Planning an Alabama wedding? You've come to the best place online to find the perfect venue for the big day! I've done all the hard work for you - check out The Venue Menu to find detailed info, pictures, videos, price lists for each venue in the list! I am continually adding more details and new venues, so bookmark this site and check back often!
For the do-it-yourself bride, I also have a very extensive list of internet resources for shopping and inspiration HERE
NEW! The Wow Effect!! Learn what it is and how to get it for your wedding! In my article, "37 Easy, Cheap (Or Free!) Ways To Make Your Wedding Totally You", I will show you how to use the Wow Effect to engage your guests so they have more fun, and share with you how to find your Wow Factor to create a wedding that truly represents YOU.
Click HERE to sign up now!
American Village
 |
| Gresham Photography |
3727 Highway 119
Montevallo, AL 35115
205.665.3535
website
Couples looking for a site to set your wedding ceremony apart from the ordinary: Look no further than the new Colonial Chapel at the American Village.
 |
| Gresham Photography |
 |
| Taylor Haynie Photography |
Alabama Wedding BTS - American Village from Holloway Productions on Vimeo.
-Chapel Ceremony with Barn Reception: $3500
-Chapel Ceremony with Ballroom Reception: $5000
-Chapel Ceremony only: $2500
-Barn Reception only: $2000
-Ballroom Reception only: $4000
Rates Include:
-use of the Village grounds, including the Southern Living Gardens, for Bridal session portraits (schedule beforehand)
-rehearsal time
-access to the venue 5 hours prior to the ceremony for decorating
-designated dressing rooms for wedding party
-parking directors and shuttles for wedding party and guests
-four hours of reception time (including cleanup)
-Barn includes (24) 60-inch round tables, (20) 72-inch tables, (10) 6-foot banquet -tables, and 280 white folding chairs
-Ballroom includes (40) 60-inch round tables, (6) 36-inch round bistro tables, (20) 6-foot banquet tables, and 300 gold chiavri chairs with ivory cushions
-attendance of the American Village Facilities Manager during all wedding events
Budget Savvy Bride: Blake & Emily's Wedding
Click the link above to see a recent bride's review and budget breakdown from her July 2010 American Village wedding.
For more information on weddings and wedding receptions or to book your special event please contact Lori Hopson Special Events Coordinator, at 205-665-3535, ext. 45. The Colonial Chapel is a privately funded chapel for all faiths to enjoy at The American Village.
Tutwiler Hotel
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Trisha Conrad - Wedding Coordinator
205-439-9102
patricia.conrad@hilton.com
Banquet Menu
Tutwiler on Facebook
The historic Tutwiler Hotel can host your Wedding Ceremony, Reception, Rehearsal Dinner, Bridesmaids' Luncheon, or Farewell Brunch. They also offer room blocks with special group rates for your out-of-town guests.
 |
| Gresham Photography |
 |
| Gresham Photography |
 |
| Unplugged Photography |
 |
| Veranda |
The Ridgely Ballroom is perfect for receptions. This room can accommodate seating for guests, buffet area, full-service bar, entertainment of your choice and an area for dancing. Your wedding cake and groom's cake can be placed in the same room, or each in their own side rooms with gourmet coffee stations. The Ballroom rental fee is $1500. You may open the floor plan of your reception with the use of the first floor function space, which includes the Lindbergh and Tutwiler Rooms in conjunction with the Ridgely Ballroom for a total of $2000.
 |
| Ridgely Ballroom |
Couples who book their reception at the Tutwiler receive a fabulous Romance Package for the wedding night at no additional charge! This package includes a luxury suite, bottle of champagne, signature champagne flutes, chocolates, VIP turndown service, a late check-out, airport transportation, and a brass key engraved with your name and wedding date.
Tutwiler Hotel Real Wedding Slideshow
by Gretchen B Photography
Aldridge Botanical Gardens
3530 Lorna Road
Hoover, AL 35216
205-682-8019
Click here for a virtual tour
Arbor (located between pavilion and house)
Capacity:
Accommodates up to 200.
