John and I have been lucky enough to shoot allllllllllll over the city of Memphis. We absolutely love all of the venues Memphis has to offer. We often get inquiries where the couple inquires with a tentative date in mind, but no venue. We’re always ALWAYS happy to lay out suggestions for them, and really showcase the venues we’re lucky enough to shoot at most often. This blog post is absolutely bursting at the seams with a look inside (and outside) a few different Memphis wedding venues. Are there other venues in Memphis than what we included in this post? There surely are, we just wanted to show off the venues we shoot at the most frequently. In alphabetical order, here are some wonderful Memphis wedding venues you should check out.
Acre
Oh, how we love Acre weddings. Acre is one of the most charming restaurants and venues we’ve ever shot at. It’s tucked in a little nook in East-Memphis. The shrubbery around it makes it feel like a fairy cottage, with a bright statement yellow door. Its atmosphere makes you feel like you’re eating at home with good friends and family. Chef Wally Jo and Andrew Adams truly treat their bride and grooms, along with their guests to some of the finest food all while feeling like their eating at their own home.
Annesdale
Annesdale Mansion. I can barely even say it without getting butterflies in my stomach. Annesdale is an 1850’s Italianate villa that combines elements of European romantic architecture with a twist of vintage Southern charm. The Annesdale Mansion itself, has a grand parlor, a spiral staircase, and a marble entryway. It is nestled amongst seven and a half acres of elegant lawns and gardens, which is just an absolutely perfect backdrop for photos. Their ceremony space is stunning, as it is, along with it’s sparkling strung lights which hang above the reception dance floor.
Valerie Bledsoe is the Managing Director of Annesdale Mansion. She is absolutely wonderful to work with and all of her couples have nothing but amazing things to say about her. She’s beyond helpful and flexible, which is so important. Annesdale is truly lucky to have her.
Atrium
A newer Memphis wedding venue, The Atrium at Overton Square is such a dream to shoot in. Its open concept, allows lots of natural light, and its location couldn’t be more convenient and fun. The Atrium is located in the heart of Overton Square. This private event center is managed exclusively by the internationally recognized team from CFY Catering (which means incredible food.) From its steel arches to the domelike ceilings, this venue provides a memorable place to hold your wedding and/or reception.
Cadre
The Cadre building is a legend in Memphis. I’ve known about this chic venue since even before I was in the wedding industry, and our couples just love it. For those of you who may not know, The Cadre is a grand ballroom with a spacious mezzanine, absolutely brilliant crystal chandeliers, intricately crafted gold and white adorned columns and an absolutely exceptional staff, The Cadre Building is a one-stop shop for planning your wedding and/or reception.
Cedar Hall
Although Cedar Hall has existed since 1840, its only been a Memphis wedding venue for the past 4 years. You may be familiar with its sister venue, Heartwood Hall, which as you know, is a Memphis favorite. Cedar Hall is absolutely no exception. Cedar Hall includes the Grand Manor (where the bride and her bridesmaids get to leisurely get ready) the English gardens, which is an absolutely perfect backdrop for photos (and where your guests can enjoy cocktail hour) the ceremony site surrounded by exposed brick and columns, and the stables where receptions are held. John and I love all that this venue has to offer and the variety of locations we get to shoot in, all on the same property.
Both Cedar Hall and Heartwood Hall are owned by John and Denise Suthoff, who are very involved in ensuring their couples are completely satisfied with their wedding experience. Some other faces you’ll run into when working at either of these lovely venues are: Micah, the Cedar Hall Director, and Stacie, Carol, Kelly, Taylor, Noel, and Amanda. All of the Cedar Hall and Heartwood Hall staff aim for perfection with their couples and always always over deliver.
The Columns
The Columns wedding venue is a Memphis favorite. This venue delivers such a WOW factor and totally sells itself. Located on South Main Street, the Columns can hold up to 800 guests. Talk about a party. The acoustics in this venue will absolutely blow your mind. Our couples love dancing the night away in this 20,000 square feet of historic grandeur. The Columns was built in 1929 as a bank lobby, and it is surely a unique venue we recommend checking out.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens
We’re suckers for garden weddings. The Hughes Pavilion at the Dixon is tucked away in the woodland gardens. The Dixon is an elegant facility that can be transformed to fit any vibe or style. The large skylights inside The Hughes Pavilion and floor-to-ceiling windows offer ample light and a panoramic view of the woodland gardens, and the surrounding terraces (which our photo loving hearts skip a beat over.) It’s no secret why so many couples choose this lovely venue.
