Searching for the wedding location of dreams? This is a big day and this is a big chance for each couple to express their own individual style.
From the experts ready to help with all anything needed, to the venues and vendors found here, to the adventures sure to please wedding guests, the Decatur area is a great place to tie the knot. Decatur and Morgan County, Alabama has a wedding venue to suit each couple’s unique style, with beautiful backdrops, helpful staff and amazing amenities.
This blog is a resource so that each engaged couple has all the tools necessary to put together a wedding of their dreams. In this blog, lists and descriptions of venues, dress shops, florists, caterers, amenities, and planners. We have put this blog together in hopes that these tools can help each couple find the vendors that is right for them and their desired style.
Congratulations! Becoming engaged is a special moment that you and your fiancée will treasure for years to come. After the initial excitement of being engaged wears off, it is time to begin planning a wedding that reflects you and your fiancée.
The first order of business for you and your fiancée is determining a range of dates. The exact date will be determined once the venue is secured. North Alabama’s Guide to Stunning Wedding Venues will help in your search to finding your dream wedding location. Does a small intimate ceremony or a large bash better suit you and your fiancée’s personalities? Is there a particular season that you both enjoy and would you prefer an indoor or outdoor ceremony? Other factors to take in consideration to avoid any potential conflicts are holidays, sporting events, or other family activities.
While planning a wedding should be a fun experience, it can be stressful. Our hope is that this checklist will help to guide newly engaged couples through the process of planning the perfect day.
- Set a wedding date
- Meet with family members to discuss financial responsibilities
- Establish a wedding budget and create a spreadsheet to track spending
- Decide on a wedding style
- Reserve ceremony and reception venues
- Choose your wedding party
- Book a wedding planner (if desired)
- Start on guest list
- Register for gifts
- Secure your officiant
- Reserve caterer, cake baker, florist, ceremony musicians, reception band or DJ and photographer / videographer
- Shop for wedding gown, headpiece, veil, jewelry, and shoes
- Set appointments with make up artist and hair stylist
- Book wedding night accommodation
- Have engagement photos taken
- Select and order wedding bands
- Send save the date cards to guest list
- Reserve accommodations for guests
- Make reservations for honeymoon
- Shop for bridesmaids’ attire including, dresses, shoes, and accessories and men’s formal wear
- Purchase thank you notes and maintain a list of all gifts received and acknowledged
- Finalize the guest list
- Send engagement photos and announcement to local newspaper
- Select and order wedding stationary
- Select ceremony necessities such as unity ceremony, flower girl and ring bearer, aisle and alter décor
- Purchase reception and necessities such as place cards, cocktail napkins, flowers, cake top and toasting flutes, decorations and centerpieces
- Address Invitations
- Weight invitation to determine proper postage and purchase postage
- Arrange for wedding day transportation to ceremony, reception and accommodations
- Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Purchase rehearsal dinner invitations
- Finalize honeymoon plans and confirm all reservations and required paperwork
- Finalize arrangements with vendors including caterer, baker, florist, ceremony musicians, reception band or DJ, photographer, and videographer
- Mail invitations to arrive six weeks before the wedding date
- Keep track of RSVP cards received
- Finalize ceremony order with officiant
- Order wedding programs
- Purchase gifts for members of the wedding party, parents, hostesses, etc.
- Purchase wedding gift for fiancé
- Determine reception seating arrangement and prepare place cards
- Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
- Write wedding vows, toasts, and speeches
- Get marriage license
- Have final fitting for wedding gown and bridesmaids’ gowns
- Confirm duties with helpers including personal attendant, day-of coordinators, set up crew and decorators, guest book attendant, gift table attendant, host and hostess, punch, cake, and coffee servers, and clean-up crew
- Begin work on financial and legal details including joint or new checking accounts, insurance policies and beneficiaries, wills and prenuptial agreement (if desired)
- Gather forms for making an official name change
- Finalize playlist, including the first dance
- Confirm the pictures your photographer should capture
- Have a wedding hairstyle trial run
- Confirm with all services and reservations
- Confirm arrangements and attendance with caterer and venues
- Pack for wedding night and honeymoon
- Pack items for the ceremony and reception sites
- Pick up wedding gown and groom’s formal wear and check for fit
- Have attendants pick up attire and check for fit
- Give marriage license to best man or maid or honor and ask they bring to ceremony
- Have all fees and gratuities ready for distribution
- Rehearse ceremony
- Enjoy rehearsal dinner
- Get a good night’s sleep
With today’s weddings, it is common for both families to contribute to the wedding. Have a heartfelt talk with both sets of parents to see what they are comfortable with financially.