Seating is allowed in asphalted area for up to 150 chairs
Catering by LaNetta
Chef Clayton's
Dielen's Gourmet Pantry
Five Star Event Catering
Full Moon BBQ
IZ Catering
Kathy G's
Occasions by Wynfrey
All wedding setup and breakdown time (decorating and florist setup and breakdown, getting dressed, photography time, removal of personal property and property of service providers; excludes caterers). $150 per hour for additional time.
Costello Wedding Preview from Message in a Bottle Production on Vimeo.
A Wedding Preview for the marriage of Brittany King and Clayton Costello at Aldridge Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, AL May 6, 2011
History:
The area that is now home to the Aldridge Botanical Gardens is was once the home of Eddie and Kay Aldridge. The Aldridge family had owned the local nursery, dating back to Eddie's father, Loren Aldridge, for whom the botanical gardens are named. The Aldridge Botanical Gardens now occupy 30 acres of the Aldridge estate, showcasing some of the most beautiful and fragrant plants that Hoover, Alabama, has to offer.
As the story goes, Eddie Aldridge first glimpsed the current site of the Botanical Gardens in 1966. At that time, the location was the property of the Coxe family, who had hired the Aldridge family nursery to plant three magnolia trees on the property. Having been raised from childhood in an environment that nurtured and appreciated nature's wonders, Eddie instantly saw the beauty of the landscape, and immediately remarked that the property would be the ideal location for a park or botanical garden.
More than a decade later, the Coxe family decided to sell the property. Remembering how impressed he was with the landscaping, Aldridge wasted no time in putting an offer on the table, and the land became the Aldridge estate. But for Eddie, simply owning the land was not enough. Aldridge felt that property this beautiful should be developed, sculpted and shared with the public. As such, acquiring the land was the first in a long series of steps towards creating what we now know as the Aldridge Botanical Gardens.
While the Aldridge Botanical Gardens are surrounded by lush forests and calming streams, the greatest impression for first time visitors is often made by the large assortment of hydrangeas. In fact, the Aldridge family has always maintained a reputation for being leading experts on the hydrangea. Eddie's father has even been credited with the discovery of the Snowflake Hydrangea, which can be found in abundance across the Aldridge Botanical Gardens.
(Jerry Garner)
Hoover, AL 35216
205-682-8019
Click here for a virtual tour
Garden weddings may be held at a garden site or in the pavilion. Sites will accommodate from 3 to 200 people. The arbor, shade garden lawn and pavilion are located at the front of Aldridge House and provide a beautiful backdrop of hydrangeas, azaleas, and seasonal plants and shrubs for weddings. Lakeside, woodland stream and patio wedding sites offer the sights and sounds of water, hydrangeas, and seasonal plants and shrubs and are located at the back of Aldridge House.
 |
| Breanna Fogg Photography |
Capacity:
Accommodates up to 200.
Seating is allowed in asphalted area for up to 150 chairs
Shade Garden Lawn (located near pavilion)
Capacity: accommodates up to 85.
Ten chairs allowed in grassy areas.
Capacity: accommodates up to 85.
Ten chairs allowed in grassy areas.
Pavilion
Capacity: accommodates up to 200 standing or 150 seated. Pavilion rates apply.
 |
| CBMPhoto.com |
Lakeside (located at back of house)
Capacity: accommodates up to 200.
Seating is allowed in asphalted area for up to 150 chairs.
Capacity: accommodates up to 200.
Seating is allowed in asphalted area for up to 150 chairs.
Woodland Stream (located at back of house)
Capacity: accommodates up to 200.
Seating is allowed in asphalted area for up to 40 chairs.
Capacity: accommodates up to 200.
Seating is allowed in asphalted area for up to 40 chairs.
Patio (located at back of house)
Capacity: accommodates up to 50.
Seating is allowed on patio for up to 20 chairs.
Capacity: accommodates up to 50.
Seating is allowed on patio for up to 20 chairs.
Camellia Garden (located near entrance plaza)
Capacity: accommodates up to 150 standing or 100 seated.
Capacity: accommodates up to 150 standing or 100 seated.
Aldridge House
Aldridge House opens to a large brick patio and offers a spectacular view of a 6-acre lake. The living room and dining room feature hardwood floors, a tray ceiling, library shelves and an antique fireplace. The sun room features brick floors, scenic view of the lake and opens to the patio. The adjacent conference room features hardwood floors, antique fireplace and the bride's room. All rooms are multi-functional and set up is flexible.
