Planning a wedding is exciting and a bit overwhelming. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is picking the right venue to host your event. Setting the tone with this important choice is the ultimate reflection of your taste as a couple. And picking a spot where you can offer a wonderful guest experience as well as create memories of a lifetime is a big decision that is worthy of overthinking it.
In this article, I’ll share the top 10 wedding venues in the Southeast United States. These refined locations aren’t just beautiful, they each have charms and qualities that can make for the ultimate dream wedding.
Types of Wedding Venues
Liz Banfield has had the privilege of photographing some of the best luxury venues in North America, and some of her favorites are in the Southeastern area of the United States. This region’s charm and diverse landscape is home to some of the most romantic wedding venues in the country.
Here is just some of what the Southeastern United States has to offer, and why they are home to some of the best wedding venues in the country.
Historic Southern Towns
Iconic courtyards like the one at Swan House in Atlanta or the historic courtyard of the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond are jewels of their respective towns. They are characterized by their rich history and feature charming architectural styles. They are marked by cobblestone streets, antebellum homes, and iconic landmarks. The ambiance of these towns captures the essence of Southern hospitality, making them popular destinations for tourism and events.
Coastal Venues
Serene escapes, where you can exchange vows on sandy beaches, beside scenic waterways. Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. (where Justin Bieber was married) or in the historic gardens of Middleton Place near Charleston are some Low-Country standouts.
The Countryside
Countryside venues are shapeshifters and can be run the gamut from rustic to refined wedding venues. You will often see barns, vineyards, and estates. Countryside venues offer a rural beaucolic beauty to any event. Often tented receptions are needed to create the space to host large gatherings and celebrations.
Mountain Vistas
Mountain Vistas venues are set amidst towering mountains, offering breathtaking views, and the Southeast if full of them. Couples choose such venues for the unique blend of nature’s grandeur and romantic ambiance.The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, or the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, among others, can offer the backdrop of your dreams.
Historic Homes
Mansions are grand and historic homes are often used as venues for weddings. These stately homes provide a touch of classic sophistication and charm to wedding celebrations. Lowndes Grove near downtown Charleston, South Carolina is one of my favorites in the category.
Refined Wedding Venues in the Southeast
I’ve created a list of recommendations for superior venues in the Southeast U.S. I believe that their commitment to hospitality intertwined with timeless architecture and natural beauty make them the perfect place to host your ultimate wedding weekend. Here are a few favorites.
The Cloister at Sea Island, Sea Island, Georgia
Situated along the Georgia coastline, The Cloister at Sea Island offers couples Mediterranean-inspired architecture and unique experiences. It is one of the most luxurious wedding venues in North America.
Couples can choose from several indoor and outdoor spaces, clubs, gardens, and ballrooms. It has so much to offer and it’s perfect for a destination wedding. It’s also close in proximity to Jacksonville, only a short one hour drive.
Lowndes Grove, Charleston, South Carolina
Lowndes Grove has a well-kept, refined architecture that earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Its classic facade faces a large lawn that is perfect for an outdoor ceremony. It also features a permanent tent off to the side of the house for receptions, rain or shine. The home is a short drive from downtown Charleston and has views of the Ashely River and sunsets to the West. It’s a rarified mix of low-country sophistication that is hard to beat.
Blackberry Farm, Tennessee
An example of quiet luxury, Blackberry Farm offers couples a blend of rolling hills, farm-to-table dining, and luxurious accommodations. For couples searching for refined, low-key places to have a wedding, this Tennessee wedding venue tops all.
Blackberry Farm’s landscapes, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, create an intimate backdrop for countryside weddings. The venue transforms every moment into an experience for a wedding that combines rustic beauty with luxury refinement.
Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton South Carolina
A hidden gem within the Southeast, the secluded Palmetto Bluff is a fantastic choice if you want the vibe of a low country vacation with all the amenities of a Montage property. Set on the marshland, you reach Palmetto Bluff by driving a long curved driveway surrounded by the live oaks and deep green forest. This alone sets the stage for a unique guest experience.
The Hermitage Hotel
Nashville’s Forbes Five-Star hotel, The Hermitage, stands as an epitome of historical luxury. Steeped in grandeur, its heritage and service make it a captivating choice for couples desiring a city-chic wedding.
The hotel’s grand ballroom is ready to host celebrations with its timeless allure. Luxurious suites offer couples a place to get ready and rest, while the hotel immerses guests in the city’s cultural scene.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Perched atop the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, this inn suits couples seeking refined elegance. Its past intertwines with vintage charm, providing a timeless backdrop for special moments.
Couples can say “I do” in either an indoor or outdoor venue, including the ballrooms or the Vanderbilt Terrace that features mountain vistas.
Montaluce Winery & Estates
Transport your celebration to the landscapes reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside. Here, vineyards stretch across hills while rustic elegance permeates every corner.
Couples seeking picturesque wedding venues in the U.S. will find an idyllic haven amidst the winery’s scenery. Montaluce Winery & Estates makes a good choice for couples who are seeking a refined wedding venue.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
Poised beside the expanse of Lake Oconee, the prestigious Ritz-Carlton beckons couples with a lakeside experience. This Georgia gem offers Southern allure weaved seamlessly into every detail. It’s an ideal location for couples looking for a venue with natural beauty and sophistication.
Beyond its breathtaking setting, the Ritz-Carlton offers indoor and outdoor spaces, from lakeside ceremonies to elegant ballroom receptions to an tented wedding designed to compliment the Georgia pines and the lake.
The Greystone Estate
The Greystone Estate is attractive to couples looking for grant architectural design that matches with its setting. It creates an idyllic realm where refined celebrations come to life.
For couples seeking a venue that encapsulates both the past and the present, The Greystone Estate resonates with romance and grace.
Whitehall Estate
Located in Virginia, the Whitehall Estate is a blend of elegance and privacy. With well-kept gardens and historic interiors, it’s an ideal venue for classic weddings. The estate’s facade adds a touch of timeless elegance, and its intimate setting makes events feel personal. For those seeking sophistication and privacy, Whitehall Estate showcases Virginia’s elegant bucolic heritage.
Your Refined Wedding Venue Awaits in the Southeast US
From the stately elegance of historic homes to the modern allure of urban chic, each venue we’ve highlighted here speaks of the Southeast region’s heritage, character, and tradition of hospitality.
Inquire with Liz about wedding photography, documenting your amazing destination wedding with grace and style.
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