Wedding costs, by tradition are divided as follows:
- Invitations and announcements
- Wedding gown
- Photography / Videography
- Reception
- Flowers for the church, attendants, and reception
- Music at the church and reception
- All rented equipment
- Limousine for the bride and cars for transportation
- Groom’s wedding ring
- Groom’s gift
- Gifts for the attendants, parents, and hostesses
- Lodging (if necessary) for out-of-town bridesmaids
- Bride’s engagement and wedding rings
- Marriage license
- Officiant’s Fee
- Bride’s Bouquet
- Corsages for mothers and grandmothers
- Boutonnieres and ties for men of the wedding party
- Wedding gift for bride
- Honeymoon
- Gifts for best man and ushers
- Lodging (if necessary) for out-of-town ushers
- Rehearsal Dinner
We’d like to invite you to consider Burning Tree Country Club as the destination where all those fantasies can become reality. For Starters, just consider our setting – 140 acres of beautifully manicured grounds and sweeping views from our clubhouse. Available for member and non-member bookings.
2521 Burning Tree Dr. SE, Decatur, AL 35603
256-355-5827
lauraa@btcountryclub.com
Nestled on 80 acres in Eva, Alabama, Charlie’s Vineyard at Frost Farm is pleased to offer a variety of packages for both indoor and outdoor weddings and events.
1684 Frost Rd, Eva, AL 35621
256-318-6735
cweaver6981@aol.com
If you are in need of a space to hold your next meeting or event, our 5,000 square-foot event venue, Monarch Hall, can accommodate small to large-size events, including wedding receptions, corporate dinners, luncheons, off-site training, and more.
133 4th Ave. NE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-898-6312
groups@cookmuseum.org
Set on 11 acres in beautiful Northern Alabama the venue grounds feature an event center, log cabin, guest house and an indoor swimming pool facility. The property also includes serene walking trails and fishing pond to guarantee a truly unforgettable experience.
553 Old Six Mile Rd, Somerville, AL 35670
256-502-1830
info@countryparadise.org
Our spacious outdoor courtyard area is perfect for hosting wedding receptions, family reunions, and celebratory dinners
209 Courtyard Circle, Decatur, AL 35603
245-355-4446
The historic Rose Garden located within Decatur’s beautiful Delano Park is an appropriate setting for a small, intimate wedding or gathering. Its natural beauty, with an extensive collection of flowers and shrubs that are in bloom from early spring to late fall, offers a romantic background and make it unnecessary to bring in additional decorations.
825 Gordon Drive SE, Decatur, AL 35601
bkelly6769@gmail.com
Gatherings of all sizes can find a space between our 10 meeting venues, from business meetings in our Community Board Room to 650-person wedding receptions in our Hospitality Ballroom.
1101 6th Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601 256-355-3150 iris.pettus@hilton.com
Inside the Main Hall, or on the Grand Staircase, in front of the Stone Fireplace, on the Bridge, on the Pavilion, and in the horse barn hall. Whether elaborate, casual, or somewhere in between, this multifunctional facility is the perfect canvas to bring your dreams to life.
1255 County Road 72, Danville, AL 35619
256-476-0749
kellyp1153@gmail.com
Located in Hartselle’s historic freight terminal, Freight House is a modern southern restaurant and catering venue committed to providing the very best in delicious food and excellent service. We host hundreds of private parties and special events in our well-appointed private rooms. The original marble topped check-in desk and cozy fireplace are notable features of the “Brick Room”, for private parties of up to 55 guests. The upstairs portion of the restaurant houses the “L & N Room”, a memorable event space with original oiled hardwood floors, Edison string lights, and a view of historic downtown Hartselle. The “L & N” can accommodate up to 75 guests.