Capacity
*Reception with Patio - accommodates up to 150 guests
*Reception without Patio - accommodates up to 100 guests
*Living Room/Dining Room - accommodates up to 50 for reception/36 for seated dinner
*Conference Room/Sun Room - accommodates up to 50 for reception/36 for seated dinner
*Reception with Patio - accommodates up to 150 guests
*Reception without Patio - accommodates up to 100 guests
*Living Room/Dining Room - accommodates up to 50 for reception/36 for seated dinner
*Conference Room/Sun Room - accommodates up to 50 for reception/36 for seated dinner
Standard Reception Furnishings:
*10 - 48" round tables
*6 - 6' rectangle tables
*55 black padded folding chairs
*Special arrangements may be made with caterer for other furnishings at additional charge.
*10 - 48" round tables
*6 - 6' rectangle tables
*55 black padded folding chairs
*Special arrangements may be made with caterer for other furnishings at additional charge.
 |
| Amanda Pair Photography |
Pavilion
The Pavilion is a covered open-air facility with lighting and fans. A small amphitheater provides additional seating and the shade garden lawn area may be used as well. A catering kitchen and public restrooms are located nearby. A sound system, audio visual equipment and wireless internet connection are also available. Entrance to the pavilion passes by Frank Fleming's "Tortoise and Hare" sculpture or through an arbor.
Capacity
*Reception - accommodates up to 200 or up to 150 for seated dinner
*Seating for Weddings or Classroom Style - accommodates up to 150
*Reception - accommodates up to 200 or up to 150 for seated dinner
*Seating for Weddings or Classroom Style - accommodates up to 150
Standard Reception Furnishings:
*8 - 60" round tables
*5 - 6' rectangle tables
*65 - tan metal folding chairs
*Special arrangements may be made with caterer for other furnishings at additional charge.
Approved Caterers*8 - 60" round tables
*5 - 6' rectangle tables
*65 - tan metal folding chairs
*Special arrangements may be made with caterer for other furnishings at additional charge.
Catering by LaNetta
Chef Clayton's
Dielen's Gourmet Pantry
Five Star Event Catering
Full Moon BBQ
IZ Catering
Kathy G's
Occasions by Wynfrey
RENTAL FEES FOR WEDDINGS AND/OR RECEPTIONS - 2011
· Rental fees range from $450 to $3,000 (depending on day and length of event)
Includes:
 |
| Amanda Pair Photography |
· Aldridge Gardens staff representative on duty for all events.
· One hour rehearsal during regular business hours the day before.
· Standard furnishings for reception and 12 white folding chairs for wedding ceremony.
SATURDAYS AFTER 3PM (Up to 6 hours)
Pavilion/Garden Site (Access to Sunroom/Conf. Room) $1,750
House/Garden Site $1,750
House/Pavilion/Garden Site $2,250
House/Pavilion/Garden Site (Up to 10 hours) $3,000
**November 1 – March 26 Rates - Discount $450 for 6 hours events
FRIDAYS / SATURDAYS BEFORE 2PM / SUNDAYS (3 – 5 hours)
Garden Weddings: Garden Site (Up to 3 hours) $450 - $650
Reception Only: House (Up to 3 hours) $500 - $1,000
Pavilion (Up to 3 hours) $650 - $900
Weddings and Receptions: (Up to 5 hours)
Pavilion/Garden Site/Access to Sunroom/Conf. Room $1,250
House/Garden Site $1,250
House/Pavilion $1,500
**November 1 – March 27 Rates - Discount $100 - $350
MONDAY – THURSDAY WEDDINGS (WEDDING ONLY)
Garden sites are available Monday – Thursday - $100 per hour (includes photography time, setup, ceremony and breakdown)
Pavilion is available for up to 3 hours - $650
ADDITIONAL CHARGES
· Additional set up time - $150 per hour per venue.
· White Wedding Chairs - $2.00 each (includes set up and break down).
· Security officer is required for events with more than 45 people and for all events occurring after the Gardens closes to the public or if serving alcohol (currently $30 per hour with a 4 hour minimum).
