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 for off-peak dates, and $4,500 for peak dates

Packages

Prices start at $2,250

Guest capacity

Up to 118 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 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

35-120 Seated

35-120 Standing

Square footage

40,000

Ideal for

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

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

50-100 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 120 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

16-120 Seated

1-17 Standing

Square footage

2,750

Ideal for

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

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

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

35-120 Seated

35-120 Standing

Square footage

40,000

Ideal for

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

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


The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast packages

Gillen Intimate Wedding

15-35 guests

Peak pricing $2,250-2,248

Off-peak pricing $2,250

Description

This is a Wedding package for up to 35 guests and dining reception is in the Serenity Hall Barn. Get married in an intimate setting on the grounds enjoying the Gillen House's beautiful gardens. You have access to the property from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm, and includes a Bride and Groom room to get ready in for the day.

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

Buchanan Small Wedding Package

25-55 guests

Peak pricing $3,250

Off-peak pricing $3,250

Description

This package is for a small wedding of no more than 55 guests. The dining reception is offered in the Serenity Hall barn. The Maxeys City Limits bar is included if desired. You will have access to the property from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm. The ceremony can be held on the property to enjoy the beautiful gardens and grounds.

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

Brightwell One Day Weekend Package

55-120 guests

Peak pricing $4,500

Off-peak pricing $4,500

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 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
  • One night accommodations for up to 8 people.
  • Offsite parking up to 50 vehicles.
  • Maxeys City Limit Bar if desired.
  • Bride and Groom 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

5.0 out of 5

5 reviews

Write a review
  • Our Dream Wedding

    Verified review
    Ansley B.Jan 10, 2025

    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.

  • An Intimate Wedding Venue Hidden In Georgia

    Verified review
    Emily C.Dec 23, 2024

    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!

    Response from vendorDec 23, 2024
    Thank you so much!
  • Owner

    Verified review
    Gilly Francis EventsDec 18, 2024

    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.

    Response from vendorDec 20, 2024
    Thank you so much!
  • Our beautiful Wedding

    Verified review
    Jessika and A.Nov 28, 2023

    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 !

    Response from vendorJan 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