am. Daytime events will end no later than 3:00pm.
What time do the evening weddings start?
Evening wedding start times vary by the month of the year. Spring and Summer weddings usually start between 7pm and 7:30pm. Fall/winter weddings usually begin at 6:30pm or 7pm. After daylight savings in the Fall weddings will begin no later than 5:00pm.
When can vendors arrive for set-up?
Outside vendors can arrive no more than 2 hours prior to your event. No exceptions.
Can my cake be delivered early?
Due to our limited space and strict time schedules, we cannot allow cakes to be delivered early. They must arrive during that 2 hour time frame before your ceremony.
Can I store my flowers in your coolers?
We cannot allow flowers to be stored in our coolers due to health code restrictions.
What time can I arrive?
The bridal party can arrive during that 2-hour period before the ceremony. We ask that guys come already dressed so that they can immediately start taking pictures. We also ask that girls arrive with hair and makeup already done. Girls can finish dressing once they arrive and then swap for photos.
Who directs the ceremony and reception?
A Vecoma staff member will assist you with the ceremony and the event manager will run your reception.
When is my rehearsal?
Your rehearsal will be scheduled one month in advance and will be based on our availability. Don’t worry – most couples are able to rehearse the day before. You will have 45 minutes to rehearse. Only the people involved in the actual wedding ceremony need to attend. Your officiant is not required to come but they are welcome to. We do not rehearse music at the rehearsal so your DJ does not need to come. Please do not have extra guests come to your rehearsal as they cause a distraction. Time is of the essence – You will be charged for going over your 45 minutes. You will not get extra time if you are late.
What happens if it rains? How soon do I need to decide if I want my wedding indoors?
We can easily move your ceremony inside if there is inclement weather. After the ceremony, your guests will move onto our covered deck while we turn the room around. This usually takes less than 15 minutes. The decision to move the wedding inside is made when you arrive, 2 hours before the event.
How many guests can Vecoma accommodate?
Vecoma can accommodate 320 guests, reception style; 250 guests, seated inside and on the patios;150 guests seated inside only.
How many guests are seated at each table and what size is the table?
We usually seat 10 guests per table. The tables are 60” round.
Do I need to include myself and the groom in the headcount?
Yes, bride and groom are to be included in your final headcount
Do I need to include my DJ/Photographer/Videographer/Planner in my guest count?
It is a common courtesy to provide a meal for your vendors during your event. We suggest including your vendors in part of your food and beverage purchase.
We do not offer separate vendor meals, you will be charged based on the per person amount for the menu you have selected.
Does Vecoma charge a cake cutting fee?
No! We offer complimentary cake cutting.
What centerpieces are available for use?
We have square mirrors, glass fishbowls, glass votives, and glass hurricane globes. You can bring floating candles for the fish bowls, or pillar candles (6”-9” tall) or tapered candles (12″ tall) for the hurricane globe. We also offer three sizes of cylinders – 7.5″, 9″, and 14″ and you would need to bring the 3″ floating candles for these.
Can we bring in our own decorations?
Yes! Please note, you may not nail, staple or tape anything to the walls, mantle, or arbor ceremony site. Decorations may be tied on with floral wire. If using flower petals, petals outside must be real, as the artificial are bad for the environment. Silk petals are fine for inside use.
Please do not bring: rice, confetti, silly string, or birdseed. These are extremely difficult to clean up and may result in the loss of your security deposit.
You will be required to bring any materials you will need for your decorations, eg: scissors, step stool, floral wire, buckets, etc.
Flowers must be trimmed outside of the building.
We request that someone outside of the bridal party be responsible for any decorating. This means no brides, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride or groom, or groomsmen. The bridal party must remain available for photos before the ceremony.
Can I bring my decorations before the day of my wedding?
You can bring your decorations the day of your rehearsal and store them in our basement. Please note that Vecoma is not responsible for items left on our premises. You must have your name on all items. Do not bring perishable items.
What is included in the facility rental?
This fee includes: private use of the facility and grounds, tables, chairs, centerpieces (see above), plates, crystal, flatware, complimentary cake cutting, clean-up, dance floor, 2 hours for set-up and an on-site wedding consultant.
What if more guests attend than are guaranteed as the final count?
If more than the confirmed number of guests show up, you will be asked to pay for the extra guests at the event. Please have a credit card available. The charge will be the cost of food and beverage plus a 10% penalty for each guest.
How long do I have to finalize all of the details for my event?
You are free to make any changes to your invoice up until 2 weeks before your event. At your 2-week meeting we will finalize all details on your invoice and we will accept your final payment. After this point we cannot make any changes or exceptions.
What is the payment schedule?
*If booking more than 7 months away from your date:
- $600 to reserve the date (*$500 is your damage deposit)
- $500 payment two months after booking
- $1,100 payment eight months after booking
- $700 payment seven months before the event
- ½ the estimated balance 60 days before the event
- Final headcount and remaining balance 2 weeks before the event
*If booking less than 7 months away from your date:
- $1300 to reserve the date
- $500 payment two months after booking
- ½ the estimate balance 60 days before the event
- Final headcount and remaining balance 2 weeks before the event
*Damage deposit returned within 30 days after event.
