Most brides have dreamt of their wedding day ever since they were a little girl. For many brides, this day is the "most important day of their life." Brides have an endless amount of decisions to make when it comes to pulling off their dream wedding. The main decision is, of course, selecting the perfect place to have the ceremony. Alabama has many different venues scattered throughout the state that provide perfect settings for gorgeous weddings. Listed below are 10 beautiful places in Alabama where a bride can have the wedding of her dreams.
Hampton Cove Wedding Plantation is the perfect wedding venue. Wedding parties will get to relax among the gorgeous and pure surroundings while enjoying all of the modern amenities this venue offers. Some of the accommodations at Hampton Cove Wedding Plantation include: shady outdoor ceremony site, reception hall barn, and a secluded bridal suite and groom's room. The wonderful staff will do everything in their power to make sure your day is perfect. Hampton Cove Wedding Plantation is where "Classic Elegance meets Southern Hospitality" and it's located at: 823 Cherry Tree Rd, Gurley, AL 35748.
Huckleberry Farm, where "Rustic meets Elegance," is a beautiful venue to hold a wedding ceremony. Just a few of the many services they offer include: horse & carriage, limousine rental, executive chef, florist, private bridal suite, tables & chairs, etc. Review by Lynda Edwards Arley: "Wayne and the entire staff at the farm went over and beyond on the food, decorations, tables and atmosphere. My daughter was so pleased and happy with everything. I would not change one thing. It was PERFECT! Everyone present raved about the entire setting and all the fun they had." Huckleberry Farm is located at: 59 Huckleberry Ln, Jasper, AL 35504.
Situated in historic Odenville, Alabama, Heritage House was built in 1907 and provides an elegant setting for a romantic wedding. Both the house and grounds are the perfect locations for weddings, rehearsal dinners and receptions. The old black barn that sits in the back creates a perfect backdrop for a classic Southern wedding. Heritage House is located at: 12415 U.S. Hwy 411, Odenville, AL 35120.
Ozan Vineyard & Cellars is surrounded by numerous Norton grape vines and the vineyard lawn is the perfect spot to exchange vows. To those getting married, Ozan Vineyard & Cellars provides wine, favors, and of course the lovely venue. If you wish to have a winery ceremony and reception, you may have up to 75 guests. If you wish to have a vineyard ceremony and winery reception, you may have up to 150 guests. Ozan Vineyard & Cellars is located at: 173 Hwy 301, Calera, AL 35040.
The Sterling Castle is one of the highest rated wedding venues in Alabama. At Sterling Castle, you can pick out all of the things you love and Misty, the owner, will take care of the rest. The Sterling Castle can host wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 50 people inside the castle, and groups up to 350 can be held in the reception facility. With many different package options, you'll find the perfect and most affordable one for you. Review by Bailey: "Misty and Victor were such great help in making my wedding perfect. They took care of everything so I had nothing to worry about. I gave Misty a general idea of what I wanted, and she executed something even better than I had hoped. The site was absolutely gorgeous and I would definitely like to use this place again. Maybe for vow renewals in 5 years ;)" The Sterling Castle is located at: 389 Desert Dr, Shelby, AL 35143.
Annabella at Cedar Glen is an award-winning wedding and events venue located in Huntsville, Alabama. Situated in the middle of 3.5 scenic acres sits a 5,600 sq ft plantation home that's surrounded by beautiful gardens. Annabella offers many different amenities (that other venues charge extra for) such as tables, chairs, outdoor lights, white linens, a sound system, a day-of wedding director, and many staff members to help with setup and cleanup. Annabella can accommodate as many as 175 guests for indoor/outdoor events or as many as 110 guests for indoor events. Annabella at Cedar Glen is located at: 5264 Rustic Trail, Huntsville, AL 35811.