200 Railroad Street SW, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-773-4600
The 23,000 square foot pavilion seats 1,200+ people and may be used as an open-air facility or enclosed with glass doors and heating which allows for practical use throughout the year.
802 A Wilson Street NW, Decatur, AL 35601
256-341-4835
The Point Mallard Prayer Chapel is a quaint, open-air chapel that is perfect for small weddings. It seats approximately 80 people and is lighted.
Point Mallard Circle SE, Decatur, AL 35601
Relax and let Quail Creed Resort’s Wedding Service staff cater to your every need when planning your wedding and reception. If you are looking for the ideal indoor or outdoor inclusive packages and lots of lodging options, this North Alabama Wedding destination is the ideal location for you.
This secluded 600-acre estate with pavilion receptions, Country Chapel, bridal suits, beautiful gardens and more, is a lovely choice for an Elegant Evening celebration. Quail Creed offers four different venues for weddings: Chapel and Old Front Porch Wedding. Enjoy the backdrop of the beautiful Appalachian foothills as well as winding creeks sweeping landscapes, and small lakes.
233 Quail Creed Drive, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-784-5033
Welcome to Sykes Place on Bank, Decatur Alabama’s first privately owned and operated event venue. Located on Historic Bank Street, in the heart of downtown Decatur, we are convenient to hotels, restaurants, churches, historic sites and local shopping. We specialize in all types of parties, receptions, weddings, class reunions, and corporate events.
726 Bank Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-355-2656
sykesjimmy@aol.com
The Burleson Center / Hartselle Fine Arts Center is non-profit organization. The facility is available as a venue for weddings, receptions, parties, celebrations, reunions, meetings, plays, and other community events.
307 College Street NE, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-773-4046
hartsellefineartscenter@att.net
The Columns in Decatur is n intimate special event venue uniquely suitable for Art Exhibition and family or corporate events.
601 Jackson Street SE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-303-2120
thecolumnsdecatur@gmail.com
The Magnolia Room has enough features and amenities to suit your needs, and we will do whatever we can to make your big day special. The space is perfectly suited for your special event and designed with incredible attention to the details necessary for joyous weddings, successful business meetings, holiday celebrations and parties of any kind.
216 Moulton Street E, Decatur, AL 36501
256-580-6160
info@TMRDecatur.com
Enjoy the most special day of your life at a place that is going to offer you everything you could possibly dream of. From in house catering, to a private bar and indoor-outdoor options, the Witt House is the ideal location to exchange your vows.
1167 S Bethel Road, Decatur, AL 35603
256-303-2164
We offer unparalleled natural beauty in a rustic, country setting on a century-old estate with a 5,000 square foot circa 1919 Craftsman Farmhouse and an 80-year-old, 6,000 square foot authentic post and beam Event Barn.
85 Old Highway 31, Falkville, AL 35622
256-784-5975
tunefarm@gmail.com
Cozy internet coffee shop in Hartselle attached to an event space with an industrial vibe.
315 Main Street W, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-227-8220
warehousecoffeeonline@gmail.com
In the heart of old Decatur, we are a locally owned bridal boutique specializing in all types of formalwear. We are an elite distributer of tuxedo’s, wedding gowns, and prom and semi-formal gowns. Located on Bank Street downtown. Come see us today!
719 Bank Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-340-8898
51 years of business, The Something Blue Shoppe is one of the Southeast’s oldest and most prestigious full service bridal salons. Something Blue has wedding dresses for every bride, from tiny size 2 wedding gowns to beautiful plus sized bridal gowns. Mothers and grandmothers are bringing their daughters and granddaughters to The Something Blue Shoppe to experience the exhilaration of carrying on the tradition of becoming a Royal Blue Bride.
