Choosing a venue is one of the biggest and most important parts of planning a wedding. Not only does the venue set the tone, it accounts for a pretty massive chunk of your budget—and it’s one of the few wedding elements that isn’t optional. After all, you can wear jeans and a T-shirt instead of a suit or a dress, but you can’t get married without a place to hold the ceremony.
If you’re planning to get hitched in Memphis, you have a lot of great venue options to choose from. From elegant mansions and opulent halls to blank canvases and vibrant outdoor spaces, Memphis has it all. Here are 10 of our favorites:
1. The Peabody Hotel
An iconic fixture of Downtown Memphis, the Peabody Hotel should be at the top of your list if you’ve always imagined getting married in a luxuriant, historic setting. Often referred to as “The South’s Grand Hotel,” the Peabody offers several elegant ballrooms of different sizes, ensuring a viable option for any wedding or reception party.
2. Woodruff-Fontaine House
For couples seeking charm, history, and a touch of Southern Gothic romance, the Woodruff-Fontaine House delivers. This lovingly restored 19th-century mansion in the Victorian Village is full of character and period detail. Its elegant parlors and manicured garden spaces make for a dreamy backdrop to say “I do.”
3. Memphis Botanic Garden
The sweeping green spaces of the Memphis Botanic Garden encompass 96 beautiful acres, including several different indoor and outdoor areas available for wedding bookings. If there’s anywhere more idyllic to get married than a serene outdoor sanctuary, we can’t think of it.
4. The Atrium at Overton Square
If you’re looking for something contemporary and stylish, The Atrium at Overton Square offers a chic, light-filled space with high ceilings and a modern design. Located in the heart of one of Memphis’s most vibrant neighborhoods, it’s perfect for couples wanting an urban vibe with nearby amenities and nightlife.
5. Dixon Gallery and Gardens
As its name suggests, Dixon Gallery and Gardens is both an art museum and an event venue that can accommodate up to 200 wedding guests. Have your ceremony or reception on the intimate and cozy South Lawn Stage, or there’s a handsome pavilion and 17 acres of vibrant lawns, gardens and woodlands on-site.
6. Central Station Hotel
Located in a beautifully restored train station in South Main, the Central Station Hotel blends Memphis history with boutique luxury. Its elegant event spaces and curated design details make it a favorite for stylish, modern weddings. Plus, your guests will love its convenient downtown location.
7. Memphis Zoo
Yes, you can get married at the zoo! (And it’s more magical than you might think.) With several unique spaces available, from the Teton Trek lodge to the lush zoo gardens, the Memphis Zoo offers a playful yet romantic atmosphere that’s ideal for animal lovers and adventurous couples alike.
8. Avon Acres
A hidden gem in East Memphis, Avon Acres offers a refined rustic venue with a mix of indoor elegance and outdoor charm. The spacious main hall features exposed beams and a warm, welcoming ambiance, while the surrounding grounds provide excellent spots for photos or cocktail hour under the stars. You can even get Central BBQ to do your catering, since it’s only steps away from this venue.
9. Brooks Museum of Art
Art-loving couples will feel right at home at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. With its stately architecture, beautiful galleries, and sophisticated event spaces, the Brooks is perfect for a cultural, classy wedding that feels both personal and refined.
10. Graceland Chapel in the Woods
For a uniquely Memphis experience, consider tying the knot at the Graceland Chapel in the Woods. Nestled among tall trees just a short walk away from Elvis Presley’s famous mansion, this quaint and charming chapel is ideal for intimate weddings and a must for any Elvis fan dreaming of a rock-and-roll romance.
Picking a wedding venue may seem daunting, but with so many quality options available here in Memphis, you’re bound to find something that fits both your dreams and your budget. Best of luck—oh, and congratulations!
