With a city as creative and inspiring as Memphis, your options for event venues are as unique as your own special occasion. Many local businesses have opened their doors to event hosts, creating spaces that add a curated look and feel to the atmosphere. From the beautiful green expanse of Millstone Nursery’s Greenhouse to the Memphis-infused flavor of Venue901, here are two Memphis venues that can take your next event beyond the expected.

2 Unexpected Event Venues in Memphis

The Greenhouse at Millstone Nursery

6993 Poplar Ave, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 730-1183
millstonenursery.com

Millstone Nursery uses its expansive greenhouse for events like its Spring Speaker Series and Outdoors in October market, but the 4,000-square-foot space is also available for event rentals throughout the year. With a staff of full-time designers on site, Millstone applies its own vision to brings yours to life.

The Greenhouse, of course, comes filled with its own inventory of indoor and outdoor trees, flowers, shrubs and an eclectic collection of furnishings and accessories. Still, you are also welcome to bring your own decorative elements to accent an event theme.

Using all of its available seating, this space can accommodate around 125 guests inside, but during pleasant weather, the party can filter outdoors as well. The Greenhouse doesn’t lose any of its magic at night, either. It provides a refreshing backdrop for rehearsal dinners, brunches, corporate events, retirement parties, social club meetings and even wedding ceremonies. If your group has a particular interest in horticulture, the expert staff is also available to give professional presentations. Not to mention the retail facility’s ample, easy parking makes it even easier for guests to enjoy their time.

RELATED: Tricia Hunt of Millstone Market & Nursery: FACES of Memphis

Reception with candles and flowers at Millstone NurseryPin
“I think people like the casual garden setting and being surrounded by plants,” says owner Tricia Hunt of The Greenhouse. Image: Millstone Nursery
Night view of Millstone Nursery event venuePin
The plants may need sun but your event doesn’t. About half of The Greenhouse’s events are evening affairs. Image: Millstone Nursery
Bartender serving drinks at Millstone Nursery, a Memphis event venuePin
You’ll likely be inspired to add some botanical flair to cocktails served in Millstone Nursery. Image: Millston Nursery

Venue901 by Corky’s

5255 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119 • (901) 682-9997
venue901.com

If you’re hoping for a memorable event, it’s a safe bet to bring in an icon. Memphians and tourists spent years navigating around this Poplar Avenue building on their way to Corky’s BBQ next door, but now that former production kitchen and office space is a destination of its own: Venue901.

As the demand for catering grew, the Corky’s team saw it could combine its famous barbecue favorites with a space that represented the restaurant’s welcoming Memphis spirit. The team felt there was a particular need in East Memphis for a lively, flexible alternative to ballroom-and-boardroom meeting spaces. Venue901 is the embodiment of that vision.

RELATED: The Best Venues in Memphis

Although it considers 60 guests its sweet spot, the room can readily accommodate a luncheon for 25 or a reception for 100. Traditional Corky’s favorites are naturally an option, but Venue901 also has a full, upscale catering menu to complement any gathering, any time of day (yes, even breakfast!). An eye-catching mural featuring Memphis attractions creates a social media moment right outside. As anyone who has been to Corky’s BBQ at the dinner hour knows, parking can be a bit limited around the busy restaurant, but Venue901 also provides free shuttle service to event guests.

Reception space a Venue901, a Memphis event venuePin
The versatile space at Venue901 accommodates anything from seated dinners to cocktail receptions. Image: Venue901
BBQ smoked sausage and cheese platters from Venue901, a unique Memphis venuePin
One of Venue901’s unique perks is catering is available from one of the most well-known restaurants in Memphis: Corky’s BBQ. Image: Venue901
Couple posing in front of 901MuralPin
Venue901 captures a collection of Memphis’ most iconic locations in its 901Mural located right outside. Image: Instagram

When it’s time to start planning your next event, keep these unexpected venue options in mind!

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Author: Andria K. Brown
About the Author
Andria K. Brown

Andria is an advertising professional, freelance writer, concert presenter and mother who has happily called Memphis home for two decades.