Places Of Worship
temples and Gurdwaras
What Atlanta temples and masjids publish on their own pages about ceremonies, halls, photography and visiting. Only what they publish, read November 2026.
Riverdale
Hindu Temple Of Atlanta
The Hindu Temple of Atlanta is at 5851 Highway 85 in Riverdale, phone 770-907-7102. Its history page says it was incorporated on October 19, 1984, and that it serves the Hindu population of Metro Atlanta.
Its facilities page is the most useful for couples. It says the Mahathi auditorium, on the lower level of the Vishnu Alayam, is ideal for weddings and holds up to 350, with a stage, lighting, sound and a green room, and that food and drink are not allowed in it. Akshaya Hall also holds up to 350 and is the event hall where food and drink are allowed, apart from the Prasada Griha. Nitya Kalyani is an outdoor space with a stage, and the Yagashala holds up to 25. The temple's priests page lists marriage among the ceremonies its priests perform.
Sources facilities, priests, history.
Lilburn
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is at 460 Rockbridge Road NW in Lilburn, and its visitor page lists 678.906.2277. The page says the mandir is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with the shrines open from 9 to 10:30 am, 11:15 am to noon and 4 to 6 pm. Clothing must cover shoulders and knees, and wraps are provided.
For photographers the key line is that photography or video may only be taken from ground level outside the mandir. Its visitor page does not describe wedding services, so ask the mandir directly about any ceremony.
Source visitor information.
Midtown
Al-Farooq Masjid
Al-Farooq Masjid is at 442 14th Street NW in Atlanta. Its own nikah page says an appointment with the Imam is required and must be confirmed in advance, with three business days for a reply. It says a valid legal marriage license from a county probate court is required, that both bride and groom should be Muslim, and that a Muslim wali and two Muslim witnesses are required.
Nikahs are usually performed after congregational salah. Photos are not permitted inside the masjid, and the courtyard can be used for photographs. The page lists a minimum charge of $350.
Source nikah page.
Sacred Spaces
In a temple, a gurdwara or a masjid, the rules of the house come first. The photographs follow them.
Gurdwaras And The Anand Karaj
Atlanta has Sikh sangats, and many families hold the Anand Karaj at their own gurdwara. We looked for an official Atlanta area gurdwara page that publishes its wedding rules and could not find a current one, so this guide does not name one. Ask your gurdwara committee about booking, any form or meeting they require, who may have an Anand Karaj there, langar, and photography.
The Anand Karaj page explains the ceremony and the common rules for guests.
Etiquette At A Glance
| Place | What Guests Should Expect |
|---|---|
| Hindu temple | Shoes off in shrine areas, modest dress, follow the priest on photographs |
| BAPS mandir | Shoulders and knees covered, photos only outside the mandir at ground level |
| Gurdwara | Head covered, shoes off, no alcohol or tobacco, seated on the floor |
| Masjid | Modest dress, often separate seating, Al-Farooq allows photos in the courtyard only |
Etiquette For Guests At A Place Of Worship
Many wedding guests have never been inside a Hindu temple, a gurdwara or a masjid. A few simple notes on the wedding website help them feel welcome and keep the ceremony respectful.
- Shoes come off before entering the prayer hall. Wear socks or shoes that slip off easily.
- At a gurdwara, everyone covers their head. Gurdwaras usually keep scarves at the door.
- Many places ask for modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Guests often sit on the floor, so comfortable clothes help.
- No alcohol, tobacco or meat on the grounds.
- Ask before taking photos, and silence phones during the ceremony.
Every place has its own rules, so ask the temple, gurdwara or masjid directly and share their answer with your guests.
Booking A Temple Or Gurdwara Ceremony
Start with a phone call or a visit, not an email. Temples and gurdwaras are run by committees and volunteers, and a conversation in person often gets clearer answers. Bring your preferred date and the muhurat if you have one, the number of guests, and a rough plan for the rest of the day.
- Ask which halls are open on your date and how many guests each holds.
- Ask whether the priest or granthi is included or booked separately.
- Ask about food, whether langar or prasad is prepared on site, and whether outside caterers may serve.
- Ask about decor limits, flowers, fire and music.
- Ask how much time you have for setup and cleanup.
Get the answers in writing and share them with your decorator, caterer and photographer before the day.
Questions Couples Ask
Can we hold our Hindu wedding at the Hindu Temple of Atlanta?
Its facilities page says the Mahathi auditorium is ideal for weddings and holds up to 350, and its priests page lists marriage among their ceremonies. Contact the temple to book.
Can we photograph inside BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn?
Its visitor page says photography or video may only be taken from ground level outside the mandir.
What does Al-Farooq Masjid require for a nikah?
An appointment with the Imam, a valid Georgia marriage license, a Muslim wali and two Muslim witnesses, and a minimum charge of $350, per its own nikah page.
Which gurdwara in Atlanta hosts the Anand Karaj?
We could not find a current official page for an Atlanta area gurdwara that publishes its wedding rules, so we do not list one. Ask your family gurdwara directly.
Do temple weddings still need a Georgia license?
Yes. The religious ceremony and the legal license are separate, and the officiant returns the license to the probate court.
Check Your Date
Tell me where your ceremony is and I will learn the rules of the house before the day.