Images Courtesy of Madi Flournoy

Tennessee is arguably the wedding capital of romantic wedding destinations in the South… and the state certainly makes a great case in support of this. Tennessee’s scenic mountain backdrop and it’s numerous historic locations offer a variety of wedding venues. Couples will find options for traditional and simple weddings, as well as other options they probably never thought of.

We’ve listed 5 of the state’s top wedding venues below. You’ll enjoy reading about the unique and often historical features offered by each of them.

Carnton Plantation
Historic Carnton Plantation has been a popular gathering place for important ladies and gentlemen over the past two centuries. Guests have included at least two presidents and the property is utterly gorgeous.

Brides and Grooms can exchange vows in the garden under a 150 year old Osage orange tree or on one of the two Greek revival porches at the house. There is also the newly built Fleming center which is available for receptions and gatherings.

Tours of the family home are available for wedding guests. Guests should enjoy the diversion and the glimpse of Tennessee’s rich history.

Heartwood Hall
Heartwood Hall (located in Rossville, TN) is a historic residence featured on the National Historic Register. It was originally built by the Miller family as a wedding gift for one of their daughters. It also has a prominent place in Civil War history as union soldiers camped on the front lawn and used the residence as a hospital.

The house is 7000 square feet and has a gourmet kitchen, courtyard and pool. Servants quarters re-purposed as guesthouses are scattered about the property, as well as a gorgeous garden. Heartwood Hall has become a highly sought after venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions and it’s easy to see why.

The Hermitage
There is truly no place with more options for weddings than the Hermitage. It was once the home of American president Andrew Jackson and is a sought after venue for its historical connection alone. The property features a church and gardens as well as houses and a visitor center available for rent. The options for weddings are truly endless here.

Couples will be overwhelmed with all the choices and the opportunities for memorable photos abound at The Hermitage. The entire place is beautiful and you could spend a week just exploring it.

The Red House
This venue is unique, trendy, and affordable. It’s perfect for a wedding on a budget but the house still retains historic charm. The decor of the 130 year old home is accented with rock and roll memorabilia which offers a sort of chic style mixed with southern charm. The house appears historic on the exterior but is very modern inside. It’s the best of both worlds for any wedding.

Castleton Farms
Castleton farms are modeled after the New Orleans Plantation, Houmas House. It features five bedrooms and four bathrooms. The beautiful spiral staircase in the main foyer is perfect for photo opportunities as well as the 12 ft, 4 tiered Palazzo fountain. The place is amazing!

The exterior and grounds are just as awe inspiring as the interior. The in ground swimming pool with floating candles and the huge lawn are certainly impressive. Greek statues, lush flowers, and a multitude of greenery accent the property and make it a really wonderful wedding venue.

There is no doubt that options for romantic and historical weddings abound in Tennessee. The state is overflowing with such a rich history, beautiful mountains and lakes. This provides the perfect setting for a memorable wedding no matter which venue you might choose.

The Alcyone Plantation, located 15 miles south of Valdosta, Georgia, offers many stunning options for your outdoor wedding. Sitting on 900 acres, you can exchange your wedding vows under the “Wedding Oak”, with tranquil views of the lake, or amidst mossy oak trees that rise in majestic splendor.

Rich in history and romance, the Monmouth Plantation, in Natchez, Mississippi, will delight you with their extraordinary attention to detail. Specializing in exceptional service, including an onsite wedding coordinator, the Monmouth Plantation will work with you to plan the wedding of your dreams.

In Crozet, Virginia, you will find beauty and elegance awaiting you at the King Family Vineyards. With amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and award winning wines, this rural setting in Virginia is perfect for your wedding day.

When describing the Southern Oaks Plantation, in New Orleans, Louisiana, elegance says it all. Offering daytime ceremonies, amongst the majestic oak trees, or evening ceremonies under the stars, your wedding day is sure to be a most memorable experience. Horse and carriage options are also available, as well as a magnificent fireworks displays in honor of your celebration.

Louisiana Castle, located in Franklington, Louisiana, welcomes you with charm and exquisite detail. Overlooking lush gardens and picturesque views, your fairytale wedding awaits you. Located on 10 acres, this romantic castle was built as a replica of an English Norman Keep Castle and is a favorite wedding location in the south.

In Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont Mansion offers opulent choices for an intimate indoor wedding or larger wedding outdoors. This stately Victorian mansion, with beautiful details found throughout, makes a perfect choice for the celebration of your wedding day.

Rocky Mount, in Pratville, Alabama, offers a charming and romantic location for a southern garden wedding. Situated in the beautiful Alabama countryside, you will be inspired by the breathtaking scenery and lovely flowers in bloom. The garden will certainly make a delightful and picturesque location for your wedding day.

At the Crown Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you will find many exclusive wedding packages to choose from. Your wedding will take place in either an oceanfront or smaller, intimate gazebo with scenic views overlooking beautiful Myrtle Beach. For a more modern southern wedding, you will be pleased with all the Crown Reef Resort has to offer.

The Gassaway Mansion, in Greenville, South Carolina, is simply divine. With intricate details and exquisite beauty, you will find yourself in the pages of a storybook. Specializing in creating the wedding of your dreams, your wedding day will be forever treasured.

These are some of the most beautiful and romantic locations to choose from when planning your wedding in the south. With such a wide variety of lovely choices, combined with southern charm and hospitality, your wedding day is sure to be all you ever dreamed of and more.

1. Big Bear located in the San Bernardino mountains, offers one of the best wedding packages, complete with your own personal wedding coordinator, wedding invitations, ceremony and reception location, DJ or band, wedding cake, a dinner buffet, drinks and a full server staff. This package also comes with several menu options for the wedding party and guests. Along with this wonderful wedding package, Big Bear offers fun and adventure: para-sailing, jet-skiing, water-skiing and fishing are also available on this wonderful mountain. So, if you are an adventurous bride Big Bear may be the place for you!
2. Canadian Rockies, located in Alberta, Canada have a unique beauty and making it a popular place to wed in the wilderness. One reason you may select the Canadian Rockies as your wedding destination is that, during the summer, daylight hours stretches until 11pm. The winters are simply delightful–imagine clear skies and just a dust of light snow on the mountaintops.
3. The Great Smoky Mountains, the most visited mountain range in the U.S., is another extraordinary place great place to wed. The Smoky Mountains gives you the wedding of your dreams by offering a private 40-acre retreat, which could be used for both the ceremony and the reception.
4. Another spectacular mountain-wedding destination is the Teton Range, located in Wyoming. If you are going with a unique “old western” theme, the Teton Mountains have what you want. With serene lakes, mountain waterfalls and wonderful wildlife the Teton Mountains will certainly make your a memorable one. The Teton Range also offers, horseback riding, river rafting, skiing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides. So, if you are a “cowboy” kind of bride and groom, The Teton Mountains will be the right place for you!