Top 10 Historic Wedding Venues in the Southeast | Southern Bride
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It’s no secret that the Southeast boasts hospitality, Southern charm, and some serious culinary creations we like to call “down-home country cookin’,” but did you also know that the Southeast is second to none when it comes to historic wedding venues? From a Southern railway station, to a restored bank with a craft cocktail bar in the old vault, to a mansion built for royalty, the Southeast is home to some of the most picturesque locales to say, “I Do.” Looking for a place to wed filled with plenty of charm and an interesting story? Try one of these Top 10 Historic Wedding Venues in the Southeast.

Treasury on the Plaza – St. Augustine, FL

Located in historic downtown St. Augustine’s first and only skyscraper, The Treasury on the Plaza boasts history, elegance, and luxury for couples looking for a unique wedding venue. The six-story building held the premier bank in St. Augustine’s downtown historic district up until it was converted to a private events venue in 2014. The original 1920s marble flooring, the eight towering Romanesque columns, architectural details, and other materials were kept, adding to its authenticity. The most prominent feature of the space is The Vault Bar, which serves up cocktails inside what was once the original bank vault from 1927. The venue also boasts a Grand Foyer with stunning balcony views overlooking the Plaza de la Constitución and two well-appointed private suites for couples to get ready in on the day of their event.

Lightner Museum – St. Augustine, FL

Originally opened in 1888 by Henry Morrison Flagler as the grand Hotel Alcazar, the Lightner Museum has played host to historic St. Augustine’s most regal celebrations for over 130 years. The property’s most lavish playground was the indoor swimming pool—the world’s largest of its kind at the time. Then in 1948, the building was purchased by Otto Lightner, who converted the hotel into a museum to contain his vast collection of decorative and fine arts. Fast-forward to today; the museum transforms into the perfect location to suit any wedding vision and style. The Historic Pool, with its unique multi-level layout and twin grand staircases, provides the perfect backdrop to host a romantic wedding ceremony and unforgettable reception. Take advantage of the beautifully manicured courtyards when taking photos and let guests explore the first level exhibits in the museum during cocktail hour. The old-world elegance combined with award-winning service will leave couples and guests alike in awe. Continue the legacy of memorable events at this venue that stands the test of time.

The Breakers – Palm Beach, FL

Henry M. Flagler, one of America’s great industrialists who started the trend of grand properties on the South Florida island, opened his premier oceanfront hotel, The Breakers (originally Palm Beach Inn) in 1896. The Palm Beach Inn delighted guests with its proximity to the water and unique location – right at “the breakers,” where the waves crashed and sprayed. At any given time, the guest register included twentieth century America celebs such as The Rockefeller Family, the Vanderbilt’s, the Astor Family, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan, vacationing alongside U.S. presidents and European nobility. Today, the story of The Breakers continues with unapologetic luxury, seaside glamour, and world-class service for exquisite weddings. Envision a lavish garden party in one of the courtyards, a big band in one of the storied ballrooms, or a minimalist outdoor affair using the ocean as a backdrop.

Biltmore Estate – Asheville, NC

In 1889, George Washington Vanderbilt II’s 250-room French Renaissance chateau began construction. Over a six-year period, an entire community of craftsmen came together to create the Biltmore House, America’s largest privately-owned home. This private estate in the Asheville area is ideal for those dreaming of an enchanting wedding venue with historical elegance and mountain charm. Biltmore has received national awards for landscaping, architecture, gardens, and tourism. Though you can’t get married in the mansion itself, The Biltmore Estate & Gardens offer spectacular views of breathtaking architecture and finely manicured foliage. Biltmore will bring any vision to life with timeless elegance. A cocktail reception on the Library Terrace allows guests to savor views of misty blue mountains, exactly as Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt did a century ago.

