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706.561.9675 info@lakepineseventcenter.com

About

History and Character
at Lake Pines

ABOUT US

In 1967, Ralph and Jean Gilbert opened up 18 acres of land to their camping club and other camping enthusiasts, creating a nature lover’s paradise. Fifty years later, Lakes Pines Campground and Event Center has become more than just a campsite shared among friends—it has grown into a legacy for generations of outdoor enthusiasts to love. Lake Pines’ transition from a simple campground into a community center has been as natural an evolution as the change of the seasons.

This evolution began with the hay barn, a structure located on the property the Gilberts purchased next door. The hay barn became a gathering place, a sort of rec hall for the campground neighborhood, hosting potlucks and Christmas parties.

Since that time the owners have poured their love of event planning and the outdoors into the Lake Pines Event Center. The hay barn was transformed into the perfect stage for any local, corporate, and private event. From the tack room leather and antique stone fireplace that lend an organic feel to the air, to the drop lights strung from the ceiling which twinkle like a sky full of stars against the stained glass windows, each carefully considered element gives the barn an old-world feeling with a modern touch. A small kitchen, a corner stage for live music and room to seat 150—with enough space for a dance floor—have converted it from a barn into a meeting place able to host both corporate events and wedding receptions with ease.

In 1997, Lake Pines’ wedding chapel was completed, offering brides the opportunity to be married indoors, on site. The wedding chapel is a perfect blend of old and new. The old church steeple is from Hiawassee, pews from Whitewater Baptist Church in Oglethorpe and wainscoting from an old post office in Charing. Each were rescued from the debris and refurbished to craft a building as beautiful as the stories that are now created within it.

The most recent addition to Lake Pines Event Center has been the Lillie House, an early 19th-century shotgun-style house. The Lillie House boasts architectural pieces from across the state, such as the majestic Corinthian columns from Columbus’ original antebellum courthouse. This picturesque house, with a capacity of 45 (seated) to 80, is the perfect setting for bridal luncheons, showers, teas and especially wedding day preparations.

The Pavilion is an outdoor space that stands in a clearing, surrounded by stately pines and framed as a chapel in its own right. It is an outdoor alternative to The Chapel and can accommodate larger weddings and wedding parties.

In 50 years, Lakes Pines has grown from a local summer neighborhood into a hidden gem for the city of Columbus, and it is still growing. If you’ve never driven out toward Midland, noticed the well-loved wooden sign, and stopped to take a look, then you’re missing out on a walk in the woods you won’t soon forget.

Lake Pines Event Center wants to help you bring your vision to life, so we offer the option of using your own service providers or ones we recommend. If you prefer a more turnkey approach, we’re happy to help. We’ll always remember that it’s your day. Contact us at (706) 561-9675 for information and special rate packages.

We invite you to make an appointment to tour our Event Center and find out what this area was like 100 years ago.

Learn More About Our Venues

Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ’s are addressed, in detail, in our Wedding & Reception Plan Packet. Please provide your email address and we will be happy to send you this information.

+HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR A WEDDING AND RECEPTION, AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?

We have crafted a variety of wedding and reception packages designed to meet a multitude of needs.  We offer one-day and two-day packages, both of which include allow you to tailor our services to suit your budget.
 The Chapel and The Pavilion (for getting dressed, photography, and the ceremony), and The Barn OR The Lillie House (for the reception), plus tables and chairs for up to 100 guests are included in all of our Wedding & Reception Plans. Additional inventory and services are available, as listed in our information packet, upon request. Please call or email us for pricing information.

+WE ARE PLANNING A CHURCH WEDDING. CAN WE HAVE ONLY THE RECEPTION AT LAKE PINES?
Yes! We have reception-only and ceremony-only rates.
+HOW MUCH TIME DO WE HAVE FOR OUR WEDDING AND RECEPTION?
Four hours are allotted for your wedding and reception, beginning with the ceremony time you have chosen.  In addition, you may arrive as early as 9am for setting up, decorating, and having your vendors deliver food, flowers, etc. You also have the hour following your reception for clean-up and gathering your belongings.
+CAN WE PROVIDE OUR OWN FOOD OR DO YOU HAVE FOOD SERVICES?

Since we do not provide food services, you have the choice of bringing your own food, or hiring a caterer of your choice or one from our Preferred Vendor List.
The Barn has a kitchen with 2 refrigerator/freezers, double sink, microwave, oven, and large warming oven.  The Lillie House has a double sink, toaster oven, microwave,
and a refrigerator/freezer.

+HOW SOON DO WE NEED TO BOOK THE EVENT CENTER IF WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE OUR WEDDING THERE?
You should book Lake Pines as soon as you are sure you would like to have your event here! There is no limit to how far out you can book. Please refer to the guidelines in our information packet concerning changing or canceling an event!
+WHERE DO WE GET DRESSED FOR THE WEDDING?
There are changing rooms in The Chapel for both the bride’s and the groom’s wedding parties. Many brides with more than two or three attendants choose to add The Lillie House to their rental, which provides much more room for preparing for the wedding. Bring in your hair stylists, make-up artists, and lunch to make getting ready a fun event for you and your bridesmaids!
+IS THE BARN AIR-CONDITIONED?
Yes, The Barn, The Chapel and The Lillie House are all equipped with central heat and air.
+CAN WE HAVE A FIRE IN THE FIREPLACE?
Yes! You may use both the indoor and outdoor fireplaces. We usually have firewood for your use. Please let us know that you would like a fire and we will build and light them for you. A Smores station is always fun at the reception!
+DO YOU PROVIDE TABLES AND CHAIRS FOR THE RECEPTION?
Yes, we provide seating for up to 100 people in The Essentials Plan. We also have additional tables and chairs available for rent for larger events.  See the details in our information package, available upon request.
+IS THERE SOUND EQUIPMENT IN THE BARN OR THE CHAPEL?
We do not have a sound system in the venues. You may bring your own or have a DJ provide the necessary equipment.
+CAN WE HAVE LIVE MUSIC AT OUR WEDDING AND RECEPTION?
Yes, with some restrictions.  Live acoustical music is allowed for the wedding and the reception. All reception music is limited to indoors. DJs and live bands must to adhere to our house rules concerning volume. NO drums or amplified guitars are allowed. Please see the details in our information packet, available upon request.
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