Best 5 Historic Wedding Venues in America
Did you always dream of a fairytale style destination wedding in Europe, but the logistics of planning a destination wedding were too complicated to actually do it? I have a solution- historic wedding venues in America!
I was obsessed with becoming a destination wedding photographer in Europe (and still am!) but when the pandemic hit and borders closed, like so many other people I had to pivot. I went looking and discovered that America has a lot of beautiful historic wedding venues that make you feel like you are in Europe! There are many private estates that were built in that “European” style of architecture within the United States that have now been turned into wedding venues. Around the late 19th century/early 20th century, wealthy American families sought to have the grandeur of a french chateau and styled their home to look just like one. If you walk on the property you wouldn’t know you were in America.These venues can vary in architecture style or time period, but most have either been converted into a full time wedding/event venue or are protected by a historical society of some kind and they maintain the building off of the profits of hosting weddings or events there.
Today I am rounding up my personal favorite 5 Historic Wedding Venues and will tell you why I’m obsessed with them. I’ve been to/shot at all these properties, so I know from first hand experience how amazing they are and why you should run, not walk, to book these venues for your wedding day.
Swan House- Atlanta
Known for its iconic staircase leading up to the property, the Swan House is an impressive location for your wedding. Built to incorporate the Italian and English styles of architecture into 20th century living, this building is a work of art. I was personally captured by how beautiful it was on both sides. On the front it has the drive up and grand columns, but when you walk around the property there are multiple locations for the ceremony. There are the side gardens, or there is the grand stairway in the back. It is every bit as glamorous as the photos make it seem. It is truly a venue built for a royal event. You can photograph all around the property, however guests are not allowed inside the estate. The reception is typically held in the Grand Overlook Ballroom.
To see more photos from my experiences at the Swan House, click the button below!
Oheka Castle- New York
This is a very famous home, but it was arguably made most famous by Taylor Swift in her Blank Space music video. Never in my WILDEST DREAMS (wink wink, Swifties) did I think that I would be able to go there, let alone photograph an amazing event there! It is hands down my favorite wedding venue in all of America, and I could gush about it for hours. Here are some of my favorite parts of the venue that make it so iconic.
The driveway leading up to (or away from) the estate instantly pulls you into a different time. You feel like you are in 19th century France about to attend a ball. It sets the tone, and makes for some amazing exit photos!
The interiors consist of the architecture and decor that you just can’t find anywhere else. Both for getting ready and just for portraits around the room, the rooms are gorgeous.
The back part of the property is when your jaw hits the floor. The french gardens are absolutely iconic, and the wedding ceremony can be set up with either the gardens or the beautiful property in the background. No matter where you go on this property, it is beautiful!
To see more from Oheka Castle, click the button below.
Laurel Hall- Indianapolis
I’ll bet when you think of Indiana your mind doesn't go straight to “European Historical Estate”. But Indianapolis has a hidden gem, an absolutely gorgeous historical estate named Laurel Hall. Built in the early 1900’s by one of Indianapolis’s richest families, it is now a historical landmark that can be rented out for weddings. I shoot here all the time and I never get tired of it. My favorite room in the whole house is the solarium. It has light coming in from all sides, and it just can’t be matched by any other room that I’ve ever encountered.
I also love the staircase in the back of the property. Great for photos or the ceremony itself, it is the perfect location to have a Cinderella moment!
I can’t speak highly enough of this property! There are so many different rooms, including a gorgeous bridal suite to get ready in. It truly is the best historic venue in the midwest!
To check out more Laurel Hall photos, click the button below!
Bella Collina- Florida
All the properties on this list so far have been in the French or English Chateau style, but this property is serving all the Italian countryside vibes. Bella Collina does not disappoint! When I walked on the property, I was taken aback by how big it was! There are so many locations to have the ceremony and reception, including indoors and outdoor locations! When you drive up, you no longer feel as though you are in Florida, you absolutely buy into the idea that you are in Italy. The Tuscan architecture is amazing!
I loved the fountain in the middle of the entrance way, the grounds overlooking the Old World property, and mostly the reflection pool. WIth so many beautiful locations to choose from, Bella Collina is a photographer’s dream!
To see more from Bella Collina, click the button below!
Greencrest Manor- Michigan
Again, you don’t think of Michigan as being home to a Chateau, but it is! Now privately owned by an amazing couple, Greencrest Manor is a dream wedding location. Your wedding party can come and stay in the many beautifully decorated rooms for the weekend, have your wedding in the gardens and take photos in front of the vine covered front door. It is truly a hidden gem tucked away in a small country town in Michigan.
There are many other historic venues that I love, but these 5 are my favorites. Comment below which one is your favorite or if you think I missed one that you love!