Newest addition to expansive resort honor legacies, deep family bonds and vested local pride with a September 22, 2025, celebration
LAKE LANIER—AUGUST 2025—Only a short drive north of Atlanta lies one of the state’s most scenic lakes. Nestled in this natural oasis are the Lanier Islands, where Lanier Islands Resort offers guests a respite from the harried world and one of the most picturesque backdrops to weddings.
The newest addition to the expansive resort—which includes the Legacy Lodge, Game Changer entertainment arcade and restaurant, championship golf course, marina and numerous wedding venues, among so much more—will be the breathtakingly beautiful Chapel on Lanier. The ribbon cutting and tours of the chapel will be Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 11:00.
The non-denominational Williams Chapel, perched upon one of the highest points on the Islands, exudes Southern elegance. Visitors will enjoy its covered porch enhanced with columns, a brightly lit sanctuary filled with arched windows overlooking the gardens and an expansive but gracious bridal suite. The sanctuary may seat up to 150 and includes a recessed altar space backed by a bank of windows. The garden contains brick-lined pathways that lead to a timber-framed gazebo, ideally suited for wedding photos, cocktail hours, receptions and more.
The chapel mirrors the resort’s focus on the building of legacies, deep family bonds and vested local pride. The Chapel honors beloved Williams family member Sara D. Williams, the late wife of owner Virgil R. Williams. The gardens are dedicated to their only daughter, Mendy Williams Bowling, who passed away in 2019.
Every detail that went into the chapel’s construction acts as homage to the two women, said Missy Burgess, Lanier Islands Resort director of public relations. The garden’s roses and the crape myrtles, for instance, were favorites of the women.
“The Lakeside Chapel and Garden will serve as perfect tributes to my grandmother and mother,” said Matthew Bowling, president of Lanier Islands. “Both women embodied elegance, loved a great love story, and were the very best of friends. I can’t imagine a better way to memorialize them–they’ll continue to be a part of the Islands and so many families’ special memories, celebrating side-by-side for all eternity. My grandfather Virgil always speaks about the importance of leaving a legacy. The love story he shared with my grandmother is an incredible legacy that spanned 62 wonderful years. I hope it’s one that every single couple who says, ‘I Do’ in that Chapel embraces and carries on over the decades to come.”
The chapel and gardens provide the perfect settings for weddings, but may be used for celebrations of life, vow renewals, christenings and other special celebrations. Other places within Lake Lanier Islands Resort to tie the knot include the scenic Venetian Pier over Lake Lanier waters, picturesque Peachtree Falls with one of the most beautiful backdrops on the lake, and Peachtree Point with its amphitheater, lakeside altar and event space with two prep kitchens.
“Lanier Islands is a true wedding destination. Once you arrive at our Resort, you can rest easy knowing you don’t have to leave until the weekend’s celebration is over.” Bowling said.
To learn more about Lanier Islands Resort and its wedding venues, visit www.LanierIslands.com. The website contains information on various wedding venues, packages, menus, accommodations and more.