Are you planning a wedding in Southern Alabama? Well I'd love to help! For close to a decade I've had the honor of photographing weddings all across Alabama and beyond, and I've gotten to visit some of this beautiful state's sweetest spots to tie the knot. Let me show you!
Alabama is home to MANY gorgeous wedding venues (and I hope to share many more in the future) but I thought I'd start with a few right here near my hometown in Baldwin County, all from weddings I've documented in the last 18 months. Some you may recognize, but others may be hidden gems you haven't thought about yet! I love all of them for different reasons, and can't wait to share them with you.
1. Sacred Heart Chapel: Fairhope, Alabama
Now I LOVE a good chapel wedding, so if you're looking for that traditional chapel vibe, along with some waterfront views, Sacred Heart Chapel might just be the spot for you. Set on Scenic 98 between Fairhope and Point Clear, AL, this sweet little church has a special place in my heart. Words like "quaint," "intimate," and "spiritual" come to mind when I think of this place, which makes it a great space if you're looking for a special space to say "I do" in front of your closest family and friends.
I especially love the old wooden pews and stained glass windows inside, plus the big front porch makes a great spot for photo ops. They also have a small cottage to the right of the church where the bridal party can get ready, and all of this is set right on Mobile Bay.
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As they say on their site, Sacred Heart Chapel can best be summed up as "A little white Church stands on the edge of Mobile Bay with a bell in the yard, a cross on the roof and a spirit about it that speaks of the strength found in unity and tradition."
For more information about Sacred Heart Chapel, click here. To see more from this wedding day, click here.
2. Hotel Magnolia: Foley, Alabama
If you're looking for something elegant and timeless with a touch of old Southern Charm, then the Hotel Magnolia might just be the place for you. Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Foley, this hotel not only makes the perfect backdrop for timeless wedding portraits, but it's also right across the street from John B. Foley Park, home of the Model Train Exhibit and the Antique Rose Trail, which all make incredible wedding portrait backdrops.
Built in 1908 by John Burton Foley, and renovated in 2005, the Hotel Magnolia boasts beautiful rooms decorated with antiques and modern amenities alike. The huge chandeliers and iron staircase also help set it off in the most epic way, and help provide those unique elements to your special day. You're also only 30 minutes from the beach, 10 minutes to shopping, and surrounded by some incredible local eateries (shoutout to Copper Kettle Tea Bar which is also right across the street!)
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To check out more about Hotel Magnolia, click here. To see more from this wedding day, click here.
3. Blakeley State Park: Spanish Fort, Alabama
I don't think many people realize that Blakeley State Park is not only a BEAUTIFUL spot to go on hikes and picnics, take your dogs for a walk, or take your family for a fun outing, but it is also an incredible place to get married! Surrounded by giant oaks and all that nature has to offer, it also has an adorable gazebo for intimate gatherings, plus the Wehle Center which is a great spot for larger groups and reception gatherings.
The park also offers Sunset cruises, cabin rentals, and more to make your whole experience fun not just for you but for friends and family as well (especially if anyone is coming in from out of town and may want to explore all the Mobile Bay and the surrounding areas have to offer!)
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4. Little Point Clear: Point Clear, Alabama
Here's another gorgeous wedding venue for you, tucked away in Point Clear, AL. This unique space combines Coastal charm with Southern elegance, giving you such a well rounded look at what Southern Alabama truly has to offer.
One of my favorite aspects about Little Point Clear (besides the sweet retro VW van they let you borrow for photo ops) is the amazing guest suites and bridal party spaces! I really love the rooms you can get ready in here, which makes a huge difference to us photographers. Lots of natural light and pretty places to hang dresses, plus plenty of space for your entire bridal party to get ready in.
You've also got both inside and outside spaces, including a courtyard with a huge fireplace and porches with fire pits, making it multi-seasonal as well.
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For more info on Little Point Clear, click here. To see more from this wedding day, click here.
5. Izenstone: Spanish Fort, Alabama
Another beautiful Baldwin County wedding venue I have for you is the stunning Izenstone. This is one of our newer venues (they opened in 2018) but it seems like every year they are adding something new and just keep getting better and even more stunning!
Once of my favorite things about this venue is OPTIONS. Not only do they have both indoor and outdoor areas, but they have multiple areas of each for you to use! From getting ready spaces to First Look nooks, to several ceremony options, and a spacious indoor/outdoor reception space, this is a great venue for intimate and larger gatherings alike. Not only is the building itself picturesque, but the courtyard and pond with the covered bridge are all incredible as well. Here are a few faves from my last wedding there!
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For more info on Izenstone, click here. To see another Izenstone Wedding, click here.
6. Oak Hollow Farm: Fairhope, AL
If you are looking for 100 year old oak trees with open fields and a rustic barn reception area, this might be the place for you! Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope, AL is a truly stunning property with over 300 acres of gorgeous countryside. The farm is family-owned, going back 6 generations, and they've really made it feel like home.
Oak Hollow is known for the beautiful bowing branches that surround the idyllic ceremony space, and of course the rustic barn area where friends and family can gather, eat together, and dance the nigh away. I also love the cabin areas where the bridal party can get ready, and the beautiful swing behind the cabins makes a great spot for bridal photos!
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CLICK HERE to find out more about Oak Hollow Farm. To check out more from this wedding, click here.
7. Baldwin County Bicentennial Park: Stockton, Alabama
Ok last, but certainly not least, I have this hidden gem - I didn't even know about it until the bride told me about it! Baldwin County Bicentennial Park is a huge property in Stockton, AL that not only has 367 acres of gorgeous trees and fields, but also this ADORABLE little chapel that was built in 1895! It even still includes its original pews, pulpit, chandeliers and stained glass windows.
Now I will say that there wasn't really a place for getting ready or for the reception (we did this elsewhere), but for portraits and an intimate ceremony it was perfect! This is truly a piece of Alabama history, and could be the start of your story with your significant other!
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CLICK HERE to find out more about Baldwin County Bicentennial Park. To check out more from this wedding, click here.
Want a Part 2?
There are many, many more gorgeous venues in Baldwin County (and beyond) that I can't wait to share with you. This is certainly not an all-inclusive list, just a few I've been grateful to have had the opportunity to photograph over the last few months. If you have any questions, or want to add any other venues to the list, feel free to comment! You can also reach out to me at www.casaraphoto.com
Be sure to subscribe for more tips and session sneak peeks, coming soon!
xo,
Jessi
All photos copyright Jessi Casara Photography. Jessi is a lifestyle documentary photographer based in southern Alabama, serving the Gulf Coast from Mobile, AL to Pensacola, FL, along with the Nashville, Chattanooga, and Atlanta areas. She specializes in couple, wedding, maternity, newborn, and family photography, and also enjoys commercial and creative portraiture. Available for travel worldwide. Find out more at www.casaraphoto.com