Heartwood Hall
We actually live on the same exact street as Heartwood Hall, and find ourselves shooting here very frequently. Trust me, we don’t mind a bit. Heartwood Hall is surrounded by 25 acres, and comprised of the formal Four Seasons Garden (where most ceremonies are held) the serene Courtyard, and rustic Barn (with bright red statement doors.) The grounds of Heartwood Hall create an exquisite backdrop for weddings and receptions. Like its sister venue Cedar Hall, Heartwood has ample opportunities and locations to take advantage of for photos.
Both Heartwood Hall and Cedar Hall are owned by John and Denise Suthoff, who are very involved in ensuring their couples are completely satisfied with their wedding experience. Some other faces you’ll run into when working at either of these lovely venues are: Micah, the Heartwood Hall and Cedar Hall Director, and Stacie, Carol, Kelly, Taylor, Noel, and Amanda. All of the Heartwood Hall and Cedar Hall staff aim for perfection with their couples and always always over deliver.
Memphis Botanic Gardens
You may not know this, but John and I actually got married at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. It’s hard to say anything about it without sounding partial. What can I say? It’s lovely. John and I tied the knot at the Bleckman Pavilion and our reception was in Hardin Hall. Memphis Botanic Gardens can hold up to 600 people and has about one million places to take photos. Memphis Botanic Gardens includes several gardens such as the rose garden, and the iris garden that are huge hits for ceremonies and romantic bride and groom portraits.
Orion Hill Weddings and Events
Orion Hill is a gorgeous new venue thats doors open in 2019. We’ve been lucky enough to have photographed an engagement session and two weddings there to date. Its backdrop is a historic estate framed in gorgeous green acreage, and has a variety of locations for photos. Orion Hill is just a few miles outside of Memphis in Arlington, TN. This venue offers grand interior spaces, as well as multiple lawn and lake areas, perfect for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate functions and other events. They have indoor and outdoor ceremony options, which can really put an engaged couple’s mind at ease in the event of rain. It did rain on one of the weddings we photographed at Orion, but the their day/ photo coverage wasn’t compromised. Orion has so many beautiful locations for photos, inside and out, even when it rains. Orion Hill is owned by Cathy and Don Wilson and Shelby Wilson Hartman is the director of events. We’ve always been a huge fan of Shelby and we know that all of her Orion couples feel the exact same way!
Propcellar
Who doesn’t love an offbeat wedding venue? Propellar is a newer Memphis wedding venue, and has quickly become a favorite for couples and photographers alike. Karlee Hickman, the owner of Propcellar, has an eye for design unlike any other. The walls are adorned with vintage doors and rustic decor that really showcases serious personality. Propellar also rents out tons of props that are sure to make your wedding stand out.
Spring Creek Ranch
Spring Creek Ranch just so happens to be in John and my backyard in Collierville, Tennessee. How lucky are we? We also find ourselves shooting at this wonderful venue frequently, and we surely don’t mind. Spring Creek Ranch is actually a privately owned Country Club and golf course, but you do not have to be a member to get married at this stunning venue. As recent as this year, (2017) Spring Creek Ranch opened a second site for weddings called “The Retreat.” Both the Clubhouse and The Retreat have wow factors like no other and both venues provide gorgeous natural light that pours through the entire building. Be sure to check out their bridal suite, it’s sure to steal your heart.
Toni Williams is the Director of Special Events at Spring Creek Ranch, and faithfully serves her brides as their day of wedding coordinator (as well as holds their hand, thoughtfully, throughout the duration of their engagement.) Bride and grooms, as well as wedding vendors alike, know what good hands they’re in when working alongside Toni. Not a single detail is overlooked with Toni Williams.
We love all of these Memphis wedding venues equally, and feel so thankful that we’re able to document so many precious memories at all of them. We hope this blog post will truly showcase how wonderful each and every one of these venues are and at least show a peek into all they have to offer.
