Alabama is known as the “Heart of Dixie”, which makes it an ideal place for a country-style or rustic wedding. When planning a destination wedding in Alabama, it is important to make sure you are finding the perfect venue. Typically, you want to balance both southern charm and a cost that fits within your wedding budget. Below, you will find some of the most popular places to have your destination wedding in Alabama. Additionally, I’ve included a few places that you may never have even known existed. Every little bit helps when you’re planning a destination wedding on a budget.
Why Should I Get Married in Alabama?
Alabama may not be an obvious choice for a destination wedding, but there is more than meets the eye! Alabama has many beautiful estates with rich history, as well as some amazing early American architecture. However, the best asset they have is a beautiful coastline on the Gulf of Mexico. Many people say that it is as close as you can get to going to the tropics on the mainlands. No matter what your reason for wanting a destination wedding in Alabama, I’ve put together a list of venues. Remember to book early; these venues are in high demand.
Best Places to Get Married in Alabama
The Wynfrey Hotel
The Wynfrey Hotel does an excellent job of combining southern charm with an elegant city feel in historic Birmingham. Located near the downtown district, this charming hotel is perfectly situated near plenty of entertainment for your guests to enjoy; as well as near the Birmingham airport. This can save you and your guests some time and money on transportation. Additionally, it offers all the great amenities you have come to expect from a first class venue. The location and elegance of the Wynfrey Hotel makes it a very nice choice; especially when planning a destination wedding in Alabama.
The Reserve at Oak Bowery
If you’re looking for more of an “authentic” southern type of wedding with the warm and rustic feel you can only get from a plantation, then The Reserve at Oak Bowery may be the ideal place for you. This charming plantation house provides the convenience of valet parking. Additionally, it is a very historic home and grounds for your guests to explore. One of the prime features of The Reserve at Oak Bowery is their altar. It is made from an old hearth and chimney. Furthermore, you’ll have the plantation house, party barn, and plantation grounds available for your ceremony and reception. Overall, The Reserve at Oak Bowery is an ideal all-in-one solution for your Alabama destination wedding needs.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
If you are looking for something little more unusual for your wedding, you may want to consider the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Let your guests thrill their minds with this site’s many exciting exhibits and rich space history. For your ceremony, one option is to get married in Rocket Park. It is home to a whole plethora of history-making rockets and spacecraft. For your reception, you can dine among the rockets on award-winning dishes served in the good old southern tradition. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding day experience, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center may be a nice fit when planning a destination wedding in Alabama.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Choosing Alabama?
In general, Alabama has some pretty lenient fireworks laws. So, in my book, they are already a cut above the rest. All too often, we find ourselves making compromises for all the wrong reasons. If having a wedding exit with sparklers important to you, Alabama won’t stand in your way. It’s nice to know that some states out there still get it.
