The Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum is one of my favorite Memphis wedding venues. Perhaps it’s my lifelong addiction to all things Guilded Age and Edwardian, but this historic mansion strikes a special chord in my sentimental heart. The Italianante architecture, and loving craftsmanship of the interior’s woodworking details provide an extraordinary backdrop for events- whether they’re modern or influenced by the past.
There’s a likely chance that if you’re still reading, you’re hoping to bypass the tourism and dive straight into how this lovely venue applies to you as you plan a wedding. Here is there information at a glance:
12-hour event rental for the day of the event
Scheduled rehearsal time
Indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces
Onsite tables and chairs
Restroom and kitchen facilities
Event clean-up
Event Security (6 hours)
A photography session inside the mansion with your photographer
Wedding Party Suite
I highly encourage you to reach out to the friendly staff for details, but I can give you my perspective as a photographer.
The mansion interior is available for portraits; however, ceremonies and receptions are not permitted in the museum, itself. There are multiple locations on the property for this purpose; most notably, the garden and the carriage house. The chapel is open to more intimate affairs.
The carriage house contains two space downstairs: one light and airy, one more moody and masculine. Upstairs are the bride’s and groom’s suits. I am partial to the groom’s suit, and usually photograph the bride’s getting ready moments in there because it is more spacious and has more natural light. If you speak with your coordinator and site manager, they’ve been happy to switch the rooms before.
Bonus tip:Across the street is an excellent, upscale lounge for after parties. Nextdoor is the luxurious James Lee House bed and breakfast that would make a perfect stay for your wedding night or for out of town guests. You are less than 5 minutes drive to downtown Memphis, and the interstate is also easily accessible from the venue.
If you would like to see a Christmas wedding in the carriage house, click here.
For an example of a spring wedding on the grounds, click here.
If you'd like to see another museum venue, click here to see the Brooks Museum.
Please enjoy this brief tour of the beautiful Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum.