224 Main Street, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-773-4959
1727 S Bethel Road, Decatur, AL 35603
256-340-7136
210 US-31 Hartselle, AL 35640
256-778-3094
602 Moulton Street W, Decatur, AL 35601
256-353-3092
5522 Highway 36 W, Danville, AL 35619
256-773-6515
902 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-353-7654
406 Main Street W, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-773-9337
725 Beltline Road, Suite E, Decatur, AL 35603
256-350-0211
608 Holly Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-355-0980
1715 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL, 35601
256-350-6969
112 E. Moulton Street, Decatur, AL 35601
256-355-8258
4535 AL-36W, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-303-8258
204 Mark Street SW, Decatur, AL 35601
256-274-1266
2613 Highway 31 S, Decatur, AL 35603
256-584-6770
200 Railroad Street SW, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-773-4600
45 Marco Drive, Decatur, AL 35603
256-355-5560
435 Holly Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-340-1317
202 Moulton Street E, Decatur, AL 35601
256-335-5161
209 2nd Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-580-5707
2215 Danville Road SW, Decatur, AL 35601
256-355-7564
725 Bank Street NW, Decatur, AL 35601
256-353-6284
1410 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-355-4464
918 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-351-6294
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Looking for rentals, jewelry, or gift ideas? We have listed some of Decatur and Morgan County's best offerings below:
Americ Equipment Rental is pleased to serve the very fine people of Morgan, Limestone, and the surrounding counties. It is the goal of Americ Equipment Rental to offer quality equipment at reasonable prices.
950 Highway 31 NW, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-773-3051
Elite Travel will help you scout locations, book venues, and connect you with the right team to help you to accomplish your dream destination wedding. Elite Travel Team is committed to ensuring you have an amazing and stress-free wedding. They help you book air, hotel, hotel transfers, and just about anything else you need. Not only do they take care of you, but they also take care of your guests by booking their air, hotel, hotel excursion, and anything else they need.
215 Grant Street, Decatur, AL 35601
256-340-1234
We have had years and years of happiness, tears and laughter since our doors opened in 1999. Our selection of fine jewelry, wedding/engagement rings, fine watches and loose diamonds has never been better and our friendly knowledgeable staff is at your service.
We are the preferred jeweler in Alabama with four jewelers on staff, ready to tackle your custom design on repair our favorite ring. Our jewelers have over 100 years of combined experience so you know the job will meet and exceed expectations. Come in today and see what we have to offer. You will be well taken care of, we promise.
722 Bank Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-686-2852
Family owned and operated since 1973, Jimmy Smith Jewelers Inc. pride themselves on providing brides-to-be with a unique experience and special individual attention. They specialize in wedding and bridal registries in Decatur and Alabama. Design in your own ring, or let then host your registry. They have many years of experience in making brides and their families very happy.
2306 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-353-2512
Nostalgic for “old-fashioned” quality and service? Years ago, Morgan Price Candy Company started making candy, using old family recipes, for their special friends. Now they will send this same candy for your special gifts. Their candy is always made by hand in small batches to give you the best quality possible. A quaint shop that abounds with seasonal treats and scores of baskets, ribbons, and novelty containers, the friendly employees are helpful in finding their right gift or treat for you.
1735 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601
256-306-0910
Rental World offers the highest quality tent and party rental equipment to Decatur and all of Northern Alabama. Since 1978 we have provided superior service to our customers and have assisted them in achieving their goals. With over 32 years of experience, our commitment to excellence has earned us the reputation as the best party and tent rental service in the area.
2713 Spring Avenue SW, Decatur, AL 35603
256-350-3333
Something Vintage Event Rentals is a vintage inspired rental company specializing in unique furniture, décor and dishes, and chairs or an elaborate wedding with a vintage lounge area, gorgeous glasses and beautiful florals, we love to help our clients create a celebration that fits their style and personality. Now offering florals, and event planning and coordination, we will be there to make your vision a reality.
210 Main Street W, Hartselle, AL 35640
256-612-0856
