Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions a bride and groom face. The rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and reception are all some of life’s biggest events, and the stage for each occasion is pivotal to its success. Before making a final choice, talk to some of our talented local designers, wedding planners and restaurateurs. These creative professionals have excellent insight based on invaluable experience in organizing celebrations of all sizes and styles in the Memphis area. As far as the “where,” though, here are some of the venues we suggest for your upcoming wedding, dinner party or other special occasion.
Acre
Located in a renovated home in East Memphis, Acre offers the serene setting of a 70-seat restaurant with ambient lighting and a neutral palette to complement the tree-lined acre on which it sits. There are four distinct dining “environments,” and there have been many celebrations here. Acre would be a fresh Southern venue for your seated dinner or small wedding reception. The restaurant is available to plan hors d’oeuvres, create a custom menu, preselect wines or assist in any other special requirements for your occasion.
Acre Restaurant, 690 S. Perkins, Memphis • (901) 818-2273 • acrememphis.com
Annesdale Hall
Annesdale Hall is one of the largest and oldest homes in the Memphis area. An Italianate Villa, Annesdale Hall was built in 1850, and truly creates a fairy-tale feel, especially for weddings. The first floor of the mansion includes a grand dining room, ballroom, sunroom, library and catering kitchen. The elegant staircase leads up to a second floor, where the bride can prepare for the ceremony. Outside grounds are equally lush, with gardens and a limestone patio, which makes the perfect place to cut a rug during the reception. Annesdale has an event coordinator, who is well-prepared to help you plan your special occasion. Additionally, the venue can assist with vendor deliveries, valet parking, security guards and any other special detail you may desire.
Annesdale Hall, 1325 Lamar Ave., Memphis • (901) 490-9460 • annesdalemansion.com
Clark Opera Memphis Center
The Clark Opera Memphis Center is the perfect place to host a wedding of any size in a modern, East Memphis location. The folks at Clark Opera Memphis Center are, of course, professionals when it comes to staging performances, and this experience translates well when it comes to hosting special events, too. They have tables and chairs, an experienced staff, a lobby bar option and great relationships with a long list of preferred catering services that they are excited to share with you. One quality they can certainly boast? Amazing acoustics!
Clark Opera Memphis Center, 6745 Wolf River Pkwy., Memphis • (901) 257-3100 • operamemphis.org
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
The Dixon is a local gem enjoyed by groups of any size. This tranquil museum features pristine gardens and is a centrally located oasis in Memphis. Events that take place at the Dixon are always undeniably exquisite. From the Hughes Pavilion, a beautiful facility with floor-to-ceiling windows and a panoramic view of the gardens, to the Winegardner Auditorium, which is located inside the museum with access to the galleries, every wedding hosted here is one-of-a-kind … just like the beautiful couple!
Dixon Gallery & Gardens, 4339 Park Ave., Memphis • (901) 761-5250 • dixon.org
Gallery Fifty Six
For a charming and intimate rehearsal dinner, the Midtown option of Gallery Fifty Six is ideal! Available for day or evening rentals, this space is perfect for seated dinners or receptions for up to 100 guests, and Café Palladio is available for catering your Gallery Fifty Six event.
Gallery Fifty Six, 2256 Central Ave., Memphis • (901) 276-3801 • thepalladiogroup.com
Heartwood Hall
Heartwood Hall is a grand, historic home located in nearby Rossville, TN. This 1840s estate has been transformed into a traditional, serene venue ideal for bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions. There are 25 acres of stately oak trees and beautifully landscaped gardens, which provide a majestic background for your memorable event.
Heartwood Hall, 2665 Raleigh LaGrange Road, Rossville • (901) 854-2294 • heartwoodhall.com
Memphis Botanic Garden
From lush outdoor surroundings to interior spaces of every size, the Memphis Botanic Garden is one of the most versatile wedding venue options. Sara’s Place is a modern building in the heart of the garden that’s perfect for an intimate dinner party or wedding reception. Another secret MBG hideaway is the newly renovated Sensory Garden. The MBG is undeniably one of the most peaceful and colorful garden settings in the entire city.
Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road, Memphis • (901) 636-4100 • memphisbotanicgarden.com
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
The Brooks, which offers unmatched grandeur in Midtown, is a world-class museum in a park setting. Available for events for up to 1,000 guests, it’s perfect for rehearsal dinners, weddings, receptions and other social celebrations. Full attention is given to the planning of any affair, and the Brushmark Restaurant provides a variety of menus for your special day. The courtyard emanates romance, and there are multiple galleries and breathtaking views of the park available from the outdoor terrace. Choose from many corners of this U.S. National Landmark building, complete with the original 1916 entrance and classical marble columns.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Ave., Memphis • (901) 544-6200 • brooksmuseum.org
Memphis WaterWorks
Available for evenings only, the showroom and courtyard of Memphis WaterWorks is an original idea for hosting a seated dinner or reception for up to 400 guests. Café Palladio is available for catering events in the WaterWorks venue, as well.
Memphis WaterWorks, 741 S. Cox, Memphis • (901) 276-3806 • thepalladiogroup.com
The Metal Museum
The National Ornamental Metal Museum welcomes special occasions of all sorts. A truly unique setting, there is a river bluff pavilion, grand sculptures on the grounds and a view of the Mississippi River like no other.
SB Tip: If you choose to have a wedding ceremony here, be sure to plan your vows to coincide with a magnificent sunset over the river!
The Metal Museum, 374 Metal Museum Drive, Memphis • (901) 774-6380 • metalmuseum.org
Millstone Market & Nursery
For the bride who wants a casual wedding, talk to the creative team at Millstone Market & Nursery. They will transform their Germantown garden center and greenhouse into an enchanting setting for your rehearsal dinner or bridal event.
Millstone Market & Nursery, 6993 Poplar Ave., Germantown • (901) 730-1183 • millstonenursery.com
Palladio Antiques & Art
Did you know that Palladio Antiques & Art is also a venue option for special events? Granted, it’s only available for evening events, but the showroom and the Café Palladio dining room offer a distinctive background for seated dinners or reception buffets. Perfect for up to 200 guests, Palladio features many nooks and open spaces, which can be converted into a comfortable celebration setting. Plus, Café Palladio is available for catering services.
Palladio Antiques & Art, 2169 Central Ave., Memphis • (901) 276-3808 • thepalladiogroup.com
Robinson Gallery
The historic South Main Arts District provides a notably “Memphis” setting for downtown wedding parties or other special events. Celebrate your occasion surrounded by Americana images of icons, celebrities and legends taken during the 1960s, which are on display in the 2,500-square-foot Robinson Gallery. Plus, Robinson Gallery has a full caterer’s kitchen.
Robinson Gallery, 400 S. Front St., Memphis • (901) 576-0708 • robinsongallery.com
A toast to your upcoming celebration! We hope this list is a helpful start as you begin planning your exciting occasion.
At StyleBlueprint, we are always making plans to celebrate at the many fun venues in our city! Check out the ongoing Happenings page on the SB Memphis site, a curated list of local events that are posted each week.
