Grace Manor in Augusta, GA

Pros

• Gracewood Manor is described as a beautiful and versatile venue with a breathtaking open-air chapel and a spacious blank-slate reception hall.
• The staff are praised as incredibly helpful, attentive, and dedicated to a smooth, stress-free experience.
• The on-site catering is top-notch with customizable menus, and a trusted vendor list simplifies planning.
• Gracewood Manor is regarded as a hidden gem in Augusta with Southern charm and history.
• The planning process is noted to be seamless thanks to the family-owned team's dedication and professionalism.
• The venue offers endless possibilities and flexibility to bring a couple's vision to life.
• The chapel and reception areas are described as stunning and romantic, providing an ideal backdrop for weddings.

Cons

• The venue's owner, staff, and customer service are described as horrendous.
• Amanda is not flexible with allowing more than an hour for decorating.
• They asked guests to leave an hour before the contract time ended.
• The bathrooms were not cleaned as promised, with garbage not removed and toilet paper not replaced.
• The deposit check was cashed with no notice or explanation.
• The venue is criticized for very poor communication and for charging for every little thing.
• The management responded with hostility toward the bridal party and guests.
• The bridal suite was dirty, with roaches, stains on sheets, and dried blood.
• The overnight stay was the worst experience due to filthy bedding and other unsanitary conditions.
• The reviewers describe Gracewood Manor as money hungry and not honoring contracts.

Review

Gracewood Manor is best suited for couples who want a breathtaking, flexible wedding venue with strong Southern charm, an open-air chapel, and a large, blank-slate reception space they can transform to their vision. The setting promises romance and photogenic moments, and the operation has a family-owned, ministry-oriented feel that appeals to couples seeking warmth, personal attention, and a sense of meaning in the day. When everything aligns, the space can deliver a magical, almost storybook experience with room to customize every detail. This is not a factory venue; it is a venue where the right planning partner can make dreams come to life amid beautiful grounds and adaptable interiors.

That said, some couples should actively consider alternatives. The most consistent cautions center on reliability and contract handling. Several reviews recount fractured communication, unexpected charges, and disputes over deposits or what the contract actually promised. For planners who require ironclad predictability, a venue where the owner or management is systematically responsive and transparent - without mixed messages or post-signing shifts in policy - will feel more secure. Also, those who cannot tolerate potential safety and cleanliness issues on a wedding day - such as trip hazards, dirty bridal suites, or maintenance gaps - may want to look elsewhere. If dependable, proactive governance is non-negotiable, the risk profile at Gracewood Manor warrants serious comparison.

The strongest positives revolve around space, flexibility, and service when the right point person is engaged. The property presents a dramatic outdoor chapel and a generously sized reception hall that acts as a versatile canvas for rustic, glamorous, or minimalist themes. The neutral d?cor and expansive layout allow couples to realize ambitious design plans without fighting an awkward space. On the catering and vendor front, Gracewood Manor earns praise for a curated vendor list and capable on-site team support, with Crystal repeatedly highlighted as a standout planner who is organized, proactive, and genuinely helpful throughout the planning and event day. When these elements click, the day can unfold with elegance, smooth transitions, and a sense of effortless hospitality.

Yet the cons are not easily dismissed. The most troubling patterns involve inconsistent communication from leadership, surprise charges, and disputes over what was promised in the contract. Several brides report a deflection of responsibility, threats or hostility when concerns were raised, and a sense that deposits can be retained with insufficient explanation. Cleanliness and safety concerns surface in some accounts - dirty bridal suites, visible tripping hazards, and even issues with housekeeping during crucial prep periods. These experiences undermine the peace of mind essential to wedding planning, and they tend to escalate if the primary contact shifts away from Crystal to the owner or management, leaving couples feeling unsupported at pivotal moments.

In weighing the pros against the cons, it becomes evident that Gracewood Manor can deliver a spectacular day for couples who are hands-on planners, willing to lock in clear, written agreements, and prepared to demand prompt, accountability-driven communication. The venue's beauty and the blank-slate interior can offset most logistical hiccups when a trusted liaison handles coordination, and the open-air chapel offers a distinctive, memorable ceremony backdrop. The ministry-friendly ethos and the responsiveness of a committed team member - Crystal - are meaningful advantages that can elevate the entire experience. However, the volatility of ownership-level responses and the risk of deposit disputes or subpar housekeeping constitute real caveats that require careful, proactive management.

Bottom line: Gracewood Manor remains a compelling option for couples who value beauty, customization, and a personal touch from a dedicated planner, provided there is a clear, written understanding of responsibilities and a reliable on-site contact. For couples who prize consistent professionalism, meticulous cleanliness, and predictable operations, alternative venues with more uniform front-office practices may be the wiser path. The decision hinges on comfort with proactive oversight and the willingness to insist on concrete contracts; when those conditions are met, Gracewood Manor can be a profoundly wedding-worthy setting.

This part of Augusta, Georgia, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors. Close proximity to various restaurants like Veracruz Mexican Restaurant, McDonald's, and Chick-Fil-A provides easy dining options. Multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy are nearby for medication needs. Access to esteemed medical facilities like East Central Regional Hospital and University Hospital Summerville ensures quality healthcare services. Additionally, several places of worship cater to spiritual needs, while transportation options include Augusta Regional Airport for travel convenience. Parks like Diamond Lakes Recreation Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded and accommodating environment for seniors looking to settle in Augusta.

Restaurants

• Veracruz Mexican Restaurant (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.3 miles)
• Subway (1.7 miles)
• Wendy's (1.7 miles)
• Island Seafood (1.9 miles)
• Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits (2.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Medical Center Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Barney's Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Barney's Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Augusta Uptown VAMC Pharmacy (5 miles)

Physicians

• Center For Primary Care (1.4 miles)
• Medical Associates Plus (2.7 miles)
• Southern Family Medical Center (3 miles)
• Summerville Internists (5.2 miles)
• Women's Health of Augusta (5.2 miles)
• Bush Jeff L MD (5.3 miles)
• Family Medicine Associates of Augusta III MD (5.3 miles)

Hospitals

• East Central Regional Hospital (1.5 miles)
• East Central Regional Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Covidien (2.9 miles)
• Davita Kidney Care (4.8 miles)
• Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center (5 miles)
• University Hospital Summerville (5.2 miles)
• Ddeamc (5.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Canaan Baptist Church (1.6 miles)
• Apostolic Faith (2.5 miles)
• Faith Family Life Center (2.8 miles)
• Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh (3 miles)
• New Testament Christian Church (4.6 miles)
• New Found Territory Ministries (4.8 miles)
• Liberty United Methodist Church (5 miles)

Transportation

• Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Services (3.9 miles)
• Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) (3.9 miles)
• Daniel Field Airport (DNL) (5.1 miles)

Parks

• Diamond Lakes Recreation Park (4.1 miles)

Cafes

• Buona Caffe Artisan Roasted Coffee (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)