Southern Wedding Guide: Where to Celebrate Your Big Day
You’ve been matched with your soul mate, and you are ready to set a date. Now it is time to pick the wedding location! How many guests do you plan on inviting? Does the site come with a wedding coordinator; will you be able to bring your own coordinator? With the list of things to do growing by the moment, you can rest assured that these Southern venues will set the stage for the perfect day to say, “I do!”
Georgia
The Ford Plantation
Richmond Hill
Nestled on the Ogeechee River – just outside of historic Savannah – sits The Ford Plantation, a classic Southern fairytale destination. The beautiful gardens, flowers, and moss-trimmed oaks set the atmosphere for a lovely wedding. Exchanging vows is even more extravagant when it’s on a centuries-old plantation beneath towering live oaks. Ford can accommodate weddings up to 250 people in elegant fashion. The Lake Dye Grill, vintage Oyster House, or Ogeechee Outfitters are ideal for rehearsal dinners and family celebrations.
fordplantation.com
Trolley Barn
Atlanta
The Trolley Barn is easily accessible to guests from all parts of Atlanta. Designed in 1880, the Trolley Barn is an architectural gem and a graceful reminder of the past that serves as a unique site for your special day. The lovely brick patio surrounded by lush gardens and majestic granite steps is a perfect place to hold your wedding. The inside of The Trolley Barn with its 30-foot ceiling, supported by the original 1889 beams, creates the framework for a beautiful indoor venue. The mesquite wood floor is excellent for dancing, which is key for an over-exuberant uncle during the chicken dance.
thetrolleybarn.com
The Barn at High Point Farms
Flintstone
This family-owned, farm-wedding venue offers an authentic barn and vintage farmhouse nestled in the shadow of Lookout Mountain just south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The large rustic pole barn transforms into a magical wedding venue strewn with warm lights and draped with romantic white curtains. The old weathered barn wood with its large tin doors creates a rustic backdrop for your event. With photographic opportunities around each corner, you and your guests will enjoy making memories together. From the gorgeous barn to the manicured landscaping, gardens, mountain and valley views, and the farmhouse, who could ask for more?
thebarnathighpointfarms.com
North Carolina
The Halls & Gardens at Landmark
Garner
The European styled gardens feature a koi pond, marble gazebo, and 3,000 sq. ft. ballroom complete with crystal chandeliers. But wait! There’s more! How about a luxurious bridal suite and a groom’s cigar lounge? Lux surroundings compliment all the amenities of this property and your wedding day will follow suit. Located outside Raleigh, it is an easy choice for large wedding parties.
thehallatlandmark.com
Crest Weddings
Asheville
The grounds feature several locations within for outdoor or indoor weddings and can accommodate up to 320 guests. You can create an elegant lodge setting in the Crest Center with its 86 feet of windows facing the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Pavilion may astonish your guests with the whimsical feel of the glass-enclosed venue dressed with a canopy of twinkle lights. Located only four miles from Asheville, this impressive wedding venue is convenient.
thecrestcenter.com
Louisiana
Acadian Village
Lafayette
A 32-acre site built to preserve Acadian heritage, this wedding venue offers 11 authentic replicas of Acadian architecture, including the beautiful New Hope Chapel and Stutes store. It is truly a unique and historic place to have your wedding.
acadianvillage.org
Rip Van Winkle Gardens
New Iberia
Legend has it that the pirate Jean Lafitte buried his treasure on the island these gardens were built on: Jefferson Island. Now they offer some of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the entire state of Louisiana, perfect for a wedding at any time of year. The setting is mystical and full of dreamlike vistas. ripvanwinklegardens.com
San Francisco Plantation
Garyville
One of the most beautifully restored plantations in Louisiana, the San Francisco Plantation offers an incredibly picturesque setting for weddings of all kinds. The unique Sugar Mill Barn provides the perfect setting for receptions.
sanfranciscoplantation.org
Texas
Becker Vineyards
Stonewall
Vineyards and this wine-centric location can only enhance a wedding. The Lavender Haus is a 1,800 sq. ft., indoor facility offering guests a year-round location for celebrations along with wine tastings. The timber frame vaulted ceiling, native cypress walls, wrought iron chandeliers, and large limestone fireplace all construct the beauty of the room. It also offers an outdoor flagstone patio that is beautifully shaded by large oak trees and offers an outdoor fireplace.
beckervineyards.com
Vista West Ranch
Austin
This ranch retreat is more than just a venue. With weathered wood, aged tin, stained concrete floors, and custom lighting, it creates the perfect recipe for a romantic and memorable evening nestled deep in the Hill Country of Texas. This property will include lodging for up to 65 individuals, indoor and outdoor event venue space for up to 150 guests, and beautiful grounds to enjoy throughout your stay.