What restrictions are there (if any) on photography?
Vecoma provides the very best photo opportunities. Vecoma has an in-house photographer or you may bring in your own. There are no restrictions on photography- we just ask that your photographer does not move any items or stand on any tables or chairs. We will provide a vendor agreement that your photographer must sign and return that goes over the rules of our facility.
What restrictions are there (if any) on music?
There are no restrictions on music. Vecoma has an in-house DJ or you may choose to bring in your own. Please be sure that if you bring in your own DJ that he or she has all their own equipment in working order and knows that they are responsible for making all announcements for the event. We will provide a vendor agreement that your DJ must sign and return that goes over the rules of our facility.
What are the measurements of the arbor?
8.5ft Tall, 7.5ft Wide, Depth is 3.5ft
What are the measurements of the fireplace?
Mantle: 7 ft. 11 inches’ tall x 11 ½ ft. wide.
Hearth: 7 ft. x 1 ft., 4 inches.
Does Vecoma host corporate events or weddings during the week?
Yes! Vecoma has weekday rates for weddings and corporate events.
What services does Vecoma provide? What services can I bring in?
Vecoma will provide all of the catering and bar services. DJ and photography are optional services. You are responsible for the florist and cake (Vecoma provides complimentary cake cutting). You will also need an officiant for the ceremony. We can provide one for you, if needed, for a fee. We have several highly recommended vendors for flowers and cake – just ask!
If there is food left over, can we take it with us?
Health codes prohibit taking food off the premises, except the cake.
Can we order snacks and drinks during set-up time?
Yes! Snacks and drinks can be provided for the bridal party. Prices vary depending on your food and beverage choices. Clients are not permitted to bring in their own food or alcohol.
Can I bring in my own alcohol?
Georgia law prohibits any outside alcohol being brought onto the Vecoma premises, including the parking lot. Vecoma has very reasonable prices. Please see that your guests obey this law as you are responsible for your guests’ actions. Failure to abide by these rules will results in the loss of your security deposit.
Is Vecoma handicapped accessible?
Yes!
How is the music handled for the ceremony?
Your DJ (or musician) should provide the speakers and other equipment for the ceremony music. The DJ can put his speakers on the back deck. Vecoma can provide a power cord to the ceremony site if needed.
May I outline a specific floor plan for my event?
Yes! You are free to map out your table configuration however you would like, or you can have us create one for you.
Can I change the linen colors or styles?
Yes! We have several choices in colors and fabrics for your linens. You can upgrade to a color linen for $1 more per table. Prices for upgraded fabrics are dependent on the style chosen.
What other linen options are available?
Table Runners in your choice of color are $3 each
Linen Napkins in choice of color are $2 each which includes the folding and placement
Can I bring in my own linens?
We require that all table linens come from Vecoma. If you wish to bring in your own sashes and napkins, you will be responsible for any tying, folding, and placement of these items. Our staff is not responsible for placement of any outside items brought to the venue.
Are all of your menus served buffet style?
Our standard menus are all served buffet style. You may request sit down service for an additional charge. Plated meals are $5 more per person.
Can we bring in our own food and drinks?
Our policy states that we must provide all food and beverages (including alcohol) for all events.
Under certain circumstances we will allow up to four cultural outside dishes that must be approved by Vecoma and a food liability waiver must be signed and on file. All food must arrive fully prepared and in disposable aluminum pans. Use of our kitchen is prohibited. There will be an added service charge of $25 per dish brought in.
Are there discounts on larger events?
Ask us about our deals for parties over 150 guests!
Will your staff decorate?
Vecoma staff will take care of all set up of tables, chairs, linens, and the in-house centerpieces that are requested. Our staff is not responsible for placement of any outside décor that is brought to the venue. We request that you have someone outside of the bridal party to do your decorating.
Do you provide candles?
You will be responsible for bringing any candles, including the tea light candles that are placed inside of our glass votives. Please note that while we do allow the use of real candles that all open flames must be contained in some form of a fire-safe container such as the glass votives, or a glass hurricane globe.
Vecoma reserves the right to remove any item that is deemed unsafe or hazardous.
Do you allow the use of sparklers?
You will be required to sign a liability waiver and must pay an additional $30 clean up fee. The fee is non-negotiable.
Can we use Chinese floating lanterns for our send-off?
No, due to our heavily wooded area.
Are drones allowed?
Only outside of the building. Vecoma must also obtain a signed waiver.
Do you allow smoking?
Smoking is allowed outside on both the front and back patios. We will provide ash trays.
What drinks are included?
We have several open bar package options for you to choose from that also include your standard soft drinks: water, sweet tea, coffee, lemonade or punch
If you do not purchase an open bar package, you will still be required to pay for the soft drinks at $3.88 per person. This is non-negotiable.
How much is a champagne toast?
$29/bottle or $245/case. 1 Case serves 75 guests. The pouring service is included in this price.
What beer selections are available?
Any Budweiser product, Yuengling, or Sweetwater 420. Other options available for a fee.