Dear Readers,
Planning a wedding is a daunting task that can dominate an already packed schedule. One of the most time-consuming aspects is visiting and touring venues. To add to this existing pressure, venues tend to be one of the first vendors you should book because it will determine so many other aspects of your big day. (Check out these posts for more insight on a wedding pro’s guide to what to do after you’re engaged, and how to build your vendor team). Since I have a camera I hope I can save you a step (aka, potentially hours) by giving you a little virtual tour of venues you’re considering visiting.
Today we’re visiting the Brooks Museum of Art in midtown Memphis. If your heart beats for European influences, and classical architecture, then this may be your wedding venue. It offers endless backdrops for beautiful portraits, and a private garden for the ceremony. Practical considerations are: easy accessibility, and convenient to accommodations, adjacent to amazing food, and tourist attractions. (For ideas on making out of town guests feel welcome, see here; and for cute overnight stays see this post)
Here is the Brooks Museum’s wedding info at a glance:
Capacity: 200 max
Spaces available: Holly Court, Dunavant Rotunda, Terrace Room and Terrace
Bride’s Room: No. There is a room for storing personal belongings, but couples need to dress elsewhere.
Policies about catering and alcohol: The Brooks Museum has a list of approved caterers and clients are required to work with a caterer on this list. If you are interested in utilizing a caterer not on the approved catering list, they first must be approved by the Brooks Museum. The Brooks Museum is the sole licensed alcohol provider for all events hosted on-site. A variety of bar package options are available for selection.
Parking and security: There are 61 spaces in the museum lot. Parking is also free and available in front of the museum and along the street within Overton Park. Security is included.
Site Exclusivity: yes
Price range: Begins at $7,000
Keep in mind, if you fall in love with a space but aren’t sure if it will fit your budget, see here for ways to save without settling.
Sometimes it’s hard to visualize how a space will look. Also, if photography is one of your top priorities, I can provide insight into how a given venue will translate into those heirloom portraits that will hang on your wall forever. So, to further help you, I’ve included some images of the site in action.
Here are links to the original sessions if you want to see them in more detail:
Edwardian-Inspired Portraits
Branding Session for Ava Loren
Hector and Crystal's Engagement Session
Giselle-Inspired Bridal Shoot with Ballet Memphis
For another Memphis museum venue, click here to visit The Woodruff-Fontaine House.