Ultimate Guide to A Luxury Destination Wedding in the south
The Southeast USA is a treasure trove of breathtaking wedding destinations, especially in the Tennessee Mountains. Planning a luxury destination wedding in this region requires attention to detail, insider knowledge, and a commitment to creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Here’s how to make your Southeast destination wedding truly extraordinary.
at tennessee Riverplace, by Keren Trevino
1. Choose a Venue That Reflects Your Vision
Our recommendations that we love planning at:
Howe Farms Venues, especially The Pavilion
At Blackberry Ridge, photo by @hannahphoto.co
2. Prioritize Guest Experience
a few fun ones we’ve seen over the years:
sunset dinner cruise on the southern belle
welcome baskets with local goodies, created by sophie’s
a fun night out at whiskey cowgirl
downtown chattanooga, tn, photo by be light photography
3. Embrace Local Flair in Your Décor and Menu
Infuse your wedding with regional charm while maintaining a luxurious aesthetic:
Incorporate local blooms, such as magnolias, gardenias, or Spanish moss accents, into your floral arrangements
Design a menu that highlights Southern cuisine with a gourmet twist, like shrimp and grits, fried green tomato canapés, or craft bourbon cocktails
Work with local artisans to include bespoke elements, like custom calligraphy featuring regional landmarks
flatlay for one of our mclemore resort couples, photo by austin gros
4. Build a Dream Team of Vendors Familiar with the Region
Planning a destination wedding requires a team that understands the local landscape. Choose vendors with experience in the Southeast who can navigate unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to logistics for remote venues. Your planner will also ensure seamless coordination among vendors and troubleshoot any last-minute surprises. We recommend starting with a planning team you trust to help you with that process!
5. Account for Weather and Seasonal Nuances
The Southeast is known for its warm climate, but it’s essential to plan for seasonal nuances:
Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures but may coincide with peak wedding season—book your venue and vendors early
Summer weddings can be magical but plan for heat and humidity with shaded ceremony spaces and cooling stations. Also, bugs!
having a solid and well thought out rain/bad weather plan is always recommended, no matter the time of year
at howe farms, photo by okcrowe
6. Provide Luxurious Travel and Accommodation Options
Ease the stress of travel for your guests by recommending upscale accommodations and transportation:
• Arrange group room blocks at luxury hotels or resorts
• Offer shuttles or private car services to transport guests to the venue - we recommend the southern trolly in nooga shuttles’ fleet!
• Provide concierge-style recommendations for local attractions, dining, and activities
7. Host Multi-Day Celebrations
Elevate your destination wedding by extending the festivities over multiple days. Include events such as:
A welcome party with live music and cocktails to kick off the celebration
A farewell brunch featuring Southern staples like biscuits and gravy or sweet potato pancakes
Optional excursions for guests, such as plantation tours, wine tastings, or beach outings
at commonhouse, photo by mackenzie Alexa