Historic Southern Railway Station – Knoxville, TN

Begin your journey of marriage at one of Knoxville’s most unique and historic venues. The Southern Railway Station of Knoxville was built between 1903 and 1904 and was designed by architect Frank P. Milburn for the Southern Railway Company. Originally, the lower level of the Southern Railway Station contained the mail, express, telegraph, dining rooms, and baggage area. The upper level consisted of segregated waiting rooms, which opened to the ticket office. At its apex, the station served more than 30 daily passenger trains. The Southern Station of TN, LLC renovated the Historic Southern Railway into an events space, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Tennessee. The two ballroom spaces, railway cars, and stunning master staircase not only stand as a landmark of its past and future, but as a shining example of the best of historic preservation.

The Cloister – Sea Island, GA

With the opening of The Cloister in 1928, Bill Jones and automobile magnate Howard Coffin created “a friendly little hotel” on the southern coast of Georgia. For more than 90 years, the foundation of genuine warmth and hospitality has remained constant. Indoors or out, Sea Island has a setting to match any wedding style. Say “I Do” at sunset, underneath towering ancient oaks, next to golden marshes, in elegant ballrooms, or a fairytale chapel. The Cloister has appealed to many notable businessmen, politicians, and celebrities including President Calvin Coolidge, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Eddie Rickenbacker, President George Bush and Barbara Bush, and many more

Swan House Gardens at Atlanta History Center – Atlanta, GA

The Atlanta History Center Swan House and Gardens offers variety, elegance, historic appeal, and natural beauty for an intimate wedding celebration. If you are looking for a fairytale wedding, look no further. This Atlanta landmark was designed by Philip Trammell Shutze, the residential architect in Jazz Age Atlanta in 1926. Shutze studied in Italy for five years before returning to his home state. The landscape style was designed with the best of baroque Italy, merged with English style. Outdoor gatherings at this iconic 1928 mansion rise to unforgettable heights on a private lawn with majestic cascading fountains and a private boxwood garden.

William Aiken House – Charleston, SC

Looking for a venue straight out of a romantic movie? This house played backdrop to the wedding dress fitting scene in the 2004 film, “The Notebook.” Sweeping ballrooms, lush private grounds, and open-air piazzas make this historic 1810 mansion one of Charleston’s most sought-after venues for weddings and once-in-a-lifetime occasions. The seamless blend of eighteenth-century charm and modern sophistication welcomes guests into a peaceful retreat right in the heart of historic downtown Charleston. Formal dining rooms and parlors showcase a collection of museum-caliber artwork and antiques, while a two-century-old magnolia tree is the centerpiece of sunlit courtyards, manicured lawns, and an elegant pergola.

The Addison – Boca Raton, FL

Designed by famed architect Addison Mizner in 1926, this historic estate is steeped in old-world elegance and charm. Mizner initially created this important piece of architecture as the focal point of real estate operations for the Mizner Development Corporation. Modeled after Spanish painter El Greco’s home in Toledo, Spain, the Addison was known to have been one of his favorites. The Addison offers many unique features, from its historic architecture and world-class cuisine, to a courtyard enveloped by 100-year-old banyan trees. A variety of private settings include rooms for chic receptions, stylish luncheons, and large-scale formal events. The Addison is best-in-class for a South Florida wedding with full-service planning, unparalleled service and award-winning menus.

The Hermitage Hotel – Nashville, TN

The women’s suffrage movement reached its successful conclusion in 1920 when The Hermitage Hotel was the national headquarters for both pro- and anti-suffrage causes, while the state legislators cast their votes that brought about the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Since 1920, The Hermitage Hotel has been leaving guests in awe with its glamorous and classic style. Warm surroundings, careful planning of the finer details, an award-winning culinary team, and beautiful Nashville honeymoon suites are just a few of the five-star ingredients that will make a wedding at The Hermitage Hotel everything you dreamed it would be.

Top 10 Historic Wedding Venues In The Southeast The Hermitage Hotel

Images provided by (top to bottom): Corner House Photography, Bow Tie Photography, Christian Oath Studio, Stephanie Klepacki, Southern Railway Station, Sea Island Explorer Boat Yacht Club, loc.gov, Richard Bell Photography, The Addison, The Hermitage Hotel

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