· Five-passenger golf cart with driver (currently $30 per hour with a 4 hour minimum).
Costello Wedding Preview from Message in a Bottle Production on Vimeo.
A Wedding Preview for the marriage of Brittany King and Clayton Costello at Aldridge Botanical Gardens in Birmingham, AL May 6, 2011
History:
The area that is now home to the Aldridge Botanical Gardens is was once the home of Eddie and Kay Aldridge. The Aldridge family had owned the local nursery, dating back to Eddie's father, Loren Aldridge, for whom the botanical gardens are named. The Aldridge Botanical Gardens now occupy 30 acres of the Aldridge estate, showcasing some of the most beautiful and fragrant plants that Hoover, Alabama, has to offer.
As the story goes, Eddie Aldridge first glimpsed the current site of the Botanical Gardens in 1966. At that time, the location was the property of the Coxe family, who had hired the Aldridge family nursery to plant three magnolia trees on the property. Having been raised from childhood in an environment that nurtured and appreciated nature's wonders, Eddie instantly saw the beauty of the landscape, and immediately remarked that the property would be the ideal location for a park or botanical garden.
More than a decade later, the Coxe family decided to sell the property. Remembering how impressed he was with the landscaping, Aldridge wasted no time in putting an offer on the table, and the land became the Aldridge estate. But for Eddie, simply owning the land was not enough. Aldridge felt that property this beautiful should be developed, sculpted and shared with the public. As such, acquiring the land was the first in a long series of steps towards creating what we now know as the Aldridge Botanical Gardens.
While the Aldridge Botanical Gardens are surrounded by lush forests and calming streams, the greatest impression for first time visitors is often made by the large assortment of hydrangeas. In fact, the Aldridge family has always maintained a reputation for being leading experts on the hydrangea. Eddie's father has even been credited with the discovery of the Snowflake Hydrangea, which can be found in abundance across the Aldridge Botanical Gardens.
(Jerry Garner)
Birmingham Zoo Lodge
Birmingham, AL 35223
Mindy Bergh
205-397-3859
mbergh@birminghamzoo.com
The Zoo Lodge is a rustic stone house nestled in the woods that will accommodate approximately 50 people for a meeting or seated dinner and 85 for a reception (indoors). The patio and lawn may be used also for an outdoor event or to accommodate larger attendance (approx 200). In addition to the main event space inside, the Lodge has a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a small side room perfect for the bride's dressing room. There is a large outdoor fireplace which serves as a gorgeous ceremony backdrop, and the patio is an ideal location for a band to setup. Click here for a virtual tour of the Lodge interior and other areas of the Zoo.
Also Available:
Animal Greetings: 2-3 keepers with an animal will greet your guests at they arrive (30 minutes) $100
Walk About: 2-3 keepers each with animals will walk around during the event with a new animal every ½ hour for up to 2 hours. $400.00
Local photographers Daniel and Kelli Taylor list the Zoo Lodge as one of their absolute favorite venues for wedding photography and have an entire blog post featuring a beautiful wedding from October 2007. Rock n Roll Bride Blog also has pictures from a vintage zoo wedding posted on their website.
Zoo Lodge Rental Fee: $1000
Deposit is half of the rental fee, due at bookingCatering must be provided by one of 7 approved caterers:
- A Social Affair
- B&A Warehouse
- Chef Clayton’s
- Full Moon Bar-B-Que
- Southern Food Service
- Kathy G & Company
- Crazy Cajuns
See also the blog post with photos
Ann Wade Parrish Photography
Avon Theater
The Avon Theater
2829 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
205-529-3939
The Avon Theater was built in the early 1900's. After the building was abandoned and sat vacant for years, the Red Mountain Church purchased and renovated the theater and it is now utilized as their meeting place for Sunday worship. The Theater is a big open room with a large elevated platform on one end that can double as a stage for your ceremony and for your reception entertainment. The exposed brick and built-in accent lighting give this space a rustic modern feel.
Rental Fee: $2,025What's included:
- Use of the facility for 10 hours
- 9 60 inch round tables
- 5 6ft baquet tables
- 1 8ft banquet table
- 400 burgundy banquet chairs
- Security guard
- Staff to setup and breakdown floorplan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)