vistawestranch.com
Briscoe Manor
Richmond
Elegant and unparalleled, Briscoe Manor is West Houston’s premier wedding venue. The limestone architecture, the exquisite chapel, and refined Grand Ballroom sit on a matured 50-acre property that provides an ideal backdrop for your dreamy day. Only minutes from Houston, it offers the serenity and luxury that no other wedding venue can match. Exchange your vows in the limestone chapel or the private courtyard under the stars. Dance the night away in the grand ballroom or relax in a rocking chair next to the outdoor fireplace overlooking a private lake.
briscoemanor.com
Virginia
Raspberry Plain
Leesburg
Raspberry Plain sits amongst vineyards and wineries and is recognized for creating unique and memorable events that accommodate various wedding styles from Southern to classical. The estate boasts spectacular views enhanced by The Grand Conservatory, which invites guests to enjoy an indoor setting with an outdoor view. One of the many highlights of The Conservatory is the vaulted ceiling with walls of cathedral windows for sunset dinners and dancing with views of the stars.
raspberryplain.com
Mount Ida Farm
Charlottesville
The Farm is a unique location for your wedding on a secluded 6000-acre sanctuary. Offering unlimited options, it is the perfect destination for weddings. If you are looking for a luxurious venue, the spectacular vistas, historic homes, horse-drawn carriages, tree-lined drives, and historic plantation accommodations will certainly create the venue of your dreams.
mountidafarm.com
Brandy Hill Farm
Culpeper
Searching for the perfect barn venue option? This historic barn is an impressive two-story, 8,000 sq. ft. building, and can accommodate up to 200 guests. Brandy Hill Farm is a beautiful, family-owned farm nestled in the hills. This is a country farm-wedding venue in close proximity to larger metro areas. The grounds are full of rich history and are the ideal venue for the rustic chic, vintage wedding of your dreams.
brandyhillfarm.com
Nowhere else can the words “elegant” and “barn wedding” be put together but in the South. Somehow, our Southern charms, quaint barns, and mansions make for some of the most stunning wedding venues around. We Southerners may be a bit biased, but you won’t hear an argument out of us. Plan your wedding at any of these fine destinations and we promise it will be a day to remember.
Arkansas
Curran Hall
Little Rock
Built in 1842, Historic Curran Hall is the Little Rock’s only antebellum home, and it is an adorable package of cuteness. It houses the official Mayor’s Reception Hall and luckily hosts weddings! It is perfect for intimate weddings with receptions, and offers a lovely garden setting for outdoor wedding photography or nuptials au natural. The gardens are something otherworldly and meticulously attended to by the county’s master gardeners. This is not only a charming option, but it is affordable as well.
quapaw.com
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Oklahoma City
Imagine a rooftop wedding with a panoramic view of downtown Oklahoma City, and then top off this image with world-class art spanning three floors, and you have discovered something special. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art is the coolest spot to capture metropolitan bridal portraits, host a swanky reception or rehearsal dinner and a rooftop cocktail hour lit up by the city’s nighttime skyline. Picture cutting your modern multi-tiered wedding cake with a massive 30-foot Chihuly glass sculpture in the background. This is a spectacular choice for an upscale wedding day.
okcmoa.com
Tennessee
Mint Springs Farm
Nolensville
Mint Springs Farm is an all-inclusive venue located just a short drive south of Nashville. They take pride in planning and organizing every detail of your wedding. This natural setting can accommodate weddings during all seasons, twelve months a year. The 2-story reception barn can accommodate a crowd of 225 guests, and is fitted with sounds and specialty lighting and offers an upper mezzanine for guests to watch your first dance. Their team of professionals will help you with every detail of our epic day, the farm will have you and all your guests saying, “Let’s do that again,” when the day is done.
mintspringsfarm.net
A& E Farm
College Grove
Intimate wedding ceremonies are a specialty at The A&E Farm. With a 35-guest maximum, they offer an all-inclusive package - and no detail is overlooked. The exclusive sunset weddings are romantic, intimate and exquisitely organized. Stay on the farm with family and friends for a few days prior or afterwards, as the farmhouse and grounds doubles as a home away from home. The farm can host families and friends, bride, groom, and maids of honor; and everyone can relax while preparing for the big day together! Enjoy taking the perfect wedding photos around this immaculate 10-acre property.
Nowhere else can the words “elegant” and “barn wedding” be put together but in the South. Somehow, our Southern charms, quaint barns, and mansions make for some of the most stunning wedding venues around. We Southerners may be a bit biased, but you won’t hear an argument out of us. Plan your wedding at any of these fine destinations and we promise it will be a day to remember.
