Top Wedding Destinations in Arkansas

Perhaps the most recognizable wedding destination in Arkansas is Thorncrown Chapel. It has good reason. It's a beautiful chapel with over 6,000 square feet of glass and 425 windows. It gives guests the feeling of being outdoors with the comforts of an indoor ceremony. The chapel seats 100 and has a changing room. The worship center seats 300. Located in Eureka Springs, 479-253-7401.  More.

This beautiful historic hotel was built in 1886 and weddings are one of the specialties. The Crescent has 3 outdoor areas for weddings that accommodate up to 200 guests. The wedding party can experience full service pamper in the bridal salon and spa and they have plenty of reception locations. Wedding packages are available. Located in Eureka Springs, 800-903-4940.

The Villa Marre in Little Rock was built in 1881.  It has Second Empire architectural style that also boasts Italianate influences.  The house can accommodate a complete wedding including the reception, or either part.  They also offer opportunities for wedding photo sessions.  It's located on 1321 Scott Street, 501-244-0409.

P. Allen Smith's estate is a working farm with orchards, ponds and a beautiful estate.  It's a great place for a wedding.  You have the option of the English rose garden, the wisteria garden, big sister oak or a terraced garden. Prices start at $3,500.

The Arts Center has several venues you can choose from.  The Terry House is a historic home and a favorite for wedding ceremonies and receptions.  You can also choose the Alice Pratt Brown Atrium.  They are located at 9th & Commerce in Little Rock, 501-372-4000.

Next Level Events is a full-service venue that offers venue rental, decoration and setup and catering in one place.  They will not host wedding ceremonies but will host receptions. They have some examples of menus on their website, but they customize unique menus based on their customer's needs.  They are located in the historic Union Station at 1400 W. Markham Street, 501-376-7700

Pugh Memorial Park and the Old Mill serve as hosts for over 200 weddings and 100,000 visitors each year. In the spring, there is a hardly a day you won't see wedding photos being taken there. It's very scenic but doesn't have a whole lot, facility wise. Located in North Little Rock, 501-758-5752.

Trapnall Hall was constructed in 1843 in Greek Revival style architecture. It's one of the most beautiful antebellum homes in Arkansas. The hall accommodates up to 225 guests for receptions, 64 seated at round tables and up to 30 in a conference-style setting. They only provide facility rentals, not catering. Located in downtown Little Rock, 501-324-9716.

The Clinton center offers several spaces for rental, including Forty Two and the great hall. Full service catering is offered. Tours of the library are not included with facility rental fees. Located in Little Rock, 501-374-4242.

The Arlingto is not a full service wedding facility like some of the others I've mentioned, but the hotel does the facilities for a very memorable reception. They can provide flowers and catering. Located in Hot Springs, 501-623-7771.

Garvan Gardens is a great place to take wedding photos even if you don't get married there (there is a photo fee). However, they offer rentals for wedding and reception facilities. You can go no frills for up to 20 guests (no venue reserved, small ceremony) or rent one of the facilities that can hold up to 500 guests. Located in Hot Springs, 501-262-9604.

The reception area only seats 50, but what a neat place. You can rent the patio for the event and reception or just the reception. At the reception, of course, there is a wine tasting for everyone. Personalized private label wine and glasses can be ordered for the event. You can also order the private wine for weddings located elsewhere. They'll even make you a custom vintage. The private label needs 8-10 weeks advanced notice. A custom vintage needs 8 months. Located in Altus, l-800-558-WINE.

This one is for the adventurous. Say your vows below the earth. I've never even seen photos of a wedding at Bull Shoals caverns, but it sounds interesting. You say your vows underground in what they call the "Crystal Altar" room. No real facilities to speak of, and small parties only. Located in Bull Shoal, 870-445-7177.

Why not celebrate the highest day of your life at the highest point in Arkansas? The lodge offers great views, seating for 192 people and full service catering. A pavilion and gazebo can also be rented. Located in Paris, 877-665-6343.