Inside The Santa Maria Venue
In Episode 109 of the Get N Your Business Podcast, host Alison Shores welcomes Santa Maria Venue owner Andrew Gross and Venue Director Brittany Mckinney for an inside look at one of downtown St. Marys’ newest wedding and event destinations. Andrew shares how the idea began with a larger vision to bring more visitors into downtown St. Marys by combining lodging, events, restaurants, and local businesses within a walkable area. The goal was to create a venue that felt timeless, reflected the history of Coastal Georgia, and looked as though it had always belonged in the community.
Inspired by Spanish colonial and Mediterranean architecture, The Santa Maria features a spacious ballroom, a courtyard with a fountain, the intimate Cellar Lounge, a fully equipped bar, a warming kitchen, bridal and groom suites, and carefully planned service areas for vendors and event teams. The episode also explores the history behind the building. Over the years, the property has reportedly served as a church, pool hall, grocery store, office space, and other local businesses. During the renovation, large pine trees from the St. Marys area were preserved and transformed into the massive timbers and trusses now visible throughout the venue. Brittany discusses the venue’s successful styled wedding shoot, which brought together local and regional wedding professionals and helped potential clients better envision the completed space. Following the shoot, interest increased significantly, with more wedding inquiries and signed contracts. Andrew and Brittany also emphasize their commitment to involving local vendors, caterers, photographers, florists, planners, and other wedding professionals as the venue continues to grow.
The Santa Maria is designed for more than weddings. The property can also host retirement parties, corporate events, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, community gatherings, and other private celebrations. Weekday rentals offer more affordable options for smaller local events. The venue can comfortably seat approximately 250 guests at tables, with the potential to accommodate larger ceremony-style gatherings. The Cellar Lounge and courtyard are ideal for smaller events of approximately 30 to 40 guests.
Guests can also turn their celebration into a complete destination experience. Borne 605 offers nearby short-term vacation rentals, and eight additional cottages are being developed behind the venue. Once completed, the combined lodging options are expected to accommodate approximately 61 overnight guests. Although the main venue is operational, final work continues on the bridal suites, groom suite, cottages, exterior areas, and other finishing details. Andrew and Brittany hope The Santa Maria will become a destination where families celebrate weddings, retirements, anniversaries, and major milestones for generations to come.
Episode Highlights
The Santa Maria brings a much-needed wedding and event destination to downtown St. Marys.
The venue’s Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired design was created to feel timeless and reflect the history of Coastal Georgia.
The main ballroom can comfortably seat approximately 250 guests, with tables and chairs included in rental packages.
The courtyard, fountain, and Cellar Lounge provide beautiful options for ceremonies, cocktail hours, rehearsal dinners, showers, and smaller events.
Borne 605 and eight additional cottages will offer lodging for approximately 61 guests, creating a complete wedding-weekend experience.
Large pine trees from the St. Marys area were transformed into the massive timbers and trusses featured throughout the venue.
A recent styled wedding shoot generated new interest, inquiries, and signed wedding contracts.
The Santa Maria welcomes weddings, retirement parties, corporate events, community gatherings, and other milestone celebrations.
Ready to plan your next unforgettable event?
Visit santamariavenue.com to learn more or schedule a tour of The Santa Maria.