Sitting on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay is Lake Forest Yacht & Country Club. The scenic view of Mobile Bay makes this yacht club a fantastic spot for a wedding. At Lake Forest Yacht & Country Club, your wedding will be executed exactly how you want. The yacht club will also provide delicious food for the reception, as well as beautiful decorations. The courteous staff will help get you in contact with florists, photographers and bakers. Lake Forest Yacht & Country Club is located at: 1 Yacht Club Dr, Daphne, AL 36526.
At Oak Hollow Farm, wedding parties will get full use of their 300-acre farm. This farm is the perfect location to have a beautiful rustic-style wedding. The most popular wedding spot on the property is the Tunnel of Trees. Some of the modern amenities offered by Oak Hollow Farm include: onsite event planner, in-house catering, and staff members who'll take care of all the tedious details so you can enjoy this special time in your life. Oak Hollow Farm is located at: 14210 S Greeno Rd, Fairhope, AL 36532.
Built in 1905, the Donnelly House is a Georgian-colonial mansion that features over 12,000 sq ft of living space, beautiful marble floors and a lovely patio garden - the perfect place for an elegant wedding ceremony. The Donnelly House offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, and it's located at: 2838 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205.
Applewood Farm, sitting on more than 80 private acres, features many different types of gorgeous natural scenery such as rolling hills, wide pastures, and an abundance of natural wildlife. Applewood Farm is known for its beautiful 4,200 sq ft barn filled with chandeliers, and it's the perfect location for a charming Southern wedding. Applewood Farm is located at: 860 Sweet Apple Rd, Pell City, AL 35128.
This list doesn't even come close to the amount of beautiful wedding venues located in Alabama. Where are some other places in Alabama a bride can have her dream wedding? Feel free to share your comments below!
Sure, there are other places around the country that boast snow, but in our opinion, Christmas in Alabama just can't be beat! For proof of this, you'll find several festive events throughout the state that will certainly fill you with lots of joy. A great place to experience some of these events is in Gulf Shores. Gulf Shores offers the most unique Christmas boat parade in Alabama, Lulu's Lighted Boat Parade, as well as some pretty festive places to stay the night. With that in mind, we've devised the perfect itinerary: a Christmas boat parade in Alabama paired with an amazing beachfront condo.
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The Lulu's Lighted Boat Parade is a free event that's scheduled to take place on Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast waters in Gulf Shores on December 14th, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. It'll begin at LuLu's Homeport Marina and end at The Wharf in Orange Beach.
While in attendance, you'll get to watch numerous boats that are decked out in dazzling lights and festive Christmas decorations. There's something so enchanting about seeing these sparkling boats on the water, and the parade is sure to fill you and your family with endless holiday cheer. One thing's for sure: you'll want to have your camera at the ready to snap some priceless pictures!
Following the parade, we're headed to a meticulous beachfront Airbnb in Orange Beach. After all, who wouldn't love a beach vacation at Christmastime, right? It sleeps two guests, so it's perfect for a romantic holiday escape. Plus, it's right on the beach, with sweeping views of the ocean greeting you every time you look outside.
This beach house is cozy year-round. However, there's something extra special about it at Christmastime, especially if you opt for a few Christmas decorations to be delivered ahead of time, courtesy of the Beach Moms. They'll arrive at your rental before you do and can set up a fully decorated 4-foot Christmas tree along with wrapped gifts, a Christmas table display, and more. In no time, your Airbnb will be decked out for the holidays!
When you're ready to venture out, you'll find the famous Flora-Bama lounge is just a stone's throw away. It's one of the most famous beach bars in the entire world, popular for its music, food, and unforgettable times.
Meanwhile, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a beachfront vacation in Alabama this Christmas. Does it get any better than that? Learn more about planning your stay, including rates and availability, by visiting the official Airbnb listing.
Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out our ultimate guide for spending winter in Alabama! And since we're on the topic of Christmas, take a look at our extensive gift-giving guide for all the travel enthusiasts on your list this year.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
